Agenda Item C.2
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM
Meeting Date: February 6, 2024
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
SUBMITTED BY: Charles W. Ebeling, Public Works Director PREPARED BY: Melissa Nelson, Environmental Services Manager SUBJECT: Creek and Watershed Management Program Update, Dissolution of Solid Waste Standing Committee , and Establishment of and Appointments to Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee
RECOMMENDATION:
A. Receive an update on the Creek and Watershed Management Program; B. Adopt Resolution 24-__ Entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Establishing the Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee and Dissolving the Solid Waste Standing Committee; and C. Make appointments to the Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee.
BACKGROUND:
The Creek and Watershed Management Plan/Program (CWMP) was adopted by the City Council on November 17, 2020, and was initially identified in the General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan (General Plan, adopted November 2, 2006) as Conservation Element Implementation Action CE-IA-3. The General Plan provides context for the protection of creeks, riparian habitats and watersheds. Borrowing from the General Plan, the vision that the City has for the CWMP is as follows:
Goleta’s creeks and riparian areas should serve as important natural features of Goleta’s landscape.
These areas should be protected to provide clean and safe wat er, habitat for fish and wildlife, accommodate wildlife movement corridors, convey stormwater runoff and floodwaters, provide water resources and beneficial use, and furnish open space and passive recreational areas for City residents. The City should see k to enhance, maintain, and restore these areas and associated watersheds that impact them.
1 Meeting Date: February 6, 2024
Developed through a collaborative process by the community, stakeholders, consultants, and City staff , the CWMP implementation is now led by of the Environmental Services (ES) Division of Public Works . However, multiple divisions from the Public Works, Planning, and Neighborhood Services Departments are collaborating on CWMP projects.
The project team also established a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprised of representatives from federal, state, and local agencies and interested non -profit organizations. While COVID and related resource restrictions were in effect in 2020, staff worked to procure resources and identify opportunities for projects and tasks t hat furthered CWMP goals. Throughout the development of the CWMP, the City of Goleta and consultants solicited input from the public and stakeholder groups for feedback on the City’s creeks and watersheds to help develop the contents of this CWMP . Those meeting materials are available on the CWMP web page:
https://www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/public-works/environmental-services/creek-and- watershed-management-plan
On December 6, 2022, the City Council received the 2022 CWMP annual update, which included hiring new staff and contractors to assist with several aspects of the CWMP , grant awards, surveys and public outreach, trash and pollution reduction measures, hydrology technical services, and more. During the adoption of the budget on June 20, 2023, the City Council directed staff to evaluate a new part-time or full-time position. The work assignments for the position would emphasize meeting the goals of the Creeks and Watershed Management Plan. The direction includ ed assigning the new position to the Parks and Open Space Division of Public Works. However, after evaluating Division responsibilities and workload, Public Works will be recommending the addition of a part - time position to the Environmental Services Division. The new position will be a recommendation included in the upcoming Finance Department’s First and Second Quarter Budget Review and Update for the City Council . The 2023 CWMP update is provided below as well as in the attached presentation (Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION:
2023 CWMP Updates
Staff are providing this 2023 update to the City Council and the public per the schedule outlined in the CWMP. Accomplishments and updates for 2023 include the following:
1. Convening the TAC on five occasions for priority setting and planning.
2. Surveys and outreach to the TAC and public , including several watershed public events.
3. Prioritization of critical work efforts for the upcoming year and beyond. a. Core priorities include (a) monitoring and data collection, (b) restoration of creeks to their natural state, (c) water collection and infiltration features, and (d) watershed-based prioritization and planning.
4. Completion of the initial w atershed characterization for water quality, including forensic analyses and development of creek “report cards” to guide decisions (the presentation is on City Council agenda for February 6, 2024). 2 Meeting Date: February 6, 2024
5. Revising and enhancing existing programs to better achieve the goals of the CWMP, such as the creek monitoring program, the Full Trash Capture project, and trash pollution reductions programs.
6. Continuation of Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) listed in the CWMP.
7. Development of web mapping and analytical tools to help prioritize projects on a watershed basis, assist with decision making, communicate with stakeholders, and for quick and effective data analysis.
2024-2025 CWMP Priorities and Projects
Several CWMP priorities and projects have been identified through 2025, subject to modification based on opportunity or resource constraints. In addition, the City continues to implement vision-critical CWMP-related programs, such as the revised street sweeping program, several cleanup programs, outreach programs, and other pollution reduction programs, such as Plastic-free Goleta. Staff continues to seek grant funding to fund these priorities, projects and p rograms and will be coordinating with the City Manager’s office on a funding evaluation for future efforts.
Apart from the TAC, staff has strengthened collaboration with crucial stakeholders and contributors for the effective implementation of the CWMP, including the Santa Barbara County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, Goleta Sanitary District, Goleta Water District, neighboring jurisdictions, and the public. To advance the priorities identified through collaboration with the TAC, upcoming work is planned for the next year and beyond which includes the following:
Development of a comprehensive Creek Monitoring Plan beginning in 2024. Development of a Watershed Project Feasibility and Prioritization Guide beginning in 2024, evaluating the top priorities for (1) monitoring or data needs, (2) creek restoration to natural conditions, and (3) multi-benefit water capture features.
Continuous assessment of current CIPs, grants, and other opportunities; ongoing development of website and analytical tools; sustained progress on existing CWMP CIPs and other projects; continued implementation of cleanup and pollution reduction programs; and focused outreach to creekside communities and other stakeholders.
Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee
On September 19, 2023, during the Waste Reduction Program Updates presentation, the City Council recognized that the Solid Waste Stan ding Committee is currently outdated in its scope and title, given that the focus of the ES Division's efforts has significantly shifted from waste management to waste reduction programs, following state and national trends. Council also expressed desire t o receive updates on the CWMP, which has a notable overlap with the Waste Reduction programs and is managed by the same 3 Meeting Date: February 6, 2024
division. Council requested that staff look into establishing a new standing committee that would review (1) waste reduction issues that currently comprise the scope o f the Solid Waste Committee and (2) creek and watershed management issues. In addition, Council also directed staff to evaluate whether the scope of such a new standing committee would overlap with the existing Energy and Gre en Issues Standing Committee. Staff has analyzed the latter request and conclude that the scope of the new standing committee on waste reduction and creek and watershed issues would not conflict with the scope of the Energy and Green Issues Standing Committee. Along with the dissolution of the Solid Waste Standing Committee, staff recommends the following for the new committee:
Name: The name of the new committee would be the Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee (Attachment 2).
Scope: The Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee would focus itself on those programs, services and activities that are outlined in the Creek and Watershed Management Plan, the Federal Clean Water Act requirements, and waste and trash pollution reduction programs. The focus on waste and trash pollution reduction would be on those topics mandated by regulatory agencies, or that have a direct connection to pollution reduction in Goleta’s watersheds.
As for the membership of the new Watersheds and Waste Re duction Standing Committee, if the existing members of the Solid Waste Standing Committee are willing, staff recommends that the City Council appoint the two Councilmembers on the Solid Waste Standing Committee to the Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standin g Committee. Standing committee membership is approved by the entire City Council.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
There is no fiscal impact included with this presentation. Funding and resource requests for CWMP projects and programs will be included in the City’s annual budget process, in addition to requests for individual scope or contracts related to CWMP throughout the year.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council can choose not to change the Solid Waste Issues Standing Committee to the Waste Reduction and Watersheds Standing Committee. City Council can choose to direct an alternative means of interim updates or continue to be updated solely by the annual CWMP presentation.
LEGAL REVIEW BY: Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney
APPROVED BY: Robert Nisbet, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
4 Meeting Date: February 6, 2024
1. Creeks and Watershed Management Program Annual Update Presentation
2. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Establishing the Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee and Dissolving the Solid Waste Standing Committee
5 ATTACHMENT 1
Creek and Watershed Management Program Update Presentation 6 Creeks and Watershed
Management Program
Annual Update
February 6th
City of Goleta Department of Public Works
Environmental Services Division
7 Outline
• CWMP O verview
• 2023 Priorities Summary
• Projects and Work Efforts
• Considerations/
R
ecommendations
2 Bell Canyon Creek
8 Creek and Watershed Introduction
• The need for the CWMP
Pr
eserve and protect
Goleta’s creeks and
watersheds.
• Community desire to
p
rotect 12 creeks,
coastline, open spaces,
native plants, protected
species
• Human activity and
c
limate change
3 9
Introduction: Project Team
• Melissa Nelson, Environmental Services Division
M
anager
• George Thomson, Parks & Open Space Division
M
anager
• Autumn Glaeser, CIP Manager
• Other City Departments and Divisions: CIP team,
P
W director, Parks, Planning, Finance
• TAC
• Goleta Slough Management Committee
4 10
Introduction: How to implement?
• Over 160 projects and action items
out
lined in the CWMP , initially narrowed
down to 40 key projects/actions
• Prioritize based on:
• Benefit: H abitat/wildlife, safe clean
water, recreation, flood control/safety,
education, heat island reduction, climate
resiliency, natural beauty, environmental
equity
• Opportunity: e
ase of implementation,
i.e., “low hanging fruit”
• Existing CIPs, multi-ben efit projects
• Or conversely, projects that are complex
a
nd difficult to implement
• Funding availability
• Watershed-b y-watershed prioritization
5 11
Month Day, Year City Council/Committee Meeting Name 6
Priorities Summary
12 Priorities Based on Benefit: Input from the Community • TAC: 19 members,
m
et 5 times
• Public surveys,
e
vents, and more
7 TAC
Survey
Public
Survey
13 Summary: Key Priorities Based on Benefit
• Monitoring, surveys,
an
d data collection
• Concrete channel
r
emoval feasibility and
alternatives analysis
• Water capture multi-
be
nefit projects
• Watershed project
priorit
ization
8 14
Month Day, Year City Council/Committee Meeting Name 9
Projects and Efforts
15 Website and
Analytical tools
Development
• Basic creek information
• Creek features
• Monitoring information
• Tools to streamline data
e
valuation
• Creek/watershed
“
report cards”
• Evaluate data and
Com
municate to
stakeholders
10 16
Creek Surveys & Monitoring Plan (2024)
Develop ongoing monitoring
program for:
• Water quality: Watershed Characterization
a
nd ongoing sampling
• Trash/Litter/Abandoned Items
• Baseflow evaluation
• Invasive species and native vegetation
he
alth
• Wildlife habitat and passage
• Morphology
• Erosion/Impairments/modifications
• Land use
• Illegal activity
• Unauthorized camping
11 17
Opportunities: Clean Creeks, Green Spaces and “One Water” 12 • Multi-benefit green spaces and
water capture
• Habitat restoration/enhancement
• Water pollutant filtration
• Decrease water velocity
• Flood control and climate resilience
• Groundwater recharge
• Reuse
• Green infrastructure, vegetated
infiltration areas, “living levees,”
18 t
19 Opportunities: Parks & Open Spaces
• Opportunities
f
or infiltration,
habitat, water
reuse
14 20
Priorities based on Opportunity: CIP’s in the CWMP
• Continued with or modified existing CIPs
• San Jose Creek: Fish Passage Project (CWMP Actions 12.2.3, 12.7.1) • Full Trash Capture (CWMP actions 14.1.1, 14.3.2)
• Storm Drain Master Plan (CWMP actions 13.1.2)
• Ellwood Monarch Butterfly Habitat (CWMP actions 9.1.1) • Other CIPs related to CWMP still unfunded, in process of evaluation • Infiltration projects: Evergreen park, San Pedro Creek, and other areas (CWMP actions 14.5.1, 14.5.2) • Phelps Ditch trash control structure (CWMP actions 14.3.1) • Many others
15 21
Full Trash Capture
16 • In Progress, conceptual design modification, final design in 2024 (14.1.1, 14.3.2).
• State Water Resources Control Board certified devices • Focus on environmental equity: Installed in high trash generating, high density areas most impacted
• Requires regular maintenance to maintain treatment
capacity
• Design modifications with biofiltration: filter additional pollutants, add green spaces
CONNECTOR PIPE
SCREEN
22 Fish Passage and Hollister Ave. Bridge Replacement
17 • In Progress,
conceptual design
modification,
construction in
2025/2026
• CWMP action
14.1.1, 14.3.2.
23 Ellwood Habitat Restoration
• Project Connect
• San Jose Creek Bike path
18 24
Devereux Creek – Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management
Plan Phase 1 Implementation
19 • Riparian Tree Planting
• Wetland Creation
• Native Wetland Plant
Installation
• Education
• Access Improvements
• Docent & Volunteer Programs
25 Santa Barbara County Wildfire Resilience
Collaborative
• Planning & Design of 10 demonstration wildfire fuels
r
eduction and habitat enhancement projects along
creeks
• Goal: reduce risk or severity of wildfire in the
wildl
and urban interface in the City of Goleta and
unincorporated Santa Barbara County
20 Project Partners:
California Coastal Conservancy (Funder)
City Parks and Open Space Division
Santa Barbara County Fire Department
Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council
Environmental Defense Center
Community Environmental Council
UCSB Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration 26 Watershed Feasibility and Prioritization Guidance
• Habitat and wildlife
• Concrete channel
r
emoval/mitigation
• Other focus projects or
p
roject components
• Watershed approach
21 27
Other Projects and Programs
• Watershed Characterization (water quality)
• Beautify Goleta, Adopt- a-Park, Creek Cleanups
• Plastic- free Goleta, Waste-free Goleta, Green Business Program • Revamped Street Sweeping and Litter Removal Program
• Grant pursuit and Funding Evaluation
• Outreach activities: Devereux and San Jose Creek Tours, booths at City e
vents, Creek Week, social media and Monarch Press articles, surveys 22 28
Target Schedule
• Development of a comprehensive creek monitoring program (2024) • Resume sampling
• Begin partial implementation in 2024 as budget allows • Watershed Project Feasibility and Prioritization Guide (2025) • Prioritize habitat restoration areas
• Concrete channel removal/mitigation/alternatives
• Green spaces, flood control and water capture
• CIPs– a ccording to CIP schedule and as funding allows • Full Trash Capture Conceptual Design Modification, 2024, field implementation beginning 2025 • Fish passage (now- 2027)
• Grant and funding pursuit (in progress, ongoing)
23 29
Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing
Committee
• September 19th Waste Reduction Program Presentation
• CWMP forum
• Other Standing Committees
• Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee
• Creek and Watershed Management Program/Plan
• Compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act requirements and related p
rograms (i.e., Stormwater Programs)
• Waste Reduction Programs: Waste pollution reduction requirements and pr
ograms, waste reduction regulatory requirements and programs, waste and materials management.
November 2023, 24
30 Month Day, Year City Council/Committee Meeting Name 25 Recommendations
31 • Proceed with development of a comprehensive Creek Monitoring Pr
ogram in 2024, as budget and funding allow
• Proceed with the development of a Watershed Project Feasibility and Pri
oritization Guide, as budget and funding allow
• Habitat and wildlife
• Concrete channel removal/mitigation alternatives evaluation • Water capture and green infrastructure
• Allow staff to evaluate funding and resources for future work • Adopt a resolution establishing the Watersheds and Waste Reduction S
tanding Committee, and rescind Resolution 10-08 that established the Solid Waste Standing Committee
26 Recommendations
32 Thank you!
27 33
ATTACHMENT 2
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Goleta, California, Establishing the Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee and Dissolving the Solid Waste Standing Committee
34 RESOLUTION NO. 24-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GOLETA,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE WATERSHEDS AND WASTE
REDUCTION STANDING COMMITTEE AND DIS SOLVING THE S OLID
WASTE STANDING COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, at its meeting of September 19, 2023 , the City Council considered and provided general consensus that the Solid Waste Standing Committee should be dissolved on a new Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee should be established, which among other issues will absorb the issues reviewed by the Solid Waste Standing Committee; and
WHEREAS, the new Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee will advise the City Council on matters related to the Creek and Watershed Management Program, the Federal Clean Water Act programs and requirements, and waste and waste pollution reduction requirements and programs; and
WHEREAS, the new Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee will advise the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the Committee wil l not advise the City Council on issues within the jurisdiction of other designated subcommittees or advisory boards and commissions including , energy and carbon reduction (Energy/Green Issues Standing Committee), and
WHEREAS, the Council now wishes to formally create the Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee and to dissolve the Solid Waste Standing Committee previously established by Resolution No. 10-08.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COU NCIL OF
THE CITY OF GOLETA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Solid Waste Standing Committee previously established via Resolution 10-08 is hereby dissolved.
SECTION 2. A standing Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee, consisting of two City Councilmembers appointed by the City Council, is hereby established.
SECTION 3. The Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters related to programs, services and activities that are associated with and support the Creek and Wate rshed Management Program and associated plan , t he Federal Clean Water Act requirements a nd programs, and waste pollution, reduction and management requirements and programs.
35 SECTION 4. Meetings of the Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee will be conducted on an as-needed basis, at such times and locations as identified and noticed by City staff, to carry out the duties and assignments of the Committee and shall be subject to the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act (CA Government Code Section 54950, et seq.).
SECTION 5. The Watersheds and Waste Reduction Standing Committee shall be supported by staff assigned by the City Manager.
SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoptio n of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of February 2024.
__________________________
PAULA PEROTTE
MAYOR
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________ __________________________
DEBORAH S. LOPEZ MEGAN GARIBALDI
CITY CLERK CITY ATTORNEY
36 STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss.
CITY OF GOLETA )
I, DEBORAH S. LOPEZ, City Clerk of the City of Goleta, Calif ornia, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 24-__ was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Goleta a t a regular meeting held on the 6th day of February, 2024 by the following roll call vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
(SEAL)
_________________________
DEBORAH S. LOPEZ
CITY CLERK
37