Camarillo City Council
AGENDA REPORT
Date: May 28, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Greg Ramirez, City Manager
Submitted by: Dave Klotzle, Public Works Director
Subject: Bridge Replacement at Las Posas Road and Ventura Boulevard (Project No. SD-5052) – Adopt a Resolution Approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Plan
BACKGROUND
The Bridge Replacement at Las Posas Road and Ventura Boulevard – Project No. SD- 5052 (Project), currently in design, involves the replacement of the Camarillo Hills Drain, which crosses diagonally under the intersection of Las Posas Road and Ventura Boulevard, as shown on the attached Location Map (Attachment 1).
On March 10, 2021, City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with WKE, Inc. (later acquired by HDR Engineering, Inc.) for environmental review, right-of-way, and final design services. The agreement has been amended multiple times to accommodate additional needs, including soil investigations, grant application assistance, and utility location services.
The City along with HDR Engineering Inc. have prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the subject Project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City’s CEQA Environmental Guidelines to evaluate potential environmental impacts. Because the Project is federally funded, it is concurrently undergoing evaluation for a Categorical Exclusion (CE) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with Caltrans serving as the lead agency for the review.
DISCUSSION
A notice was published on March 15, 2025, in the local newspaper and mailed to adjoining properties within a 600-foot radius advising the public of a 30-day public review period for the MND in accordance with the City’s public notification requirements. The notice included details of the proposed Project and availability of the MND for review. The MND
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and Notice of Intent to Adopt were also posted at the Ventura County Clerk, on the City website, at the site location and sent to other state and local agencies that may have an interest in the proposed Project.
During the 30-day public review period, the City received three (3) written public comments regarding the proposed Project.
The first comment suggested that the siding design of the replacement bridge incorporate aesthetic elements such as white horses or an outline of the Camarillo Ranch House.
While the majority of the bridge is underground and will not be visible to the travelling public, Staff acknowledged the comment and can consider opportunities for enhanced aesthetics on the above-ground barrier rail if requested by Council.
The second comment expressed concerns regarding bicycle lane striping on Ventura Boulevard, east of the intersection. Staff reviewed the proposed striping and determined that there is insufficient City right-of-way along Ventura Boulevard east of the intersection to accommodate Class II bike lanes at this time. Further modifications to the striping layout may be evaluated during final design.
The third comment was from Caltrans and identified the need for a Caltrans encroachment permit if construction work extended into Caltrans right-of-way and a Traffic Management Plan due to the Project’s proximity to U.S. 101. As part of the City’s standard construction contract language, the contractor is required to obtain the necessary permits for any construction work within Caltrans or any other jurisdiction’s right-of-way. Caltrans also commented that a transportation permit for the transport of heavy construction equipment and/or materials would be required for the use of any oversized transport vehicles within Caltrans’ jurisdictions. As the project design advances, a Traffic Management Plan will be developed, and these requirements will be incorporated into the final design.
Caltrans also suggested that the Project be designed to treat stormwater runoff and include a stormwater management plan. As described in the MND, the Project would be designed and constructed in compliance with all applicable water quality regulations and regulatory permits. As the project design advances, a Stormwater Management Pollution Prevention Plan and Post-Construction Stormwater Management Plan will be prepared.
Findings of No Significant Effect on the Environment
The MND has determined that the Project will not result in significant effects on the environment with standard engineering design, plan checking, and construction control procedures. To reduce the potential for adverse effects related to construction of the Project, appropriate mitigation activities will be incorporated into the final design and specifications for the Project. Therefore, staff are recommending City Council adopt a Resolution approving the MND and the Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Plan for the Project (Attachment 2).
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no budget impact as a result of this action.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Plan for Bridge Replacement at Las Posas Road and Ventura Boulevard (Project No. SD-5052).
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map
2. Resolution
REFERENCE MATERIALS – AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT CITY HALL AND ON CITY WEBSITE AT https://cityofcamarillo.org/departments/public_works/projects.php Mitigated Negative Declaration
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Plan