HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-12; City Council; ; Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project Update and Resolution~ CITY COUNCIL
~ Staff Report
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
May 12, 2020
Mayor and City Council
Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov, 760-434-2958
CA Review CKM
Subject: Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project Update and Resolution
Recommended Action
Receive a presentation from the San Diego Association of Governments regarding the Buena
Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project status, and adopt a resolution approving a letter of support
to the SAN DAG Board of Directors for selection of the modified saltwater alternative and
authorizing the city manager to negotiate a project agreement with SAN DAG, the City of
Oceanside, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and certain property owners for
future approval by the City Council.
Executive Summary
SAN DAG has completed the final environmental impact report for the Buena Vista Lagoon
Enhancement Project. SAN DAG representatives will present an overview of the project
alternatives they considered (freshwater, saltwater, hybrid, modified saltwater and no project),
the reasons for identifying the modified saltwater alternative as the proposed project, and the
recommended approach and next steps to advance the project.
A resolution is presented to approve a letter of support for SANDAG's selection of the modified
saltwater alternative and to authorize the negotiation of a project agreement for future
approval by the City Council.
Discussion
The Buena Vista Lagoon is a freshwater lagoon located along Carlsbad's northern city limit. The
lagoon encompasses about 220 acres, extending from the coastline to just east of Interstate 5.
The lagoon is in a state of biological decline, and over the past decade numerous federal, state,
and local agencies and organizations have tried to reach consensus on how to reverse this
decline through a large-scale enhancement effort. The Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement
Project includes engineering studies and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report to
analyze possible approaches to the enhancement of the lagoon.
In November 2018, the project's final environmental impact report was presented to the
SAN DAG Board of Directors for certification. At the request of the City of Carlsbad, the Board
approved a motion to delay any action on the project for six months to allow residents to reach
May 12, 2020 Item #5 Page 1 of 5
a consensus on the enhancement efforts. The proposed modified saltwater alternative
represents the result of this effort.
SANDAG has completed its engineering and environmental analyses, which can be found on the
agency's website along with the final environmental impact report at
keepsandiegomoving.com/buena_vista_lagoon_intro.aspx.
On May 22, 2020, the SAN DAG Board of Directors is expected to consider approving the
modified saltwater alternative as the proposed project and to certify the final environmental
impact report. SAN DAG staff recommends that the board approve the alternative and the
report, but with the condition that a master agreement be reached among certain property
owners, the cities of Carlsbad and Oceanside, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
and SAN DAG before the final engineering work begins. This agreement would identify agreed
upon terms, relinquish all prior easements and replace them with new easements prior to
construction bid at no cost.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no direct fiscal impact to the city in receiving this report or in adopting the proposed
resolution.
Next Steps
The SAN DAG Board of Directors will consider approving the modified saltwater alternative as
the project and certifying the final environmental impact report on May 22, 2020. Upon City
Council approval, staff will submit a letter of support for the modified saltwater alternative and
negotiate a project agreement with SAN DAG, the City of Oceanside, the California Department
of Fish and Wildlife and certain property owners for future approval by the City Council.
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, this action of receiving an update on the
Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of
the California Environmental Quality Act in that it has no potential to cause either a direct
physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment, and therefore does not require environmental review.
Public Notification
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public
viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution
May 12, 2020 Item #5 Page 2 of 5
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-084
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO THE SAN DIEGO
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR SELECTION OF
THE BUENA VISTA LAGOON ENHANCEMENT PROJECT MODIFIED
SALTWATER ALTERNATIVE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE A PROJECT AGREEMENT WITH SANDAG, THE CITY OF
OCEANSIDE, THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AND
CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNERS FOR APPROVAL BY THE CITY COUNCIL
Exhibit 1
WHEREAS, the Buena Vista Lagoon is a freshwater lagoon located along Carlsbad's northern city
limit; and
WHEREAS, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has determined that the
Buena Vista Lagoon is in a state of biological decline and has conducted engineering studies and
prepared an environmental impact report to analyze possible approaches to the enhancement of the
lagoon; and
WHEREAS, on May 22, 2020, the SAN DAG Board of Directors is expected to consider approving
the modified saltwater alternative as the proposed Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project and
certifying the project's final environmental impact report; and
WHEREAS, the modified saltwater alternative is the result of a collaborative consensus-building
effort among SANDAG, the cities of Carlsbad and Oceanside, the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife and certain property owners; and
WHEREAS, SAN DAG staff recommends that SANDAG's approval of the modified saltwater
alternative be conditioned to require that a project agreement be negotiated among SAN DAG, the
cities of Carlsbad and Oceanside, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and certain property
owners before final engineering of the project begins, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that SANDAG's
approval and implementation of the Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project modified saltwater
alternative is in the best interest of the City of Carlsbad.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
May 12, 2020 Item #5 Page 3 of 5
2. That the Mayor is authorized to sign and submit the letter of support provided in
Attachment A to this Resolution.
3. That the City Manager is authorized to negotiate a project agreement for the Buena
Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project modified saltwater alternative with SANDAG, the
City of Oceanside, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and certain property
owners for future approval by the City Council.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 12th day of May 2020, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Hall, Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Schumacher.
None.
None.
MATT HALL, Mayor
(SEAL)
May 12, 2020 Item #5 Page 4 of 5
May 12, 2020
San Diego Association of Governments
Hasan lkhrata, Executive Director
401 B Street, Suite 800
San Diego, CA 92101
Dear Mr. lkhrata,
Attachment A
{city of
Carlsbad
The City of Carlsbad is pleased to encourage and support the SANDAG Board of Directors in
approving the modified saltwater alternative as the proposed project for the enhancement of
the Buena Vista Lagoon.
The proposed project will effectively reverse the ecological decline of this vital natural resource
while reducing flood risks and improving water quality. The project will provide enhanced habitat
for endangered species while diminishing the lagoon's suitability as a breeding grounds for
mosquitos.
Finally, as the result of a collaborative effort among project stakeholders, and given the project's
consistency with the North Coast Corridor Public Works Plan and eligibility for use as mitigation
for regional transportation infrastructure projects, the modified saltwater alternative is the best
option for realizing the significant environmental benefits this project will bring to Carlsbad and
the greater San Diego region.
We thank you for your consideration and leadership in advancing this important project.
Sincerely,
Matt Hall
Mayor
City of Carlsbad City Council
City Hall 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-434-2820 t
May 12, 2020 Item #5 Page 5 of 5
Sheila Cobian
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 9:54 AM
City Clerk·
Fwd: Council meeting of May 12
Sent: Tue, May 12, 2020 9:47 am
Subject: Council meeting of May 12
I would like the following read into the minutes of today's council meeting on an item concerning
Buena Vista Lagoon.
I am Allan Wanamaker I live at Jefferson Street, Carlsbad. I am against any salt water or mixed
regime for the lagoon. I believe it should remain fresh water, as it is now.
BV Lagoon is unique as a fresh water regime, supporting wildlife dependent on it.
I believe major siltation will occur at the choke points if the mouth of the lagoon is opened, and
constant maintenance will be required to maintain a mixed regime.
I think this enhancement project is a horrendous waste of our money. Several lower cost alternatives
are available, saving many millions of our dollars.
Thank you for your consideration.
Allan J. Wanamaker
!CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the contend
lis safe.I
1
Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement
Project Update and Resolution
Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
May 12, 2020
Recommended Action
•Receive a presentation from SANDAG
•Adopt a resolution
–Approving letter of support for the
modified saltwater project alternative
–Authorizing city manager to negotiate a
project agreement for Council approval
2
Background
•Nov. 2017 –City Council support for
saltwater project alternative
•Nov. 2018 –City Council continuance
request to SANDAG Board
–Allow stakeholders to develop hybrid
•May 2020 –modified saltwater alternative
3
4
Carlsbad City Council|May 12, 2020
Buena Vista Lagoon
Enhancement Program
Why does LagoonNeed Enhancement?
5
“The analysis indicated it is likely that all of the existing open water area, except for a
small flow channel, will evolve to vegetated habitat within the next 50 years.”
Page vii Feasibility Study (2004)
5
6
Location & Ownership
4
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Existing Easements
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10
Prior Alternatives
No Project Alternative Freshwater
Saltwater
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12
eBLAST
February 2020
Buena Vista Lagoon
Enhancement Program
Project Update
The San Diego Association of Governments (SAN DAG) was asked by the cities of
Carlsbad and Oceanside to take over as the lead agency in preparing an
environmental impact report (EIR) for the Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement project
(in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act).
Buena Vista Lagoon
Enhancement
TransNet Home
Introduction
Subscribe for Updates Engineering Analysis }+----.................... ............ Environmental Analysis
Updated Cost Estimates
Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project Final EIR
Cover and Title
Changes Made to EIR
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Description of Project Alternatives
Chapter 3: Environmental Analysis
3.1: Land Use/Recreation
3.2: Hydrology
3.3: Oceanography/Coastal Processes
3.4: Water and Aquatic Sediment Quality
3.5: Biological Resources
3.6: Geology and Soils
3.7: Cultural Resources
3.8: Paleontological Resources
3.9: Visual Resources
Summary of EIR Conclusions
(Including Environmental Analysis for Modified Saltwater)
P = Significant permanent unavoidable impact
T = Significant temporary unavoidable impact
M = Significant but mitigated to less than significant impact 13
Environmental Resource No Project Freshwater Saltwater Hybrid Modified
Air Quality T T T T
Biological Resources P T T T T
Cultural Resources M M M M
Hydrology P
Land Use and Recreation M M M
Noise T T T T
Paleontological Resources M M M M
Public Health and Safety P P P P
Traffic and Circulation T T T
Visual Resources T P P P
Water Quality P M M M M
===-===--
0
100
200
300
400
500
Comparison of Benefits:
More is Good More is Bad
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
5.5 Saltwater
4.1 Hybrid
1.7
Freshwater
0 No Project
Average FloodReduction (ft)
433 Saltwater
282 Hybrid
238 No Project
Endangered Species Habitat (ac)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
2 Saltwater
11 Hybrid
87
Freshwater
50 No
Project
Stagnant Water(days in the lagoon)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0 Saltwater
41 Hybrid
58
Freshwater
96 No Project
Habitat of Vector Mosquitos (ac)
14
392 Modified
0 Modified2.2
Modified5.5 Modified
237 Freshwater
Recommended Approach
1.Certify EIR to lock in Modified Saltwater project
2.Condition approval to enter into Master
Agreement prior to final engineering that does
following:
–Identifies agreed upon terms
–Relinquish all prior easements and replaces new
easements prior to construction bid
–Replacement easement(s) will be provided at no cost
and avoid using eminent domain
–Master Agreement to sign by owners of property, Cities
of Carlsbad and Oceanside, CDFW and SANDAG
15
NEXT STEPS
Certification of EIR
Seek Funding for Final Engineering
Enter into Master Agreement Conservation Easements
Start Construction
16
1 2 3 4 5
Questions?
17
Buena Vista Lagoon
Enhancement
Recommended Action
•Receive a presentation from SANDAG
•Adopt a resolution
–Approving letter of support for the
modified saltwater project alternative
–Authorizing city manager to negotiate a
project agreement for Council approval
18