REGULAR MEETING
JOINT SAND CITY COUNCIL AND
SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023
5:30 PM
1 1. ROLL CALL
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AGENDA
JOINT SAND CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Regular Meeting - Tuesday, April 4, 2023
5:30 PM
THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY AND IN PERSON
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ZOOM COUNCIL MEETING LIVE:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4614728829
Meeting ID: 461 472 8829
To participate telephonically by calling the number below:
(669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 461 472 8829#
If prompted to enter a participant ID, press #
TO PARTICIPATE IN PERSON:
City Hall Council Chambers
1 Pendergrass Way
Sand City, CA
How to submit written Public Comments:
If any member of the public would like to provide written comments at the meeting, please do as set forth below.
Written: All comments received before 8:00 am the day of the meeting will be posted on the City’s website as “Correspondence” under the relevant agenda item and provided to the City Council members at the meeting. Please email your comments to: [email protected].
Read Aloud During the Meeting: Email your comments to [email protected]. When the Mayor opens the public comment period for the relevant agenda item; please indicate the agenda item and title in your email subject line. If you want your comment read aloud, prominently write “Read Aloud at Meeting” at the top of the email and your comments will be read into the record (not to exceed three minutes at staff’s cadence).
DURING EACH MEETING, members of the public may participate by calling and speaking live during the designated time(s), subject to time limits that may be imposed pursuant to the Brown Act at the number provided above. Please use the "raise your hand" option on Zoom, and the City Clerk will call on your name.
2 3. INVOCATION
4. ANNOUNCEMENT BY MAYOR, CITY ATTORNEY, AND CITY MANAGER
5. COMMUNICATIONS
Members of the public may address the City Council/Successor Agency on matters not appearing on the City Council/Successor Agency Agenda at this time for up to three minutes. In order that the City Clerk may later identify the speaker in the minutes of the meeting, it is helpful if speakers state their names. Public comments regarding items on the scheduled agenda will be heard at the time the item is being considered by the City Council/Successor Agency.
The City Council Chambers podium is equipped with a portable microphone for anyone unable to come to the podium. If you need assistance, please advise the City Clerk as to which item you would like to comment on and the microphone will be brought to you.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
The Consent Agenda consists of routine items for which City Council approval can be taken with a single motion and vote. A Council member may request that any item be placed on the Regular Agenda for separate consideration.
6A. SB511 Support Letter-Greenhouse Gas Inventories
Staff Report
SB511 Fact Sheet
SB511 Support Letter
6B. SB379 Califonia Automated Permit Processing Program (CALAPP) Staff Report
Resolution
CALAPP Grant Application
6C. National Public Works Week Proclamation
Proclamation
7. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
8. PUBLIC HEARING
8A. New Councilmember Interviews
Staff Report
9. NEW BUSINESS
9A. Comments by Councilmembers on Items of Interest to Sand City 9B. Upcoming Meetings/Events
10. CLOSED SESSION
10A.
City Council/Successor Agency Board to Adjourn to Closed Session Regarding Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code §54957) Title: City 3 Manager Performance Evaluation
10B.
Re-adjourn to Open Session to report any action taken at the conclusion of Closed Session in accordance with California Government Code §54957.1
11. PRESENTATION
11A. State Coastal Conservancy Grant Presentation from Michael Groves and Elizabeth King of EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Grant Pre-Application
12. ADJOURNMENT
The current agenda is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.sandcity.org
If you have a request for a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, which will allow you to participate in a Sand City public meeting, please call the City Clerk at (831) 394-3054 extension 220, or give your written request to the City Clerk at 1 Pendergrass Way, Sand City, CA 93955 at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting to allow the City Clerk time to arrange for the requested modification or accommodation.
4 AGENDA ITEM
6A.
SB511 Support Letter-Greenhouse Gas
Inventories
5 City of Sand City
Staff Report
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Vibeke Norgaard, City Manager
DATE: April 4, 2023
SUBJECT: SB511 Support Letter
______________________________________________________________________ Discussion: The City Manager is seeking Council approval to execute the attached letter on the behalf of the City of Sand City
CEQA: This action does not constitute a "project" as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines section 15378.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval for signature of the attached letter. 6 SB 511- GHG Emissions Inventories :
SUMMARY
SB 511 would direct the California Air Resources
Board (CARB) to prepare inventories of greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions for use by cities and counties
to use in the preparation of Climate Action Plans
(CAPs) and to prioritize the use of funding and
resources to achieve optimal reductions of GHG
emissions in local communities. Inventories would
be especially important to reduce and eliminate
disparities and impacts on vulnerable and
disadvantaged communities. The bill would
provide an appropriation to CARB for this purpose.
BACKGROUND
The effects of climate change are becoming more
evident every day. The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) has said we are in a “code
red” condition to take action to reduce the rate
and extent of global warming in order to avoid a
catastrophe. Scientists have calculated that 2021
was the sixth hottest year ever. The increasing
frequency and severity of wildfire; extreme heat;
extreme cold, snow, and rain; and drought in
California and the world are all manifestations of
the influence of climate change. California has
taken a number of steps at the state level including
AB 32 (Nunez) in 2006 to set up a cap and trade
system to reduce GHG emissions, SB 375 (Steinberg)
in 200_ to combine land use and transportation
planning to reduce GHG emissions at the local
level, and SB 32 (Pavley) in 2016 to require that
GHG emissions are reduced by 40% from 1990 levels
by 2030 as well as many other pieces of legislation
that address climate change in some manner. The
2021-22 and 2022-23 state budgets include a $56
billion package to address wildfire and forest
resilience, drought and water resilience, and
climate resilience over three years (although the
Governor’s proposed budget for 2023-24 would
make $6 billion in cuts to this package)
PRIOR LEGISLATION
SB 379 (Jackson) from 2015 requires cities and
counties to update the safety elements of their
general plans to address climate adaptation and
resilience strategies.
THIS BILL
SB 511 will fill a significant gap in the work done by
local governments to address climate change.
While important actions have been taken and
resources allocated at the state level, it is local
communities that are on the front line of meeting
the climate change challenge. While some local
governments, in preparing CAPs and prioritizing
their efforts to reduce GHG emissions, have the
expertise and resources to produce their own GHG
emission inventories, the vast majority of local
governments do not. This bill, in directing CARB to
assemble and share GHG emission inventories with
local governments, will provide critical data
essential to the task of drafting the best CAPs
possible and making the best decisions on the
application of available resources to benefit
communities. The bill would have three major
benefits: 1) comprehensive coverage across the
state, 2) data and methodology consistency, 3)
visibility into patterns and progress, and 4) reduced
cost in generating GHG emission profiles. The bill
includes an appropriation of $2.5 million to CARB to
fund the work specified which is millions of dollars
less than it would cost local governments to
undertake the same work on a jurisdiction-byjurisdiction basis.
SUPPORT
• CivicWell (co-sponsor)
• Contra Costa County (co-sponsor)
STAFF CONTACT
[email protected]
7 March 21, 2023
The Honorable Catherine Blakespear
1021 O Street, Suite 7340
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 511 Greenhouse Gas Inventories: Support
Dear Senator Blakespear:
On behalf of The City of Sand City, I write to express our support for your Senate Bill 511 which would direct the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to prepare and provide greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories to local governments for their use in preparing Climate Action Plans (CAPs) and in determining the best opportunities for investing resources to reduce GHG emissions.
Sand City is located about 3 miles from downtown Monterey, 7 miles from Carmel and 86 miles south of San Francisco. The City is an exquisite combination of a New York SoHo atmosphere with its inventory of rugged warehouses which are beautifully framed by gently undulating sand dunes and crisp blue ocean waves.
The effects of climate change are becoming more evident every day. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said we are in a “code red” condition to take action to reduce the rate and extent of global warming in order to avoid a catastrophe. Scientists have calculated that 2021 was the sixth warmest year ever. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfire; extreme heat; extreme cold, snow, and rain; and drought are all manifestations of the influence of climate change. California has taken a number of steps at the state level to respond to the climate crisis including AB 32 (Nunez) in 2006 to set up a cap-and-trade system to reduce GHG emissions at the state level, SB 375 (Steinberg) in 2008 to combine land use and transportation planning to reduce GHG emissions at the local level, and SB 32 (Pavley) in 2016 to require that GHG emissions are reduced by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030 as well as many other pieces of legislation that address climate change in some manner. The 2021-22 and 2022-23 state budgets included a $56 billion package to address wildfire and forest resilience, drought and water resilience, and climate resilience over three years (subject to a $6 billion reduction in the Governor’s proposed 2023-24 budget).
8 SB 511 would fill a significant gap in the work done by local governments to address climate change.
While important actions have been taken and resources allocated at the state level, it is local communities and governments that are on the front lines of meeting the challenge. This bill, in directing CARB to assemble and share GHG emission inventories with local governments, would provide critical data essential to the task of drafting the best CAPs possible and making the best decisions on the application of available resources to benefit communities. The bill would have four major benefits: 1) comprehensive coverage across the state, 2) data and methodology consistency, 3) visibility into patterns and progress, and 4) reduced cost in generating GHG emission profiles.
Local governments want to be key partners in meeting the State’s ambitious GHG emissions goals. As a recent reflection on The State of Local Climate Planning suggests, having a state agency take on inventories is an important step in evolving our collective practice. It is a critical part of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of climate action by focusing each level of government’s efforts on their unique role, in concert with the other levels of government.
Leading local governments, and some regional agencies on behalf of local governments, have been conducting individual GHG inventories for over a decade, more recently spending nearly $1 million every year collectively to create or update GHG inventories. In addition to yielding the benefits listed above, centralizing inventories would allow these public dollars to be redirected toward action.
Thank you for your leadership in advancing the opportunity for local governments to develop data-based CAPs and to make the best investments possible, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, in reducing GHG emissions.
Sincerely,
Vibeke Norgaard
City Manager
City of Sand City
9 AGENDA ITEM
6B.
SB379 Califonia Automated Permit
Processing Program (CALAPP)
10 CITY OF SAND CITY
STAFF REPORT
APRIL 4, 2023
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: John Kuehl, Chief Building Official
SUBJECT: APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A GRANT APPLICATION
TO THE CALIFORNIA AUTOMATED PERMIT PROCESSING
PROGRAM (CALAPP)
BACKGROUND
On September 16, 2022, SB 379 was signed into law. This legislation requires most California cities and counties to implement an online, automated permitting platform that verifies code compliance and issues permits in real time for residential solar energy systems. This is defined as a system that is no larger than 38.4 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating and a residential energy storage system, as defined, paired with a residential solar energy system that is no larger than 38.4 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating. More information on SB 379 can be found here. A City with a population of fewer than 50,000 and not exempt is required to comply with SB379 requirements by September 30, 2024. The City of Sand City is not exempt and meets the criteria due to the city with a population of fewer than 50,000 and a county with a population of fewer than 150,000, including each city within that county.
On June 1, 2022, the California Energy Commission (CEC) released a grant solicitation and application for CALAPP through a Notice of Proposed Awards (NOPA). This grant solicitation offers an opportunity for jurisdictions to fund the establishment of an online solar permitting program. The grant solicitation announced the availability of up to $20 million statewide in grant funding. This grant is on a first come, first serve basis.
Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2023.
DISCUSSION
The City is proposing in its application to utilize the SolarAPP+ Software tool or equal that was designed to be utilized to comply with SB 379 and is free to adopt. The software was developed by local governments, code bodies such as the International Code Council (ICC), solar industry groups, environmental organizations, and building safety groups. This software would simplify and streamline single-family rooftop solar permits. Solar App+ can approve most applications without delay and streamline application processes for the City. When customers need residential rooftop solar 11 panels on their home, the software would review, approve, and process the permit instantly. The software will be updated with code requirements regularly. The customer would bring that approval to the City’s building department for final approval.
The City of Sand City is able to apply for up to $40,000 based on the City’s population size of under 50,000 people. The funds would be utilized to comply with SB 379 for inhouse staff labor costs and cost associated with the hardware, software, maintenance, and training to implement the software program. The City has worked with in-house IT to ensure coordination and IT requirements are compatible with City systems.
BUDGET:
This funding would augment the City's ability to meet SB 379 requirements to implement the software with up to $40,000 in grant funding. Without this funding, the City would need to find other funds to pay for the implementation of the software tool. There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
CEQA:
Does not constitute a “Project” per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a Resolution authorizing an application to the California Automated Permit Processing Program (CALAPP)
12 RESOLUTION NO. SC-2023-##
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAND CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE
APPLICATION FOR THE CALIFORNIA AUTOMATED PERMIT PROCESSING (CALAPP) PROGRAM The City of Sand City (“Applicant”) hereby consents to, adopts, and ratifies the following resolution.
WHEREAS, the California Energy Commission (CEC) released a grant solicitation and application package entitled “California Automated Permit Processing Program.” This grant solicitation is an offer to fund California cities, counties, or cities and counties to establish online solar permitting. The grant solicitation announced the availability of up to $20 million to fund agreements resulting from this solicitation and that the CEC, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to increase or reduce the amount of funds available under this solicitation.
WHEREAS the Funding of proposed agreements resulting from this solicitation is contingent upon the approval of these agreements by CEC staff and execution of a grant agreement. This notice is posted on the CEC’s website at https://www.energy.ca.gov/fundingopportunities/awards.
WHEREAS, the City of Sand City is eligible to receive a maximum of $40,000, and the online, automated solar permitting platform the City will be utilizing is SolarApp+ or equal.
WHEREAS, The funds will be used for ongoing staff labor costs associated directly with adoption and maintenance of the platform, ongoing third-party or consultant time associated directly with adoption and maintenance of the platform, ongoing staff training and education, specific to platform, essential hardware or equipment necessary to support adoption of the platform, and maintenance, such as adding support for energy storage paired with solar energy system permitting, and subscription cost for permitting, and subscription cost for permit tracking software in support of adopted permitting platform.
WHEREAS, “Notice of Proposed Awards” (NOPA) identifies each applicant selected and recommended for funding by CEC staff and includes the amount of recommended funding. The NOPA will be updated regularly with new awardees and posted in the same location. location.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT If Applicant receives a grant of California Automated Permit Processing Program funds from the California Energy Commission pursuant to the above referenced Notice of Proposed Awards, it represents and certifies that it will use all such funds in a manner consistent and in compliance with all applicable state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and laws, including without limitation all rules and laws regarding the California Automated Permit Processing 13 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Sand City at a regular meeting duly held on the 4t day of April 2023, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________________ __________________________
Kerry Lindstrom, City Clerk Mary Ann Carbone, Mayor
14 June 2022 Page 1 of 4 GFO-21-402
CalAPP Attachment 01
ATTACHMENT 01
Grant Application Form – EXHIBIT A
California Automated Permit Processing (CalAPP) Program
1. APPLICANT INFORMATION (REQUIRED)
Jurisdiction Name (please use full legal name as it would appear on the executed grant):
Jurisdiction Type (select one):
City County City and County
Current Estimated Population State of California Department of Finance Demographics (https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/Demographics/):
Less than 50,000
From 50,000 to 99,999
From 100,000 to 200,000
Greater than 200,000
Project Manager
(serves as point
of contact for all
communications)
Name
Street Address
City and
Zip Code
Phone Number
E-Mail Address
2. FUNDING (REQUIRED)
Assigned Maximum Grant Amount (select one)
Group 1 ($40,000): Population less than 50,000
Group 2 ($60,000): Population from 50,000 to 99,999
Group 3 ($80,000): Population from 100,000 to 200,000
Group 4 ($100,000): Population greater than 200,000
15 June 2022 Page 2 of 4 GFO-21-402
CalAPP Attachment 01
3. PROJECT INFORMATION (REQUIRED)
A. Online, automated solar permitting platform to be adopted:
SolarAPP+
Other. If selected, complete Section 4 (“Additional Information”) B. Please select allowable budget item(s) anticipated to be used (Select at least one):
Ongoing in-house staff labor costs associated directly with adoption and maintenance of the platform
Ongoing third-party or consultant time associated directly with adoption and maintenance of the platform
Ongoing staff training and education, specific to the platform Ongoing training events for local installers, specific to the platform Essential hardware or equipment necessary to support adoption of the platform
Maintenance, such as adding support for energy storage paired with solar energy system permitting, and subscription cost for permit tracking software in support of adopted permitting platform
C. Estimated Project Timeline*
*Enter actual dates if activities already began
Activity Date (Month/Year)
Begin Development/Pilot
Full Adoption
Staff Training
Training for Local Installers
16 June 2022 Page 3 of 4 GFO-21-402
CalAPP Attachment 01
4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (if applicable)
NOTE: Only complete this section if you implement a platform other than SolarAPP+ Please identify whether the following features are supported by the implemented platform. All features are required for the platform to qualify for funding. CEC staff will verify prior to payment approval.
Performs an automated plan review for residential solar energy systems that completes automatic code compliance checks based on user inputs (such as a contractor), thereby enabling or otherwise issuing permits instantly when the project is confirmed as code compliant, without the need for human review
Yes No
Supports online, immediate fee payment once an application is complete, which may include auto-invoicing of permit fee costs Yes No Supports immediate generation of a permit job card following payment confirmation Yes No
Blocks noncompliant applications from receiving a permit Yes No EITHER: 1) Stand-alone permitting tool; OR 2) Integrates with current software and inspection platform already in use Yes No
5. REPORTING (REQUIRED)
Following adoption and verification of a qualifying platform, the Energy Commission may request, and the Recipient will provide if requested, annual data on the number of permits issued for solar energy systems and a solar energy system paired with an energy storage system including relevant characteristics of those systems, such as system capacity.
Please indicate your acceptance of these terms.
Yes No
17 June 2022 Page 4 of 4 GFO-21-402
CalAPP Attachment 01
6. CERTIFICATION (REQUIRED)
• I am authorized to complete and sign this form on behalf of the applicant. • I authorize the California Energy Commission to make any inquiries necessary to verify the information presented in this application. • I have read and understand the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation. I accept the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation on behalf of the applicant, and the applicant is willing to enter into an agreement with the Energy Commission to conduct the proposed project according to the terms and conditions without negotiation.
• I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
Name of Authorized
Representative:
Title:
Phone Number:
E-mail Address:
Date:
Signature of
Authorized
Representative:
NOTE: Do not overlap signature with surrounding border lines. 18 AGENDA ITEM
6C.
National Public Works Week Proclamation
19 20
AGENDA ITEM
8A.
New Councilmember Interviews
21 City of Sand City
Memo
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Vibeke Norgaard, City Manager;
Adam U. Lindgren, Interim City Attorney
DATE: March 28, 2023 (for April 4, 2023 Council meeting) SUBJECT: Process to fill vacancy on City Council
______________________________________________________________________ Background:
On March 21, 2023, the Council adopted Resolution No. 23-13 declaring former Councilmember Kim Cruz’s seat on the City Council vacant in accordance with the City’s Charter and establishing a timeline and process to fill the vacancy.
City staff has notified the community of the vacancy by announcing it on the City’s’ website, sending direct emails to newsletter subscribers and posting it on social media. (Instagram) as well as posting the agenda item on City posting boards. In accordance with the Council’s direction, the City Manager will accept statements of interest from prospective City Council candidates until 3:00 PM on Monday, April 3, 2023. Those will be made available to the public and the Council prior to the April 4 City Council meeting.
During the April 4 Council meeting, candidates will draw straws to determine the order in which they will present to the Council. Any interested applicant will have the option to give a brief 5-10 minute presentation about themselves and answer any questions the Council may have. Members of the public will have the ability to comment, as required by the Brown Act.
The City Council may discuss each candidate in public at the meeting and announce their top two choices. The City Clerk will tabulate the top two preferred candidates.
During the following Council meeting on April 18, 2023, the City Council would discuss the top two choices and appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy on the City Council. If the City Council cannot decide on an appointment, then the item will be continued to the next meeting for additional discussion.
A new Council Member will be required to be selected by May 5, 2023 at the latest or be decided by the Mayor. The new Council Member will serve for the remainder of former Council Member Cruz’s term, ending on December 31, 2024. 22 23
AGENDA ITEM
9A.
Comments by Councilmembers on Items
of Interest to Sand City
24 AGENDA ITEM
9B.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
25 AGENDA ITEM
10A.
City Council/Successor Agency Board to
Adjourn to Closed Session Regarding
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
(Government Code §54957) Title: City
Manager Performance Evaluation
26 AGENDA ITEM
10B.
Re-adjourn to Open Session to report any
action taken at the conclusion of Closed
Session in accordance with California
Government Code §54957.1
27 AGENDA ITEM
11A.
State Coastal Conservancy Grant
Presentation from Michael Groves and
Elizabeth King of EMC Planning Group, Inc.
28 Grant Pre-Application
Sand City Coastal Trail Grant
State Coastal Conservancy
March 29, 2023
Prepared by
EMC Planning Group
29 30
Table of Contents
1.0 GRANT PRE-APPLICATION ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Project Description ................................................................................................................ 1-1 Tables
Table 1-1 Preliminary Budget Table ......................................................................................... 1-8 Table 1-2 Project Schedule ......................................................................................................... 1-8 Figures
Figure 1 Proposed Trail Locations ......................................................................................... 1-3 Figure 2 Sand City Proposed Trail Access Points. ............................................................... 1-5 Figure 3 Potential Boardwalk Designs and Wayfinding Signage ........................................ 1-9 31 32
Section 1.0 Grant Pre-Application 1-1
Sand City Proposed Trail System Grant Application
EMC Planning Group
March 29, 2023
1.0 Grant Pre-Application
1.1 Project Description
The City of Sand City’s Coastal Trail Project is described in further detail in the following sections as outlined in the State Coastal Conservancy Grant Pre-Application guidance.
Project Summary
The project will include Acquisition, Planning, and CEQA documentation to develop a trail plan leading to the eventual building of a trail system to provide public access from the Sand City’s City Hall and adjoining Calabrese Park to the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary viewing platform known as Vista Point. Vista Point was used to locate the project with a Longitude and Latitude of 36.61528, -121.85408. Proposed trials, comprise approximately 3,775 linear feet in a combination of trails and boardwalks, which will cross State Route 1 using the existing Tioga Avenue bridge crossing.
Site Description
The proposed project site is located in the City of Sand City, along the Monterey Bay Coastline, south of Tioga Avenue and on both the east and west sides of State Route 1 (Cabrillo Highway).
The project will utilize a combination of existing sidewalks, the existing Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail system and proposed newly designed trails, shown in red on Figure 1, Proposed Trail Locations, primarily within existing rights-of-way. The idea is to use the existing rights-of-ways, to the extent feasible, to avoid acquisition of property. It is likely the city would be able to gain access for the alternative trail from the western point of Tioga Avenue to the newly renovated Vista Point viewing platform (currently under reconstruction), as the State of California holds ownership of those parcels. Wayfinding signage, along with Geotagging placed on State Route 1, would be installed along the trail in key access points as shown on Figure 1, Proposed Trail Locations, and identified with photographs on Figure 2, Sand City Proposed Trail Access Points.
Project Need
There is currently not a complete trail system to the Vista Point viewing platform. The existing residential neighborhood, visitors to the city, and the recently approved mixed-use development (including a new visitor serving hotel which is breaking ground to begin construction) can use this trail system to access this feature, instead of making trails though sensitive habitat. This trail system 33 Section 1.0 Grant Pre-Application 1-2
Sand City Proposed Trail System Grant Application
EMC Planning Group
March 29, 2023
would connect the residents and patrons of the city to the beachfront and the newly renovated Vista Point viewing platform, and incorporate the mixed-use development at the corner of Tioga Avenue and California Avenue.
The Monterey Recreational Trail, a regional trail system, currently has a gap on the north side of Tioga Avenue, which needs to be extended to Eolian Dunes Preserve, to complete the regional trail system from Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove to Castroville. Though not part of this grant application, adding interest to this portion of Sand City through this local coastal trail could improve the chances of this Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail expansion northward, closing a missing gap, as well as increasing the potential to bring more visitors to Sand City’s West End Art District.
Who is Involved
The City of Sand City staff, along with EMC Planning Group and Bellinger Foster Steinmetz (BFS) Landscape Architects will be the primary partners working on the project. EMC Planning Group has worked with BFS in the past on planning projects including the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail. EMC Planning Group has extensive Planning and CEQA documentation experience and was involved in planning the Calabrese Park and biological survey work for the recently approved mixeduse project adjacent to this local trail project. BFS has provided design and planning services to public and private clients throughout California for over 25 years. Their projects range from regional park and open space master plans to detailed design for recreation, community facilities, healthcare and academic campuses, hospitality, housing, and public spaces.
Project Tasks
Acquisition
The property in which the proposed trail, including the alternative trail, travels is either within the public right-of-way or owned by the State of California. It is likely that the City can obtain access easements for future restoration and/or public access ways on these properties. If it is determined that easements could not be obtained, the City has the option to use the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail and its Eighth Way right-of-way to develop the trail from Tioga Avenue to the Vista Point viewing platform.
Planning
Schematic level plans for the local public access coastal trail would be prepared, based on technical reports for Biological and Cultural impacts, using aerial photography and GIS mapping. Trail typical sections would be prepared, five (5) in total, showing the trail with a boardwalk, and without a boardwalk along with a typical boardwalk detail taken from the CSP Trails Manual. Wayfinding signs would be determined using Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) standards and may vary in
34 TIOGA AVE.
CALIFORNIA
AVE.
SCOTT ST.
OCEAN VIEW AVE.
PARK AVE.
PARK AVE.
STATE ROUTE HIGHWAY 1
TAMC RAILROAD CORRIDOR
METZ RD.
Hall
City
Sand Dune
Habitat
Existing
Recreational
Trail
WEST BAY STREET
Vista Del Mar Street
SAND DUNES DRIVE
FELL STREET
Proposed
Beach Trail w/
Existing
Pump
Station
STATE ROUTE HIGHWAY 1
Boardwalks
Preservation
CALIFORNIA AVE.
Park Community
Proposed
Trail
VISTA POINT
PLATFORM
*
VIEWING
Alternate
Beach Trail w/
Boardwalks
MERLE STREET
Sidewalk
Existing
PENDERGRASS WAY
Eight Way
Sand City Beach Trail Connections
Proposed Trail Locations
Source: DBO Development 400 feet
Existing Sidewalk
Proposed Trail Locations
Existing Recreational Trail
Proposed Wayfinding Signage 0
35 Section 1.0 Grant Pre-Application 1-4
Sand City Proposed Trail System Grant Application
EMC Planning Group
March 29, 2023
This side intentionally left blank.
36 5
4 3
2 1
6 1 Tioga Ave. and Merle St access
2 East end of Ocean Ave.
3 Calabrese Park from Pendergrass Wy.
4 Vista Point viewing platform at West Bay St.
5 Tioga Ave. alternate trail access point.
6 View of Monterey Peninsula from beach in Sand City
Sand City Beach Trail Connections
Sand City Proposed Trail Access Points
Figure 2
Source: Google Earth 2023 0 300 feet
37 Section 1.0 Grant Pre-Application 1-6
Sand City Proposed Trail System Grant Application
EMC Planning Group
March 29, 2023
This side intentionally left blank.
38 Section 1.0 Grant Pre-Application 1-7
Sand City Proposed Trail System Grant Application
EMC Planning Group
March 29, 2023
style based on their specific location. Images can be found on Figure 3, Potential Boardwalk Design and Wayfinding Signage. Mitigation requirements and restoration planting would take place along the edges of the new trails, approximately five feet on either side where applicable and according to the CEQA recommendations. A trail and restoration planting budget will be provided in conjunction with the planning document described above. A landscape narrative will also be prepared for use in City Council public hearing presentations.
Landscape Architect: Bellinger Foster Steinmetz Landscape Architecture, Inc. (BFS Landscape Architects, 425 Pacific St., Ste. 201, Monterey CA 93940 (831) 646-1383 website: www.bfsla.com EMC Planning Group along with BFS Landscape Architects will prepare an application package, PowerPoint presentation and attend public hearings as necessary (2 hearings are proposed) to gain approval from the City Council. The public would be involved through public workshops with the City Council, in the same manner as was done for the Sand City Vibrance Plan, Sustainable Transportation Plan and the West End Parking Plan.
A Coastal Development Permit will be applied for and secured.
Environmental Documentation CEQA
In addition to assisting with the trail plan, EMC Planning Group would undertake technical analyses and resources studies, including Biological and Cultural studies, and complete CEQA environmental documentation in the form of an expanded Initial Study, and a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). EMC Planning Group’s related experience includes:
CEQA and NEPA compliance services, including initial studies, environmental assessments, environmental impact reports, environmental impact statements, noticing, and findings; Biological Resources: biological resources assessment, special-status species surveys, wetland delineations, habitat conservation plans, and compliance permitting; and Archaeology: archaeological surveys, testing, and monitoring, National Register eligibility assessments, preparation of cultural resources report in compliance with CEQA, NEPA, and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 NEPA compliance; Preliminary Budget
Total cost of the project: $184,639
Estimated cost per major task:
Legal work to secure easements, as needed: $25,000
Technical studies: $15,270
Conceptual Planning: $15,000
CEQA environmental review: $82,369
39 Section 1.0 Grant Pre-Application 1-8
Sand City Proposed Trail System Grant Application
EMC Planning Group
March 29, 2023
Application Package for Permit: $12,000
Public Outreach and City Council hearings (including preparation and materials for meetings):
$12,000
Administration of the Project and Grant: $23,000
Table 1-1 Preliminary Budget Table
Project Task Grant Request Other Fund
Sources
Total Cost
1. Legal Work to Securing Easements $25,000 - $25,000
2. Technical Studies $15,270 - $15,270
3. Conceptual Planning $15,000 - $15,000
4. CEQA Compliance $82,369 - $82,369
5. Application Package $12,000 - $12,000
6. Public Outreach & Hearings $12,000 - $12,000
7. Administration of Project & Grant $23,000 - $23,000
Total $184,639 $184,639
SOURCE: EMC Planning Group 2023
Project Schedule
Below is an estimated schedule for the project, this schedule is subject to technical reports and environmental findings that may require specific timing for surveys.
Table 1-2 Project Schedule
Project Task Estimated Start Date Estimated Completion Date
1. Legal Work to Secure Easements October 1, 2023 March 1, 2024
2. Technical Studies October 1, 2023 May 1, 2024
3. Conceptual Planning November 1, 2023 February 24, 2024
4. CEQA Compliance December 1, 2023 June 1, 2024
5. Application Package November 1, 2023 February 24, 2024
6. Public Outreach & Public Hearings October 1, 2023 March 1, 2024
7. Administration of Project & Grant October 1, 2023 June 1, 2024 Overall Project October 1, 2023 June 1, 2024
SOURCE: EMC Planning Group 2023
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Compliance
It is expected in order to implement this project that an expanded Initial Study, a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation monitoring and reporting program would be prepared to satisfy the CEQA compliance.
40 TEREY COUNTY BIKE & PEDESTRIAN WAYFINDING SIGN DESIGN | MARCH 2016 | ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN
FINDING CONCEPT DESIGN
package presents preferred concept designs for regional bicycle and pedestrian nding signs. Through a public engagement process led by the Transportation cy of Monterey County (TAMC) and a series of work sessions with the TAMC nding Plan Advisory Committee a final design was developed that is a reflection e County’s community assets. Standards, unique branding, visibility, and cost considered when developing and finalizing the sign family. This suite of options is durable and flexible. It uses materials that resist the natural elements and deter lism. In addition, this design considers modular components that may be fabricated maintained by City facilities staff.
Explore Monterey County” theme draws upon the environment that makes erey County unique; the mountains, agriculture, vineyards, and the sea. A mountains a color palette was selected to highlight these assets. The signage family provides nce for implementing a cohesive county-wide sign system while providing flexibility cal jurisdictions to choose wayfinding elements that fit within the local community xt. The family also provides opportunities to incorporate City names and logos on lements.
AYFINDING CONCEPT DESIGN
Destination I
Destination II
Destination III
MARINA
1 MILES 20 MIN
2 MILES
3 MILES
40 MIN
18 MIN 120 MIN
12 MIN
6 MIN
YOU ARE HERE STREET NAME
STREET NAME
STREET NAME
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
STREET NAME
5 MINUTE WALK
Duis aute irure
Duis aute irure
Walk from here
2 mins walk
Lorem ipsum dolor
Lorem ipsum dolor
2 mins walk
Ad minim veniamt 5 mins walk
5 mins walk
Ad minim veniamt 5 mins walk
5 mins walk
Duis aute irure
Duis aute irure
Ride your bike from here
2 mins walk
Lorem ipsum dolor
Lorem ipsum dolor
2 mins walk
Ad minim veniamt 5 mins walk
5 mins walk
Ad minim veniamt 5 mins walk
5 mins walk
SALINAS (ʩɿOʝȾɏ
SALINAS
(ʩɿOʝȾɏ
SALINAS
ARTS
DISTRICT
YOU ARE HERE STREET NAME
STREET NAME
STREET NAME
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
STREET NAME
5 MINUTE WALK
(ʩɿOʝȾɏ
SALINAS
Sand City Beach Trail Connections
Potential Boardwalk Designs and Wayfinding Signage
Figure 3
Source: Alta Planning and Design 2019, Google 2023
41 Section 1.0 Grant Pre-Application 1-10
Sand City Proposed Trail System Grant Application
EMC Planning Group
March 29, 2023
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