Minutes of the Special Joint Meeting of the Oakley City Council and Oakley Planning Commission held
May 21, 2024
1) CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Vice Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Oakley City Council Chambers located at 3231 Main Street, Oakley, California. Oakley City Councilmembers Hugh Henderson, Dr. George Fuller and Aaron Meadows were also present along with Planning Commissioner Chair Oleksii Chuiko, Vice Chair Diego Verduzco, and Commissioners Jeanne Krieg and Jimmy Ramirez. Vice Mayor Shaw announced that Mayor Williams and Commissioner Price were absent. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Vice Mayor Shaw led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 3) PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
4) WORK SESSION
4.1 Adopt a Resolution Finding that the Proposed 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is consistent with the General Plan of the City of Oakley as required by sections 65401 and 65402 of the Government Code. (Kevin Rohani, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer)
Public Works Director/City Engineer Kevin Rohani presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
Public comments
Donna Baker, first Vice President of the Oakley Seniors, thanked Mr. Rohani for the proposed projects as they are all much needed. She shared that her daughter lives in Summer Lake and has been through 2 evacuations due to fires, one of which she was able to drive out and another which she was not and was in her car for over 2 hours.
She mentioned over a year ago, she stood before the Council to request help for the Senior Center to keep it open provide ongoing support, not just for seniors but also for everyone who comes to its door for assistance and food which is provided by nonprofits that they allow to use the building, i.e., Veterans, 4-H, Meals on Wheels, and CCC Café. She mentioned years ago they were informed the building would be demolished and they were excited when they found out that the site would be shared with the new Library and it was a disappointment to see no space dedicated specifically for the Senior Center in the architect plans, but rather 980 sq. ft.+ 1420 sq. ft. of two flex community rooms allocated when space is available. She expressed that the Senior Center needs to expand, not contract, to be larger than the current 4,000+ sq. ft. space because they would like to expand. She mentioned like other senior centers, they would like a commercial kitchen, an area for CCC Café to provide lunches 5 days a week, a common area, a place for Tri-Delta parking, senior parking, an office, a reception area, a storeroom, and offices for Oakley Veterans and Meals on Wheels. She mentioned they would like a partnership with the City as one of the only few senior clubs remaining in California and to her knowledge, the only group providing services, classes, and enrichment for seniors in Oakley. She inquired why the Senior Center is not included in the City’s plan and the architectural plans. She mentioned she believes the Library is needed, she will continue to try and work on funding, and she would like to see the Oakley Senior Center as part of the plan. She introduced others present with her: Allen Perry (President) Richard (member), and Mike Castro (Board Member).
Mike Castro commented that the proposed Library/Community Center has no mention for the Oakley seniors; they are being pushed to the curb. He mentioned to have to park across the street at the train station is an accident eventually to happen with seniors using canes, walkers, etc. He mentioned there should be a place with enough parking and space for the Oakley Seniors to have their functions and not bother the Library/Community Center. He asked if the Recreation Center is a community center.
He mentioned this is ludicrous.
Vice Mayor Shaw opened the discussion for questions and comments from the Council and Commission.
Commissioner Ramirez referred to the presentation slide addressing CIPs 247, 302, and 310. He mentioned he appreciates the comment regarding hazard mitigation and the City’s foresight to expand this entryway. He mentioned it meets the complete streets requirements, but he is thinking about bike and pedestrian safety. He inquired if they would be allowed to switch the design to tree, sidewalk, bike, tree to protect bicyclists.
He shared that he is thinking of the future 55-acre park and Oakley as a future walkable and bikeable place and would like to know if it is something they can consider.
Mr. Rohani responded that he will take a look. He explained it is more involved than making a simple switch. He shared that the section of Laurel Road from Empire to O'Hara that was improved about 3 years ago, has bike lanes that create a 2 ft. buffer zone with the travel lane; it is the same thing they plan to do on E. Cypress Road. He mentioned that with the prior standard, the bike lane would be next to the traffic lane; however, bicyclists may not have been comfortable bicycling next to high-speed traffic.
He shared that Phase 1 of the project is going to be under construction, and Phases 2 and 3 are under design so this would have to be studied. He indicated he will look at those changes, all projects must meet the streets safe program, and he will let him know later, but at this time, this is the design they are pursuing.
Chair Chuiko inquired about the timeline of the Laurel Road Extension Project.
Mr. Rohani responded that his goal is to finalize the right-of-way acquisitions this year and then focus on funding; this is a $40 million project so they are looking for grant fund opportunities and that will determine the schedule. He mentioned that the final design/project design could take a year, permits from the County and railroad could take a year, and if the City had money in bank which it doesn’t, it could probably start construction in 3 years.
Chair Chuiko inquired if there are any smaller projects that Mr. Rohani would like to share.
Mr. Rohani mentioned the smaller projects are included in the packet. He mentioned the focus for the next 2 years is E. Cypress and Laurel Road. He added that a smaller project they do every year is the Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk Replacement program, a $100- $150k project. He explained that throughout the community, developed trees may uproot sidewalks and the California Vehicle Code holds the property owner responsible.
He mentioned several years ago, they worked with the Council to develop a 50/50 cost sharing program where staff bundles many of the sites of repair and bids collectively according to the economies of scale for the work which is a good deal for the property owner because they are billed at half of the cost; it is a 50/50 program but in reality, it is close to 70/30 (City/owner) because the City does all the leg work and the property owner receives an invoice. He mentioned there is also money set aside for traffic calming. He mentioned smaller projects may take 6 months or so and major projects can take years.
Chair Chuiko thanked Mr. Rohani for always making it a priority to keep the community safe and for thinking of property owners.
Mr. Rohani mentioned that with streets and parks they focus and allocate resources the best way possible with the Strategic Goals the Council has set across the board; the City’s needs are huge.
Commissioner Ramirez mentioned he was a little bummed not to see art projects in the CIP Plan. He inquired if in considering the Planning Commission’s vote and the future of Oakley, if Mr. Rohani could share his favorite art project in Oakley, his vision for public art, and any barriers getting in the way of public art.
Mr. Rohani shared that the bird sculpture in the median of 2nd and Main Streets in the Downtown is his favorite. He mentioned the new project at the intersection of Main Street and O’Hara Avenue will have a Plaza monument installed by next month; it is a large granite rock with the history of Oakley etched in stone. He mentioned funding for public art, and a program to integrate public art, whether it be the City, citizens, or developer, starts at a policy level and must be part of a program, not done haphazardly.
He mentioned they can go through various officials and boards for policy, and public- private partnership if developers will be involved, which has provided community benefit in other communities.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned the Library will have a donor wall of which they would try to engage a local artist so she believes they do it when they can.
As a point of order, Dr. Fuller inquired if the Council and Planning Commission will ask questions then provide comments.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned it is a work session which allows questions and comments of the City Council and Planning Commission.
Dr. Fuller mentioned the agenda segments them. He requested clarification.
Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Fratarcangeli responded that there is no need to have it formally segmented, it is less formal, and the floor is open to the Planning Commission and City Council to ask questions.
Dr. Fuller mentioned Project 273 from Laurel to Sellers will benefit E. Cypress residents.
He mentioned when they build it, it will split the community from Laurel to Main and the community back into Sellers; the extension will split the community and add noise and pollution to those communities bordering it the way he sees it.
Mr. Rohani mentioned from Sellers Avenue driving toward Pecan and Laurel at the railroad track, there is a development project/subdivision being built right now of which they have dedicated right-of-way for this roadway so there will be changes; that is the nature of life. He mentioned that area has been a sleepy agricultural community and with development, that is slowly changing. He mentioned any project will have full environmental reviews and anything deemed unnecessary will be mitigated. He also mentioned that this project provides a secondary route from E. Cypress Road to Laurel Road to HWY 4.
Dr. Fuller commented that Cinquini Park will cost $5-6 million which Mr. Rohani confirmed is correct.
Regarding Project 314 ADA, Dr. Fuller mentioned it has been 34 years and they are still putting in $50k to rectify $100 million in ADA deficiencies. He mentioned some people do not see him as whole as he uses a cane and service dog.
Mr. Rohani confirmed the amount is correct. He explained that years ago, the City adopted an ADA Improvement Plan that evaluated where improvements are needed throughout the City and there is missing compliance. He mentioned $100 million in improvements is needed and every year, ADA improvements are allocated $50k, a drop in the bucket compared to the $100 million needed, but the City tries to spread funding across the board. He mentioned there are ADA improvements happening outside of this such as facilities’ compliance and adding or enhancing wheelchair ramps at intersections by upgrading to current standards. He agreed with Dr. Fuller it is not close to $100 million, but the City has to look at all priorities.
Dr. Fuller commented that he is pondering how to rectify this and suggested that in the CIP, the City commit to $5 million for ADA improvements, and any CIP approved will have to be taken in total to that, and any projects not helping the City to meet the total, the City will set those aside until they honor the civil rights of the disabled, adhere to the ADA, and properly fund it. He inquired if they can realign the CIP so the City is committed to spend $5-$10 million in ADA adjustments, and projects would not be approved unless they meet it.
City Manager Joshua McMurray commented that the focus on the CIP in general is to allocate $50k toward ADA, but every project (roadway, facility or park) has ADA compliance and money being spent, so it is not just $50k; it is every single project within the CIP.
Dr. Fuller mentioned they can then ascertain how much of each project is going toward the ADA total. He added that he can’t see building a project without some understanding whatever part of it is payment is going toward the $100 million.
Mr. McMurray mentioned it is the decision of the City Council how to allocate funds; this is what is proposed for the budget to come back on June 11, and if there needs to be a discussion on certain projects and how to prioritize those, now is the time to make those changes before it is brought back.
Dr. Fuller commented that he didn’t see Creekside Park or the Bethel Island expansion.
He inquired if anything will happen with those.
Mr. McMurray mentioned that staff hasn’t been given direction by at least 3 Councilmembers to do any improvements at Creekside Park. He mentioned DeNova Homes will construct Bethel Island Road from the intersection to the northern boundary of their project in an interim phase, and staff is working in concert with DeNova and TI Capital for the ultimate improvement when the full perimeter levee is constructed because it will change the look of the road.
Dr. Fuller inquired about the southern portion out to Delta Road. He mentioned it is his understanding that the City is buying the property so it can be expanded but he doesn’t remember the developer being on the hook for the extension from the City limit to Delta Road.
Mr. McMurray responded that it is a mitigation requirement within the Specific Plan for the developer building in that Plan area, and the City Council authorized EIR work to look at that roadway, extension, and connection to Delta to see if there is an alternative path to take because there is right of way acquisition and there are many complexities to that project so staff is trying to analyze it to determine if it is the best project or if there is an alternative to consider that is equally beneficial to the community but less complex.
Dr. Fuller commented on pages 820-824 regarding disadvantaged communities. He mentioned east of Main uses the Census and it’s not shown as a disadvantaged community because it takes the new building in the northern area that brings up the socio-economic value and housing, but these are still socio-economic deprived areas.
He mentioned he has difficulty in going by the Census because it doesn’t acknowledge it. He added that there is a little stretch of Malicoat but if you go further south, it is disadvantaged. He suggested that there be accurate information with the General Plan by looking at the neighborhood.
Dr. Fuller commented that there is nothing east of Main or south of Cypress, and the streets in his neighborhood have a new blacktop which he and his neighbors appreciate.
Vice Mayor Shaw asked Dr. Fuller if he had other discussion items.
Dr. Fuller mentioned Project 268-269 is unfunded and he is not sure that Project 313 traffic calming could not go in there.
Mr. Rohani mentioned that Projects 268/269 involve Main Street and Brownstone and Delta. He explained that the City doesn’t have the right-of-way to address the needs of the intersections; they need left and right turn lanes, and the intersection needs to be widened. He shared that since Caltrans owned it years ago, it has never had any additional right-of-way on Main Street and conceptual studies show alignment needs so many sq. ft.; they have a conceptual design and need to take those and engage with respective property owners as they are doing on Laurel Road from Teton to Sellers. He mentioned the discussion needs to be had before they can say it costs an amount. He explained that $30-$50k in traffic calming is not going to do anything for those intersections; speed humps a few years ago were $5k each, now in 2024, they are twice as much; the intersection will cost hundreds of thousands. He mentioned they have not ignored it and have projects at various stages of process, each project has its own schedule and phase, and needs reprioritize funding for E. Cypress; some work with amicable solution, others say condemn, but it all takes time and to allocate proper resources.
Dr. Fuller commented that he hopes Mr. Rohani will not tell him to be patient.
Mr. Rohani responded no, it is a work in progress and takes time, not due to lack of effort or that they don’t care; these are complex and detailed projects that require collaboration with other parties. He shared that CIP 310 E. Cypress is the most complex project he has worked on in his career because it involves crossing over, under, and operational traffic; if the project was easy, it would’ve been done long ago.
Dr. Fuller commented that he supports the Laurel Extension as it will go through the community, he has and does support it, it is needed, and new people will get some benefit, but it will create more noise and air pollution. He mentioned he doesn't want to say look what we did for the people east of Main around Laurel because it is mainly benefiting E. Cypress; residents will get some benefit, but as it continues, it will get some lessened benefits.
Mr. Rohani mentioned there will be a full environmental review and any issues of noise and traffic will be mitigated like on all projects.
Dr. Fuller commented that he is not faulting the City for it as he supports it but don’t say they are doing lots for the area east of Main because they built the Laurel to Sellers extension.
Mr. Rohani responded that he doesn’t think he said it that way, but okay.
Dr. Fuller commented that the Library is embarrassing; if seniors have to park across the street to get to the Library, it doesn’t seem to meet ADA requirements and they will stumble to get across and back as it is a distance from the parking lot. He mentioned that the Friends of the Oakley Library attempted to get the Library, and people on the City Council tried to convince voters to get a tax on the ballot, and while the City is footing a big bill on development of other projects; i.e., parking lot, train center, Recreation Center and Community Park, it is sending the Friends to fundraise. He mentioned that the Library doesn’t have ample space for Veterans and seniors which is an embarrassment and his biggest fear with the next election is that the people do not want new taxes; the eastern part of the City is paying enough taxes, and he is worried the City is getting it ready and it will go out to vote again and then will say they tried their best but now have to put a bond up. He mentioned they never had the project adequately funded.
Mr. McMurray commented that $7.5 million is allocated with the upcoming budget, there is a lot of leg work happening, there has been discussion with the Oakley Seniors many times and they have been well aware of it and the comments provided this evening don’t characterize their discussions completely. Regarding parking, he mentioned that across the street parking will happen in instances as the demand for the Library increases and they are trying to plan for community spaces. Regarding the Library/Community Center, they are not calling it a space for any specific group; if they do that, it closes off potential funding sources. He mentioned it is premature to talk about what services will be in the building until they know how much money they will have and that then, they will dig in and define space. He mentioned they have been open with the seniors, when it happens, he sees the City taking over senior center programming. He added that they are not ignoring the seniors, it is a shift in how things are done, and he believes the Library will be constructed, he just doesn’t know how big it will be or how big the community center space will be.
Dr. Fuller commented that they need to overcome the history and having to fundraise is still a tax; it is a tax on their time, effort, household income for what they donate, and it is a tax on others who will pay a disproportionate share to have a Library; they need to rally behind the Library and get it going. He added that if it were built where it should have been, the Downtown would be bustling; he is not so sure that the train center is going to make the Downtown bustling.
Dr. Fuller provided examples of challenges people with disabilities face every day, including Stephen Hawkins, himself, and the 8-year-old girl who crawled with others on the Capitol steps, because the Capitol did not have elevators, to get the ADA signed into law. He mentioned that he gets disappointed when it is set aside because if someone is disabled, they go through it on daily basis, i.e., microaggressions, jokes, we'll get around to it, etc. He mentioned they are worth it, he is a whole person and functions quite well, and he requests accommodations to be upheld. He mentioned the Council has never had a chance to say no to improvements at Creekside Park because it hasn’t come to the dais; there was nothing east of Main and south of E. Cypress last year except resurfacing and this year nothing except the Laurel Road widening that will benefit the community. He mentioned they are ignoring the southeast part of town, there are needs to get done and they are taking things away. He commented that the City has a 30% reserve set by the Council but are only required to have 20%; he doesn’t see anything wrong to dip into reserves and build 2 signals and couple of other projects.
Mr. Rohani commented that the Library/Community Center is in infancy stages and the parking lot behind it will have ADA spaces. He responded to Dr. Fuller’s comments regarding the lack of improvements east of Main Street. He mentioned the resurfacing project was last year. He also mentioned that there have been other projects in the past 5 years: Laurel from Main to Creekside got an overlay, the subdivision west of Creekside Way was resurfaced, traffic calming measures have been put in in that neighborhood, Creekside Park will have an item later in the summer that staff will bring to the Council, and Creekside Park has the best BBQ stand near the reserved shade structures. He shared that staff does not look at socio economic data on any projects in town, they look at the totality of streets, minor or major resurfacing, and allocate funding accordingly. He mentioned the year prior that they resurfaced Summer Lake. He added that none are because they are not paying attention to it, they look at the impact to the community and deploy resources of staff and funding, what brings the best value and fulfills needs. He mentioned the right-of-way acquisition on E. Cypress takes a lot of time and they have had to reposition staffing to focus on that as the project as it involves CCWD, utilities, and lots of complexity, but all projects get attention.
Dr. Fuller commented that he knows Mr. Rohani applies himself as shown with the playground in Civic Center Park; it is in constant use and a great addition, and he understands funding. He requested the park remain untouched with the proposed Library/Community Center.
Councilmember Meadows commented that he is okay with everything and understands priorities. He mentioned he believes Vice Mayor Shaw and Councilmember Henderson agrees with these priorities. He mentioned if they are speaking district-specific, District 1 only has CIP 274 with zero budget, but he understands the priorities across the city. He shared that E. Cypress Road has been the priority of the Council since day one; they are putting a huge effort and a huge amount of money into improving E. Cypress and the Laurel Road extension also benefits everyone out there.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned that if there are no further comments, the Planning Commission can take a vote on the resolution.
Chair Chuiko inquired if the resolution approving the CIP Program is in accordance and not in conflict with the General Plan.
Vice Mayor Shaw read the agenda item.
Chair Chuiko inquired if there is any opportunity to discuss additional projects.
Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned this is it.
Commissioner Ramirez mentioned he appreciated Dr. Fuller’s comments and public comments. He mentioned with all this change, it is not smooth to say change is constant; this is a place for families and part of our families are seniors. He mentioned 304/314 and he is shocked at the ADA limit of $50k, but he has full confidence in our City in building ADA and seniors places so he is in favor of moving to approve. He added that he loves the Civic Center Park, but the brown wall can use color and asked all to consider more opportunity for public art as it can provide an inclusive place for all where they can create and imagine beautiful democracy.
It was moved by Commissioner Ramirez and seconded by Commissioner Krieg to adopt the resolution. AYES: Chuiko, Krieg, Ramirez, Verduzco. ABSENT: Price. (4-0) Vice Mayor Shaw mentioned she requested the joint meeting and thanked the Councilmembers and Commissioners for their time in attending and for their collaboration.
5) ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:34 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Libby Vreonis
City Clerk