From: Brian Trautwein <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2022 10:20 AM
To: City Clerk Group <[email protected]>
Cc: Rachel Kondor <[email protected]>; Charlie Ebeling <[email protected]>
Subject: May 6, 2022 Public Works Department Priority-Setting Workshop and FY 2022-23 Annual Work Program
To: Mayor Paula Perotte
Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin
Councilmember James Kyriaco
Councilmember Kyle Richards
Councilmember Roger Aceves
RE: Public Works Department Priority-Setting Workshop and FY 2022-23 Annual Work Program
Good Afternoon Mayor Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kasdin, and Councilmembers,
Please consider prioritizing implementation of the Creek and Watershed Management Plan (“CWMP”) by the Public Works Department. The Environmental Defense Center (“EDC”) reviewed the staff report for the Public Works Department Priority-Setting Workshop and FY 2022-23 Annual Work Program. EDC supports the proposed Creek and Watershed Forum and Development of Program Plan and Logistics. (Staff Report Table 9 at 26) EDC also believes the City should implement on-the-ground projects to benefit creeks. We recognize that efforts are underway to enhance natural resources and trails in the Sperling Elwood Mesa Preserve. We are also aware that the City is scheduled to implement the San Jose Creek Fish Passage Project but this is a requirement of the California Fish and Wildlife Department Permit. EDC understands that the City is implementing Stormwater programs, but these are required by the City’s MS4 Permit. (Staff Report at 43) We appreciate that the proposed allocation of staff resources includes .50 FTE for the CWMP. (Staff Report Table 21 at 45) In addition to these projects and programs, EDC and our partners have identified a number of important restoration actions as follow-ups to the CWMP adoption, several of which we have discussed with your staff, but the City may currently lack staff and financial resources to implement these actions. We urge you to allocate sufficient resources to begin to work with community groups to implement voluntary creek restoration projects to achieve the goals and vision of the CWMP.
Please also considerer removing CIP R-13, the Los Carneros Way Realignment Project from the CIP list. Numerous community groups, including Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, Santa Barbara Audubon, The Goodland Coalition, Urban Creeks Council, Surfrider Foundation, and Sierra Club requested the City remove this Project which would realign Los Carneros Way into the valuable Los Carneros Wetland, one of the City’s largest and most important natural wetlands. (Figure 1) City staff indicated that this Project is not a priority when these community raised concerns about the Project’s effects on the Wetland during May of 2021 when this issue came before City Council. Staff indicated at that time that the nexus and traffic impact mitigation fee studies would need to be revised to remove this Project from the CIP list, but that there are no plans to implement the Project. However, the March 28, 2022 Planning Commission Staff Report for the Heritage Ridge Project appears to depict the Los Carneros Way Realignment Project as having been implemented. (Figure 2) Given this, community groups remain very concerned that the City will implement the Los Carneros Way Realignment Project and significantly harm the Wetland while undermining the goals of the CWMP. Therefore, we ask you to allocate sufficient resources and direct staff to complete the necessary studies to remove the Los Carneros Way Realignment Project from the CIP list.
Figure 1. The Los Carneros Wetland is one of the City’s largest and most important natural wetlands.
Figure 2. March 28, 2022 Heritage Ridge Planning Commission Staff Report at 5. Note the current location of Los Carneros Way which would be abandoned under the proposed Los Carneros Way Realignment Project is shown as a stub rather than a through- street (middle left).
Thank you for your attention to these comments.
Sincerely,
BRIAN TRAUTWEIN (he, him, his)
Senior Analyst / Watershed Program Director
Environmental Defense Center
(805)963-1622 ext. 108
www.EnvironmentalDefenseCenter.org
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1 P.O. Box 6737 Santa Barbara, CA 93160 www.SantaBarbaraAudubon.org April 10, 2021 City Council City of Goleta Goleta, CA [email protected] Cc’s: Mr. Charles Ebeling, Goleta Public Works Director, [email protected] Ms. Michelle Green, Goleta City Manager, [email protected] Re: The City of Goleta, City Council Workshop on April 15, 2021, dealing with the Public Works Department’s Work Plan The Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) would like to thank the City of Goleta’s Mayor and City Council for this opportunity to comment on the work plan for the City of Goleta’s Public Works Department. SBAS is a chapter of the National Audubon Society with approximately 1100 members in the Goleta and Santa Barbara areas. The mission of the SBAS is to protect area birdlife and habitat and connect people with birds through education, conservation, and science. Our members, many of whom reside in Goleta, frequently use the open spaces, parks, and natural areas in and around the City of Goleta for recreational and outreach activities and we have partnered with the City on educational programs for children. We wish to address two issues in our comments on the work plan: (1) the importance of directing the Public Works Department to drop Project R-13, the re-alignment of Los Carneros Way, from its work plan, and (2) the importance of supporting requests from the Stormwater, and Parks and Open Space, staff for funding for planning and projects that would improve creek water quality and protect or restore Goleta’s creeks, riparian areas, and open spaces. Project R-13: Re-alignment of Los Carneros Way to meet Camino Vista and Calle Koral We respectfully ask that the City Council direct the Public Works Department to drop Project R-13, the re-alignment of Los Carneros Way, from its work plan and CIP list. First, there is no urgent need for this project. The existing intersection, with stop signs, adequately controls the flow of traffic. Second, this project would damage or destroy environmentally sensitive habitat (ESH), the Los Carneros Wetlands, contrary to City policy. Changing the roadway’s alignment and paving this new road stretch would destroy ~75 linear meters of riparian (willow) habitat and would encroach into the western edge of the Los Carneros marsh/wetlands. This 7 acre marsh, wetland and riparian habitat was created as mitigation for the Willow Springs 1 development project, so it would be counter-productive to destroy wetland that was created previously as mitigation for the loss of other environmentally-sensitive habitat. According to the Heritage Ridge Residential Project, Appendix D: Biological Resource Appendix,
2 “The northern portion of the Los Carneros Wetland was required to be created both as mitigation for filling a portion of a wetland on Willow Springs I, and to manage stormwater run-off from Willow Springs I & II and the Project” (pg 22). SBAS does not approve of eliminating habitat that previously counted as mitigation for another development and does not approve of a project that violates the City’s General Policies for wetland protection (Policy CE 3.5). Again, from the Heritage Ridge Residential Project, Appendix D: Biological Resource Appendix, “Policy CE 3: Protection of Wetland. The off-site Los Carneros Wetland, which was previously identified as an USACE wetland (i.e., hydrophytic vegetation, hydrology, and soils) is protected under Policy CE 3.2, as analyzed under EIR Section 4.3.” pg 30 In summary, the proposed re-alignment is a costly project that is not needed and, if built, would remove existing wetlands and associated 50-foot buffers that are protected under the City’s General Plan policies. SBAS strongly opposes Project R-13. Support for funding requests from the Stormwater and Parks and Open Space Divisions for scoping, planning, and implementation efforts to improve water quality and protect and restore Goleta’s creeks, riparian zones, and open spaces. Although the staff report was not available at the time SBAS needed to complete and submit this letter, we understand that the Stormwater, and Parks and Open Space, Divisions will request funds that will improve water quality and protect and restore Goleta’s creeks, riparian zones, and open spaces. SBAS strongly supports these efforts because they will protect and enhance environmentally-sensitive habitat required by birds and other wildlife, as well as provide important recreational and aesthetic amenities. Preliminary information indicates that the Stormwater Division is requesting support for coordinating partners, applying for grants, and ensuring the enforcement of stormwater regulatory provisions, and that the Parks and Open Space Division is requesting support for its efforts to collect information, and develop and implement plans, to protect, restore, and enhance Goleta’s treasured natural habitats, open spaces, and wildlife. Many of these efforts, then, are in furtherance of the goals and recommendations of the City of Goleta’s excellent Creek and Watershed Management Plan and in accordance with the City’s environmental policies. We have consulted frequently with, for example, the City’s new open space manager and found him to be responsive, knowledgeable, hard-working, and effective in meeting the City’s goals for its open spaces, so we strongly support requests that will allow him to effectively do his job. SBAS thanks the City Council for considering our comments and recommendations. Sincerely, Katherine Emery, PhD Executive Director Santa Barbara Audubon Society From: cecilia brown
To: Kim Dominguez
Subject: Comment for PC AGenda Item B1
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021 6:37:03 PM
Attachments: TGC Letter to Council and Public Works re road extension and ESHA Final.docx Dear Ms. Dominguez, hope this email finds you well and thriving! Would you please forward email below and the
attachment to the Planning Commission for their Monday meeting on Agenda Item B1
Thank you, Cecilia Brown.
Dear Madame Chair and Planning Commissioners,
On behalf of the Goodland Coalition, I am forwarding a letter (see attachment) for background that was sent for previous hearing on Public Works Capital improvement program as it pertains to one item in their CIP, project R-13 Los Carneros Way Realignment
for which you need to make
conformance findings
We wish to bring to your attention that the aforementioned project doesn’t conform to the City’s General Plan: The realignment as proposed has
parts of the roadway encroaching into the Los
Carneros Wetlands buffer, contrary to Goleta's General Plan Policy 3.5 that requires a 50-foot buffer from inland wetlands. Therefore, we don’t believe that you can verify that this project is in conformance with the General Plan.
We understand that the project is part of the City’s GTIP and ask that the project not be removed from the GTIP, but rather that it be revised so that it avoids the wetland buffer. If/when that is done, we believe that the Planning Commission can then make the consistency findings.
Thank you for consideration of my comments.
Cecilia Brown for the Goodland Coalition
Public Comment No. 1 - email and letter
Item B.1
On Apr 6, 2021, at 4:31 PM, George Relles <[email protected]> wrote:
To: Charles Ebeling, Goleta's Director of Public Works
I am writing on behalf of The Goodland Coalition (TGC), which as you may know is dedicated to defending the quality of life in Goleta by advocating policies that protect, preserve, and improve Goleta’s unique character.
This email is in regard to the Public Works Department’s Work Plan Workshop that will be before the City Council On April 15. We want to express our appreciation for the hard work of City staff, and for giving the public this opportunity to weigh in on how to best expend effort and tax payer dollars to constantly improve Goleta's infrastructure.
Accordingly, I am writing to voice our organization's stance regarding the City of Goleta’s Los Carneros Way Realignment Project – City Capital Improvement Project R-13. We advocate removing this project entirely from the City's plans for the following reasons:
1. The realignment would move parts of the road into the Los Carneros Wetlands, and encroach in its buffer, contrary to Goleta's General Plan Policy
3.5 that requires a 50-foot buffer for inland wetlands. Too much of Goleta's wetlands have already been overcome by development and we urge you to carefully preserve what little are left.
We are confident that you will keep in mind the many benefits of preserving our wetlands. They mitigate flooding, filter pollutants from storm water runoff, provide habitat for many species of birds and wildlife, and are a visual asset to our beautiful city. For this reason alone, this project should be abandoned.
There are two additional reasons to abandon this project.
2. There is no significant need to re-align this road. The existing road already provides safe and convenient access to and from Willow Spring 1. Realignment would save only one minor turn and virtually no time or traffic.
3. The Goleta's infrastructure needs are considerably greater than available funding. Funding the re-routing of Los Carneros Way would be a very poor use of taxpayer dollars.
For all these reasons, we strongly urge that this project be dropped entirely from Public Works' plans.
Thank you for your careful consideration of our views on this matter.
Sincerely,
George Relles for The Goodland Coalition
cc: Mayor and City Council via City Clerk
City Manager, Michelle Greene
1 Brian Trautwein
From: catherine mullin <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 9, 2021 2:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Los Carneros Way Realignment Project
This letter is in regard to the City of Goleta’s Los Carneros Way Realignment Project: City Capital Improvement Project R-13.
The Santa Barbara Sierra Club is dedicated to protecting wildlife and wildlands, clean air and water, public health, a sustainable future and a healthy environment across the Santa Barbara region.
Goleta Public Works is considering many projects totaling hundreds of millions of dollars; the Los Carneros Way project should be dropped from that list for the following reasons:
1) This area of Goleta contains some of the last relatively undeveloped wetlands. In fact, it is the second largest wetland second only to Lake Los Carneros. Wetlands should be considered an “endangered” species as California has lost 90% of its bogs and sloughs. These critical habitats not only protect the rest of the city by mitigating flooding but also are critical lands for birds and other wildlife. Goleta’s General Policy 3.5 requires a 50-foot buffer for inland wetlands. This realignment project would encroach too close to the wetlands.
2) Los Carneros Road is already dangerous for bicyclists headed toward the mountains at the overcrossing over Highway 101. This is largely due to the addition of a dedicated right turn lane a few years ago. This dedicated right turn lane leads to the southbound freeway onramp from Los Carneros. It cuts across the bike lane with cars accelerating to high speed as motorists weave and scramble to dodge bicyclists in the bike lane.
This new proposal would add a double right turn lane in place of the already hazardous single right turn lane. In plain English, this would make that route "bicycle proof".
3) Why is this project necessary? The current configuration seems to be adequate for the amount of car traffic. Taxpayer monies would be better spent elsewhere.
Basically, this project is not in Goleta’s best interest. We urge the City to drop it entirely from the Public Works Plans. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Sincerely
Sierra Club Santa Barbara
--
Catherine Mullin, VMD, MS
Sierra Club Santa Barbara
Conservation Chair
[email protected]
1 Brian Trautwein
From: Ken Palley <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 9, 2021 11:40 AM
To: [email protected]; [email protected] Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Los Carneros Way Realignment Project
To the Honorable Mayor and City Council members and City Manager Michelle Greene,
Surfrider Foundation Santa Barbara Chapter urges the City of Goleta to reconsider the City of Goleta’s Los Carneros Way Realignment Project.
The current plan will have a significant adverse impact on the Los Carneros wetlands and could destroy or lead to its total demise. While it is true that we cannot surf the wetlands and these wetlands are not in the coastal zone, all wetlands help to filter urban runoff that ultimately ends up in the ocean. Locally, regionally, and nationally, wetlands are rapidly disappearing, and this is one of the few that remain in Goleta.
We understand that the City has indicated that this project is not a high priority and it is not yet funded. We urge the City to drop the project now, before the City becomes more fully invested in the project in the future. It is our understanding that General Plan Policy 3.5 requires a 50‐foot buffer for inland wetlands, something the project as currently conceived clearly does not do.
If the City of Goleta does determine now or in the future that some sort of realignment of Los Carneros Way is necessary, we urge you to find a way that does not destroy an important wetland.
Respectfully.
Ken Palley
Executive Committee
Surfrider Foundation
Santa Barbara Chapter
1 Brian Trautwein
From: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, April 9, 2021 6:12 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: cityclerkgroup; [email protected]
Subject: Realignment of Los Carneros Way, CIP R-13
Dear Charlie Ebeling, Public Works Director;
Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council has a long history of restoring and cleaning up Goleta’s creeks. We have also been a strong advocate for improved planning policy and for development that protects and enhances creeks and wetlands.
We are A 501(c)(3) that has helped over 3000 members and families across the south coast over the past 32 years with their vision for healthy and productive watersheds. We are writing you to request that the Los Carneros Way Realignment Project, City Capital Improvement Project R‐13, be abandoned.
Our concern is that this project would place the road in the Los Carneros Wetlands and would not respect Goleta City General Plan Policy 3.5, which calls for protection of important wetlands and which requires a minimum 50 foot buffer.
The Los Carneros Wetland is one of the largest wetlands in the city. Wetlands are important for many reasons and should be preserved as resources that are essential to Goleta’s quality of life. Wetlands promote good water quality by filtering pollutants from runoff. Wetlands diminish flooding risks by retention of storm‐water. Wetlands also provide habitat for wildlife and birds prized by Goletans, and provide infiltration into groundwater resources.
It is not clear what benefit will result from proceeding with the realignment of Los Carneros Way at this location. There does not appear to be a traffic conflict or other reason that would justify loss of functional benefit that the wetlands provide.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice our concerns about harm that would result from CIP R‐13. We hope that you will scratch the Los Carneros Way Realignment Project from the Public Works program. Thank you for your attention to our concerns.
Sincerely,
Eddie Harris
Member of Board of Directors
Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council
1 From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2022 12:06 PM
To: City Clerk Group
Cc: Charlie Ebeling; dan mccarter; Brian Trautwein
Subject: Public Works Department Priority-Setting Workshop and FY 2022-23 Annual Work Program Dear City Clerk Group,
S.B. Urban Creeks Council privides input (below) for May 6th Special City Council Mtg.
Dear Mayor Perotte, Mayor Pro Tem Kasdin, and Councilmembers, Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council (SBUCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has worked over the past 33 years to protect and enhance Goleta's creeks and watershed resources. We are a voice for our many supporters and members who live in the City of Goleta. We have 2 concerns that we would like you to consider:
(1) Please prioritize implementation of the Creek and Watershed Management Plan (“CWMP”) by the Public Works Department. We urge you to allocate sufficient resources to begin to work with community groups to implement restoration projects to achieve the goals and vision of the CWMP.
(2) Please also considerer removing CIP R-13, the Los Carneros Way Realignment Project from the CIP list. This project would realign Los Carneros Way, damaging the valuable Los Carneros Wetland, one of the City’s largest and most important natural wetlands. City staff indicated that this Project is not a priority when we raised concerns about the Project’s effects on the Wetland during May of 2021 when this issue came before City Council. There does not appear to be a traffic conflict that would necessitate re-alignment. Staff indicated at that time that there are no plans to implement the project. Adding more confusion to public understanding of the city's intent, the March 28, 2022 Planning Commission Staff Report for the Heritage Ridge Project appears to depict the Los Carneros Way Realignment Project as having been implemented.
We ask that you direct staff to remove the Los Carneros Way Realignment Project from the CIP list.
2 Thank you for the opportunity to voice our concerns,
Eddie Harris
Member of B.O.D.
SBUCC