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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-26; City Council; 13318; Citywide trail system (proposed) status# II n d VJ -d u (d a, a h eel 0 m a, u 5 c ZG a, a, 01 *rl W g E .rl U cd ccl 0 .rl c 4 cd G 0 .rl *rl U 5 5 cd a a, U 0 a, a) Ll ?-I .rl L) G 5 u 0 3 z 0 5 4 6 Z 3 0 0 Ll- WF GAHLSEAU - ACitw E'LL IA6 # 13,318 ITIPE: MTG. '+%7- 95 DEPT. - & STATUS OF PROPOSED CITYWIDE TRAIL SYSTEM CITY A CITY M L I I RECOMMENDED ACTION: ~~~ ~~ ~ ~~___~~~~~~~ ~ Receive a status report on the proposed crtywide trail system and direct staff as appropr ITEM EXPLANATION: The City Manager has requested that staff update the Council on the status of the pro! Carlsbad trail system. The attached memorandum to the City Manager, dated July 5, decribes in detail the current status of trail implementation. Staff will make a formal presen to the Council on this item. On September 1, 1992, Crty Council accepted the Open Space and Conservation Res Management Plan (OSCRMP), which included policies and recommendations for the pror citywide trail system. The OSCRMP was formally integrated into the Open Space Conservation Element of the General Plan in September 1994, as part of the Genera update. The OSCRMP was primarily the technical study which established the implementation prc for open space and the proposed trail system. Wdh respect to trails the OSC recommended trail goals, objectives and policies; established general alignments of established general trail design; and, contained cost estimates of implementing trails. Since the OSCRMP was approved in 1992, no trails have been accepted for dedication City or constructed under the citywide trail program. It is a General Plan Open Spaa Conservation Element policy to prohibit the approval of projects which would eliminat segments recommended in the OSCRMP. Currently, new development proposals, located a proposed trail alignment, are required to be designed with the trail segment. The pro, then conditioned to provide an irrevocable offer of dedication for the trail. A second con of the project notes that if prior to final map, the City does not have.a financing mechan place to take over maintenance and liability of the citywide trail segment, the developer required to construct the trail. To date, only one tentative map with a trail segment has f' (Evans Pointe), The developer of Evans Pointe will construct a portion of the trail, bl declined to build the trail segment leading up to the lookout at Evans Pointe. This pro, the first lost opportunity of construction of a trail segment, although in the near future the several maps that may final, in which trail construction opportunities may be lost. Attact this report is a memo which discusses in more detail the background and status of the pro1 citywide trail system. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW No environmental review is required for this status report. FISCAL IMPACT No direct fiscal impacts are anticipated from this discussion item. However, implementai the proposed citywide trial would have the following fiscal impacts. The total cost for open space and trails as recommended in the OSCRMP is approximately million, of which B.8 million is the estimated cost for trail acquisition and improvement @ 0 ,1.318 e PAGE WO AGENDA BILL NO- - construction costs have increased approximately 10.3% since 1992 when the QSCRMP prepared, this increase has not been added to the cost estimates in this report). As summarized below, the annual maintenance cost of the trail system is estimated at $560 This figure is based on assuming a cost of $1,000 to $5,000 per mile for trails and $75 to per acre for open space maintenance. The OSCRMP recommended that the maintenance 1 be funded from a new maintenance district assessment or by amending the existing cit) lighting and landscape maintenance district. Currently, there are no funds available i General Fund to cover these costs, at least for the foreseeable future. TRAlL/OPEN SPACE COST ESTIMATES ITEM COST It [pd Easement Purchases & Costs I $8.8 million II 11 Improvement costs ~~~~~ ~ ~ I $3.4 million II Annual Staff, Program, Maintenance & Operation costs ~~ $560,008 Costs include a 15-percent contingency (all figures are 1992 dollars) Departments except Police and Fire. 2 Costs at build-out, including allocation for liability, capital reserves, overhead, and costs incurred by EXHIBITS 1. Memo to the City Manager, dated July 5, 1995 2. Excerpt from the Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan 3. Excerpt from the Open Space and Conservation Element 4. Map of Proposed Crtywide Trail System. 0 e EXHIBIT 1 JULY 5, 1995 - TO: CITY MANAGER FROM: Planning Director SUBJECT: BACKGROUND AND STATUS OF THE PROPOSED CITYWIDE TRAIL SYSTEM Background In July 1989, the 15-member Citizens Committee for the Review of Carlsbad's Open Space Pial Program completed its report to City Council. This report included a number of recommendatic principal one of which was to prepare an Open Space and Conservation Resource Management which was to include a trail system. Initially, the City conducted a detailed study of the fiscal and physical feasibility of implement citywide trail system. This study identified that a citywide trail system was feasible. On June 19, the City Council appointed a 9-member Open Space Advisory Committee to address unfinished space and trail issues. On September 1 , 1992, Council accepted the Open Space and Consen Resource Management Plan (OSCRMP), the culmination of the efforts of the committee, consultant staff. Included in the OSCRMP are the policies and recommendations for the proposed citywid system. The OSCRMP was formally integrated into the Open Space and Conservation Element ( General Plan in September, 1994 as part of the General Plan update. The OSCRMP is primarily the technical study which established an implementation program for space and the proposed trail system. With respect to trails the OSGRMP; recommended trail { objectives and policies; established general alignments of trails; established general trail design contained cost estimates of implementing trails. Below is a summary of the primary trail implemen and financing recommendations included in the OSCRMP. Attached to this memo is a copy ( relevant trail sections of the OSCRMP. a. Primary Trail Implementation Recommendations of the OSCRMP I. Implement a Citywide trail system acquiring new trail easements and using existing of-way. The City should be responsible for the maintenance and liability associatec the Carlsbad Trail System. 2. Most trails should be dedicated through the subdivision approval process. Som easements will have to be purchased. Trail easements which must be purchased s be located only within land which is zoned for open space or utilities. 3. Three types of trail designs were included in the proposed trail system: (1) 2 improved paved trail which would be used in the most urban and heavily used sei of the trail system (this type would be fully handicapped accessible); (2) an unpave type which is intended to be only minimally improved in order to allow a more rur, experience; and, (3) a few trail linkages which would use the sidewalk and bike la1 the road right-of-way (this type is to be used only where aligning the trail in a sei right-of-way is not possible). The trail system as a whole includes a total of 74 miles of pedestrian, bicycle, anc use trails. The proposed Carlsbad Trail system has been broken down for conver of discussion into segments of various length determined by factors such as chant ownership and interconnections of one trail orientation to another. The trail prc BACKGROUND & STATU 8 F THE PROPOSED CITYWIDE 0 - TRAIL SYSTEM - MEMO JULY 5,1995 p PAGE2 includes guidelines for interpretative signage, administrative responsibility, mainter responsibility, and a financing program for acquisition, improvement, liability, administration and operation of the proposed trail system. Attached to this memc map of the proposed trail system. b, Primary Trail Financing Recommendations of the OSCRMP 1. The City should propose a general obligation bond for open space, trail ease purchase, and City-incurred improvement costs. The estimated tax impact is $9. $1 1.36 per $1 00,000 of assessed value, depending on whether a single series or seF series of bonds are issued. If a series of bonds are issued, the series should be i: over a six-year period in three separate issues. Each bond will be outstanding 1 years. 2. The City should propose an accompanying ballot measure to permit the City to I more than $1 million, in accordance with Proposition H. 3. The City should amend the existing Cityrvide lighting and landscape mainter assessment district to *fund maintenance of the trail system and City-purchased space. Alternatively a new district could be formed for this purpose. The a estimated assessment impact per household would range from $6.20 during thi phase to $16.40 per household after full system buildout, diminishing as populat added. c. Primary Recommendations of the OSCRMP on Administrative Responsibility of Trail 1. Long-Range Planning and Project Review The Planning Department will be responsible for individual project design and revi ensure that the provisions of the OSCRMP are implemented in the future. 2, Maintenance and Operations Responsibility The responsibility for maintenance and operations of the Citywide open space s! including the trail system is recommended for the Community Services Department department is already responsible for programming and maintaining the various owned public recreation areas. There will inevitably be an incremental cost implic to the department as the open space and trail system are developed. Provision is for projected incremental costs in the financial recommendations of the OSC including both staffing and equipment costs. d. Primary Liability recommendations of the OSCRMP The OSCRMP recommended that the City take over the liability for the proposed Carlsbac system. In general, it recommended that the portions of the open space system that are pu accessible should be the responsibiltty of the City. The OSCRMP assumed that approxir 1 00-feet of open space land, including the approximately 20-foot wide trail easement, WOI maintained, operated and the liability responsibility of the City. J ,BACKGROUND & STATUS 9 F THE PROPOSED CllWVlDE 0 TRAIL SYSTEM - MEMO JULY 5,1995 - PAGE3 Status of the ProDosed Citvwide Trail Svstem The following is a summary of the current status of trail system implementation and financing. Trail implementation It is a General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element policy to prohibit the approval of prc which would eliminate trail segments recommended in the OSCRMP. Currently, new develop proposals, located within a proposed trail alignment, are required to be designed with the trail segr The project is then conditioned to provide an irrevocable offer of dedication for the trail, A se condition of the project notes that if prior to final map, the City does not have a financing mecha in place to take over maintenance and liability of the citywide trail segment, the developer is not req to construct the trail. To date, only one tentative map with a trail segment has received a final (Evans Pointe). The developer of Evans Pointe will construct a portion of the trail, but has declinl build the trail segment leading up to the look-out. at Evans Pointe. This project is the firsi opportunity of construction of the trail system, although in the near future there are several map: may final, in which trail construction opportunities may be lost. Although an irrevocable offer of dedication is required as a condition of project approval, it ms difficult to construct trails at a later date due to difficulties in grading or due to neighborhood oppos The best way to implement a trail system is concurrent with new development. The only way t' construction of the trail system is to have a mechanism for paying for maintenance and lia Approximately 80% of the proposed citywide trail system could be dedicated and constructed thr developer exactions if a program to pay for the maintenance and liability were in place. Status of Trail Financing The total cost for open space and trails as recommended in the OSCRMP is approximately 12.2 m of which 3.8 million is the estimated cost for trail acquisition and improvement (trail construction have increased approximately 10.3% since 1992 when the OSCRMP was prepared, this increase he been reflected in this report). The OSCRMP recommended the use of a General Obligation (GO) issue before the voters to approve these purchases and improvements. This would require a 2/3 in order to pass. Without the vote there is no source of revenue to fund the program. To date primarily to the economic climate, no efforts have been ,made toward implementing the ful recommendations of the OSCRMP. As summarized below, the annual maintenance cost of the trail system is estimated at $560,000. figure is based on assuming a cost of $1,000 to $5,000 per mile for trails and $75 to $100 per ac open space maintenance. The OSCRMP recommended that the maintenance costs be funded fl new maintenance district assessment or by amending the existing citywide lighting and land: maintenance district. Currently, there are no funds available in the General Fund to cover these c at least for the foreseeable future. The formation of a new lighting and landscape district for trail and open space maintenance or amel the existing citywide lighting and landscape district will require that we notice every resident in th by first class mail, hold two public hearings during which the residents may file protests to the form of the district, and levy an annual assessment for maintenance costs. In either case, a strict assoc of cost and benef~ would be required. BACKGROUND & STATU 8 F THE PROPOSED CITYWIDE 0 TRAIL SYSTEM - MEMO JULY 5,1995 - PAGE4 TRAlL/OPEN SPACE COST ESTIMATES I1 ITEM COST 1 Land and Easement Purchases & Costs $3.4 million Improvement Costs $8.8 million II I II Annual Staff, Program, Maintenance & Operation costs $560,000 Costs include a IS-percent contingency (all figures are 1992 dollars) except Police and Fire. 2 Costs at build-out, including allocation for liability, capital reserves, overhead, and costs incurred by all Ciy Depar Funding Alternatives The following is a summary of the funding options available for trails. 1. Implement the original recommendation of the OSCRMP for trails and open space by Se, voter approval (pursuant to Proposition H) of an expenditure of over $1 million; propose a gc obligation bond for open space and trail acquisition and improvement; and, create a new lis and landscape maintenance district or amend the existing lighting and landscape mainter district to fund trail and open space maintenance, liability and operations. 2. Implement the original recommendations of the OSCRMP for trails only, and defer general space implementation by seeking voter approval (pursuant to Proposition H) of an expen! of over $1 million; propose a general obligation bond for trail acquisition and improvement create a new lighting and landscape maintenance district or amend the existing lightins landscape maintenance district to fund trail maintenance, liability and operations. 3. Create a new citywide lighting and landscape maintenance district or amend the existing cit! lighting and landscape maintenance district to fund trails only. By establishing a progra maintenance and liability for trails, approximately 80% of the trail system could be dedicate( constructed through developer exactions. This option would defer City trail/open i acquisition and improvement cost funding (estimated at $8.8 million). Direct staff to p grants for acquisition and improvement of critical trail segments. Related Habitat Management Planning Issue The City’s Habitat Management Plan (HMP), currently being prepared, will require a funding sour maintenance, liability and operations. The HMP will include recommendations for financing. anticipated that the HMP will be ready for review by the City Council in approximately six months possible that a similar (or the same) assessment district used for trails would be appropria maintenance, liability and operations of the HMP. MICHAEL J. HOLZMILLER Planning Director M J H/NV/vd e e EXHIBIT c VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSU Open Space and Conservation Resource Management P - VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSUES A. Trail System Planning and Design Issues Introduction The 1973 Open Space and Conservation Element of the Carlsbad General Plan contained general statements and references to the concept of the city pursuing a citywide, interconnecting trail systen In particular, the 1973 Prime Open Space and Conservation Map depicts corridors and linkages between major open space areas. However, when the 1982 Parks and Recreation Element was adopted, no specific policies or action programs regarding a comprehensive trail system were included. This apparently reflected decisions against pursuing a trails system because of the level o improvement costs, ongoing maintenance costs, public liability, impact on private property where tl trail might have to be adjacent to homeowners private yards, and perceived security and policing problems. In 1989 the Citizen's Committee to Study Open Space concluded its review of open space planning the city and made a number of recommendations for future policy action regarding open space in general and trails in particular.- On trails the committee recommended that: "Since surveys by the state have shown that the most popular outdoor activities, and those with the greatest participation, are individual pursuits such as walking and hiking, the committee recommends unanimously that the City Council give high priority to studies preparatory to establishing a trail system throughout the city." A Trads Feasibility Study, completed in 1990, gave the City Council and others the information necessary on which to base policy and administrative decisions regarding trails in the City of Carlsbad. As a result, a trail system was incorporated as a major component of this open space pla It is important to note that the trail network identified in this Plan is intended to form the primary linkages only. While establishing this primary network 8s the backbone of the final system, it will also be important to ensure that developments surrounding the primary trails take advantage of the opportunity, and ensure adequate access to the primary system through the integration of a seconda network of trails which will lead through those developments and connect to the main system. There are three types of trail included in the proposed system: a fully improved paved trail type whi fully handicapped accessible; an unpaved trail type which is intended to be only minimally improve in order to allow a more rural trail aesthetic; and a few trail linkages which would use the sidewalk and bike lanes in the road right of way - this last type to be used only where aligning the trail in a separate right of way is not possible. In selecting'alignments for the trail system, the Trails Feasibility Study commenced with the alignments indicated on the 1989 Comprehensive Open Space Network Map produced as part of th~ conclusions of the Citizen's Committee to Study Open Space. From this starting point the intentior was to link together key recreational opportunities in the City including park sites and key natural resource areas. A secondary concern was to provide an alternative nonvehicular transportation sysl throughout the city. For all alignments the first choice of location was to be in an unimproved oper space corridor away from any roadway. The second choice was to locate the trail within a powerh would be used in the most urban and heavily used sections of the trail system - this type would be 217 e ab VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSUES - Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan easement. Third choice was to locate the trail within its own right of way parallel to a roadway. On where none of these options was available does the trail system use sidewalks and bike lanes to connect together open space linkages. In preparing this plan, proposed trail alignments were carefully reviewed by a team of civil engineel and, based upon their recommendations, a number of revisions were made to specific segment alignments. The civil engineering team also reviewed and refined the improvement cost estimates fc construction of the trail system. (See Appendix C for the detailed engineering report.) The proposed alignments have also taken into account the input of a team of biologists who reviewe the trail system for potential impacts to sensitive biological resources. The biologists’ report may bc fobnd in Appendix D. The intent of this Plan is that the trail system should fall, wherever possible, within open space, Th city must ensure that planning for open space is coordinated with planning for the trail system. In particular, this will require careful development project design review. Trails and Community Parks One of the objectives of the trail system was to connect to the various existing and proposed community parks located throughout the city. The system developed in this plan connects with all these sites: Hosp Grove Park Larwin Park Calavera Park Macario Canyon Park AltamiraPark Poinsettia Park Alga Norte Park Cdo Ranch Stagecoach Park It is intended that connection from one side of each park to the other will be achieved through the pi site itself. In those sites not yet designed and constructed, this should become one of the design criteria. Any alignments indcated through park sites in this plan are to be considered general conce only, which will be revised during master planning and design development of each park site. No significant improvements will be required at the two existing park sites: At Calavera Park, the trails connecting through the park are only intended to carry pedestrian: who would be able to use existing paths through the park itself; At Stagecoach Park, pedestrian and bicycle trails connecting at opposite sides of the park will directed around its perimeter on Mission Estancia (the connections of Segments Nos. 42,43 and 44). The introduction of Segment No. 41 may require the addition of a new path along tl western perimeter of the park site. An additional issue with regard to the interaction of parks and the trail system is the projected use o some park sites for parking and staging areas for access to the trail system. While this should not 218 e ab VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSL Open Space and Conservation Resource Management 1 create any significant problems, it is possible that additional use of parking areas in particular may over-stretch the resources at the park sites. It is recommended that the city monitor this situation carefully and ensure that any need for additional parking at park sites should be addressed. At park sites not yet constructed, the inclusion of trails usage should form part of the design process. Special Resource Areas' Parks planning in Carlsbad identifies a primary classification system for park sites which includes defined as including sites which "...provide a unique character, [and] are larger than community parks. They are recreational sites characterized by the existence of special or unusual features, natr or manmade, Le., a water body,, earth formation, historical amenity, ecological reserve, etc." This definition seems to effectively encompass two areas which have potential for trails oriented use. TI two areas being considered are Hosp Grove and an area around Lake Calavera. In both cases, the intent of a trails oriented Special Resource Area would be to provide an essentially unimproved nah area for hiking and bicycle use. Aside from minimal grading and imprmements for the trails themselves, the only improvements envisaged would be for staging areas close to road access, minimal picnic sites, and viewpoints. It is recommended that the city undertake to prepare a master plan for the entire Hosp Grove three types; Community Parks, Special Use Areas, and Special Resource Areas, Ths last catego9 area. In the 1991 Parks and Recreation Element, Lake Calavera is included as a 252-acre Special Resource Area. Thls acreage was primarily intended to accommodate the golf course around the lake. This intended facility is at present the subject of a separate planning and design stuc and environmental review. The current plans for the golf course include the necessary trail connections. However, if the golf course were, for any reason, not to be pursued, the City would have more flexibility in locating and designing the trails around the lake. Classification The trail system as a whole includes a total of 74 miles of pedestrian, bicycle, and joint use trails. ' system has been broken down for convenience of discussion into segments of various length determined by factors such as changes in ownership and interconnections of one trail orientation to another. Each segment in the Plan has been ascribed one of two trail types (except where a separat trail cannot be aligned in which case the trail system would have to follow road right-of-way using sidewalks and bikelanes): Type 1: Paved pedestrian and bike path: 2.0 miles Type 2: Unpaved hilung and bike path: 61.0 miles Use of SidewaWbikelanes; 1 1 .O miles The majority of the trail system is projected to be -anpaved in order to keep improvement costs to ax acceptable level and to develop the trail system with a naturalistic aesthetic consistent with the inten permitting trail users to come to appreciate better the natural environment upon which the city is bu The intent of paving certain paths is to allow for wheelchair access to portions of the trail system. 219 0 0 VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSUES Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan Paving is also assumed in the more urban sections of the trail system and where especially heavy USI is anticipated. The proposed trail system shows joint use by bicycles and pedestrians of both paved and unpaved paths. The design standards for the paved paths (see Figure 12) show a minimum path width of 12 feet which conforms to the CalTrans standard for joint use. However, in some cases it is possible that joint use of the eight feet wide unpaved trails (for which a minimum width of eight feet is show on Figure 13) could become dangerous - for example, if particularly heavy use is made of a trail segment. The City might need either to restrict use to pedestrians only, for example, or construct ar additional parallel path within the right-of-way and use signage to keep pedestrians and cyclists separated. The City should monitor trail use and, where peak use areas of the trail system are determined to pose negative impacts from mixed use, be prepared to restrict mixed bicycle and pedestrian use. Trail Design Guidelines fis Plan includes some initial conceptualization of design for the trail system in order to predict improvement costs and to guide the development of implementation recommendations. Design guidelines for the two trail types are shown in Figures 12 and 13. In addition to these standard trail types some special circumstances will be encountered in developin the trail system: Where the trail crosses the road system it is recommended that a uniform design approach be developed so that the city trail system becomes a readily identified and easily found feature of the city landscape. Some conceptual recommendations are described in Figure 14. Where the trail must follow a regular sidewalk for a short distance in order to link together twc sections of open space comdor, it is recommended that a clear marking system be used to identify the route for the trail user. Some conceptual recommendations are described in Figurc 15. The City should prepare and adopt a set of more detailed design guidelines for development of the tr system. These guidelines will not only be used internally to guide public projects, but also may be distributed to private developers to assist in preparation of their planning and design submittals. Landscaping Given that a primary intent of the trail system is to allow people access to the natural landscape of th City, the general rule applied to the trail system design is that no landscaping in the sense of introducing new planting should be used. The vegetation around the trail will be that of the natural open space. Nevertheless there are a number of circumstances where additional planting will be required. * Where construction of the trail requires removal of native vegetation, this should be replaced i far as possible; Wherever possible, the trail system should be implemented using the minimum of cut or fill sc as to preserve the natural topography and to minimize costs; 220 0 4D VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSU Open Space and Conservation Resource Management P Where construction of trails or associated facilities leaves engineered cut or fdl slopes, these should be revegetated with native plantings which are consistent with erosion control needs; Where the introduction of a need for shading occurs, such as at trails staging areas and picnic areas the use of native or naturalized tree species should be used; In more urban contexts, the trail system may in places assume more of the aesthetic of a parkway where a wider diversity of plant material may be introduced. In all cases, however, the species used should be in keeping with their surrounding context and be drought tolerant; At prominent locations, the design guidelines for the trail system call for a readily identifiable ensemble of trail markers, interpretive information, gateways, and associated landscaping. It recommended that the City select a key tree species or group of species which will be repeatec wherever the trail system crosses the road system or at staging areas. .. In all cases, where new planting occurs, water conservation must be a primary concern and only drought tolerant species should be used. As part of the preparation of design guidelines for the trail system, the City should prepare a list of acceptable plant species which conform both to the natural landscape aesthetic and water conservation needs. Staging Areas Planning for the trail system has included consideration of trail access via appropriately located staging areas. At these points, trail users would be able to park their cars, coordinate meeting with other trail users, and learn about the trail system through interpretive and safety oriented signage. Two types of staging area were included: primary staging areas, with 20 parking spaces and full facilities including restrooms; and secondary staging areas, with only six parking spaces and minim improvements. primary Staging Area - Total Land Area = 0.5 Acres - Facilities to include: 20 parkmg spaces and driveway Fencing and gateway Signage/displays Restroom picnic tabledbenches Trash receptacles Handicapped drinking fountain Treesflandscaping Lighting Secondary Staging Area - Total Land Area = 0.25 Acres - Facilities to include: 6 parking spaces and drive Fencing and gateway Signage/displays plcnic tabledbenches Trash receptacles Handicapped drinking fountain 22 1 0 e VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSlTM ISSUES Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan Treeshandscaping Lighting The locations of the various staging areas are shown on Figure 16. It should be noted that in a number of cases the staging areas indicated are within park sites, either existing or projected. With the exception of a staging area at Hosp Grove which is included because that park site will be developed as a trail oriented location, none of the staging areas within park sites are included in the cost analysis presented by this report. Viewpoints and Picnic Areas The planning for the trail system included consideration of the need for picnic areas and viewpoints Some key opportunities for such facilities have been included in the development of this plan, although it should be recognized that other potential sites will probably be discovered as implementation of the system proceeds. Those identified in this plan include the key opportunities i ascertained during the field study process. They are included in the cost estimates for the system, il terms of acquisition, improvements, and maintenance costs. For the purpose of cost estimates it ha been assumed that each of these facilities would occupy a site of 0.25 acres. The locations of viewpoints arid picnic areas included in the study are shown on Figure 17. As wit: the staging areas, those viewpoints and picnic areas which fall within community park sites other th Hosp Grove have not been included in the cost estimates as it is assumed that such facilities would included in the park design regardless of whether the trail system proceeds or not. Signage and Interpretive Information Aside from interpretive signage and information, (see below) there are three major considerations fc trail system signage: signage along the trails themselves; compatibility of the signage with the wide regional trail system beyond the City; and signage along the roads in the City to alert motorists aboc trail crossings and of the location of trail access opportunities and staging areas. Carlsbad Trails Signage An important component of the trails improvements will be the provision of adequate signage. Thn primary types of signage/marker are envisaged for the Carlsbad trail system. Concepts for the signage are shown on Figures 14 and 15. Along the trails at intervals of one mile (to provide a regular measure of progress) and at junctions of trails, the City should place a simple marker post bearing, at a minimum, the namdnumber of the trail and the type of use permitted. A simple wooden post could have a number of metdenamel plaques attached to communicate necessary information. Where the trail has to use a sidewalk in order to connect two open space corridors it is suggested that a simple painted marker be placed on the sidewalk at regular intervals to guide the trail user. In . Figure 17 a painted dot is shown as one possibility. Other symbols could be employed instei or the city could opt for a more expensive solution using signposts. At staging areas and other access points to the trail system, the City should erect a signboard containing at least a map of the trail system, rules for trail use, and guidance on trail safety. I also recommended that the City use these signboards to communicate interpretive informatior 222 0 0 VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSL Open Space and Conservatbn Resource Management 1 At viewpoints, the City should provide information pertaining to landmarks and to the locatio of other trails in the visible area. Viewpoints would also be an ideal location for other interpretive information. Insofar as the trail system is intended to allow people understandint tells a story of the City. Viewpoints are a key location for that narrative to unfold. The City should develop a system of signage for the trail system describing both what specific information will be communicated and the design of the signs and markers which will be used. Regional Trails Signage Regional trail links, such as the California Riding and Hiking Trail which traverses eastern San Die County, are limited at present. However, the issue of regional connecting trails is much discussed present in north San Diego County and it may be supposed that regional links will be developed in future. Such trails (or such a regional trail system) may develop its own signage system with distinctive signposts or other markers. These could easily be added to the Carlsbad trails signage without detracting from the value of either system. If the regional system were to develop a small logo or symbol, then a small metal/enamel plaque, such as that suggested above for the Carlsbad tr; signage, could be added to the wooden posts already in place. The city should discuss with other agencies and communities in the region the types of regional signage needed where connections wi determined in advance it would probably be of benefit to all parties. Road Signage It is important that people driving along Carlsbad's road system should be made aware of the existence of the trail system. Signage which is located and designed to be legible from the windov a vehicle travelling at the design speed of the road should identify points where access can be gaine to the trail system (Le., advise of a nearby staging area) and should also warn motorists on the approach to at-grade trail road-crossings in order to avert against accidents. The City should identify locational criteria for and design appropriate road signage to identify the tr system to city motorists. Interpretive Information and Program It is recommended that the City develop an interpretive program to accompany the development of trails system. This program could enhance the function of the trail system as a means of allowing t information could be presented on signage located along the trail system as well as in an overall leaflethooklet describing the trail system. (Special leaflets could also be prepared discussing flora and fauna, cultural sites, and other themes which can be accessed through the trail system.) The us of interpretive signage will be focused on the staging areas and at points of special interest and viewpoints. At key access locations, especially the staging areas, the interpretive display or signage should incl information pertaining to safety of the trail user and setting rules for trail use. of the city's natural landscape, the trail experience may be viewed as a narrative one - the trail be made between different communities' trails systems. If a coordinated approach could be users to understand and appreciate the natural and cultural landscape of the city. 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CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSUES Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan 1 Rules should include prohibition on: Trail use when fire hazards exist; Smolung, fires, and use of firearms: Removal of any plant material, minerals, archaeological artifacts, or animals; Use of short cuts - trail users should be advised to stay on the trail path; Leaving any trash; Dumping or fly-tipping. Advice on personal safety should include instructions regarding: Carrying water and appropriate food especially on longer and wilderness trails; Appropriate footwear and clothing; Identification, avoidance, and treatment for poison oak: Information on rattlesnakes; A telephone number to call for further information on the trails; The location of the nearest public telephone. 0 . A telephone number for police and other emergency service assistance: Furniture The only furniture that has been specifically included in the cost analysis for this plan is associated with the staging areas, picnic areas, and viewpoints. It is likely, however, that additional furniture such as benches at convenient resting places and at secondary overlooks created by the detailed desi of the trail alignment, will be introduced to most of the linkages. (The projected improvement costs for each link include allowance for additional items such as furniture.) It is recommended that, in a1 cases, this furniture be of a construction which will enhance the aesthetics of the trail system. Therefore, in addition to ensuring use of sturdy and safe construction, it is recommended that the ci utilize primarily natural materials such as stone and wood. The City may wish to formulate a set of detailed design standards for trail furniture. Recommendations regarding the construction and location of furniture should be included in the overall development of design guidelines for the trail system. Lighting To maintain the natural feel of the trail system and to keep improvement costs to a minimum, the us( of lighting for the trail system has been assumed only at the staging areas. Lighting may eventually used along some of the trail links depending upon the detailed design of that link in the context of it surrounding development. However, the use of lighting on such instances has been assumed to be development project related issue and neither recommendations nor costs for such lighting are included in this feasibility study. Road Crossings and Bridges In many places the trail system is required to cross the City's road system. In developing the alignments for the plan, road crossings were designed, wherever possible, to coincide with existin: or planned traffic signals, so as to avoid special costs to the trail system. In the majority of cases tk 230 e 0 VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSul Open Space and Conservation Resource Management P proved possible. However, in a small number of cases, for safety or other reasons as specified in tl linkages descriptions, special pedestrian crossing traffic signals or bridges have had to be included. Additionally, the system includes a number of bridges to cross natural landscape features - preconstructed bridges crossing a small canyon and a small stream and riparian area. Joint Uses In certain cases, the trail system follows along an alignment where the trail itself is a shared use of tl right-of-way. The primary example of this occurs where the trail system falls within SDG&E secondary uses such as a trail system. In most cases, SDG&E maintain a service access road along their powerline easemendright-of-ways. These service roads could, in many cases, become the tra themselves. In such cases SDG&E have provisionally indicated that they would typically consider sharing the maintenance costs of the traiyroad. (In order to ensure that the maintenance cost estimat are not unrealistically optimistic, this sharing of costs has not been assumed in projecting annual trai system maintenance costs.) While the secondary trail use may be granted by SDG&E it should be noted that they are required under Section 69C of the Public Utilities Code to maintain the right to rescind the secondary use. The other joint uses in the trail system are: Segment No. 13: The western portion of this link is anticipated to run along the shoulder of a City- owned water drainage course. Initial discussion with the City Utilities and Maintenance Departmen1 has indicated that this should be feasible. powerline easements and right-of-ways, Where SDG&E has powerlines, they typically allow Segment No. 43: There is an existing service access road along the north shore of the lagoon for Utilities and Maintenance Department access to a sewer line. For much of thls link the trail will be able to use this road. The City should consider initiating the necessary internal design and negotiation steps necessary to implement the shared use of the water drainage course in Segment No. 13 and the service access roi in Segment No. 43. Environmental Issues The City has a range of natural resources, including water bodies, riparian habitat, chaparral and coastal sage scrub, and naturahzed tree groves, which have varying capacity to accommodate huma land uses. The trail system must be sited and designed so as to avoid negative impacts on these resources. Many of the landscape resources in the City which are potentiaLly of most interest to the trail user are also the most environmentally sensitive. The City will have to plan and design the interaction of trails and environmental resources with care so as not to destroy the very resource the trail design is seeking. A team of biologists has reviewed the proposed trail system and suggested various design guidelines which should allow implementation of the trail system without significant negative impacts to biological resources. The biologists’ report may be found in Appendix D. 23 1 0 e VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSUES Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan Surrounding Communities The City of Carlsbad is bounded by four other cities: Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Encinitas, and, for a small distance, by the County of San Diego. Each of these jurisdictions have their own tr planning efforts, each at different levels of detail and stages of implementation. As part of the planning process, contact was made with all the jurisdictions to ensure the development of concepts and alignments which would be compatible with those of the surrounding areas. A summary of the issues regarding each community is presented below. The City should maintain periodic contact wi surrounding jurisdictions to ensure that the linkages necessary to achieve a regionally connecting tra system are effected. Oceanside With the exception of the north-south linkage along the coastal railroad comdor (Segment No. lo), there is only one strong trail-linkage opportunity between the City of Carlsbad and the City of Oceanside. (The physical banier presented by Route 78 and the Buena Vista Lagoon effectively preclude any other possibilities.) The one linkage identified by this study (other than the regional lil along the railroad) connects Lake Calavera with a neighborhood park which has recently been constructed in the City of Oceanside immediately south of Lake Boulevard, just beyond the northea: comer of City of Carlsbad. (See Segment No. 10 on Map Sheet No. 3.) Additional Linkages betwt the two cities have tentatively been identified within the right-of-ways along Hill Street, Jefferson Street, El Camino Real, Rancho del Oro, and the future alignment of College Boulevard. These wi however, only comprise bike lanes and sidewalks and, as such, do not constitute the type of trail system being considered within this study. It is recommended that the City of Carlsbad ensure that any future planning for bicycle circulation take account of linkage to Oceanside. Vista Exhibit "E" of the Bicycle, Hiking and Equestrian Trails Element of the Vista General Plan is a plar which indicates a number of trail links emanating to the north and east from Lake Calavera into Vis1 All these alignments (which are shown very conceptually) run through already developed areas of tl City of Oceanside. Vista is also conceptually considering a trail lmkage westward from Buena Vist Park into the City of Carlsbad. In this case, field investigation and assessment of ownership reveal the only feasible link to run across the top of a steep slope held under seven different ownerships from whom access rights would have to be purchased. Given that the trail would have clear vision into the homes concerned, this whole linkage seemed very unlikely to succeed. Moreover, with access to Squires Dam limited, and the views of the reservoir from afar being cluttered with heavy civil engineering structures, it was not felt that this linkage was worth pursuing. The City of Vista also indicates on Exhibit "E" a link along Melrose Drive. This could be connected to Segment No. in this Plan. San Marcos The City of San Marcos City Council has recently adopted a Master Trails Plan which defines a proposed citywide trails system. Four segments are shown in the San Marcos plan which connect Cirlsbad. Connection to the proposed San Marcos trails is included in this Plan via Segments Nos 36,47,48,53, and 58A. Trail Segment No. 58A in Carlsbad is proposed to allow equestrian use order to connect the equestrian trail systems in Encinitas and San Marcos. 232 0 0 VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSUI Open Space and Conservation Resource Management P1 Encinitas The City of Encinitas is proceeding with implementation of a trail system which potentially connects with Carlsbad’s trails in a number of places. Segment No. 55 of this Plan has been aligned so as to effect a connection into Encinitas which will lead into the proposed Escondido Creek Trail - the spint of the Encinitas trail system - which will eventually lead to the San Elijo Lagoon. Segments Nos. 55A and 56A have both been included in the proposed Carlsbad trail system following a request fror Encinitas. It is proposed that Trail Segment No. 58A in Carlsbad allow equestrian use in order to connect the equestrian trail systems in Encinitas and San Marcos. A potential linkage between the tu cities may occur to the west of El Camino Real and the final alignment of the southern end of Segme No. 50 of this Plan should be coordinated with Encinitas. It is also possible that a connection could lead from the north end of Segment No. 50 in a westerly direction into Encinitas. Connective opportunity also lies along the coastal railroad - Segment No. 40. San Diego County The San Dieguito Community Planning Area Riding and Hiking Trads Plan (adopted as General Ha Amendment - GPA 87-03, Item 4) indicates a proposed trail comdor crossing county land between the City of Carlsbad and the City of San Marcos. It is possible that this connection could be implemented, and if so, could have potential for linking into the Carlsbad system. However the county map was prepared with very minimal study and many of the indicated alignments are not practicable. It has not been possible to confm the validity of indicating a trail in this area. If, at some future date this county trail connection were to be completed, the short easterly spur of Segmel No. 53 is designed to make this connection. Approvals and Permits As with any other land use proposal, the implementation of a trails system will be subject to review from a variety of agencies from whom approvals and permits may be required for the project to proceed. With regard to trail sections located adjacent to areas of sensitive wildlife habitat, such as wetlands o areas where state or federal listed species occur, the trail proposals may include review by any or all of the following agencies: the California Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Coastal Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Specifically, a Section 404 Permit will be required from the US. Army Corps of Engineers wherevc any type of dredge or fill of wetlands is involved. (Areas of wetland which are under one acre in si2 and in isolated locations relative to other wetland may fall under the definitions of a Nationwide Permit and avoid the need for a Section 404 Permit, but this should not be counted on.) Trails running within habitat areas of federally listed endangered species will be subject to Section 7 consultations with the Fish and Wildlife Service, and those running through state listed- endangered species habitat will be subject to Section 10 consultations with the State Department of Fish and Game. The Coastal Commission will not issue a permit per se, but will have review of trails proposals which should be in accordance with local Coastal Zone Plan requirements. Given that public access is a key concern of the agency, it is unlikely that significant problems with regard to a public trails system would originate with the Coastal Commission. 233 0 e VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSUES Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan The trail alignments selected in this study have been placed so as to avoid obvious conflicts with the requirements of these agencies. However, a number of trail links go close to sensitive areas. In thc cases coordination with various agencies will be needed to refine a final alignment. Additionally, some special design standards may be required, such as the inclusion of special fencing between thc trail and the sensitive habitat. One such fence standard which has received US. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approvals calls for a 3.5-foot high wood frame and welded wire fence continuous along the habitat perimeter. Early involvement of agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish Army Corps of Engineers will help ensure that the trail system is planned and designed in an environmentally sensitive manner consistent with agency requirements. and Wildlife Service, the Coastal Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U .S Safety: Police and Fire As part of the Trails Feasibility Study, meetings were held with the Police and Fire Departments in order to gain their input and understand their concerns with regard to implementation of a trail sysu Neither department felt that a trail system was unduly difficult with regard to carrying out their responsibilities. However, both had concerns, and both foresaw an increase in operating (and possibly capital) costs. Police Department The concerns of the Police Department focus on the prevention of illegal activities both on the trail system and adjacent to the trail system for example, using trails as a means of access to private property. The Police Department already has an off-road patrol component using two motorcycles and is studying the potential for establishment of a mountain bike patrol unit. The trails could be patrolled using either motorbikes or mountain bikes or a combination of the two. The use of mountain bikes would be more consistent with preserving the rural integrity of the trail system. So of the larger trail systems in California operate an independent security force, but the Carlsbad Polic Department indicated that this would not be seen as a preferred option. Given the relatively small s: of the Carlsbad trail system (it is a citywide but not a regional system) a separate security force seer unlikely to be cost effective in any case. The Police Department believes that the majority of law enforcement problems are likely to occur close to the road system and especially near to staging are The design of staging areas, in particular, and other trail sections close to the road system should b designed to facilitate surveillance by police patrol units. The inclusion of lighting in the staging are will help prevent inappropriate use patterns at night. With regard to security, generally is should bc noted that frequent levels of trail use for legitimate recreational purposes will serve to provide infon monitoring and discourage inappropriate of illegal activities. Encouragement of trail use through making people aware of the resource, scheduling hiking tours, and schools use, etc. will not only optimize use of the system but will also serve to preserve the safety of the system. It should be not that many communities throughout Cahfornia and the United States have existing trail system and have not found them to be an undue security problem. Fire Department The Fire Department is responsible for both fire prevention and control, and the operation of the City’s paramedic service. With regard to fire control the primary concern is over public access through scrub and brush areas during the dry season when fire risk is at its greatest. The presence 234 0 0 VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSUE Open Space and Consenarion Resaurse Manabmen\ PI the trail leading to increased public use of wilderness areas may increase the incidence of brush fires either for recreation of for residence by homeless/migrant workers. The fire risk from legitimate activities replacing existing activities may not be significantly increased., It will be important to coordinate the final alignment and design of trail links with the Fire Department so as to ensure optimum avoidance of fire risk. It will also be necessary for the Fire Chief to have the authority to close certain trail sections when fire hazard is especially high - even if this means closing segment5 for the whole summer. Again it should be noted -that the nearby City of Poway has a trail system thl leads through extensive, and often isolated areas of scrubland, and there does not appear to have bee any significant incidence of fire associated with the trail system. In terms of enhancing response tin it is recommended that staging information boards include directions to the nearest public telephone. The possibility of including telephones on the trails was considered, but rejected as too expensive. However, the City might include locating public phones at key locations in the future. (Many of the staging areas for the trails system would be at public park sites which typically include public telephones among their improvements.) It should be noted, however, that in many cases the proposed trails are currently unofficially used Vehicular Access The trail system would be closed to any motorized vehicles €or recreational purposes. The only vehicular access permitted on the trail system is for: Maintenance vehicles, either for the trail itself or for other purposes, such as where the trail shares a utility easement and access is required to maintain a waterline or other utility; Police patrols - possibly using motorcycles; Fire and paramedic vehicles may need to access the trails system in case of emergencies. Segments Descriptions Detailed descriptions of all the proposed trail segments can be found in Appendix B. The segments are described in a proforma. Segments which are identified with a letter suffix, e.g., 56A, were added to the proposed trail system after completion of the 1990 Trails Feasibility Study. Trail Maps The proposed trail segments are shown on a series of 23 map sheets. (See Figures 18-40.) It shol be noted that the aerial photographs on which the segment alignments are shown were taken during the period September and October 1988. Dashed trails indicate segments which were incorporated after feasibility study and were not subject the same degree of analysis as those solid trail segments from the feasibility study. 235 0 1: 0: Q - yjij ...... ::-SI ...... ..... -3- ;l Wi ..... ...... < < si bl- = 0, I m. = 0: 0 rreim &El ..... b -I 3 m= 0: 0 c N /., - Y - L 0 - - $#I :*:: ..... ..... \o ...... mm :I 2 4 \r: 0 - 0; - N ._. - Y - - ,- ” - - :I 3 p9- 239 Q SI 78 0 WL 6 w. aD N ,_. - Y - J (3 - - g7jJ ~ 17 iW. 0 ;I 3 .. 0 F= 0: -r N 0 ,.> - - - Y 1~~~~~~ ::*s ...... = ;I r- v ..... ...... ..... e=! - - :i! \c, 0 00; 0,: v, m N "1 - K - u z - - -----" .-_ -1. : 2 .* v .. .. .. . . .. . 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L.! :,' / .. j e - W s 1c - m: - IT ... - ~ - - l;!$Fl _Iv) b :* f.q ;I 13 - :%< N !Y2 ._..-..... - Ea 0 - ;E 0" e W . rnL m: 3. cc ,_. - & - d (3 - - pgqq rrl ;l <: Z5F - "IN u!- " . " " - " - " ". - - - . .. 257 - :.. w a 0 .- mL - m: .. .. e - v 1.1 - z - - 0 - I .. . . .. - j . ... . ". . " : i ..i 258 0 W VII. CAlUSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSU Open Space and Conservation Resource Management P B. Administrative Responsibilities It is recommended that the responsibility for operation and maintenance of the citywide open space system and the Carlsbad Trail System be given to the Parks and Recreation Department. This department is already responsible for programming and maintaining the various city-owned public recreation areas. There will inevitably be an incremental cost implication to the department as the op financial recommendations of this plan, including both staff and equipment costs. It should be noted that there will be considerable overlap in the open space system between conservation and recreation objectives. Certain landscape management practices for habitat areas mi be different from those typically practiced by the Parks and Recreation Department. The recommendations of the City's Habitat Management Plan, and any future conservation-related studi should be borne in mind when the Parks and Recreation Department determines its management practices. space and trail systems are developed. Provision is made for projected incremental costs in the C. Carlsbad Trail System and Archaeological Review Based on archaeological literature and record searches conducted by the City of Carlsbad at the San Diego Museum of Man and the South Coastal Information Center (SCIC) at San Diego State University, an evaluation was made of proposed trail segments which might conflict with area cultu resources. Table 34 lists the recorded sites that appear to lie within or in close proximity to the alignment of the proposed trail system. No field work, ground truthing or evaluation was undertakc Table 34, which may have potential to result in significant impacts, will require additional archaeological analysis at the project level. To determine appropriate actions for segments where it : discovered that sensitive resources do exist, an archaeologist certified by the Society of Professiona Archaeologists shall field stake the site and, in conjunction with the City, determine appropriate construction and alignment. to verify site locations or to determine site significance. Therefore, trail segments identied on Table 34 Archaeological Sites Trail Museum SCIC Segment No. No. 2 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 15 16 W-138 W-1172 W-1172 W-1789 W-3030 A w-4009 W-131 -- w-4009 " SDi-629 SDi-5097 SDi-5097 SDi-6 139 SDG 8913 " " " SDi-10612 " 19 " SDi-5555 19 " SDi-209 259 0 W VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL. SYSTEM ISSUES Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan Trail Museum SCIC Segment No. No. 20 W- 1782 SDi-6 140 20 W- I430 21 " SDi- 6830 22 w-121 " 22 " SDi-6830 22 W-126 SDi-8 196 25 W-601 26 " SDi-27 16 26 " SDi-904 1 28 W-116 SDi-1014 29 w-4047 A/B " " " 29 31 W-115 w-4047 An3 " " 31 W-115 " 32 W-2047 SDi-6820 33 W-970 33 W-968 33 w-97 1 34 w-97 1 " 34 " SDi-9846 34 W-1098 " 34 W-1087 " 38 " SDi-6740 40 W-88 SDi- 1 1026 41 w-95 SDi-690 41 W-88 SDi-11026 41 " " 41 " SDi-2 1 1 43 " SDi-600 43 " SDi-601 43 " SDi-602 ' 43 " SDi-69 1 43 W-182 SDi-682 43 w -99 SDi-694 44 w-99 SDi-694 44 W- 1883 45 w-97 1 45 47 ' " SDi-4498 A/B 47 W-659 .47A 48 W-659 48 51 W-922 SDi-4401 51 " SDi-4850 " " " " " w-979 " " " SDi-4498 B " SDi-4498 A " 260 a m VII. CARLSBAD TRAIL SYSTEM ISSU * Open Space and Conswation Retome Manakemenl P Trail Museum SCIC Segment No. No. 53 W-941 SDi-8696 53 W-940 SDi-4402 53 W-95 1 54 W-850 " 54 W -48 54 53 w-943 " " " " SDi-6449 26 1 m e EXHIBIT : k C. 17 Prevent incompatible development of areas C.26 Encourage and participate in rl that should be reserved or regulated for scenic, historic, planning efforts to protect environmentally sensiti conservation or public health and safety purposes. cies from extinction. C. 18 Conserve and encourage the use of appro- priate forms of vegetation and sensitive grading tech- niques needed to: (a) prevent erosion, siltation and flooding, (b) protect air and water resources, and (c) protect and enhance visual resources. C. 19 Preserve natural resources by: protecting fish, wildlife, and vegetation habitats; retaining the natu- ral character of waterways, shoreline features, hillsides, scientific and educational research; respecting the limita- tions for air and water resources to absorb pollution; encouraging legislation that will assist logically in pre- serving these resources and, protecting archeological and paleontological resources. and sce& areas and viewpokts; safeguarding areas for C.27 Require adequate buffers between r velopment and environmentally sensitive hahik C.28 Locate trails and other passive recre; features with care to minimize impacts to sensitivl tats. C.29 Support innovative site design tech such as cluster-type housing and transfer-ofde ment-rights topreserve sensitive environmental res< C.30 Require private development whi pacts sensitive resources to provide appropriate I tion measures, so that the existing biodiversity wit City is maintained. C.20 Preserve the identity of those areas of the C.3 1 Amend existing ordinances to spec; City withunique topographic features andestablish proper indicate that the environmental values of floodplall soil management techniques to eliminate or minimize be protected. adverse and unsafe soil conditions. C.32 Amend existing or&ances as neces: C.21 Use the Williamson Act, land dedication, ensure adequate buffers are provided around flm scenic easements, or open space easements to preserve wetlands, ripanan areas, w~ands and other se: unique and special resources in the City. environmental resources. C.22 Participate in the statewide and regional plans (the state of California’s Natural Community Con- servation Planning (NCCP), efforts with SANDAG and other north county cities in the preparation of a North County Wildlife Forum Multi-species Habitat Conserva- tion Plan), to conserve sensitive environmental resources. (2.23 Coordinate planning and development of a cimde open space system with habitat planning efforts. C.24 Minimize the encroachment of develop- ment into wetland and riparian areas. C.33 Assurethat,atminimum,thereisnor of wetlands acreage or value, and the net gain of wc acreage is the long-term goal of the City. TRAIUGREENWAY SYSTEM The objective of this section is to establish direction for the creation of a Carlsbad Trail Syste comprehensive greenway linkage system within tht A. GOALS C.25 Coordinate the protection of wetlands, woodlands, riparian areas, and other sensitive habitat A. 1 A city with open space areas connec Greenways. areas with appropriate state and federal protection agen- cles. A.2 A city with a Carlsbad Trail System Pa : @ liiEuu*qaqd 0 0 *r 4 9. OBJECTIVES B. 1 To ensure that there is continuity and envi- ronmental sensitivity in the routing and design of the trail system. B.2 ‘To route trails near environmentally sensi- tive areas only with appropriate buffers or fencing. B .3 To provide trails that serve as pedestrian and bicycle transportation between residential and commer- cial areas. B.4 To develop andimplementFinancingMecha- nisms forthe acquisition, construction and maintenance of the Citywide greenway and trail system. B.5 To finance, manage, and acquire land for a Carlsbad Trail System. including, but not limited to, residential neighbo~ places ofemployment, parks, schools, libraries, an points. C.6 Ensure that trails are sensitive to SUI ing land uses and are normally placed at a signif different elevation than adjacent residences. C.7 Assure that major powerline easc receive credit toward the 15-percent Growth Manaj open space performance standard if they are enhar improved to establish key links in the Carlsbac System. C.8 Establishthat the “CarlsbadTrail Sy: as depicted on the Conceptual Open Space and Cor tion Map, is the conceptual representation of the p( trail alignments throughout the City (see Map 2: Cc tual Open Space and Conservation Map). C. IMPLEMENTING POLICIES AND C.9 Prohibit the approval of a project would eliminate the trail alignments as depicted Conceptual Open Space and Conservation Map, w general plan amendment is approved to delete such ACTION PROGRAMS C. 1 Establish a Carlsbad Trail System, prima- segment. rily pedestrian oriented, but for bicycles where feasible, provided that a financing mechanism for the trail system is approved. Until such financing mechanism is in place the trail system shall be considered proposed. (See Map 2: Conceptual Open Space and Conservation Map.) C. 10 Address the citywide greenway systc the Carlsbad Trail System when considering and re ing Local Facilities Management Plans, major de ment applications and applications involving pol greenway and trail linkages, as shown on the Concl Open Space and Conservation Map (see Map 2: Cc tual Open Space and Conservation Map). C.2 Participate with other north county commu- nities to establish an intercommunity open space linkage program and regional trail network. C.3 Obtain an irrevocable offer to dedicate or a permanent easement for trailways where feasible, in all cases where trails are proposed or required as part of the tion Resource Management plan, Carlsbad Trail System. C. 11 Design physical improvements to tr; the Carlsbad Trail System, sothat they are consister the recommendations of the Open Space and Con C. 12 UtilizeTable 5.4-6 oftheGenera1 P1a1 C.4 Design the trail system to serve both recre- Carlsbad Trail System hpacmitigation summi identify potential impacts and consider suggested IT tion measures at the time of specific project review c ation and non-motorized transportation purposes. C.5 Provide greenway linkages from major rec- system links and approval. reationavopen space areas to other areas of activity, Page 30 ( - 0 5 5 0 P EXHIBIT 4 r CONCEPTUAL OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION MAP CITY OF CARLSBAD fJ Existing / ~ppmvd open Space Constrained open Space H Cambad TraH System a Equestrian Trail R CO~WA open Space Lands ""md"on.rmqa ""..I mr "ml- .rYd* tn- mwa-,a-Nun-., -.- am- mu nub. M)I.l -a.nanrn ". nsn 0.*l-.Pnnl.*orn*- ....komonmn10n ""-a". uhr.nqonh.lanrncWdmm- MlwrM m. OT ha on P- arno to m za.x"loMh.l" 1 MRnA"mmum#t.D.rwlo-.* Lm-vdUrQn A0nn.I- .mnrnn Wl D -rM 1 any m-nl d h. -m.- zzxz g22Z2:",T%%Z ntmm Io D kb*. .M MIm m D M~MW .I =* aw 3s glu @r"- \ " 4 \ J a a yvmq < - . September 21,1995 Honorable Claude "Bud" Lewis Mayor City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, California 92008 Courtney E. Heineman 2879 Woodridge Circk dq Cwlsbad, Califrnia 92008 434-3006 &&% REFERRED TO CITY MANAGER FOR RESPONSE - Date: p2kp C- CN/M f &-?y c:vj& Hor/7ey Q(rn0f' Oln 3 Dear Bud: I learned today that the City Council, at its September 26th meeting, will be getting a status report on the proposed trail system, including an update on possible financing. One of the options, I understand, would be a special assessment district to get the &ail system up and running. Since Betty Ann and I will be on vacation at the time of your meeting, I wanted to convey to you and the council before we leave my strong feelings that this may be a do or die time for the whole trail system. It is my understanding that some 80% of the system can be activated with funds from an assessment district, leaving only 20% to be acquired at a later date when money may be available for purchase of needed links in the system. And the cost of such an assessment on a per home basis would be minimal. It would be an understatement to say that this is a strategic time to act. Establishing trails once subdivisions have grown up around the dedicated land seems to cause nothing but controversy, since homeowners perceive the trail right-of-way as gratuitous and desirable open space. It would appear, therefore, that from a practical standpoint, trails must be established before development, or in the same time frame, if homeowner opposition is to be minimized. I urge you and the rest of the Council to bear in mind the irnportance of prompt action to set up a fundmg mechanism. Thank you. si&T Courtney E. Hei an cc: Councilpersons: Julie Nygaard Ramona Finnila Matt Hall Ann Kulchin k - - % c ~~u+-w= Iq, e q, - DATE CITY MANAGE! September 26, 1995 I CA cc TO: CITY MANAGER FROM: Financial Management Director OPEN SPACE AGENDA ITEM 9/26/95 During the Council briefings a Council Member asked that I provide the text of the staff recommendation in written form. The staff will be asking the City Council to consider the following recommendation: If Council wishes to move forward with the process of putting the open space and trail system funding on the ballot, we would ask that Council direct staff to prepare a report detailing the process, calendar, and fiscal issues related to funding the acquisition and maintenance of an open space and trail system, and the placing of a general obligation bond issue on a future ballot. The Finance Director and City Clerk will work with the City Attorney to prepare the report for presentation to Council at a future meeting. I / JAM& F. ELLIOT /1' i JFE:nfm