City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
912828W48
T-Note 2.125 2/29/2024
1,210,000.00
4/21/2021
0.31 1,272,579.69
1,272,579.69 98.38
5.45 0.00
1,190,432.03
-82,147.66
0.98%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
0.5 182
912828W71
T-Note 2.125 3/31/2024
975,000.00
1/7/2020
1.61 995,452.15
995,452.15 98.11
5.46 8,661.12
956,604.49
-38,847.66
0.77%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
0.58 213
912828V98
T-Note 2.25 2/15/2027
1,155,000.00
7/7/2022
2.85 1,125,132.42
1,125,132.42 92.96
4.47 1,129.89
1,073,743.95
-51,388.47
0.87%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
3.34 1264
9128282R0
T-Note 2.25 8/15/2027
2,180,000.00
9/6/2022
3.40 2,066,827.34
2,066,827.34 92.31
4.39 2,132.61
2,012,327.35
-54,499.99
1.59%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
3.8 1445
9128286G0
T-Note 2.375 2/29/2024
993,000.00
8/12/2021
0.34 1,044,279.14
1,044,279.14 98.50
5.45 0.00
978,143.79
-66,135.35
0.81%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
0.5 182
912828D56
T-Note 2.375 8/15/2024
535,000.00
9/25/2019
1.56 555,334.18
555,334.18 97.20
5.42 552.45
519,994.92
-35,339.26
0.43%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
0.95 350
9128286A3
T-Note 2.625 1/31/2026
805,000.00
2/8/2021
0.46 890,625.59
890,625.59 95.28
4.72 1,780.08
766,982.62
-123,642.97
0.69%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
2.35 884
91282CEN7
T-Note 2.75 4/30/2027
1,285,000.00
5/5/2023
3.50 1,249,260.94
1,249,260.94 94.37
4.43 11,811.18
1,212,618.37
-36,642.57
0.96%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
3.47 1338
9128285D8
T-Note 2.875 9/30/2023
140,000.00
1/7/2020
1.60 146,447.66
146,447.66 99.79
5.35 1,682.58
139,710.27
-6,737.39
0.11%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
0.08 30
91282CGH8
T-Note 3.5 1/31/2028
1,755,000.00
6/5/2023
3.76 1,735,461.91
1,735,461.91 96.68
4.33 5,174.39
1,696,797.07
-38,664.84
1.34%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
4.11 1614
91282CHA2
T-Note 3.5 4/30/2028
485,000.00
5/1/2023
3.60 482,821.29
482,821.29 96.66
4.30 5,673.71
468,801.76
-14,019.53
0.37%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
4.29 1704
91282CGT2
T-Note 3.625 3/31/2028
1,230,000.00
5/5/2023
3.41 1,241,963.67
1,241,963.67 97.19
4.31 18,639.04
1,195,454.29
-46,509.38
0.96%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
4.19 1674
CUSIP
Face Amount /
Shares
Description Settlement Date
YTM @ Cost
Cost Value
Book Value YTM @ Market
Market Price Market Value
Accrued Interest Unre. Gain/Loss
% Portfolio
Credit Rating
Credit Rating
Duration To Maturity
Days To Call/Maturity
Date: 8/31/2023 All Portfolios
Portfolio Holdings by Security Type
City of Paso Robles
12 Attachment 1
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
91282CGV7
T-Note 3.75 4/15/2026
1,240,000.00
5/5/2023
3.63 1,244,262.50
1,244,262.50 97.83
4.64 17,532.79
1,213,117.18
-31,145.32
0.96%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
2.49 958
91282CGE5
T-Note 3.875 1/15/2026
2,500,000.00
2/10/2023
4.12 2,483,398.44
2,483,398.44 98.10
4.73 12,372.62
2,452,539.05
-30,859.39
1.91%
None
None
2.28 868
91282CGX3
T-Note 3.875 4/30/2025
1,250,000.00
5/5/2023
3.93 1,248,779.30
1,248,779.30 98.16
5.03 16,189.71
1,227,050.78
-21,728.52
0.96%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
1.61 608
91282CGL9
T-Note 4 2/15/2026
2,535,000.00
3/6/2023
4.61 2,493,014.06
2,493,014.06 98.42
4.69 4,408.70
2,494,895.51
1,881.45
1.92%
None
Moodys-Aaa
2.36 899
91282CGP0
T-Note 4 2/29/2028
2,525,000.00
3/6/2023
4.26 2,495,706.05
2,495,706.05 98.75
4.31 0.00
2,493,338.87
-2,367.18
1.92%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
4.16 1643
91282CHK0
T-Note 4 6/30/2028
115,000.00
7/3/2023
4.17 114,133.01
114,133.01 98.79
4.28 775.00
113,607.42
-525.59
0.09%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
4.41 1765
91282CHK0
T-Note 4 6/30/2028
775,000.00
7/10/2023
4.34 763,253.91
763,253.91 98.79
4.28 5,222.83
765,615.23
2,361.32
0.59%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
4.41 1765
91282CFM8
T-Note 4.125 9/30/2027
1,500,000.00
5/18/2023
3.57 1,533,515.63
1,533,515.63 99.05
4.38 25,865.78
1,485,820.32
-47,695.31
1.18%
S&P-AA+
Moodys-Aaa
3.73 1491
912810FB9
T-Note 6.125 11/15/2027
1,125,000.00
1/30/2023
3.60 1,248,925.78
1,248,925.78 106.78
4.34 20,222.49
1,201,289.06
-47,636.72
0.96%
None
Moodys-Aaa
3.73 1537
981
2.59 45.48%
-2,137,780.90
56,896,133.62
4.72 202,322.59
59,033,914.52
Sub Total Treasury Note 60,533,000.00 2.60 59,033,914.52 TOTAL PORTFOLIO 131,165,773.24 2.87 129,718,043.00
129,716,568.10
4.50 374,842.98
126,053,442.59
-3,664,600.41
100.00%
1.62 619
CUSIP
Face Amount /
Shares
Description Settlement Date
YTM @ Cost
Cost Value
Book Value YTM @ Market
Market Price Market Value
Accrued Interest Unre. Gain/Loss
% Portfolio
Credit Rating
Credit Rating
Duration To Maturity
Days To Call/Maturity
Date: 8/31/2023 All Portfolios
Portfolio Holdings by Security Type
City of Paso Robles
13 Attachment 1
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Buy Transactions
Buy 8/11/2023 69371RS56 650,000.00 Paccar Finanical 5.05 8/10/2026 100.46 652,990.00 91.18 4.88 653,081.18 Subtotal 650,000.00 652,990.00 91.18 653,081.18
Deposit 8/1/2023 MM9730 49.36 Zions Bank MM 100.00 49.36 0.00 0.00 49.36 Deposit 8/31/2023 CAMP1001 31,887.52 CAMP LGIP 100.00 31,887.52 0.00 0.00 31,887.52 Deposit 8/31/2023 CAMP1001 8,900,000.00 CAMP LGIP 100.00 8,900,000.00 0.00 0.00 8,900,000.00 Deposit 8/31/2023 MM9730 102,941.88 Zions Bank MM 100.00 102,941.88 0.00 0.00 102,941.88 Subtotal 9,034,878.76 9,034,878.76 0.00 9,034,878.76
Total Buy Transactions 9,684,878.76 9,687,868.76 91.18 9,687,959.94 Interest/Dividends
Interest 8/1/2023 3137BTUMI 0.00 FHLMC MBS 3.347 11/25/2026 0.00 1,729.28 0.00 1,729.28 Interest 8/1/2023 MM9730 0.00 Zions Bank MM 0.00 49.36 0.00 49.36 Interest 8/12/2023 594918BB9 0.00 Microsoft Corp 2.7 2/12/2025-24 0.00 13,500.00 0.00 13,500.00 Interest 8/12/2023 3137EAEP0 0.00 FHLMC 1.5 2/12/2025 0.00 24,525.00 0.00 24,525.00 TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP 1.8
2/13/2025
Interest 8/13/2023 89236TGT6 0.00 0.00 2,475.00 0.00 2,475.00 Interest 8/15/2023 912828D56 0.00 T-Note 2.375 8/15/2024 0.00 6,353.13 0.00 6,353.13 Interest 8/15/2023 91282CDZ1 0.00 T-Note 1.5 2/15/2025 0.00 6,937.50 0.00 6,937.50 Interest 8/15/2023 91282CBM2 0.00 T-Note 0.125 2/15/2024 0.00 621.88 0.00 621.88 Interest 8/15/2023 912828V98 0.00 T-Note 2.25 2/15/2027 0.00 12,993.75 0.00 12,993.75 Interest 8/15/2023 02079KAC1 0.00 Alphabet Inc 1.998 8/15/2026-26 0.00 9,790.20 0.00 9,790.20 Interest 8/15/2023 9128282R0 0.00 T-Note 2.25 8/15/2027 0.00 24,525.00 0.00 24,525.00 Interest 8/15/2023 91282CGL9 0.00 T-Note 4 2/15/2026 0.00 50,700.00 0.00 50,700.00 Interest 8/22/2023 023135BC9 0.00 Amazon.Com INC 3.15 8/22/2027 0.00 5,827.50 0.00 5,827.50 Interest 8/25/2023 3135G05X7 0.00 FNMA 0.375 8/25/2025 0.00 1,125.00 0.00 1,125.00 Interest 8/31/2023 91282CGP0 0.00 T-Note 4 2/29/2028 0.00 50,500.00 0.00 50,500.00 Interest 8/31/2023 9128282U3 0.00 T-Note 1.875 8/31/2024 0.00 9,843.75 0.00 9,843.75 Interest 8/31/2023 91282CAJ0 0.00 T-Note 0.25 8/31/2025 0.00 2,162.50 0.00 2,162.50 Settlement Date CUSIP Description Principal YTM @ Cost
Face Amount /
Action Shares Purchase Price
Interest /
Dividends Total
Begin Date: 7/31/2023, End Date: 8/31/2023 All Portfolios Transaction Summary by Action
City of Paso Robles
14 Attachment 1
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Interest 8/31/2023 9128286G0 0.00 T-Note 2.375 2/29/2024 0.00 11,791.88 0.00 11,791.88 Interest 8/31/2023 912828W48 0.00 T-Note 2.125 2/29/2024 0.00 12,856.25 0.00 12,856.25 Interest 8/31/2023 91282CEA5 0.00 T-Note 1.5 2/29/2024 0.00 7,500.00 0.00 7,500.00 Interest 8/31/2023 CAMP1001 0.00 CAMP LGIP 0.00 31,887.52 0.00 31,887.52 Interest 8/31/2023 91282CBQ3 0.00 T-Note 0.5 2/28/2026 0.00 8,287.50 0.00 8,287.50 Subtotal 0.00 0.00 295,982.00 295,982.00
Total Interest/Dividends 0.00 0.00 295,982.00 295,982.00 Sell Transactions
Sell 8/11/2023 91282CBM2 675,000.00 T-Note 0.125 2/15/2024 0.00 657,202.15 412.55 0.00 657,614.70 Subtotal 675,000.00 657,202.15 412.55 657,614.70
Withdraw 8/2/2023 MM9730 49,211.87 Zions Bank MM 0.00 49,211.87 0.00 0.00 49,211.87 Withdraw 8/28/2023 CWB0904 1,000,390.57 Community West Bank MM 0.00 1,000,390.57 0.00 0.00 1,000,390.57 Withdraw 8/31/2023 LAIF0271 11,200,000.00 LAIF LGIP 0.00 11,200,000.00 0.00 0.00 11,200,000.00 Withdraw 8/31/2023 CASH3004 3,259,712.72 Pacific Premier Bank Cash 0.00 3,259,712.72 0.00 0.00 3,259,712.72 Subtotal 15,509,315.16 15,509,315.16 0.00 15,509,315.16 Total Sell Transactions 16,184,315.16 16,166,517.31 412.55 16,166,929.86 Settlement Date CUSIP Description Principal YTM @ Cost
Face Amount /
Action Shares Purchase Price
Interest /
Dividends Total
Begin Date: 7/31/2023, End Date: 8/31/2023 All Portfolios Transaction Summary by Action
City of Paso Robles
15 Attachment 1
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Council Agenda Report
From: Kevin Wells, Assistant Capital Projects Manager
Subject: Approval of Construction Contract for East Side Slurry (Zone F) Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive
CEQA Determination: The City finds that this action is categorically exempt under the Class 1 exemption (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301).
Date: October 17, 2023
Facts
1. The City uses Gas Tax revenue to perform slurry seal of its streets. Staff evaluates those streets that could qualify for a slurry seal treatment to extend its useful life. In preparation of slurry seal, City staff performs crack sealing of the streets ahead of the slurry seal treatment.
2. Staff determined that the streets in the Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive (Zone F) neighborhood qualify for a slurry seal treatment. Therefore, in February 2021, City staff performed crack sealing of these streets.
3. There are now adequate Gas Tax revenue to perform the next step of maintenance for the Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive neighborhood, which is to apply slurry seal.
4. Plans were prepared and advertised for bids to seal the pavement.
5. The engineer’s estimate for the project was $258,000.
6. At the bid opening on September 21, 2023, three bids were received:
Construction Company Bid Amount
American Asphalt South $166,004.50
VSS International $209,902.00
Pavement Coatings $217,763.00
7. City staff notified American Asphalt South that there was a mathematical error in the bid they submitted. The bid they submitted was $172,004.50, and the corrected amount is $166,004.50.
American Asphalt South agreed to the corrected amount.
Options
1. Take no action;
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter a contract with American Asphalt South, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, in the amount of $166,004.50, to perform slurry seal of the streets in the Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive neighborhood and find the action exempt from CEQA; or
3. Provide alternative direction to staff.
Analysis and Conclusions
Pavement deterioration increases rapidly once slight deterioration occurs. Therefore, it is cost effective to perform crack sealing and slurry seal to extend the useful life of a street just before rapid deterioration.
Further, performing maintenance just before the rapid decline is less costly than rehabilitation of the road
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
is needed. Staff reviewed the bid from American Asphalt South to slurry seal the streets in the Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive neighborhood and found it to be a responsive and responsible bid.
Fiscal Impact
The City’s FY 2022-23 available Gas Tax funds are adequate to include the East Side Slurry (Zone F) Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive neighborhood, and no other action is required.
CEQA
The City finds that this action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301) and that none of the exceptions to the Class 1 exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply.
Recommendation (Option 2)
Approve Resolution 23-XXX, authorizing the City Manager to enter into a construction contract with American Asphalt South in the amount of $166,004.50 to seal the pavement in the Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive neighborhood; and to authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make minor, technical, or non-substantive changes to the contract that are consistent with the Council action.
Attachments
1. Resolution 23-XXX – East Side Slurry (Zone F) Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive
2. Bid - American Asphalt South Bid
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 1
RESOLUTION 23-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES
APPROVING AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR EAST SIDE SLURRY (ZONE F) SALIDA DEL
SOL AND VISTA CERRO DRIVE AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA WHEREAS, the City uses Gas Tax revenue to perform slurry seal of its streets and staff evaluates those streets that could qualify for a slurry seal treatment to extend its useful life; and WHEREAS, staff determined that the streets in the Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive (Zone F) neighborhood could qualify for a slurry seal treatment; and WHEREAS, there is adequate Gas Tax revenue to slurry seal the streets in Zone F; and WHEREAS, the City prepared bid documents and advertised for bids. The engineer’s estimate was $258,000, and at the bid opening on September 21, 2023 three (3) bids were received ranging from $166,004.50 to $217,763.00; and
WHEREAS, City staff notified American Asphalt South that there was a mathematical error in the bid they submitted with the submitted amount shown at $172,004.50, and the corrected amount at $166,004.50. American Asphalt South agreed to the corrected amount; and WHEREAS, American Asphalt South has submitted a responsive and responsible bid.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. All of the above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
Section 2. The City finds that this action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301) and that none of the exceptions to the Class 1 exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply.
Section 3. The City Council hereby approves the East Side Slurry (Zone F) Salida Del Sol and Vista Cerro Drive project to American Asphalt South, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, and authorizes the City Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to any minor, technical, or nonsubstantive changes as approved by the City Manager and the City Attorney consistent with City Council action, in the amount of $166,004.50.
APPROVED this 17th day of October 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 1
John R. Hamon, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Melissa Boyer, City Clerk
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
$166,004.50
Attachment 2
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
$166,004.50
Attachment 2
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Council Agenda Report
From: David LaCaro, Public Works Operations Manager
Subject: Authorize the City Manager to Grant Real Property and Establishment of the Centennial Creek Conservation Easement.
CEQA: Pursuant to CEQA, considering a Negative Declaration (ND) for the Centennial Creek Rehabilitation Project, making responsible agency findings, adopting a Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program and authorizing the City Manager to grant property to the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resources Conservation District for the purpose of establishing a conservation easement.
Date: October 17, 2023
Facts
1. In 2008, Caltrans began construction of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project (Caltrans Project or Project) located in eastern San Luis Obispo County. The project has impacted wetlands and other waters throughout the construction process. On-site mitigation for the project is maximized within the project right-of-way, however additional acreage is required by jurisdictional agencies that cannot be accommodated within the project area. The remaining acres of off-site mitigation requirements for the project are approximately four acres of wetlands creation, enhancement, and reestablishment. The City of Paso Robles (City) was approached by the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (USLTRCD) to consider Centennial Creek as a potential off-site mitigation area for Caltrans.
2. Caltrans proposes to satisfy the mitigation requirements of California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for all four phases of the Route 46 Improvement Project through the implementation of the Centennial Creek Rehabilitation Project located in the City of Paso Robles rehabilitating Centennial Creek for the intended purpose of improving hydrologic function, reducing further erosion and scouring, and restoring aesthetic value to the parkway.
3. Centennial Creek is a small 1.05-miles tributary to the Salinas River, which winds its way through an urbanized portion of the City, surrounded by a community center, recreational facility, three schools, and several housing developments. Due to the surrounding urbanization and increased stormwater flows and other drainage, Centennial Creek has suffered significant downcutting and scouring erosion, damaged culverts, and other parkway infrastructure, and has the potential of exposing and damaging critical wastewater infrastructure.
4. Caltrans served as lead agency for the environmental review, analysis, and approval of the Project pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs., § 15000 et seq.) (“CEQA”).
5. On October 19, 2021, Caltransindependently reviewed and considered the MND, and all other related documentation in the record before it, adopted the ND and adopted environmental findings, and approved the Project.
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
6. The final Centennial Creek Rehabilitation Project designs were received on July 26, 2022. In general, the designs include installing roughened riffles, widening creek banks, creating secondary channels, installing a footbridge/box culvert, and planting native vegetations. Caltrans received official notification from the RWQCB on July 31, 2020, indicating support for the Centennial Creek Rehabilitation Project to address impacts related to the Route 46 project. RWQCB support for the project is contingent on protection of the restoration area in perpetuity through the use of a conservation easement or a similar mechanism.
7. The project is divided into two separate construction timelines: Phase I and Phase II. Phase I of the project restores the downstream portion of the creek starting from Nickerson Drive west towards Navajo Avenue. This section of the project started August 15, 2022, and was completed on October 1, 2022. Phase I involved the installation of 14 roughened riffles, secondary channels, as well as channel widening. Phase II of the project will begin soon after the USLTRCD contracts with their selected heavy equipment operator and a start data is identified.
8. The majority of Centennial Creek is owned by the City of Paso Robles. Two parcels that are not owned or controlled by the City include a small portion of Trinity Church property (approximately 0.4 acres) and San Luis Obispo Housing Authority (Hidden Creek Apartments) property (approximately 0.96 acres). The Centennial Creek parkway is maintained and landscaped by City staff and its contractors.
9. The USACE permit requires the establishment of a conservation easement. Establishing the conservation easement will not only protect the legally described area but will also define the area where long-term maintenance will occur. In addition, maintenance dedicated to the conservation area will receive sustainable funding though an endowment funding source that is administrated though the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
10. The conservation easement will be managed and maintained through the USLTRCD in perpetuity. All parties that own the land in fee are required to dedicate the legally described areas (refer to Exhibit 1a) into the conservation easement in order to satisfy permit requirements, along with long-term maintenance, and associated funding to occur. Dedication of the property to the conservation easement does not eliminate the City’s obligation to provide latent services, such as weed abatement and fire protection.
11. The information contained in the ND, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and all supporting documentation contain a complete, objective, and accurate reporting of those potential impacts associated with the Project, the documents have been completed in compliance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines and Caltrans has made environmental findings associated with the Project.
Options
1. Take no action;
2. Authorize the City Manager to implement the following actions:
a. Consider a Negative Declaration for the Centennial Creek Rehabilitation project, make responsible agency findings.
b. Grant City properties identified in the conservation easement boundary maps (Exhibit 1a) to the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resources Conservation District for the purpose of establishing and managing a conservation easement.
c. Waive any just compensation claim or appraisal obligation associated with the project and associate City properties identified within the conservation easement area. d. Continue to work with Caltrans and the USLTRCD to manage the long-term success of the rehabilitation project at an administrative level.
3. Direct staff to pursue a different approach.
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Analysis and Conclusions
Caltrans is required to mitigate water quality impacts related to the Route 46 road widening project.
Caltrans has implemented as much on-site mitigation work as possible. However, approximately four acres remain of the required off-site mitigation area. The City was approached by the local USLTRCD to consider Centennial Creek as a potential off-site mitigation area for Caltrans.
Centennial Creek is situated within an urbanized area. As such, Centennial Creek conveys a significant amount of water from upstream neighborhoods, schools, and roadways to the Salinas River. Centennial Creek is one of the major parkway pedestrian routes connecting Lana Street to Navajo Avenue. The creek suffers from major scouring, downcutting, bank destabilization, as well as other deficiencies in hydrologic function. As a result, there is damage to existing culverts located along the Centennial Creek trail as well as excessive bank erosion leading to private and public property damage. In addition, the City owns and operates a sanitary sewer trunk line that runs parallel to and crosses the creek at various locations. Further scoring and down cutting due to water velocity and erosion could expose the pipeline threatening potential damage to the City’s infrastructure and significant environmental damage due to a sewage release.
The project designs include installing roughened riffles, widening creek banks, creating secondary channels, installing a footbridge/box culvert, and planting native vegetation. These rehabilitation methodologies will greatly reduce scouring velocities moving through the creek, minimize stream bank erosion and sedimentation to the Salinas River, reduce downcutting potentially impacting the City’s sanitary sewer infrastructure and establish an aesthetically beneficial walking path for the benefit of the public.
Long-term maintenance of the conservation easement will be managed by the USLTRCD. Maintenance will include, at a minimum, watering established vegetation, repair of any damaged structures located within the conservation easement, and mowing/string trimming grasses/vegetation associated with the project. Long-term maintenance will ensure the efficacy of the rehabilitation methodologies (i.e., roughened riffles, bank widening, secondary channels, etc.) in perpetuity.
In order to establish the conservation easement and provide long-term maintenance and monitoring, the city property identified in the conservation easement boundary maps (Exhibit 1a) should be granted to USLTRCD. Further, staff recommends waiving any compensation claim or appraisal obligation associated with the project as the project is a direct benefit to the City both aesthetically and functionally (refer to Exhibit 1b).
The City remains the owner of the underlying property. The proposed action does not limit the City’s ability to access, make repairs or otherwise manage this area as deemed necessary.
Fiscal Impact
The Centennial Creek Rehabilitation Project will be financed entirely through Caltrans. USLTRCD will monitor and maintain the rehabilitation area in perpetuity. Long-term maintenance will be funded through an endowment fund administered through the NFWF. City staff costs will involve staff time,some legal consultation, and project coordination, but overall will be minimal.
CEQA
Pursuant to CEQA, considering a Negative Declaration (ND) for the Centennial Creek Rehabilitation Project, making responsible agency findings, and authorizing the City Manager to grant property to the
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resources Conservation District for the purpose of establishing a conservation easement.
Recommendation
Approve Resolution 23-XXX, authorizing the City Manager to implement the following actions:
1. Consider a Negative Declaration for the Centennial Creek Rehabilitation project, make responsible agency findings.
2. Grant City properties identified in the conservation easement boundary maps (Exhibit 1a) to the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resources Conservation District for the purpose of establishing and managing a conservation easement.
3. Waive any just compensation claim or appraisal obligation associated with the project and associate City properties identified within the conservation easement area.
4. Continue to work with Caltrans and the USLTRCD to manage the long-term success of the rehabilitation project at an administrative level.
Attachments
1. Resolution 23-XXX
a. Exhibit A – Conservation Easement Boundary Maps
b. Exhibit B – Intent to Dedicate Easement and Waiver of Compensation Letter c. Exhibit C – Centennial Creek Mitigation Project – Initial Study with Negative Declaration
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 1
RESOLUTION 23-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES CONSIDERING AN
NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CENTENNIAL CREEK REHABILITATION PROJECT, MAKING
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY FINDINGS, AND AUTHORING THE CITY MANAGER TO GRANT PROPERTY TO
THE UPPER SALINAS-LAS TABLAS RESOURCES CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF
ESTABLISHING A CONSERVATION EASEMENT
WHEREAS, the Centennial Creek Rehabilitation Project includes the installation of roughened riffles, a new foot bridge, the widening of creek banks, and creating secondary channels and planting vegetation along the Centennial Creek corridor; and
WHEREAS, the Centennial Creek Rehabilitation Project (“Project”) is located in Centennial Creek starting at Lana Street moving downstream towards Navajo Avenue; and WHEREAS, the California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) served as lead agency for the environmental review, analysis, and approval of the Project pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs., § 15000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) …; and WHEREAS, on October 19, 2021, the California Department of Transportation, independently reviewed and considered the Negative Declaration (“ND”), and all other related documentation in the record before it, approved the ND and adopted environmental findings, and approved the Project; and WHEREAS, the City of Paso Robles (“City”) is a responsible agency with discretionary approval authority over the project. The City issued a Grading Permit for the work on August 1, 2022, and an Encroachment Permit on August 2, 2022, allowing Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (USLTRCD) and its contractors to do the necessary work on City property. In addition, as the property owner, the City reviewed and provided comments on the design plans for the rehabilitation project; and
WHEREAS, the City has been asked to dedicate properties located within the Centennial Creek project area into the conservation easement managed to USLTRCD, waive any just compensation claim or appraisal obligation associated with the project and associate City properties identified within the conservation easement area, continue to work with Caltrans and USLTRCD to manage the long-term success of the rehabilitation project; and
WHEREAS, the City has a limited approval and implementing authority over the Project and, thus, is a responsible agency for the Project pursuant to the requirements of CEQA; and WHEREAS, the City, at its regularly scheduled public meeting on October 17, 2023, independently reviewed and considered the ND and other related documents in the record before it; and WHEREAS, all the procedures of CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines have been met, and the ND, prepared in connection with the Project, is sufficiently detailed so that all of the potentially significant effects of the Project on the environment and measures necessary to avoid or substantially lessen such effects have been evaluated in accordance with CEQA; and WHEREAS, as contained herein, the City has endeavored in good faith to set forth the basis for its decision on the Project; and
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 1
WHEREAS, all of the findings and conclusions made by the City pursuant to this Resolution are based upon the oral and written evidence presented to it as a whole and not based solely on the information provided in this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, prior to taking action, the City Council has heard, been presented with, reviewed, and considered all of the information and data presented to it, including the ND, MMRP, and all other documentation relating to the Project, and all oral and written evidence presented to it; and WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein as findings or facts.
Section 2. Compliance with the Environmental Quality Act. As the decision-making body for City, and in City’s limited role as a responsible agency under CEQA, the City Council has reviewed and considered the information contained in the ND, and all supporting documentation, copies of which are on file at City’s office and are incorporated by reference as though set forth fully herein. Based on this review, the City finds that, as to those potential environmental impacts within the City’s powers and authorities as responsible agency, that the ND, and supporting environmental documentation contain a complete, objective, and accurate reporting of those potential impacts, and that these findings reflect the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council.
Section 3. Findings on Environmental Impacts. In its limited role as a responsible agency under CEQA, the Council finds that the ND, and supporting documentation contain a complete, objective, and accurate reporting of the environmental impacts associated with Project. The Council further finds that the documents have been completed in compliance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines.
The Council concurs with the Caltrans environmental findings associated with the Project, and adopts these findings, attached hereto as Exhibit “A,” as though fully set forth herein.
Section 4. Approval of Project Entitlements. Based on the entire record before the Council, all written and oral evidence presented to the Council, the Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to consider the project’s ND, grant real property to the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resources Conservation District for the purpose of establishing and manage a conservation easement and establishment of the Centennial Creek Conservation easement, and waive any just compensation claim or appraisal obligation associated with the project.
Section 5. Notice of Determination. The Council directs staff to file a Notice of Determination with the County Clerk’s Office within five (5) working days of adoption of this Resolution.
Section 6. Custodian of Records. The documents and materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which these findings are based are located at 1000 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
APPROVED this 17th day of October, 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 1
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
John R. Hamon, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Melissa Boyer, City Clerk
Exhibit A – Conservation Easement Boundary Maps
Exhibit B – Intent to Dedicate Easement and Waiver of Compensation Letter Exhibit C – Centennial Creek Mitigation Project – Initial Study with Neg Dec
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Exhibit A
Exhibit A
Exhibit A
Exhibit A
CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES
“The Pass of the Oaks”
XXXXX, 2023
XXXX
California Department of Transportation
Associate Right of Way Agent
Appraisal Branch, Right of Way
Caltrans, District 5
[email]
RE: Centennial Creek Restoration Project, Paso Robles
Dear XXX:
The purpose of the Centennial Creek Restoration Project is to eliminate significant downcutting and scouring erosion, damaged culverts, and other parkway infrastructure. Further damage to the creek has the potential to expose and damage critical wastewater infrastructure. The project includes channel widening, secondary channel creation, roughened riffle installation, as well as native plant installation, which will greatly reduce and eliminate further damage to Centennial Creek.
The City of Paso Robles (the City), Caltrans, and the Upper Salinas‐Las Tablas Resources Conservations District (USLTRCD), entered into a cooperative agreement on August 15, 2022. The cooperative agreement established roles and responsibilities where Caltrans financed the project’s design, construction, and established the endowment fund specific for the long‐term maintenance of the project. The USLTRCD isthe project manager, taking a lead role in contracting with a design engineer firm, contracting with the construction contractor, and ensuring long‐term maintenance occurs for the life of the project. The City’s role as the landowner is to assist and provide permission for the project to move forward. The City provides oversight on the designs ensuring the designs meet City standards.
In order for the project to move forward and receive approval from the appropriate resource agencies i.e., Regional water Quality Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Army Corps of Engineers), the project area must be protected in perpetuity. The requirement legal mechanism for protection is the establishment of a conservations easement which will be administered through the USLTRCD. The majority of Centennial Creek is owned by the City of Paso Robles (8.6 acres). Two parcels that are not owned or controlled by the City, which include a small portion of Trinity Church property (0.40 acres) and San Luis Obispo Housing Authority (Hidden Creek Apartments) property (0.96 acres). The Centennial Creek parkway is maintained Exhibit B
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
1000 SPRING STREET PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA 93446 www.prcity.com and landscaped by City staff and its contractors annually. That being said, the City, Trinity Church as well as Sal Luis Obispo Housing Authority propose to dedicate their portion of land into the conservation easement.
The purpose of the letter is to affirm the City’s intent to dedicate legally owned properties into the conservation easement for the purpose of protecting and providing long‐term maintenance for the Centennial Creek Restoration Project. In addition, the City intends to waive compensation based on the fact that 1) there is no planned development within the legally described conservation easement, 2) the land is already designated as open space, 3) the city continues to maintain the pathway, and surrounding open space areas, and 3) the creek restoration will enhance the aesthetics, wildlife habitat, water quality for the benefit of the people of Paso Robles.
If you have questions, please contact me at (805) 227‐7241 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Ty Lewis
City Manager
cc: File
Exhibit B
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project
Centennial Creek within the City of Paso Robles
San Luis Obispo County, California
Initial Study
with Negative Declaration
Prepared by the
State of California Department of Transportation
October 2021
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
General Information About This Document
What’s in this document:
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has prepared this Initial Study, which examines the potential environmental impacts of alternatives being considered for the proposed project in San Luis Obispo County in California. The document explains why the project is being proposed, the alternatives being considered for the project, the existing environment that could be affected by the project, potential impacts of each of the alternatives, and proposed avoidance and minimization measures. [The following text has been added since the draft environmental document was circulated.] The Initial Study with Proposed Negative Declaration circulated for public review and comment for 30 days between August 18, 2021, and September 17, 2021.
Four comments were received during this period and are included in Appendix B.
Language has been added throughout the document to indicate where a change has been made since the circulation of the draft environmental document. Minor editorial changes and clarifications have not been so indicated.
Additional copies of this document and related technical studies are available for review at the Caltrans District 5 office located at 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401. This document may be downloaded from the following website:
https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/district-5-current-projects/centennialcreek. Paper copies of the document can be provided upon request.
For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document can be made available in Braille, in large print, on audiocassette, or on computer disk. To obtain a copy in one of these alternate formats, please write to or call Caltrans, Attention: Jason Wilkinson, Central Coast Environmental Branch, 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; phone number 805- 540-9165 (Voice), or use the California Relay Service 1-800-735-2929 (Teletype to Voice), 1- 800-735-2922 (Voice to Teletype), 1-800-855-3000 (Spanish Teletype to Voice and Voice to Teletype), 1-800-854-7784 (Spanish and English Speech-to-Speech), or 711.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project i
Repair and Restore Centennial Creek as Mitigation for Impacts Related to Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project in San Luis Obispo County, California
INITIAL STUDY
with Negative Declaration
Submitted Pursuant to: (State) Division 13, California Public Resources Code
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Department of Transportation
and
Responsible Agency: California Transportation Commission The following individual can be contacted for more information about this document:
Jason Wilkinson, Central Coast Environmental Branch, California Department of Transportation District 5; 50 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; 805-540-9165 Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project iii
Negative Declaration
Pursuant to: Division 13, Public Resources Code
Project Description
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to repair and restore approximately 6,300 linear feet of Centennial Creek to mitigate for wetlands and other waters impacts associated with the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project. In order to satisfy mitigation requirements set forth by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Caltrans has partnered with the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District and the City of Paso Robles to improve several components of Centennial Creek. All outstanding mitigation from the Union, Whitley 2A, Whitley 2B, and Cholame sections can be accommodated at Centennial Creek to meet mitigation requirements set forth by these agencies.
The project spans from Lana Street east to South River Road and is primarily located on open space property owned and managed by the City of Paso Robles.
The total area proposed for mitigation is approximately 4.14 acres, which includes
0.53 acres of wetlands creation and enhancement, as well as 3.61 acres of other waters creation, enhancement, and reestablishment.
The proposed project intends to improve hydrology and function of the creek by removing and/or replacing undersized culverts, removing hardscaping and debris, and engineering roughened riffles (shallow portions of the creek with large rocks placed to form natural habitat) at intervals along the system to encourage settlement of sediment and reestablishment of a riffle/pool system (alternating shallow to deep water along the creek).
The infrastructure improvements will be followed by more than two acres of vegetation planting with a variety of native species to create vegetation structure and increase plant diversity and habitat quality. A plant establishment period will be for 3 years, followed by a monitoring period of 7 years, for a total of 10 years after planting to successfully meet agency success criteria.
Determination
An Initial Study has been prepared by Caltrans, District 5.
On the basis of this study it is determined that the proposed action would not have a significant effect on the environment for the following reasons:
The project would have no effect on aesthetics, agriculture and forest resources, cultural resources, energy, hazards and hazardous materials, land use planning, mineral resources, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and wildfire.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project iv
The project would have no significant effect on air quality, biological resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrology and water quality, noise, and utilities and service systems.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project v
Table of Contents
Negative Declaration .............................................................................................iii Chapter 1 Proposed Project ............................................................................1
1.1 Introduction and Background....................................................................1
1.2 Project Description.................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Project Phases................................................................................... 2
1.2.2 Ecological Lift..................................................................................... 8
1.2.3 Mitigation Requirements ....................................................................9
1.3 Purpose and Need.................................................................................. 15
1.3.1 Purpose............................................................................................ 15
1.3.2 Need ................................................................................................ 15
1.4 Project Alternatives................................................................................. 15
1.5 Identification of a Preferred Alternative................................................... 15
1.6 Discussion of the NEPA Categorical Exclusion ......................................16
1.7 Permits and Approvals Needed .............................................................. 16 Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation..........................................................................17
2.1 CEQA Environmental Checklist .............................................................. 17
2.1.1 Aesthetics ........................................................................................ 17
2.1.2 Agriculture and Forest Resources.................................................... 18
2.1.3 Air Quality ........................................................................................ 19
2.1.4 Biological Resources........................................................................22
2.1.5 Cultural Resources........................................................................... 28
2.1.6 Energy.............................................................................................. 28
2.1.7 Geology and Soils............................................................................ 29
2.1.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................................ 33
2.1.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials................................................... 34
2.1.10 Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................................ 35
2.1.11 Land Use and Planning.................................................................38
2.1.12 Mineral Resources........................................................................39
2.1.13 Noise............................................................................................. 39
2.1.14 Population and Housing................................................................ 41
2.1.15 Public Services ............................................................................. 41
2.1.16 Recreation .................................................................................... 42
2.1.17 Transportation............................................................................... 43
2.1.18 Tribal Cultural Resources ............................................................. 44
2.1.19 Utilities and Service Systems........................................................ 45
2.1.20 Wildfire.......................................................................................... 46
2.1.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance .............................................. 47 Appendix A Title VI Policy Statement ........................................................... 49 Appendix B Comment Letters and Responses ............................................. 51 Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project vii
List of Figures
Figure 1.1 Crossing at Centennial Creek Showing Culverts and Hardscaping with Scour and Erosion....................................................................................2 Figure 1.2 Conceptual Design of a Typical Roughened Riffle .........................5 Figure 1.3 Example Photo of an Engineered Roughened Riffle ......................7 Figure 1.4 Conceptual Design of Floodplain Benches.....................................7 Figure 1.5 Concrete Rubble at Centennial Creek………………………………….......8 Figure 1.6 Project Vicinity Map………………………………………………………......11 Figure 1.7 Project Location Map………………….………………………………….….13 List of Tables
Table 1.1 Required Mitigation Acreage ......................................................10 Table 1.2 Proposed Mitigation at Centennial Creek ......................................10 Table 1.3 Required Permits and Approvals ...................................................16 Table 2.1 Estimated Construction Emissions ................................................21 Table 2.2 Thresholds of Significance for Construction Emissions .................21 Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 1
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
1.1 Introduction and Background
The proposed project is subject to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). The California Department of Transportation (known as Caltrans) is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Caltrans has obtained permits for widening several sections of Route 46 from a two-lane road to a four-lane expressway in San Luis Obispo County, California (Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project). The Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project spans approximately 30 miles and is being designed and constructed in sections. Construction has been completed for several of these sections or will be commencing soon. Due to unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources, mitigation is required to satisfy the permit requirements for the Union (05-33071), Whitley 2A (05-33077), Whitley 2B (05-33078), and Cholame (05-3307A) sections of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project.
Caltrans, in collaboration with the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District and the City of Paso Robles, proposes to restore approximately 6,300 linear feet of Centennial Creek to satisfy the mitigation requirements of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and United States Army Corps of Engineers for four sections of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project at Centennial Creek located in the City of Paso Robles, California.
The project site has been selected as the ideal candidate for this restoration effort because restoration at Centennial Creek will offset effects of urbanization on the system, reverse its current degraded condition by improving water quality and ecological function both onsite and downstream in the greater Salinas Watershed, as well as strengthening long-term protection of this open space through the implementation of a long-term management program. Centennial Creek also provides opportunities to complete more restoration than the minimum required with a future phase.
1.2 Project Description
The proposed project is located in San Luis Obispo County within the City of Paso Robles. Centennial Creek is a small direct tributary to the Salinas River which winds its way through an open space corridor surrounded by an urbanized portion of Paso Robles. Centennial Creek is surrounded by a community center, recreational facility, three schools, and several housing developments.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 2
Centennial Creek begins upstream at the end of Lana Street and extends down to the creek’s intersection with Nickerson Drive, continuing towards its western terminus at South River Road. A paved bike and walking path, wide enough for maintenance and emergency vehicles to utilize, follows the creek in its entirety within the project limits except for the last downstream 1/8 of a mile where the pathway intersects with Mohawk Court.
Culvert crossings were constructed previously where the path intersects the creek. These undersized culverts, coupled with a high degree of impervious surface in this stream’s urbanized watershed, contribute to the creek’s incision and scour as seen in Figure 1.1 below. Flashy flows that result from impervious surfaces cause water to flow through the system very quickly, missing opportunities for filtration of pollutants, settlement of sediment, and infiltration that recharges shallow groundwater. These systems often become impacted by erosion and the surrounding vegetation communities become disconnected from shallow groundwater that is important for sustaining growth through the dry season. Valley oak woodland comprises portions of the Centennial Creek corridor and several large oaks have recently fallen into the creek as a result of incision along its banks.
Figure 1.1 Crossing at Centennial Creek Showing Culverts and Hardscaping with Scour and Erosion
1.2.1 Project Phases
Two phases are proposed for this project; all outstanding required mitigation from the Union, Whitley 2A, Whitley 2B, and Cholame sections can be accommodated at Centennial Creek in Phase 1 to meet outstanding offsite Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 3
mitigation requirements. Additionally, Phase 2 will allow for restoration benefits beyond the minimum area required to offset impacts from future sections of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project, including the Wye and Antelope Grade sections. Phase 2 includes a future restoration effort for the removal of concrete rubble and debris at the western portion of the creek near Mohawk Court. The total area proposed for Phases 1 and 2 includes approximately 4.14 acres of restoration at Centennial Creek.
Phase 1
Grading will be required in Phase 1 to develop floodplain benches, widen the narrow creek channel, create secondary channels and pools, install a series of approximately 40 roughened riffles, and develop wetlands (Figures 1.2 -
1.4). Roughened riffles are an engineered streambed with materials that are designed to promote a pool/riffle system, prevent further head-cutting, and slow incision of the creek. The roughened riffles will work in tandem with grading and vegetation planting to slow the velocity of water. These treatments increase wetland and riparian areas to restore connection with the active floodplain and provide nutrient retention, ground water recharge, flood water storage, and wildlife habitat.
Two locations with undersized culverts and associated hardscaping, rock, or rubble concrete will be removed and/or replaced with appropriately sized culverts. One culvert location and associated hardscaping will be removed without replacement and the streambed and banks will be restored. This culvert infrastructure is now defunct as erosion has caused the creek to flow around the culvert. One existing double culvert (Figure 1.1) will be removed and replaced with an embedded concrete box culvert.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 4
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 5
Figure 1.2 Conceptual Design of a Typical Roughened Riffle Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 6
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 7
Figure 1.3 Example Photo of an Engineered Roughened Riffle Figure 1.4 Conceptual Design of Floodplain Benches
Phase 2
This project also provides for a future Phase 2 for aquatic resource impacts resulting from future sections of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project.
Phase 2 includes the removal of debris and existing concrete rubble on the western end of Centennial Creek (Figure 1.5), which will be replaced with engineered streambed material. This location, as shown in Table 1.2, is Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 8
estimated to restore approximately 0.32 acre of other waters within Centennial Creek.
Figure 1.5 Concrete Rubble at Centennial Creek
Grading, infrastructure improvement, and development of the floodplain benches will be followed by vegetation planting over two acres with a variety of native species to create vegetation structure and increase plant diversity and habitat quality. These species include but are not limited to Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), red willow (Salix laevigata), toyon berry (Heteromeles arbutifolia), sugar bush (Rhus ovata), deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens), California rose (Rosa californica), and valley oak (Quercus lobata). A plant establishment period will be for 3 years, followed by a monitoring period of 7 years, for a total of 10 years to ensure the project meets agency success criteria.
Project design, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring will be the responsibility of the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District through funding provided from Caltrans. The property will remain under the ownership of the City of Paso Robles as a designated Open Space element, with the site protected by a conservation easement.
1.2.2 Ecological Lift
Ecological lift is an improvement made to the function and quality of an environment or habitat. The project is intended to result in ecological lift not just of Centennial Creek but the greater Salinas Watershed through reachscale restoration. Reach-scale restoration includes restoration along a Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 9
continuous section of stream with similar hydrologic conditions (a “reach”), versus small-scale treatment in specific, isolated locations or large-scale treatment of the entire watershed.
The benefits of doing a reach-scale approach at Centennial Creek are cumulative and compound upon each other. For instance, reducing channel incision through implementation of instream habitat features, like roughened riffles and floodplain benches will increase connectivity with the natural floodplain, reduce sedimentation and create depositional areas, and provide opportunities for riparian communities to reestablish. Improvement of a single reach in Centennial Creek can have effects both up and down stream of the actual project site and benefit the larger Salinas watershed.
The actual footprint of restoration activities to be implemented with the project will provide an uplift in function and value to the creek itself. However, there are also qualitative benefits to the overall Salinas Watershed. Although these are not as easily identified on a map or measured in acres, the project will uplift function and value of the watershed as a whole. For instance, the project will improve filtration of pollutants and sediment during storms, improving the quality of water leaving the open space and entering the Salinas River. The design will attenuate storm flows to allow for more infiltration and recharge of shallow groundwater.
Finally, the project would also strengthen the permanent protection of the creek through a conservation easement and an endowment for the ongoing management of the site, ensuring that the uplift realized through restoration results in lasting benefits to the community and the watershed.
1.2.3 Mitigation Requirements
Caltrans proposes to satisfy the offsite mitigation requirements of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and United States Army Corps of Engineers for all four sections of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project at Centennial Creek.
The remaining acres of required offsite mitigation consist of approximately
0.474 acres of wetlands creation and enhancement for the Union section, while Whitley 2A, Whitley 2B, and the Cholame sections require approximately 3.292 acres of other waters creation, enhancement, and reestablishment (Table 1.1).
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 10
Table 1.1 Required Mitigation Acreage
Section Construction
Status
Outstanding
Wetland Mitigation
(acres)
Outstanding Other
Waters Mitigation
(acres)
Union Completed 0.474 0
Whitley 1 Completed 0 0
Whitley 2A Completed 0 0
Estrella River
Bridge Completed 0 0
Whitley 2B Completed 0 1.732
Cholame (Future) Construction Start:
Early 2022 0 1.560
Total Total Required 0.474 acres 3.292 acres
Proposed Mitigation
All outstanding offsite mitigation from the Union, Whitley 2A, Whitley 2B, and Cholame sections can be accommodated at Centennial Creek in Phase 1.
Phase 2 provides an additional 0.32 acre of other waters restoration/ establishment and will be implemented if future mitigation is required for future sections of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project. The total area proposed for mitigation is approximately 4.14 acres, which includes approximately 0.53 acre of wetlands and 3.61 acres of other waters to restore or establish according to the definitions below and the acreages detailed in Table 1.2 below for each phase.
These mitigation terms are defined as follows by the Environmental Protection Agency (2019):
1. Restoration
a) Reestablishment: returning natural or historic function to a former aquatic resource and results in a gain in jurisdictional waters. b) Rehabilitation: repairing natural or historic function in degraded system and results in an increase in function, but not an increase in acreage.
2. Establishment: development of a jurisdictional water that did not previously exist and results in a gain in acreage and function.
Table 1.2 Proposed Mitigation at Centennial Creek
Phase Type of Mitigation Strategy Wetlands (acres) Other Waters (acres) 1 Establishment 0.50 1.08
1 Restoration: Reestablishment 0 0.06
1 Restoration: Rehabilitate 0.03 0.81
1 Restoration: Rehabilitate (with planting) 0 1.34
2 Establishment 0 0.08
2 Restoration: Rehabilitate 0 0.09
2 Restoration: Rehabilitate (with planting) 0 0.15
Total Total Proposed 0.53 acres 3.61 acres
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 11
Figure 1.6 Project Vicinity Map
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 12
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 13
Figure 1.7 Project Location Map
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 14
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 15
1.3 Purpose and Need
1.3.1 Purpose
The purpose of this project is to restore stream function and value at Centennial Creek by creating, enhancing, and reestablishing approximately
4.14 acres of wetlands and other waters to satisfy state and federal mitigation requirements.
1.3.2 Need
Centennial Creek is a stream system within the same watershed as the impacts from the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project. The system is currently in a degraded condition and would greatly benefit from restoration.
Onsite mitigation acreage is maximized within the Route 46 right-of-way; however additional offsite acreage is required by jurisdictional agencies that cannot be accommodated onsite. All required mitigation for the Union, Whitley 2A, Whitley 2B, and Cholame sections can be accommodated at Centennial Creek in Phase 1. Additionally, Phase 2 will provide Caltrans an opportunity to fund future restoration that would remove debris and concrete rubble and help to restore riparian habitat and the natural streambed of Centennial Creek.
1.4 Project Alternatives
[The following text has been updated since the draft environmental document was circulated.] A Build Alternative and a No-Build (No-Action) Alternative were considered for this project.
Under the Build Alternative, the proposed project would repair and restore approximately 6,300 linear feet of Centennial Creek.
Under the No-Build (No-Action) Alternative, restoration at Centennial Creek would not occur which would result in further scour and degradation of water quality, and Caltrans would be required to identify a different location for offsite mitigation.
1.5 Identification of a Preferred Alternative
[The following text has been added since the draft environmental document was circulated.] A Build Alternative and a No-Build (No-Action) Alternative were considered for the project. After public circulation of the Initial Study, the Caltrans Project Development Team reviewed both alternatives and identified the Build Alternative as the preferred alternative. The preferred alternative Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 1 Proposed Project
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 16
was determined as the appropriate approach to satisfy the required offsite mitigation requirements. Identification of the preferred alternative came after considering the project’s purpose and need, schedule, and potential impacts on environmental resources. Although the Build Alternative will result in temporary disturbances to environmental resources during construction, with minimization measures, it is not expected to cause permanent, negative impacts on environmental resources.
1.6 Discussion of the NEPA Categorical Exclusion
This document contains information regarding compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other state laws and regulations.
Separate environmental documentation, supporting a Categorical Exclusion determination, has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). When needed for clarity, or as required by CEQA, this document may contain references to federal laws and/or regulations (CEQA, for example, requires consideration of adverse effects on species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—in other words, species protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act).
1.7 Permits and Approvals Needed
The following permits, licenses, agreements, and certifications are required prior to implementation of this project:
Table 1.3 Required Permits and Approvals
Agency Permit/Approval Status
City of Paso Robles Cooperative Agreement Approved April 21, 2021 City of Paso Robles
Public Works, Community
Development Department
Grading Permit, Encroachment Permit, Oak
Tree – Permit to Prune
Permits to be obtained
prior to restoration
California Department of
Fish and Wildlife Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement Permits to be obtained prior to restoration Additionally, implementation of the proposed mitigation has been incorporated as a special condition of the Clean Water Act Section 404 Individual Permit for the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Approved May 4, 2007; Modified June 30, 2021).
Implementation of the proposed mitigation has also been incorporated as a condition in the Section 401 Certification for the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (First certification issued April 13, 2007; most recent certification issued November 18, 2020).
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 17
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
2.1 CEQA Environmental Checklist
This checklist identifies physical, biological, social, and economic factors that might be affected by the proposed project. Potential impact determinations include Significant and Unavoidable Impact, Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated, Less Than Significant Impact, and No Impact. In many cases, background studies performed in connection with a project will indicate that there are no impacts to a particular resource. A No Impact answer reflects this determination. The questions in this checklist are intended to encourage the thoughtful assessment of impacts and do not represent thresholds of significance.
Project features, which can include both design elements of the project and standardized measures that are applied to this project, are considered to be an integral part of the project and have been considered prior to any significance determinations documented below.
“No Impact” determinations in each section are based on the scope, description, and location of the proposed project as well as the appropriate technical report, and no further discussion is included in this document.
2.1.1 Aesthetics
Centennial Creek is a small direct tributary to the Salinas River which winds its way through an urbanized portion of the City of Paso Robles. Most of the project site is dedicated as open space for use by the public. The creek is surrounded by a community center, recreational facility, three schools, and several housing developments. A paved bike and walking path, wide enough for maintenance and emergency vehicles to utilize, follows the creek in its entirety within the project limits with the exception of the last downstream 1/8 of a mile where the pathway intersects with Mohawk Court. The path is lit at night for site safety. Culvert crossings were constructed in locations where the path crosses the creek. Topography and vegetation are primary components of the overall visual character. Oak woodlands and grasslands cover the hills that roll down to the riparian habitat surrounding the creek.
Implementation of the project would help restore the area to a more natural, vegetated character through the planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses.
In addition, the removal of hardscape and rubble concrete would reduce the visual clutter in the creek. No new sources of lighting are proposed, and no lighting would be replaced or updated. Existing night lighting would remain for safety along the bike and walking path. Following project completion and establishment, the visual quality of the project vicinity would be improved.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 18
Considering the information included in the Scenic Resource Evaluation and Visual Assessment dated January 22, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made:
Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Aesthetics
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a
scenic vista? No Impact
b) Substantially damage scenic resources,
including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
state scenic highway?
No Impact
c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially
degrade the existing visual character or
quality of public views of the site and its
surroundings? (Public views are those that
are experienced from a publicly accessible
vantage point.) If the project is in an
urbanized area, would the project conflict
with applicable zoning and other regulations
governing scenic quality?
No Impact
d) Create a new source of substantial light or
glare which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?
No Impact
d) Create a new source of substantial light or
glare which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?
No Impact
2.1.2 Agriculture and Forest Resources
The activities associated with restoring Centennial Creek will have no impact on agriculture and forest resources. According to the 2016 Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program, the Centennial Creek project location is defined as Urban and Built-Up Land and the Natural Resources Conservation Service does not rate the project location as Prime Farmland. The Project site is not under a Williamson Act contract (San Luis Obispo County 2021). The Project is not located in an agricultural land use designation in the General Plan (City of Paso Robles 2014), nor is it zoned for agricultural use (City of Paso Robles 2018). No forest land or timberland are identified in the General Plan and the City does not include any forest zoning classifications. Therefore, the following significance determinations have been made:
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 19
Question—Would the project:
CEQA Significance Determinations
for Agriculture and Forest
Resources
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland,
or Farmland of Statewide Importance
(Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared
pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California Resources
Agency, to non-agricultural use?
No Impact
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use, or a Williamson Act contract? No Impact
c) Conflict with existing zoning, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 12220(g)), timberland
(as defined by Public Resources Code Section
4526), or timberland zoned Timberland
Production (as defined by Government Code
Section 51104(g))?
No Impact
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion
of forest land to non-forest use? No Impact
e) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of Farmland
to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest
land to non-forest use?
No Impact
2.1.3 Air Quality
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.
Considering the information included in the Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise and Water Quality Assessment Memorandum dated August 11, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance
Determinations for Air Quality
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of
the applicable air quality plan?
No Impact
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 20
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance
Determinations for Air Quality
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard?
No Impact
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations? Less Than Significant Impact
d) Result in other emissions (such as those
leading to odors) adversely affecting a
substantial number of people?
No Impact
Affected Environment
The project lies within the City of Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County, which is located in the South Central Coast Air Basin. The South Central Coast Air Basin consists of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. San Luis Obispo County is in nonattainment for the State Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and particulate matter (PM10) but is in attainment for the State PM2.5 standards. The County is in attainment for the federal PM10 and PM2.5 standards.
The City of Paso Robles adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2013 which aims to reduce community-wide emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by the year 2020. The Climate Action Plan inventories the baseline emission levels by sector in 2005 and identifies strategies and measures to implement for the City to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
The San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District regulates air quality in San Luis Obispo County. Thresholds for short term construction emissions and long-term operational emissions have been established by the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District and are used below to compare the project’s estimated emissions.
Environmental Consequences
The project is consistent with measures in the Climate Action Plan and does not increase capacity, population, or vehicle trips. The 2013 Climate Action Plan encourages the planting of trees and native vegetation in measures C-7 and T-1. Additionally, the project includes minor grading to flatten incised channels which will require the use of off-road equipment, but much of the planting and revegetation work will be accomplished by hand. This will reduce construction emissions and use of off-road diesel-powered vehicles.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 21
This project is located in western San Luis Obispo County which is in attainment for all federal air quality standards but is in a nonattainment area for the state standards of ozone and fugitive particulate matter.
Short-Term Construction Emissions
Short term construction emissions and fugitive dust resulting from use of heavy equipment to remove and replace existing infrastructure and recontour drainage areas would be temporary.
It is assumed that Phases 1 and 2 would be constructed in two separate calendar years. Phase 2 would be developed based on the future need for additional offsite mitigation acreage and the available funding. Construction emissions were estimated using Caltrans Construction Emissions Tool, assuming 140 days of construction annually for each phase. Table 2.1 below summarizes the estimated daily average, maximum daily average, and annual average for criteria pollutants during Phase 1 or Phase 2.
The project would be well below the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District thresholds for construction emissions and would be below daily and quarterly limits for ROG and NOx, diesel particulate matter, and fugitive particulate matter (Table 2.2). Therefore, impacts resulting from project construction would be temporary and less than significant.
Table 2.1 Estimated Construction Emissions
Pollutant Daily Average Maximum Daily Average Annual Average ROG 0.446 pounds/day 0.504 pounds/day 0.031 tons/year
NOx 2.950 pounds/day 3.329 pounds/day 0.206 tons/year
ROG + NOx 3.396 pounds/day 3.833 pounds/day 0.237 tons/year Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM2.5) 0.387 pounds/day 3.930 pounds/day 0.027 tons/year Fugitive Particulate Matter (PM10) 1.898 pounds/day 39.031 pounds/day 0.133 tons/year TOG 0.483 pounds/day 0.546 pounds/day 0.034 tons/year
CO 1.394 pounds/day 1.506 pounds/day 0.098 tons/year
CO2 565 pounds/day 631 pounds/day 40 tons/year
CH4 0.017 pounds/day 0.019 pounds/day 0.001 tons/year
N2O 0.032 pounds/day 0.035 pounds/day 0.002 tons/year
BC 0.058 pounds/day 0.067 pounds/day 0.004 tons/year
HFC 0.024 pounds/day 0.027 pounds/day 0.002 tons/year
Diesel Fuel 23 gallons/day 26 gallons/day 3,283 gallons/year Gasoline Fuel 14 gallons/day 16 gallons/day 1,972 gallons/year Table 2.2 Thresholds of Significance for Construction Emissions Pollutant Daily
Threshold
Quarterly
Threshold-Tier 1
Quarterly
Threshold-Tier 2
ROG + NOx (combined) 137 pounds 2.5 tons 6.3 tons
Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM2.5) 7 pounds 0.13 tons 0.32 tons Fugitive Particulate Matter (PM10) Not Available 2.5 tons Not Available Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 22
Long-Term Operational Emissions
The project does not include any elements that would contribute to operational emissions therefore no increase in long-term operational air emissions is anticipated. Additionally, the project does not propose a land use that would cause an odor nuisance; no adverse impacts to the surrounding residents are anticipated.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
The following minimization measures would reduce fugitive dust emissions during project construction:
· AIR-1: The contractor shall comply with applicable air pollution control rules, regulations, ordinances, and statutes.
· AIR-2: Implement standard dust emissions minimization measures such as covering soil stockpiles and watering excavation and grading areas through development of a project-level Storm Water Pollution Control Program.
2.1.4 Biological Resources
Considering the information included in the Natural Environment Study dated August 17, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Biological Resources
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications, on any
species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or
special-status species in local or regional plans,
policies, or regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, or NOAA Fisheries?
No Impact
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional plans,
policies, regulations or by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service?
Less Than Significant Impact
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or
federally protected wetlands (including, but not
limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?
Less Than Significant Impact
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 23
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Biological Resources
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of
any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of
native wildlife nursery sites?
No Impact
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
Less Than Significant Impact
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
No Impact
Affected Environment
The Biological Study Area is defined as the area that may be directly, indirectly, temporarily, or permanently impacted by construction and development of the project. The Biological Study Area incorporates Centennial Creek itself and the surrounding corridor of riparian and oak woodland habitat.
Centennial Creek begins in the southeast quadrant of the City of Paso Robles where it drains grassland and oak savannah. It quickly enters urbanized development where it is directed underground through extensive culverts for almost a mile in length. The creek receives water from precipitation, stormwater runoff, and irrigation from the neighborhood. The creek meanders through open space between tract housing, schools, and a recreation facility.
Oak woodlands with very limited riparian habitat surround the creek. A pedestrian and bike path follow the creek for over a mile, requiring several culvert crossings. The creek and the bike path end near the intersection of South River Road and Mohawk Court, where it enters another long culvert under the City streets and eventually outlets directly into the Salinas River to the west.
The open space surrounding the project area consists of predominately blue oak (Quercus douglasii) and valley oak woodland with other varying interspersed tree and shrub species along the creek and an understory that is dominated by non-native grasses such as foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum), ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum).
Natural Communities of Special Concern
Valley Oak Woodland is described as open forest with scattered valley oak that are either widely spaced or sometimes in denser stands with coast live Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 24
oak (Quercus agrifolia) or blue oak. The understory in widely spaced plots consists of non-native grasses and native forbs; the understory of denser stands is primarily dominated by dense shrubs. There are oak woodlands containing valley oak and blue oaks that occur within the project area along the Centennial Creek corridor. Several large oaks have recently fallen into the creek as a result of incision along its banks.
Special-Status Plant and Animal Species
The term special-status species refers to plants or animals that are federally or state listed as endangered, threatened, or rare, species that are candidates or proposed for federal or state listing, and species considered special concern species by federal or state agencies. No special-status plants or animals, federally or state listed plants or animals, or critical habitat were observed in the Biological Study Area or identified in the literature review.
One sensitive plant species was determined to have the potential to occur in the Biological Study Area based on the presence of suitable habitat, although it was not observed during surveys. This plant, shining navarretia (Navarretia nigelliformis ssp. Radians) is a California Rare Plant Rank 1B species as ranked by the California Native Plant Society but is not federally or state listed.
California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) is a federally threatened species that occurs in aquatic habitat with little to no flow and surface water depths of up to 2.5 feet. The species usually requires the presence of fairly sturdy underwater vegetation such as cattails. The project area provides potential non-breeding aquatic habitat for the species. However, it is unlikely for the species to occur because of the disturbed and typically dry nature of the site.
Protocol level pre-activity surveys were conducted in 2018 by the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District with no frogs detected during either the day or nighttime. The species was not observed during field surveys.
California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) is a federally threatened species that occurs in grasslands, oak savannah, and edges of mixed woodland and lower elevation coniferous forest where there is aquatic habitat nearby. The project area provides potential upland grassland and oak habitat for this species; however, there are no known or potential breeding ponds within an over 5-mile radius of the project site. Typically, the maximum distance California tiger salamanders disperse from a breeding pond is 1.24 miles. Therefore, it is unlikely for the species to occur within the Centennial Creek project area. Additionally, the species was not observed during field surveys.
Potential nesting habitat for birds occurs in shrubs, trees, and tall grasses throughout the project area. Common birds observed in the Biological Study Area include red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), house finch (Haemorhous Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 25
mexicanus), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), bush tit (Psaltriparus minimus), and European starling (Sturnus vulgaris).
Jurisdictional Waters
Centennial Creek is an intermittent stream depicted on the United States Geological Survey 7.5 minute quadrangle map for this area and is part of the Salinas Hydrologic Unit Code 8 watershed. The creek is a water of the United States under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act with jurisdiction under the United States Army Corps of Engineers and contains some three-parameter federal wetlands also subject to Section 404. These waters and wetlands are also under Section 401 jurisdiction of the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Centennial Creek and its associated riparian area are also under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
As described, Centennial Creek is a tributary of the Salinas River that has experienced significant impacts due to increased impervious surface as a result of urbanization, past weed control practices that continuously disrupted vegetation and soil near the creek, and failing infrastructure that was originally designed to provide a walking path while still maintaining the integrity of the creek’s hydrology.
Invasive Species
Numerous invasive plant species within the Biological Study Area occupy most of the disturbed non-native habitat. These are mostly non-native grasses and herbaceous species such as wild oat (Avena fatua), foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum), rip-gut brome (Bromus diandrus), yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), and rabbitsfoot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis).
Invasive species at Centennial Creek are a result of frequent disturbance due to mowing, tilling, and foot, bicycle and vehicle traffic. The extent of these invasive understory species has largely overgrown the native grasses and forbs that would have historically occurred in the area.
Environmental Consequences
Natural Communities of Special Concern
Valley oak woodland comprises portions of the Centennial Creek corridor, but this community is not anticipated to be negatively impacted by construction of the project. Several large oaks have recently fallen into the creek as a result of incision along its banks. Construction of the project is anticipated to reduce incising, thereby preserving the oaks that line the creek. Additionally, the project includes valley and blue oak plantings as part of the native species reestablishment along Centennial Creek which would result in more individual oak trees.
Direct removal of oak trees (greater than four inches in diameter) will be avoided, although some trimming of branches may be required for site access. Permits are required by the City of Paso Robles’ Public Works Department for pruning limbs over six inches in diameter.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 26
Additionally, grading under the tree’s canopy may be required to accommodate the proposed floodplain benches. The City of Paso Robles defines the critical root zone as an area of root space that is within a circle circumscribed around the trunk of a tree using a radius of one foot per inch diameter at breast height (i.e., a six-inch diameter tree has a critical root zone of six feet, as measured from the center of the tree). If grading within the tree’s critical root zone is required, approval from the City of Paso Robles Planning Director is required and a certified arborist must supervise the grading.
With the implementation of native plantings associated with the project and the avoidance and minimization measures provided below, it is anticipated that there will be no impacts to oak trees.
Special-Status Plant and Animal Species
No special-status plants or animals, federally or state listed plants or animals, or critical habitat were observed in the Biological Study Area or are anticipated to be impacted by the project. Based on lack of suitable habitat in the Biological Study Area and lack of any historical sightings of sensitive species, it is anticipated that there will be no effect on special-status plants or animals, federally or state listed plants or animals, or critical habitat as a result of this project.
Native and non-native birds nest within the trees and shrubs along Centennial Creek, therefore there is the potential for nesting birds to occur within the project area. Direct impacts to nesting birds could result if removal of vegetation or non-native trees occurs during the nesting season. These direct effects would result in the injury or mortality of nesting birds or harassment that could alter nesting behaviors. Indirect impacts could also result from noise and disturbance associated with construction during the nesting season, which could alter nesting behaviors. The implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures below would reduce the potential for adverse effects to nesting birds.
Jurisdictional Waters
Work within Centennial Creek will temporarily impact federal and state jurisdictional waters and wetlands, however, the overall project will benefit the creek by enhancing it and adding additional linear feet and/or acres of waters and wetlands to the creek system. Dewatering the creek is not anticipated to be required as ground disturbing activities will occur between May 1 and October 31 to minimize impacts to the jurisdictional area.
Invasive Species
The spread of invasive species would be managed with the implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures listed below.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 27
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
The avoidance and minimization measures listed below would reduce impacts to biological resources at Centennial Creek and manage the spread of invasive species:
· BIO-1: Ground-disturbing activities shall occur between May 1 and October 31.
· BIO-2: The Caltrans District biologist or their designee shall conduct a pre-construction survey prior to starting work to identify any occurrences of nesting birds and general wildlife surveys.
· BIO-3: Grasses and herbaceous cover shall be mowed whenever feasible for site access during construction to minimize ground disturbance. · BIO-4: Native vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent practicable. Vegetation trimming (including trees) may be necessary for vehicle and equipment access. Native trees smaller than 4’’ diameter at breast height may be removed as part of the design to improve stream function and value. If it is determined that the project will require tree removal or trimming, work shall be scheduled between September 1 and January 30, as feasible, outside of the typical nesting bird season, to avoid potential impacts to nesting birds. If tree and shrub removal must be scheduled to occur during the nesting season, pre-construction surveys for nesting birds will be conducted within 48 hours prior to the start of construction. If any active nests are detected during pre-construction surveys or during construction, the Resource Conservation District and/or their biological monitor will be notified, and work will stop in the vicinity of the nest in accordance with the project specifications. A Caltrans biologist or their designee will establish a buffer zone around active nests using high visibility construction fencing, or stakes, flagging, etc. and the buffer will remain until it is determined that young have fledged (i.e., left the nest and are no longer reliant on parental care or nest site). · BIO-5: Oak trees greater than 4-inch diameter at breast height shall be preserved during grading operations. No more than 25% of the ground beneath the canopy of the tree shall be disturbed below 12-inch depth. If grading within the tree’s critical root zone is required, Caltrans shall obtain approval from the City of Paso Robles Planning Director and a certified arborist shall supervise the grading activity.
· BIO-6: To prevent the spread of invasive plant species, the following guidelines shall be adhered to:
a) Ground disturbance within the construction work area shall be minimized to the greatest extent possible.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 28
b) All imported fill material used on the construction site shall be weedfree. c) The California Department of Food and Agriculture maintains a current listing of noxious weeds. Only certified noxious weed-free erosion control materials shall be used. All straw and seed material shall be certified weed free by the County Agricultural Commissioner prior to being used at the project site.
d) All construction vehicles and equipment shall be cleaned and inspected for plant material and caked mud before entering the construction work site to prevent spreading invasive plants on the project site.
2.1.5 Cultural Resources
Considering the information included in the Cultural Resources Screening Memorandum dated April 21, 2021, which indicates there are no archeological resources or built environmental resources near the project, the following significance determinations have been made:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Cultural Resources
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant to
Section15064.5?
No Impact
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to Section15064.5?
No Impact
c) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of dedicated cemeteries? No Impact
2.1.6 Energy
Implementation of the proposed project would result in the short-term use of fossil fuels, electricity, and natural gas by construction vehicles and equipment to replace and repair and replace infrastructure such as culverts.
The use of these resources would be temporary and not result in a significant demand on resources.
No direct or indirect effects related to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary energy consumption will occur. The restoration project will not conflict with or obstruct any state or local plans for renewable energy or energy efficiency.
Consider the information included in the Climate Change Technical Report dated August 11, 2021 and the Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise and Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 29
Water Quality Assessment Memorandum dated August 11, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Energy
a) Result in potentially significant environmental
impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or
unnecessary consumption of energy resources
during project construction or operation?
No Impact
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan
for renewable energy or energy efficiency? No Impact
2.1.7 Geology and Soils
Considering the information included in the San Luis Obispo County General Plan, the California Department of Conservation mapping applications, the Initial Paleontology Review dated March 16, 2021, and Paleontological Identification Report/Paleontological Evaluation Report dated July 22, 2021 the following significance determinations have been made:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Geology and Soils
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent AlquistPriolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area
or based on other substantial evidence of
a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines
and Geology Special Publication 42.
No Impact
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? No Impact
iii) Seismic-related ground failure,
including liquefaction? No Impact
iv) Landslides? No Impact
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss
of topsoil? Less Than Significant Impact
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the project, and potentially result in onor off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
Less Than Significant Impact
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 30
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Geology and Soils
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial risks to life or
property?
Less Than Significant Impact
e) Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative
waste water disposal systems where sewers
are not available for the disposal of waste
water?
No Impact
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
Less Than Significant Impact
Affected Environment
The project site is located within the City of Paso Robles, with the Santa Lucia Range to the west and the Temblor Range to the east, situated approximately 700-800 feet above sea level. The Centennial Creek watershed provides tributary waters to the Upper Salinas River, which flows northward into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Several active faults are located near the project site including the Rinconada Fault (0.5 mile southwest), and the San Andreas Fault (22 miles northeast). The project site is not located within a parcel that is designated as an Earthquake Fault Zone by the AlquistPriolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map (California Department of Conservation).
The soils at the project site are moderately expansive. The site is not mapped in an area of liquefaction, landslides or strong ground shaking (San Luis Obispo County 2016).
Paleontological Resources
A number of federal statutes specifically address paleontological resources, their treatment, and funding for mitigation as a part of federally authorized projects including 23 U.S. Code 1.9(a) and 23 U.S. Code 305. At the state level, paleontological resources are protected by CEQA and the State of California’s Public Resources Code. At the local level, the 2010 San Luis Obispo County General Plan’s Conservation and Open Space Element identifies Goals, Policies, and Implementation Strategies relevant to paleontological resources providing for their preservation and protection.
The proposed project is located within the southern Salinas Valley of the Coast Ranges Geomorphic Province of California. The two geologic units found underlying the project are alluvial sediments of Holocene age (less than about 11,000 years old) and the Paso Robles Formation which is Pliocene to Pleistocene in age (about 5 million to 11,000 years old).
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
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Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 31
Alluvial deposits are recent silts, sands, and gravels deposited by Centennial Creek, a tributary of the Salinas River. These deposits have a low paleontological potential because they are too young to contain fossils.
The Paso Robles Formation is a widespread geologic unit that covers over 1,000 square miles and reaches thicknesses of over 4,000 feet. The unit is primarily terrestrial in origin, though estuarine to marine deposits are known from the western areas of outcrop. Despite the widespread nature of the Paso Robles Formation, few fossil localities have been reported from the unit.
Fossils of marine invertebrate animals such as clams and snails are known from Atascadero, and the bones of an extinct walrus were discovered in Santa Margarita. Eastern exposures of the Paso Robles Formation in the greater Carrizo Plain area have produced fossils of large “Ice Age” mammals such as camel, giant bison, mammoth, mastodon, and horse. Remains of small-bodied mammals such as shrew, chipmunk, mouse, vole, and rabbit have also been recovered. No fossils were observed within the Centennial Creek area during a field survey of the area.
The Paso Robles Formation is overall considered to have a high paleontological potential because it has produced scientifically significant vertebrate fossils. However, given the widespread nature of the unit, diversity of depositional settings, and scattered occurrence of fossils, some regions or horizons within the Paso Robles Formation may vary in their paleontological potential. Locally within the Centennial Creek area, the coarse-grained deposits of the Paso Robles Formation are interpreted to have a low paleontological potential because they were deposited in a high energy environment with fast-flowing water. Fossils are only rarely preserved in such depositional settings and are more commonly found in fine-grained deposits representing slow-moving, low energy settings, or paleosols (ancient soils).
Environmental Consequences
The project site is not located within an area that is designated by the California Department of Conservation as an Earthquake Fault Zone within the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map. Standard engineering measures, including using prefabricated corrugated culvert pipe and pre-cast concrete box culverts, would be implemented to ensure the culverts address geologic influences such as seismic ground shaking and expansion, therefore no impacts to geology and soils are anticipated as a result of the project. The proposed project does not include the installation of a septic tank or the requirement for wastewater disposal. A grading permit is required by the City of Paso Robles for all soil disturbance and a construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan will be prepared. Best Management Practices will be implemented during construction to ensure water quality is protected as discussed in Section 2.1.10 Water Quality.
The project is anticipated to prevent and slow soil erosion through proposed improvements to the creek. The design includes replacing undersized culverts Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
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Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 32
with properly sized culverts, removing hardscaping, and engineering roughened riffles at intervals along the system to encourage aggradation and reestablishment of a riffle/pool system. The roughened riffles consist of engineered streambed materials and are designed to prevent further headcutting and slow incision of the creek. Implementation will also involve grading operations to create flood benches, widen the channel and to create secondary channels and pools to develop wetlands. The roughened riffles will cause water moving through the system to slow down and flow onto flood benches and floodplain wetlands, before flowing downstream. This will result in reduction of sediment loads and reduce incision and head-cutting. It will also increase infiltration and retain water in the system for longer durations, which in turn promotes establishment of wetland and riparian vegetation.
Paleontological Resources
Direct impacts to paleontological resources occur when earthwork operations cut into the geologic units within which fossils are buried and physically destroy the fossil remains. As such, only projects that will 1) involve earthwork such as grading or trenching, and 2) disturb potentially fossil-bearing sedimentary rocks (those with a high paleontological potential) have the potential to impact paleontological resources.
Paleontological resources would not be adversely affected by the proposed project. The majority of project earthwork would be limited to low paleontological potential alluvial deposits. Earthwork in the westernmost portion of the Centennial Creek drainage is expected to minimally disturb the Paso Robles Formation. However, the portions of the Paso Robles Formation that would be impacted represent weathered, high energy deposits that are locally assigned a low paleontological potential because they are unlikely to contain fossils. Additionally, disturbance to this formation within Centennial Creek has likely already occurred with the placement of existing infrastructure as well as the erosion resulting from these structures over time. The project includes removal or replacement of these structures in similar, previously disturbed locations and the lessening of incised creek channels within this identified formation.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
In the unlikely event that fossils are unearthed during project construction, the following minimization measure will ensure unanticipated fossil discoveries are assessed, collected, and treated by a qualified paleontologist.
PALEO-1: Procedures for Unanticipated Fossil Discoveries: If unanticipated paleontological resources are discovered at the job site, do not disturb the resources and immediately:
1. Stop all work within a 60-foot radius of the discovery
2. Secure the area
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
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Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 33
3. Notify the Caltrans Paleontological Resources Specialist or a Qualified Principal Paleontologist
The Caltrans paleontological resources specialist or a Qualified Principal Paleontologist will evaluate the significance of the find and determine the appropriate next steps. If the find is determined to be scientifically significant, the fossils will be recovered using standard field procedures, prepared in a fossil preparation lab, and curated into a curation facility with permanent paleontological collections managed by a curator or collections manager.
A Qualified Principal Paleontologist must have the following qualifications:
· A graduate degree in geology, paleontology, or related field with demonstrated experience in the geology and paleontology of California; · Demonstrated knowledge of California geology and paleontology resource management practices;
· At least 2 years full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in paleontological research, administration, and management practices; and
· Proficiency in recognizing fossils in the field, determining their significance, and collecting the fossils.
2.1.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Considering the information included in the Climate Change Technical Report dated August 11, 2021 and the Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise and Water Quality Assessment Memorandum dated August 11, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Greenhouse Gas Emissions
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment?
Less Than Significant Impact
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing
the emissions of greenhouse gases?
No Impact
Short-Term Construction Emissions
Short-term increases in greenhouse gas emissions are expected during project construction from operation of onsite construction equipment.
Construction emissions for the project were estimated using Caltrans Construction Emissions Tool, assuming 140 working days of construction in a Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 34
year. Approximately 130 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent are estimated as a result of construction of both Phases 1 and 2. Carbon dioxide equivalent is a measure used to compare emissions from a variety of greenhouse gasses based on their global warming potential. The carbon dioxide equivalent calculation considers carbon dioxide and the converted equivalent amounts of carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrofluorocarbons.
While the project would result in greenhouse gas emissions during construction, it is anticipated that the project would not result in any increase in long-term operational greenhouse gas emissions. With implementation of construction greenhouse gas reduction measures, the impact would be less than significant. Furthermore, the project does not conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
The following measure would reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from construction of the project:
GHG-1: Operate construction equipment with improved fuel efficiency by properly tuning and maintaining equipment and limit idling time of dieselpowered equipment to 5 minutes or less.
2.1.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are not proposed to be used, transported, or disposed of as a result of the proposed project. The project site is located within onequarter mile of several schools, but no hazardous emissions or hazardous materials will be emitted or handled during construction. There are no hazardous waste sites or businesses commonly associated with hazardous waste generation nearby that would impact the project site. The project location is not included on the Cortese List pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 accessed February 5, 2021. Encountering hazardous waste issues/materials is not anticipated for the creek restoration project. All waste and debris from construction will be disposed of properly. The project site is not located within the Paso Robles Municipal Airport Land Use Plan (2005) or within two miles of an airport. The existing bike and walking path provides access for emergency services and the project site will be accessible to emergency vehicles during construction. The project site is located within a Local Responsibility Area that is not designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone; therefore, the proposed project would result in no impact.
Considering the information included in the Hazardous Waste Initial Site Assessment dated March 16, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made:
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 35
Question—Would the project:
CEQA Significance Determinations
for Hazards and Hazardous
Materials
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
No Impact
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions
involving the release of hazardous materials
into the environment?
No Impact
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of
an existing or proposed school?
No Impact
d) Be located on a site which is included on a
list of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5
and, as a result, would it create a significant
hazard to the public or the environment?
No Impact
e) For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project result in a
safety hazard or excessive noise for people
residing or working in the project area?
No Impact
f) Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency response
plan or emergency evacuation plan?
No Impact
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving wildland fires?
No Impact
2.1.10 Hydrology and Water Quality
Considering the information included in the Natural Environment Study dated August 17, 2021, the Route 46 Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Centennial Creek dated May 2021, and the Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise, and Water Quality Assessment Memorandum dated August 11, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made:
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 36
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Hydrology and Water Quality
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise
substantially degrade surface or ground water
quality?
Less Than Significant Impact
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies
or interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that the project may impede
sustainable groundwater management of the
basin?
Less Than Significant Impact
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through the
alteration of the course of a stream or river or
through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a
manner which would:
(i) result in substantial erosion or siltation
on- or off-site;
Less Than Significant Impact
(ii) substantially increase the rate or amount
of surface runoff in a manner which would
result in flooding on- or offsite;
Less Than Significant Impact
(iii) create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff; or
No Impact
(iv) impede or redirect flood flows? No Impact
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones,
risk release of pollutants due to project
inundation?
No Impact
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a
water quality control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan?
No Impact
Affected Environment
The receiving water body for the proposed project is Centennial Creek, which ultimately drains into the Salinas River (upper, confluence of Nacimiento River to Santa Margarita Reservoir). Centennial Creek is not identified in 2019 Central Coast Basin Plan. Centennial Creek drains into the Salinas Exhibit C
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Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 37
River, therefore further water quality study was completed considering the Salinas River as the identified receiving water body.
The project is located in Atascadero Hydrologic Sub-Area (HSA# 309.81) within the Salinas Hydrologic Unit and Paso Robles Hydrologic Area. Review of the project’s location with respect to adjacent receiving waters indicate the Salinas River does include impairments listed on the 2014/2016 Clean Water Act Section 303(d) list. As per the 303(d) list, this section of the Salinas River is impaired for Chloride, pH, Sodium, and Turbidity.
There are not any Drinking Water Reservoirs and/or Recharge Facilities within project limits. There are no existing Treatment Best Management Practices within the project limits. The project is located in proximity within the Salinas Valley-Atascadero Area groundwater basin. However, the project is not anticipated to have any negative impact to the groundwater.
Under the Regional Water Quality Control Board, a Construction General Permit regulates stormwater discharges from construction sites that result in a disturbed soil area of one acre or greater. By law, all stormwater discharges associated with construction activity where clearing, grading, and excavation result in soil disturbance of at least one acre must comply with the provisions of the General Construction Permit. Operators of regulated construction sites are required to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan; implement sediment, erosion, and pollution prevention control measures; and obtain coverage under the Construction General Permit.
Environmental Consequences
The project is anticipated to prevent and slow soil erosion through proposed improvements to Centennial Creek. The design includes replacing undersized culverts with properly sized culverts, removing hardscaping, and engineering roughened riffles at intervals along the system to encourage aggradation and reestablishment of a riffle/pool system. The roughened riffles consist of engineered streambed materials and are designed to prevent further headcutting and reverse incision. Implementation will also involve grading operations to create flood benches, widen the channel and to create secondary channels and pools to develop wetlands. The roughened riffles will cause water moving through the system to slow down and flow onto flood benches and floodplain wetlands, before flowing downstream. This will result in reduction of sediment loads and reduce incision and head-cutting. It will also increase infiltration and retain water in the system for longer durations, which in turn promotes establishment of wetland and riparian vegetation.
The proposed mitigation project is not anticipated to have any long-term negative impacts to the water quality of Centennial Creek or the Salinas River. The project proposes to improve drainage and hydraulic condition by replacing culverts in poor condition and increasing vegetation which in turn reduces turbidity in the Salinas River. Hence, reduction in turbidity is Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
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Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 38
considered as an added water quality benefit. This project does not involve substantial excavation or earthwork activities that would cause or exacerbate existing turbidity conditions of the Salinas River. By incorporating appropriate engineering design and robust storm water Best Management Practices during construction in accordance with a Construction General Permit and required Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, minimal short-term water quality impacts are anticipated. The project would not result in significant long-term impacts to water quality.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
No measures are proposed.
2.1.11 Land Use and Planning
According to the City of Paso Robles General Plan, the project site is located within land designated as Parks and Open Space, Residential Single Family, and Residential Multiple Family. The zoning for the affected project parcels is Open Space (OS), Residential Single Family (R1), and Residential Apartment 12 dwelling units per acre (R3). The creek is surrounded by a community center, recreational facility, three schools, and several housing developments.
The restoration project will not physically divide the established communities on either side of the creek. Additionally, there are several existing access points to the bike and walking path located throughout the project area which will not be impacted.
The dominant vegetation along the Centennial Creek corridor is oak woodland and grassland. Trees within the project area are primarily valley oak and blue oak. The City of Paso Robles has requirements for the preservation of oak trees in its Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance. No oak trees over 4” diameter at breast height will be removed. A permit must be obtained from the Public Works Department for pruning limbs over six inches in diameter. Additionally, grading under the tree’s canopy may be required to accommodate the proposed floodplain benches. If grading within the tree’s critical root zone is required, approval from the City of Paso Robles Planning Director is required and a certified arborist must supervise the grading.
Please refer to Section 2.1.4 Biological Resources for additional information.
Considering this information, the following significance determinations have been made:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Land Use and Planning
a) Physically divide an established community? No Impact Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 39
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Land Use and Planning
b) Cause a significant environmental impact
due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy,
or regulation adopted for the purpose of
avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
No Impact
2.1.12 Mineral Resources
Though portions of the nearby Salinas River are used for mining sand and gravel, there are no known mineral resources within the project site at Centennial Creek. The City of Paso Robles’ land use designations, zoning ordinance, and general plan do not indicate the project site contains mineral resources. Therefore, the project will have no impact on mineral resources:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Mineral Resources
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state?
No Impact
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locallyimportant mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan
or other land use plan?
No Impact
2.1.13 Noise
Considering the information included in the Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise, and Water Quality Assessment Memorandum dated August 11, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made:
Question—Would the project result in: CEQA Significance Determinations for Noise
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels in
the vicinity of the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or noise
ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies?
Less Than Significant Impact
b) Generation of excessive groundborne
vibration or groundborne noise levels? Less Than Significant Impact Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 40
Question—Would the project result in: CEQA Significance Determinations for Noise
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a
private airstrip or an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
No Impact
Affected Environment
CEQA considers noise to be a “significant effect” when it “increase(s) substantially the ambient noise levels for adjoining areas.” The project is situated in an urban section of Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County. The project vicinity comprises mostly of residential units, schools, and Centennial Park. In some locations along Centennial Creek, residences are as close as 50 feet to the project site.
Environmental Consequences
Temporary (Construction) Impacts
It is inevitable that local noise levels in the vicinity of the construction will experience a short-term increase due to construction activities. The amount of construction noise will vary with the particular activities and associated models and types of equipment used by the contractor. Adverse noise impacts from construction are not anticipated because construction would be temporary and intermittent. Due to the close proximity of residential units, construction work will be done during daylight hours.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
Adverse noise impacts from construction are not anticipated because noticeable construction noise would be temporary, intermittent, and completed during daylight hours. The following general measures will be implemented to further minimize temporary noise impacts associated with project construction:
· NOI-1: Construction equipment shall not emit noise levels greater than 86- dBA at 50-feet from the source between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
· NOI-2: Shield loud pieces of stationary construction equipment if complaints are received.
· NOI-3: Internal combustion engines used for any purpose on or related to the job shall be equipped with a muffler or baffle of a type recommended by the manufacturer; and use newer equipment that is quieter and ensure Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
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Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 41
that all equipment items have the manufacturers’ recommended noise abatement measures, such as mufflers, engine covers, and engine vibration isolators intact and operational.
· NOI-4: Locate portable generators, air compressors, etc. away from sensitive noise receptors.
· NOI-5: Limit grouping major pieces of equipment operating in one area to the greatest extent feasible.
2.1.14 Population and Housing
The project will not have an impact on population and housing. No additional housing or development is proposed, nor does it remove or displace any existing housing.
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Population and Housing
a) Induce substantial unplanned population
growth in an area, either directly (for example,
by proposing new homes and businesses) or
indirectly (for example, through extension of
roads or other infrastructure)?
No Impact
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing
people or housing, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
No Impact
2.1.15 Public Services
The project site is served by the City of Paso Robles Fire Department, City of Paso Robles Police Department, and the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. The project site can be accessed via Nickerson Drive from Creston Road or Niblick Road. The existing bike and walking path is paved and wide enough to be accessed by emergency vehicles to respond to interior areas of the creek alignment. The nearest fire station is located on the west side of Highway 101, approximately 2 miles or 6 minutes away from the project site.
No increase in the number of calls for police or fire protection are anticipated as a result of the restoration of Centennial Creek. Use of Centennial Park and the bike and walking path will not increase as a result of this restoration project.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 42
Question: CEQA Significance Determinations
for Public Services
a) Would the project result in substantial
adverse physical impacts associated with the
provision of new or physically altered
governmental facilities, need for new or
physically altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant
environmental impacts, in order to maintain
acceptable service ratios, response times or
other performance objectives for any of the
public services:
Fire protection?
No Impact
Police protection? No Impact
Schools? No Impact
Parks? No Impact
Other public facilities? No Impact
2.1.16 Recreation
The City of Paso Robles’ 2003 General Plan identifies existing park facilities within the city limits. Centennial Park is identified as the only Community Park in Paso Robles, totaling approximately 16 acres. Centennial Park accounts for approximately 15% of all park acreage within the city and includes many amenities such as an amphitheater, banquet room, barbecue areas, playgrounds, meeting rooms, a pool, tennis and basketball courts, and walking trails. Nearby parks include Melody Park to the southeast and Lenco Park to the south.
No changes to the existing facilities at Centennial Park are proposed. It is not anticipated that the restoration of the creek would influence the use of the park or adjacent properties, or cause deterioration of the facilities. The conservation easement would limit future expansion or development of facilities within the restoration areas. The implementation of the restoration project would not influence the use of the existing bike and walking path.
Considering this information, the following significance determinations have been made:
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 43
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Recreation
a) Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional parks or
other recreational facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the facility would occur
or be accelerated?
No Impact
b) Does the project include recreational facilities
or require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which might have an
adverse physical effect on the environment?
No Impact
2.1.17 Transportation
The project site is primarily accessed by Nickerson Drive from Creston Road or Niblick Road. Additional access points at Centennial Park and the surrounding neighborhoods including the west end of Lana Street, the south corner of Rose Lane, the eastern edge of Mohawk Court, and the northern corner of Veronica Drive can be used to reach Centennial Creek and the existing bike and walking path. As discussed above in Section 2.1.16 Recreation, the path is identified as a Class 1 multi-use trail in the Salinas River Corridor Trail Master Plan (2014). The existing paved path is approximately 12 feet wide and is currently utilized for emergency access as needed. Emergency access to the project site will be maintained throughout construction.
Considering this information, the following significance determinations have been made:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance
Determinations for Transportation
a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or
policy addressing the circulation system,
including transit, roadway, bicycle and
pedestrian facilities?
No Impact
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? No Impact
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 44
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance
Determinations for Transportation
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a
geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses
(e.g., farm equipment)?
No Impact
d) Result in inadequate emergency access? No Impact
2.1.18 Tribal Cultural Resources
Caltrans sent out tribal consultation letters to tribal groups pursuant to the requirements of Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1. As of the date of this report, no tribes have identified significant tribal resources in the project area.
Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
Question:
CEQA Significance Determinations
for Tribal Cultural Resources
a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as defined in
Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k), or
No Impact
b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in
its discretion and supported by substantial
evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources
Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set
forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code
Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider
the significance of the resource to a California
Native American tribe.
No Impact
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 45
2.1.19 Utilities and Service Systems
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Utilities and Service Systems
a) Require or result in the relocation or
construction of new or expanded water,
wastewater treatment or storm water drainage,
electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the construction
or relocation of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
Less Than Significant Impact
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project and reasonably foreseeable
future development during normal, dry and
multiple dry years?
Less Than Significant Impact
c) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may serve
the project that it has adequate capacity to
serve the project’s projected demand in addition
to the provider’s existing commitments?
No Impact
d) Generate solid waste in excess of State or
local standards, or in excess of the capacity of
local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the
attainment of solid waste reduction goals?
No Impact
e) Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
No Impact
Affected Environment
Centennial Park and associated facilities are served by the municipal water supply and wastewater treatment system via existing sewer lines. An existing sanitary sewer line and electrical power lines run underground and generally follow the existing paved bike and walking path along Centennial Creek.
Under existing conditions, scour and down-cutting of the creek could expose and potentially damage the sewer line causing environmental damage from a sewage release.
Environmental Consequences
The proposed project would not require a substantial increase in demand on water, wastewater, stormwater collection, treatment or disposal, and would not require the development or expansion of water, wastewater or stormwater facilities. Irrigation may occur if necessary during the first year after planting Exhibit C
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Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 46
to help establish root systems, and then plants would be weaned the following year.
Construction of the proposed project will generate a minimal amount of wastewater. The proposed project will not exceed wastewater treatment requirements, require the construction of a new water or wastewater treatment facility, or result in the determination by the wastewater treatment provider that it does not have adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand.
Concrete and organic debris removed from the project site would be reused on site if possible, recycled or disposed of properly. The proposed project may require the use of a local landfill to dispose of debris removed from the creek. The use of the local landfill will be temporary, occurring only during construction. The proposed project will be served by a landfill with sufficient capacity to serve its solid waste disposal needs during construction. The project will comply with all federal, state, and applicable local management and reduction statutes related to solid waste.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
No measures are proposed.
2.1.20 Wildfire
The project site is shown on the state responsibility area maps as a “Local Responsibility Area – Incorporated,” therefore it is the responsibility of the City of Paso Robles to determine the fire hazard severity. According to the Safety Element of the City of Paso Robles’ General Plan (2003), the project site is not located within a very high fire hazard severity zone, therefore there are no anticipated wildfire impacts as a result of the proposed project.
If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones:
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Wildfire
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan? No Impact
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other
factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby
expose project occupants to pollutant
concentrations from a wildfire or the
uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
No Impact
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 47
Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Wildfire
c) Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water sources, power lines
or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or
that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts
to the environment?
No Impact
d) Expose people or structures to significant
risks, including downslope or downstream
flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, postfire slope instability, or drainage changes? No Impact
2.1.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Question:
CEQA Significance Determinations
for Mandatory Findings of
Significance
a) Does the project have the potential to
substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat of
a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, substantially reduce the number or
restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant
or animal or eliminate important examples of
the major periods of California history or
prehistory?
Less Than Significant Impact
b) Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable"
means that the incremental effects of a project
are considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the effects of
other current projects, and the effects of
probable future projects)?
No Impact
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
No Impact
The proposed project will have temporary impacts to State and Federal waters and wetlands as a result of ground disturbance necessary to restore Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 48
appropriate hydrology and vegetation to Centennial Creek. Oak tree trimming and minor grading under the canopy may be required during project construction, but implementation of the project minimize incision in the creek which is impacting existing oak trees. No special-status plants or animals, or federal or state listed species, were found within the Biological Study Area or are anticipated to be impacted by the project. Overall, with the implementation of appropriate avoidance and minimization measures, the project would not substantially degrade the quality of the environment but will instead enhance the quality of the biological and aquatic resources within the Centennial Creek corridor.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 49
Appendix ATitle VI Policy Statement
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 51
Appendix BComment Letters and
Responses
[The following text has been added since the draft environmental document was circulated.] This appendix contains the comments received during the public circulation and comment period from August 18, 2021, to September 17, 2021, retyped for readability. A Caltrans response follows each comment presented. Copies of the original comment letters and documents can be found in Volume 2 of this document.
A notice was published in the local newspaper and on the Caltrans website with information of the document’s availability for review and comment and to advertise a virtual public meeting, which was held on August 31, 2021. Due to technical difficulties with the first virtual meeting, a second virtual public meeting was also held on September 9, 2021.
(Note: The comment letters are stated verbatim, with acronyms, abbreviations, and any original grammatical or typographical errors.) Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Appendix B Comment Letters and Responses
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 52
Comment from Garrett Gallo
Comment 1:
I would like to suggest a disc golf course in the Centennial Creek area. It provides a great outdoor activity that is free to play. I had been working with Paso city for about 9 months trying to get a course built. The rec department was interested we just couldn’t come together on a location. Disc golfers are good stewards of the land they use. I know I pick up trash almost every time I play somewhere. Usually when a course is built weather it’s on county or city owned land a “club” is formed and helps maintain the land the course it built on. I don’t think the area would be large enough to do a full size 18 hole course but I believe a 9 hole course could be put in. The course could even be made shorter distances to help encourage kids and new players to start playing. The building cost is pretty low. Tee pads consist of a 4’ x 8’ tee box out of cement, pavers, or turf. Baskets can range from $400 - 700 each.
Response to comment 1: The funding for this project is specifically limited to the restoration of Centennial Creek due to aquatic resource impacts and the requirement for offsite mitigation. The development of a disc golf course is outside the purpose and scope of the proposed project. Your comment is noted in the record and has been forwarded to the appropriate staff within the City of Paso Robles for future consideration. Caltrans recommends continuing to work directly with the City of Paso Robles on this.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Appendix B Comment Letters and Responses
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 53
Comment from Dino Chapman
Comment 1:
My name is Dino Chapman. I live at 1066 Sylvia Circle in Paso Robles. My back yard ends at the Centennial Creek right past the end of Lana street.
When it is raining the creek passes right next to our fence. I think cleaning the creek is a good idea. There are several bushes and shrubs there that are great for our privacy. We would ask that they would remain there for our privacy, they don't block any flow of the creek when it is raining. We would be exposed to all the path traffic if these trees and bushes were removed.
Response to comment 1: At this time, it is unlikely that the vegetation in that area would need to be removed unless it is considered highly invasive. Highly invasive plants that could continue to spread and dominate over native vegetation will be removed. Any vegetation removed will be replaced with native vegetation. The overall goal of the project is to increase vegetation and plant cover in the riparian corridor, and efforts will be made to preserve as much existing vegetation as possible.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Appendix B Comment Letters and Responses
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 54
Comment from Carlie Svinth
Comment 1:
I had a question regarding the Centennial Creek Mitigation Project. I notice it says that it will remove hard scaping. Does this mean that the walking paths and also the stairs going down into the east side of Centennial Park will be removed? Thanks for any information you can give us.
Response to comment 1: The existing walking path and access points such as the stairs will remain in place. Hardscaping to be removed includes the rubble, debris, and defunct infrastructure that is associated with several of the existing culvert crossings.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Appendix B Comment Letters and Responses
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 55
Comment from Tim Bergquist
Comment 1:
Hi I am in favor of the project, I just would like to request that it blends in with the natural beauty of the stream and not an eye sore.
Response to comment 1: Caltrans and its partners have worked with a consultant to design this restoration project to enhance and beautify the stream corridor and the ecological function of Centennial Creek. The project includes the removal of rubble, debris, and defunct infrastructure in the creek, as well as vegetation planting over 2 acres around the creek to return it to a more natural state.
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project 57
List of Technical Studies
· Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise, and Water Quality Assessment Memo, August 2021
· Climate Change Technical Memorandum, August 2021
· Cultural Resources Screening Memorandum, April 2021
· Natural Environment Study, August 2021
· Hazardous Waste Initial Site Assessment, March 2021
· Initial Paleontology Review Memorandum, March 2021
· Paleontological Identification Report/Paleontological Evaluation Report, July 2021
· Scenic Resource Evaluation/Visual Assessment, January 2021 To obtain a copy of one or more of these technical studies/reports or the Initial Study, please send your request to:
Jason Wilkinson, Senior Environmental Planner
District 5 Environmental Division
California Department of Transportation
50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Or send your request via email to: [email protected] Or call: 805-540-9165
Please provide the following information in your request:
Centennial Creek Mitigation Project
EA 05-3307A
Exhibit C
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Council Agenda Report
From: Ditas Esperanza, Capital Projects Engineer
Subject: Award a Construction Contract to Calportland Construction to Repair and Resurface the Streets in the Rolling Hills Estates Neighborhood
CEQA Determination: The City finds that this action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301).
Date: October 17, 2023
Facts
1. The FY 2023-24 adopted budget includes road maintenance repairs within the Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood (Zone 7C) using Measure E12 revenues.
2. The project was advertised for bids and at the bid opening on September 14, 2023; two bids were received, as follows:
Calportland Construction $949,999
Papich Construction $1,180,998
3. Staff reviewed the bid from Calportland Construction and found it to be a responsive and responsible bid.
4. The project will also require services from Pavement Engineering to perform and assist staff with the construction phase.
Options
1. Take no action;
2. Award a contract to Calportland Construction to perform repairs of the streets within the Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood, in the amount of $949,999, and to appropriate $360,000 from Measure E12 reserves that includes $14,000 in construction management services to Pavement Engineering; or
3. Provide alternative action to staff.
Analysis and Conclusions
In 2012, voters approved a ½ cent Supplemental Sales Tax. After adoption of the Supplemental Sales Tax, City Council adopted an updated Six-Year Street Maintenance and Repair Plan. Included in that plan for FY 2022-23 is repair of streets in the Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood (Zone 7C). By awarding this pavement rehabilitation project the City will be continuing with its commitment to taxpayers to follow the adopted street maintenance and repair plan.
Road repair methods for these neighborhoods will include dig out repairs, hot mix asphalt overlays, and curb ramp upgrades. Pavement Engineering’s scope of work includes review of all submittals, taking
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
material samples, and providing laboratory testing and quality assurance of the paving and slurry seal materials and construction processes, conducting compaction testing of the hot mix asphalt, and ensuring compliance with project specifications. Pavement Engineering will provide a final report summarizing all test results and the contractor’s compliance with project specifications.
Fiscal Impact
The total cost of the construction contract to Calportland Construction is $949,999; the total cost of construction management to Pavement Engineering is $14,000; for a total cost of just under $1 million.
This project is included in the City’s Capital Improvement Program Budget and currently has an available budget of $700,711. As a result, there is a current budget shortfall of approximately $360,000. In this current construction climate contractors are extremely busy, and the City is receiving limited bid responses which are also reflective of higher costs for construction; therefore, an additional $360,000 is also being requested from Measure E-12 reserves:
Budget item Amount
Calportland Construction $949,999
Pavement Engineering 14,000
10% Contingency 96,000
Total updated project costs 1,059,999
Current budget 700,711
Budget Shortfall $359,288
The engineer’s estimate for this project was $807,000; approximately $142,999 less than the bids received and exceeding the engineer’s estimate. It should also be noted that the 10% contingency is only used for unexpected items that may arise while under construction. It is not anticipated that these funds will be used, but rather are earmarked in case the need arises. Regardless, the City completed several street maintenance projects this past year under budget which included Dry Creek, West Side Slurry, Rambouillet and Nicklaus area, and the Country Club neighborhood. As a result, there is approximately $600,000 in Measure E12 unappropriated reserves that can be used for this project.
CEQA
The City finds that this action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301.)
Recommendation (Option 2)
Approve Resolution 23-XXX, authorizing the City Manager to award contract to Calportland Construction to perform repairs of the streets within the Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood, in the amount of $949,999, and to appropriate $360,000 from Measure E-12 reserves.
Attachments
1. Resolution 23-XXX – Repair and Resurface Streets Rolling Hills Estates Neighborhood
2. Bid – Calportland Construction Bid
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 1
RESOLUTION 23-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES AWARDING A
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CALPORTLAND CONSTRUCTION TO REPAIR AND RESURFACE
THE STREETS IN THE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES NEIGHBORHOOD AND
FIND THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a budget to repair the roads within the Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood (Zone 7C), using Measure E12 revenues; and WHEREAS, the project was advertised for bids and at the bid opening on September 14, 2023, two bids were received as follows: Calportland Construction for $949,999, and Papich Construction for $1,180,998; and
WHEREAS, staff reviewed the bid from Calportland Construction and found it to be a responsive and responsible bid; and
WHEREAS, the project will also require services from Pavement Engineering to perform and assist staff with the construction phase.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. All of the above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
Section 2. The City finds that this action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301.) Section 3. Authorize an additional appropriation of $360,000 from Measure E12 reserves to the Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood, to address an existing budget shortfall for the project, including $14,000 in construction management services to Pavement Engineering.
Section 4. Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to Calportland Construction to perform repairs of the streets within the Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood, in the amount of $949,999 subject to any minor, technical, or non-substantive changes as approved by the City Manager and City Attorney.
APPROVED this 17th day of October, 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 1
John R. Hamon, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Melissa Boyer, City Clerk
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Council Agenda Report
From: Warren Frace, Community Development Director
Subject: Authorization to Initiate a General Plan Amendment and Rezoning Process - Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan Boundary Expansions – “Olive Street Area Rezoning” CEQA Determination: The City finds that this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines Section State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15061, subd. (b)(2)-(3), and 15378 because this is only a discussion item currently and no final action that may have a direct or reasonably foreseeable impact on the environment will be taken at this time. Any zoning changes to the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan will be subject to a future CEQA document.
Date: October 17, 2023
Facts
1. The Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan (UTSP) was adopted by the City Council on May 3, 2011 and included the boundaries shown on Attachment 1.
2. While the UTSP included most of the original Paso Robles town grid blocks, most of the block that are directly west of Olive St. were excluded and continued to have an R-1 or R-2 zoning designation (see Attachment 2).
3. The City Council formed the Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee (HCOC) in 2016 to work with staff to identify strategies to increase housing production in Paso Robles.
4. The HCOC consists of the following members: Mayor Hamon, Councilmember Gregory, Planning Commissioner Gibson, Planning Commissioner Neel, Planning Commissioner Koegler, Amy Russel, Bruce White, Carlos Olveda, David Cooke, Greg Haas, Ken Trigueiro, Larry Warner, and Vince Vanderlip.
5. In 2017, the HCOC identified the expansion of the UTSP east of Olive St. as an area that could be rezoned to increase housing production. At its January 20, 2022 meeting the HCOC considered a report from staff and recommended the City Council consider a specific plan expansion and rezoning of the block east of Olive St. The basis of the recommendation was the assumption that the UTSP’s T-3 zoning district allowed more units (density) than the R-1 zoning district.
6. The State of California has recently implemented a number of single-family residential zoning preemptions that now allow both ministerial lot splits and multiple accessory dwelling units on all R1 lots (SB-9, AB-345, AB-3182, AB-68, AB-881, SB-13). Consequently, it is now possible to have a similar number of units developed in the R-1 zoning district as in the T-3 zoning district.
7. At its August 17, 2023 meeting, the HCOC reviewed the proposed UTSP and general plan amendment and rezoning and voted 6-0 (Neel, Koegler, Russel, Cooke, Warner, and Vanderlip) to recommend the City Council initiate the amendment process. The HCOC determined the UTSP’s flexibility with design
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
standards and dwelling types available under the T-3 zone, rather than R-1 and R-2, could produce more infill housing in the area.
Community Outreach
Public notices for this agenda item were sent by US Mail to all property owners and occupants with the general plan amendment study area, including a 500-foot perimeter buffer.
Options
1. Take no action;
2. Approve Resolution X, directing staff to initiate a General Plan Amendment and Rezoning of the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan Boundary Expansions as shown in Attachment 1;
3. Approve Resolution X, directing staff to initiate a General Plan Amendment and Rezoning of the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan Boundary Expansions as defined by the City Council
4. Refer the item back to staff, or Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee or Planning Commission for additional review;
5. Direct staff not to initiate a General Plan Amendment and Rezoning of the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan Boundary Expansion;
6. Provide alternative direction to staff.
Analysis and Conclusions
The Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee has reviewed and discussed the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan Boundary Expansions numerous times over the past 5 years. The consensus of the HCOC is this rezoning is needed to encourage additional residential development within the study area and ensure the City can continue to meet state housing construction mandates. The HCOC determined the UTSP’s flexibility with design standards and dwelling types could produce more infill housing in the area.
A formal analysis of the housing production benefits of the amendment has not been prepared. This analysis would be part of the amendment process.
Staff would propose the following scope of work for the amendment process:
1. Consultant Request for Proposals
2. City Council contract and scope approval
3. Impact and Constraints Analysis of Proposed Amendment
4. Neighborhood Public Workshop 1
5. Preparation of plans and amendments
6. Neighborhood Public Workshop 2
7. CEQA document and staff reports
8. Planning Commission hearing
9. City Council hearing
10. City Council 2nd reading
Staff is estimating a 12-18 month process to complete the proposed amendments.
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Due to the number of properties affected and expected high levels of public interest in this amendment, staff expects the process to require substantial staff resources and multiple public meetings prior to hearings. The majority of senior planning staff are conflicted out on this amendment, leaving limited planning staff available to work on this item. Retaining a planning consultant for this amendment should be considered.
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
8/17/23 Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee Recommended general plan amendment and rezoning boundary.
Fiscal Impact
Staff and consultant time may exceed $50,000. A full cost estimate would be part of the City Council’s approval of a consultant’s contract.
CEQA
CEQA Determination: The City finds that this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines Section State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15061, subd. (b)(2)-(3), and 15378 because this is only a discussion item currently and no final action that may have a direct or reasonably foreseeable impact on the environment will be taken at this time.
Any zoning changes to the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan will be subject to a future CEQA document.
At a minimum the proposed general plan amendment and zone change will require a Negative Declaration.
Recommendation (Option 2)
Council approve Resolution 23-XXX, directing staff to initiate a General Plan Amendment and Rezoning of the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan Boundary Expansions as recommended by the Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee and shown in Attachment 1.
Attachments
1. Attachment 1: 8/17/23 Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee Amendment Boundary Recommendation
2. Attachment 2: Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan boundary map
3. Attachment 3: Resolution 23-XXX – Initiation of a General Plan Amendment and Rezoning of the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan Boundary Expansions
a. Exhibit A: 8/17/23 Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee Amendment Boundary Recommendation
b. Exhibit B: Proposed Preliminary Scope of Work
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1000 SPRING STREET · PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA, 93446 · www.prcity.com Attachment 1 - GPA - Rezoning Study Area
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30th St
38th St
36th St
Almond Cre st Ct
US HWY 101
US HWY 101
US HWY 101
Fein Av
34th St
19th St
20th St
Pine St
Park St
Vine St
19th St
20th St
21st St
22nd St
23rd St
Vine St
24th St
24th St
32nd St
30th St
28th St
26th St
Park St
Pine St
Vine St
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
Oak St
Oak St
Casa Blanca Ct
Oak St
Oak St
Oak St
Oak St
Park St
19th St
Vine St
US HWY 101
19th St 19th St
20th St 20th St
21st St
Vine St
Vine St
Park St
Pine St
Pine St
23rd St
24th St
Vine St
Vine St
24th St Olive St Olive St
Spring St
Spring St Spring St
Crestlin e Dr
Burket Pl
Spring St
Spring St
Spring St
Pine St
Royal Ct
Arleen Av
Vista Ct
28th St
Affirmed Ln
Sims Av
Villa Ln
N River Rd
Ysabel Av
Bonita Av
Gregory Av
Black Oak Dr
Beverly Av
Traditions Lp
N River Rd
Wild Deer Ct
Clubhouse Dr
N River Rd
Riverside Av
Alyd ar Pl
Fairview Ln
Fairview Ln
Alyd ar Pl
Riverside Av
Riverside Av
Riverside Av
Panorama Dr
Glencrest Ln
N River Rd
N River Rd
Almond Sp rings Dr
Mu stang Spring s Rd
Mu stang Spring s Rd
Mo untain Sp rings Rd
Nacimiento Lake Dr
Nacimiento Lake Dr
Traditions Lp
Alameda Dr
Altadena Ln
Pasadena Ln
Willits Ln
The Esplanade
Ingalls Ct
Palo Alto Ct
Clubhouse Dr
Alameda Dr
Robie Ct
N River Rd
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
US HWY 101
US HWY 101
CA HWY 46 E
US HWY 101
24th St
Wild Rose Ln
Lorraine Wy
Calle Alto
Calle Chorro
Caballo Pl
W Hollo w Dr
Sky Ridge Dr
Sunset Dr
21st St
Country View Ln
Nacimiento Lake Dr
Villa Lots Rd
Villa Lots Rd
Mo untain Sp rings Rd
Nacimiento Lake Dr
Lost Springs Ln
Mira Loma Wy
W Hollo w Dr
Mira Vista Wy
N River Rd
Mo nrovia Ln
Mo nrovia Ln
Tierra Vista Ln
Plymo uth Hill Rd
Camino Vista Cielo
Via Roble Blanca
Marion Av
Victoria Pl
21st St
AG
C3
OS
C
R1
OS
R1
C
R1 B3
RSC
R1
AG
R1 B4
M
C
T-3N
R1 B2
C
C
R1 PD1.1
R1 B2
RSC
T-4N
R3
RSC
R1 B2
RS
R1 B5
R1 B2
R1 B4 RSC
R1
R1 PD
T-4F
RSC
T-4F T-4F
R2
TC-2
T-4N
T-4N
T-4F
R2
T-4N
T-3N
T-4N
T-4N
R1
TC-2
T-4N
RSC
T-4N
T-4F
RSC
T-4N
T-4F
TC-2
TC-2
C
C3 PD
T-4NC
T-4NC
TC-2
R1 B5
T-4F
T-4F
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-3N
T-3N
R1 C
T-4F
R1 PD3
R1 PD3
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
RSC
T-3N T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-4NC
R3 PD
T-4N
R1
R1
R1
R1 PD
RSC
T-4N T-3N T-3N
RSC
RSC
TC-2
RSC
T-3F RSC T-3F
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-3N
T-4N
T-4N
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-4N
T-3N
T-3N T-3N
T-3N
TC-2
T-4N
T-3N
TC-2
T-4N
R1 PD3
R1 B2
T-4N
UNK
R1 B4
T-3F T-3F
T-4F T-4F
T-4N
T-4N
TC-2
R1 PD
T-4F
T-4N
T-3N
T-4F
RSC RSC
T-4F
C RSC RSC
T-4F T-4F
RSC
T-4N
T-4NC
TC-2 TC-2
T-4N
T-4N
R2 PD
T-4N
TC-2
T-4F
R1 B2
R1 B2 T-3N T-3N T-3F
Sphere
of Influence
Sphere
of Influence
Sphere
of Influence
Sphere
of Influence
Uptown / Town Centre
Specific Plan
Borkey Area
Specific Plan
Union / 46
Specific Plan
Zoning Designations
City of El Paso de Robles K
LEGEND
City Limit
Specific Plan
Sphere of Influence
SPRR
USGS Creek
FEMA Floodway
AG, Agriculture
AP, Airport
C, Civic
C1, Commercial-General Retail
C2, Commercial-Highway
C3, Commercial/Light Industry
CP, Commercial-Neighborhood
M, Industrial
OP, Office Professional
OS, Open Space
PF, Public Facilities
PM, Planned Industrial
POS, Parks & Open Space
R1, Residential Single Family
R2, Residential Duplex/Triplex
R3, Residential Multifamily
R3-10, Residential Multifamily
R3-15, Residential Multifamily
R3O, Residential Multifamily/Office
R4, Res Multifamily/Mobilehome
R4-20, Res Multifamily/Mobilehome
R5, Residential Multifamily
RA, Residential Agriculture
RC, Regional Commercial
RMF9, Residential Multifamily
RS, Residential Suburban
RSC, Riverside Corridor
RSF6, Residential Single Family
T-3F, Flex
T-3N, Neighborhood
T-4F, Flex
T-4N, Neighborhood
T-4NC, Neighborhood Center
TC-1, Town Center
TC-2, Town Center
Resort Lodging
Airport LUP
Historic Preservation
Office Professional
Agriculture
Mixed Use
Salinas River
A2
0 250 500 1,000
Feet
Map 05.03.2011
B2
A1
A3 B3
B1
Attachment 2 - UTSP Boundary Map
Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan:
Regulating Plan (North Section)
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
17th St
18th St
12th St
US HWY 101
US HWY 101
Vine St
Park St
Pine St
Park St
17th St
18th St
19th St
20th St
Pine St
Park St
12th St
Vine St
Vine St
12th St
10th St
11th St 11th St
12th St
13th St
14th St
15th St
16th St
17th St
18th St
19th St
20th St
21st St
US HWY 101
4th St
3rd St
4th St
6th St
7th St 7th St
8th St
9th St 9th St Oak St Oak St
11th St
Almond St
Oak St
Oak St
Oak St
1st St
2nd St
3rd St
4th St
5th St
6th St
7th St
8th St
9th St
19th St
17th St
US HWY 101
Vine St
Park St
Pine St Pine St
Pine St
10th St
12th St
13th St 13th St
14th St
15th St 15th St
16th St
17th St
18th St
19th St 19th St
20th St 20th St Vine St Vine St Park St
16th St
Pine St
Pine St
Pine St
17th St
Olive Dr
Olive St
Olive St
Olive St
Olive St
Maple St
Grove St
Maple St
Spring St
Fresno St
Cherry St
Locust St
Locust St
Spring St
Spring St
Spring St
Leland St
S Vine St
S Vine St
Filbert St
Filbert St
Olive St
Olive St
Olive St
James St
S River Rd
Creston Rd
Encan to Ct
N River Rd
Hilltop Dr
Hilltop Dr
Blossom Ct
Niblick Rd
Current Ln
Willowbank Ln
Sandbar Ct
Chestnut St
Glen Ct
Chestnut St
Railroad St
Pacific Av
Pacific Av
Las Brisas Dr
Riverbank Ln
Merry Hill Rd
Greenwood Dr
Hillcrest Dr
Capitol Hill Dr
El Dorado Ct
Blackburn Ct
Peachy Ct
Peachtree Ct
Peachtree Ln
Charolais Rd
Edgewater Ln
Riverbank Ln
Riverside Av
Derb y L n
Las Brisas Dr
Riverside Av
Riverside Av
Stillwater Ct
Via Promesa Dr
Paso Robles St
Stonebridg e Ln
Bridgegate L n
Terrace H ill Dr
Shadow Creek Ln
Summer Creek Ln
Canyon Crest Ln
Canyon Crest Ln
S River Rd
S River Rd
S River Rd
Highland Park Dr
Vine St
Oak St
Niblick Rd
N River Rd
Union Rd
S River Rd
15th St
Bridgegate L n
Creeksand Ln
Riverside Av
Paso Robles St
Ridgeview Ct
Ridgeview Dr
Chestnut St Chestnut St
10th St
Waterfall Ln
Riverbank Ln
Shadow Creek Ln
S River Rd
Oak Ln
Maplewood Ct
Navajo Av
Vista Del Rio Ct
S River Rd
Spring St
Sandcove Ln
Robles Rd
Kiler Canyon Rd
Encinal St
Orcutt Rd
Peachy Canyo n Rd
W 4th St
Pacific Av
Merry Hill Rd
US HWY 101
S Vine St
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
RAILROA D
US HWY 101 13th St US HWY 101
US HWY 101
Townhouse Tr
Piedmont Pl
15th St
Cherry St
16th St
4th St
Almira Park Wy
Ariba Rd
Kiler Canyon Rd
Almira Park Wy
Hickory L n
Fern Canyon Rd
Serra Wy
Sophia Wy
Creeksand Ln
Merry Hill Rd
Root Ln
Old Peachy Canyon Rd
Bailey Dr
Doherty Ln
Rio Ct
Blackburn St
Garden St
Gateway Ctr Dr
Derb y L n
OS
R1
M
RC
R1 B4
R1
RSC
OS
R1 PD
R1
OP
R1
C
R1 B2
PM
R1
RSC
R1 B3
POS
R1
R1
TC-2
R1
C
C1 PD
R1 PD
R1 B2
R1 B2
R2 PD
R1
R1 PD
R1 PD
R1 PD
R1 B2
POS
R1 B2
C
R1
R1 B3 PD
TC-2
R1
R1
R1
OS
TC-1
TC-1
R2
R1 B2
RSC
R1 B3
R2
C
C
C
R1 B2
R1 PD
R2
R3 PD
T-3N
R1
R1
R1
R3
R3
R1
R2
RSC
OS
T-4F
OS
RSC
T-3N
TC-2
TC-2 TC-2
TC-2
TC-2
R1
R1 PD
R1
R1 PD
R2
RSC
R2
R2
R2
R1
R1
R1
R1
R2
R1
R2
R1 R1
R2 R1
R1
R2
R2
TC-1
R1 B3 PD
R2
OP
R1 PD
OP
R1 PD
R1
T-4F
T-3F
T-3F
TC-1 TC-1
R1 PD
R1 PD
TC-1
TC-2
RSC
R1
TC-1 T-3F
T-4N
R4 PD
T-4N
R2
R2
R1
R2
R2
R1
R2
R2
R1
R1
R2
R2
T-4N
R1 B2 PD
R1 PD4
TC-2
T-4F
T-3N
TC-1
RSC
RSC
TC-2
T-3F
T-3F
T-3F
T-3F
T-3F
TC-2
T-3F
RSC
R1 B2
T-3F
T-3F
T-3F
T-3F T-3F
T-3F
RSC
T-3N
R1 B2 PD
T-3F
T-3F
T-3F
T-3F
T-3F
T-3F
T-3N
T-4F
R1
RSC
T-4F
T-3N
T-3N
T-3F
T-3N
T-3F
T-3N T-3F
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N
T-3N T-3N
T-4N
T-3N
T-3N
T-4N
T-4N
T-3N
T-4N
T-3N
T-4N
TC-2
T-4N
T-4N
TC-2
TC-1
TC-1 TC-1
T-3N
TC-1
TC-1
TC-2
TC-1
TC-1
TC-2 TC-1
T-3N
TC-1
TC-1
TC-2
TC-1
TC-1
TC-1
TC-1
TC-2
TC-2
RSC
OP
TC-2
RSC
RSC
R3
TC-1
TC-1
TC-1
T-3F
TC-1
TC-1
R2 PD
R3
R2 RSC TC-1
R2
T-3N
T-3N
RSC
ROW
OP
T-3N
R2
RS T-3N T-3F
R1 B2
T-3N
T-3F RSC
R1 B4
TC-1
T-4N RSC
T-4F T-4F
T-4N
T-4N
TC-1 TC-1
T-4N
TC-1 TC-1 TC-1
TC-1 TC-1 TC-1
TC-1
OP
R1 PD
R1 B2
R1 PD
RSC
R1 B2
POS
T-3F
RSC
R2 PD
RSC
RC
Sphere
of Influence
Sphere
of Influence
Sphere
of Influence
Uptown / Town Centre
Specific Plan
Union / 46
Specific Plan
Zoning Designations
City of El Paso de Robles K
LEGEND
City Limit
Specific Plan
Sphere of Influence
SPRR
USGS Creek
FEMA Floodway
AG, Agriculture
AP, Airport
C, Civic
C1, Commercial-General Retail
C2, Commercial-Highway
C3, Commercial/Light Industry
CP, Commercial-Neighborhood
M, Industrial
OP, Office Professional
OS, Open Space
PF, Public Facilities
PM, Planned Industrial
POS, Parks & Open Space
R1, Residential Single Family
R2, Residential Duplex/Triplex
R3, Residential Multifamily
R3-10, Residential Multifamily
R3-15, Residential Multifamily
R3O, Residential Multifamily/Office
R4, Res Multifamily/Mobilehome
R4-20, Res Multifamily/Mobilehome
R5, Residential Multifamily
RA, Residential Agriculture
RC, Regional Commercial
RMF9, Residential Multifamily
RS, Residential Suburban
RSC, Riverside Corridor
RSF6, Residential Single Family
T-3F, Flex
T-3N, Neighborhood
T-4F, Flex
T-4N, Neighborhood
T-4NC, Neighborhood Center
TC-1, Town Center
TC-2, Town Center
Resort Lodging
Airport LUP
Historic Preservation
Office Professional
Agriculture
Mixed Use
Salinas River
A3
0 250 500 1,000
Feet
Map 05.03.2011
B3
A2
A4 B4
B2
Attachment 2 - UTSP Boundary Map
Uptown/Town Centre Specific Plan:
Regulating Plan (South Section)
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 3
RESOLUTION 23-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES
AUTHORIZING THE INITIATION OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND REZONING OF THE
UPTOWN / TOWN CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN BOUNDARIES
“Olive Street Area Rezoning”
1. WHEREAS, the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan (UTSP) was adopted by the City Council on May 3, 2011 and included the boundaries shown on Attachment 1.
2. WHEREAS, while the UTSP included most of the original Paso Robles town grid blocks, most of the blocks that are directly east of Olive St. were excluded and continued to have an R-1 or R-2 zoning designation (see Attachment 2).
3. WHEREAS, the City Council formed the Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee (HCOC) in 2016 to work with staff to identify strategies to increase housing production in Paso Robles.
4. WHEREAS, the HCOC consists of the following members: Mayor Hamon, Councilmember Gregory, Planning Commissioner Gibson, Planning Commissioner Neel, Planning Commissioner Koegler, Amy Russel, Bruce White, Carlos Olveda, David Cooke, Greg Haas, Ken Trigueiro, Larry Warner, and Vince Vanderlip.
5. WHEREAS, in 2017, the HCOC identified the expansion of the UTSP east of Olive St. as an area that could be rezoned to increase housing production. At its January 20, 2022 meeting, the HCOC considered a report from staff and recommended the City Council consider a specific plan expansion and rezoning of the block east of Olive St. The basis of the recommendation was the assumption that the UTSP’s T-3 zoning district allowed more units (density) than the R-1 zoning district.
6. WHEREAS, the State of California has recently implemented a number of single-family residential zoning preemptions that now allow both ministerial lot splits and multiple accessory dwelling units on all R-1 lots (SB-9, AB-345, AB-3182, AB-68, AB-881, SB-13). Consequently, it is now possible to have a similar number of units developed in the R-1 zoning district as in the T-3 zoning district.
7. WHEREAS, at its August 17, 2023 meeting, the HCOC reviewed the proposed UTSP and general plan amendments and rezoning and voted 6-0 to recommend the City Council initiate the amendment process. The HCOC determined the UTSP’s flexibility with design standards and dwelling types available under the T-3 zone, rather than R, could produce more infill housing in the area.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. All of the above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
Section 2. The City Council hereby approves the initiation of a general plan amendment and rezoning process to amend the boundaries of the Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan boundaries attached hereto as exhibit A and Exhibit B, and incorporated herein by reference.
Section 3. Staff will return to City Council with a planning consultant contract and scope of work for City Council approval.
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 3
Section 4. Public hearings and formal actions to amend the general plan, any specific plan, and complete a rezone will be undertaken in accordance with applicable state and local law requirements.
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Attachment 3
APPROVED this 17th day of October, 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
John Hamon, Mayor
ATTEST:
Melissa Boyer, City Clerk
Exhibits:
A. Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan general plan amendment and rezone boundary study area map
B. Preliminary scope of work for amendment process
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Exhibit A
Uptown / Town Center Specific Plan general plan amendment and rezone boundary study area map
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023
Exhibit B
Draft Scope of Work
Draft Scope of Work – general plan amendment process:
1. Consultant Request for Proposals
2. City Council contract and scope approval
3. Impact and Constraints Analysis of Amendment
4. Neighborhood Public Workshop 1
5. Preparation of plans and amendments
6. Neighborhood Public Workshop 2
7. CEQA document and staff reports
8. Planning Commission hearing
9. City Council hearing
10. City Council 2nd reading
City Council Agenda October 17, 2023