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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-15; City Council; ; South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Update and Direction on Pursuing the Project’s Design, Public Engagement and DevelopmentMeeting Date: June 15, 2021 To: Mayor and City Council From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager Staff Contact: Tim Selke, Parks Services Manager tim.selke@carlsbadca.gov, 760-434-2857 Subject: South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Update and Direction on Pursuing the Project’s Design, Public Engagement and Development District: 2 Recommended Action Adopt a resolution directing staff to pursue the design, public engagement and development of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Project within only the Hub Park Lease property. Executive Summary During the city's fiscal year 2019-20 preliminary budget review, several community members asked the city to initiate action to develop a recreational trail and related passive amenities on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, at the Hub Park Lease property. Since then, the City Council has adopted a series of resolutions providing staff with direction to initiate the design and public engagement program for a city trail on that property. This staff report provides the City Council with an update on those elements of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Project. San Diego Gas & Electric, the underlying property owner, recently informed the city that the utility will not allow the trail to be developed on the land it controls as had been anticipated in the earlier conceptual plans, so the scope of this project had to be greatly reduced to stay within the area the city leases from SDG&E, the Hub Park Lease property. Staff are seeking the council’s direction on whether to further pursue the design, public engagement and development of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within only the Hub Park Lease property. Discussion Background As a result of – and in direct response to – significant community concerns that were raised in 1975 regarding the proposed development of an oil refinery on property owned by San Diego Gas & Electric, the city entered into what is known as the Hub Park Lease with the utility in November 1975. The lease covers approximately 96 acres on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon (Exhibit 2). SDG&E continues to be the owner of the property. A majority of CA Review __AF__ June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 1 of 82 the Hub Park Lease area is subject to the provisions of Proposition D, an initiative adopted by the voters of Carlsbad in 2006 that preserved 155.10 acres of the eastern portion of the property along Cannon Road as permanent open space. The initial 60-year Hub Park Lease term runs through November 2035 and may be extended for four additional periods for a maximum lease term of 99 years, or until 2074. The lease provides that the city may use the land for park and recreation purposes. Under the terms of the lease the city must pay rent in an amount not to exceed $14,000 annually, with rent due at the time the city has an adopted plan for development of the land and has obtained all permits necessary to initiate development of the property. The lease acknowledges that a portion of the Hub Park Lease area is currently being leased to an agricultural user, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. The proposed trail will not intrude upon the area leased for agricultural use. The site was listed in the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan adopted by the City Council Aug. 27, 2019. (Resolution No. 2019-150). Chapter 5 of the plan – Trail Development Implementation, identifies Trail Segment 7C – South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail (Exhibit 2), identifies the site as a potential trail project. The City Council adopted a resolution adding a Capital Improvement Program project for Trail Segment 7C – South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail, as identified in the Trails Master Plan, On Sept. 17, 2019, appropriating $674,500 from the General Capital Construction Fund (Resolution No 2019-181). The final alignment of the proposed Trail Segment 7C will depend upon the outcome of the project level California Environmental Quality Act review that will be required, as noted in the corresponding staff report (Exhibit 3). The scope of this project anticipated coordination with the underlying property owner of Hub Park, SDG&E. The easements related to the trail development are subject to review and approval by SDG&E, which must grant access from Cannon Road to the Hub Park Lease property. Those easements are also subject to review and approval by the California Public Utilities Commission. On May 19, 2020, the City Council authorized a professional services agreement with Dudek, an environmental planning and engineering consulting firm, for design services for the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within Hub Park, for an amount not to exceed $509,975, as detailed in Capital Improvement Program Project No. 4085 (Resolution No. 2020-089). Potential alignment for trail and property owner limitations The Trails Master Plan guidelines anticipated the development of Trail Segment 7C, a 2.4-mile recreational trail and related passive amenities on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The trail was to lead from a new Interstate 5 bridge crossing to the bluff top within the Hub Park Lease property. Significant areas of the trail were to be overlooking the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, with access points from both the west and the east sides. The conceptual plan was for the trail to loop around the strawberry fields and the Hub Park Lease property and to provide connection under Cannon Road to the south side of Cannon Road through two existing underpasses. The design team considered several potential alignments for a trail along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, based on the Trails Master Plan guidelines and the environmental and June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 2 of 82 physical constraints of the land (Exhibit 4). The potential trail alignments were submitted to SDG&E for review and approval. In response, SDG&E representatives stated that the trail development must be limited to only the Hub Park Lease property, and that any encroachments into SDG&E’s power transmission corridor easement and use of existing utility access roads must be minimized to the greatest degree possible. Based on that input from SDG&E, the scope of this project had to be greatly reduced to accommodate the trail circulation and access within only the limits of the Hub Park Lease property (Exhibit 5). In this alignment, the trail is constrained to the north by an existing Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan preserve area, which follows the top of the hillsides above the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The trail alignment is also limited by the SDG&E transmission corridor, which is on the southern and eastern portion of the Hub Park Lease property and occupies about 25% of the of the total property acreage. There are also several SDG&E and agricultural dirt access roads that cross through the Hub Park Lease property. These roads are used for SDG&E facility maintenance and for the ongoing agricultural activities within the adjacent areas. According to SDG&E representatives, the access roads are for the sole purpose of operating, maintaining and constructing the region's electric system infrastructure and that any other use is discouraged and would be inconsistent with the intent of the facilities that have been installed to provide safe and reliable power to the company’s customers. SDG&E has restricted access to the trail to only the east side of the Hub Park Lease property – at Cannon Road, at the site of the existing access road driveway and gate. This access point would allow pedestrian and bicycle access with no parking. In this alignment, the trail would start at Cannon Road and would traverse the Hub Park Lease property from east to west rather than running in a loop. The trail would primarily skirt the edge of the Habitat Management Plan preserve but would pass through the preserve in a few locations to avoid steep topography, to minimize crossing of SDG&E’s easement and its access roads and to avoid seasonally wet locations. Public engagement In accordance with City Council Policy Statement No. 84, Development Project Public Involvement staff have begun the initial phase of the public engagement program related to this trail and have taken the following steps: • Worked with sub-consultant firm Kearns and West to identify stakeholder groups • Created a plan for the public outreach process • Developed a tentative schedule for soliciting, organizing and publicizing the public input Staff are seeking the City Council’s direction on the following options for the project before proceeding with additional public engagement actions. Options Staff provide the following options for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Pursue the design, public engagement and development of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within only the Hub Park Lease property, based on the restrictions imposed by SDG&E. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 3 of 82 Pros: • Meets the expressed desire of the community for a trail within the Hub Park Lease property • Increases recreational opportunities for the community • Partially satisfies the intent of including a trail within the Trail Master Plan • Adds 1.4 miles of trails to the city-wide trails inventory • Provides for controlled use of the bluff tops along the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon Cons: • Results in a mile less distance versus the anticipated trail identified within the Trail Master Plan • Provides limited access to the trail at a less convenient location • Does not provide for new trail parking opportunities • Increases impacts to native habitat due to SDG&E’s requirement to stay clear of the existing access roads • Use of the property would be for an unknown duration. The original 60-year lease agreement expires in 2035. • The cost to design the modified trail and obtain entitlements is comparable to the that of the originally anticipated trail, which was a mile longer and a loop 2. Do not pursue the design, public engagement and development of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within only the Hub Park Lease property, at this time Pros: • Funds and staff resources could be allocated to other high priority projects • The trail would remain on the Trail Master Plan list for future consideration • Delaying development of the trail until the development of adjacent projects, such as the I-5 widening project, is underway may advance the collaboration efforts • Opportunities for additional trails connectivity may be instead Cons: • Would not meet the community’s expressed desire for a trail • Potential for increased construction costs in the future Staff recommends Option 1, to pursue the design, public engagement and development of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within only the Hub Park Lease property. While this option will not meet the full intent of the Trail Master Plan, it will still provide a significant recreational benefit to the community. Fiscal Analysis Initial funding for the project, in the amount of $674,500, was appropriated in the fiscal year 2019-20 Capital Improvement Program Budget. An additional $45,000 was appropriated to the project in fiscal year 2020-2021. Sufficient funding is available in Capital Improvement Program Project No. 4085 to pursue the design and public engagement program associated with the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail, as described in option 1. The project’s appropriations and expenditures to date are reflected in the table below. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 4 of 82 Next Steps Staff will continue working with Dudek to complete the design phases of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail and will proceed with the public engagement program on the amenities to be included in this project. Environmental Evaluation The Trails Master Plan has been reviewed in keeping with the California Environmental Quality Act. On August 27, 2019, the City Council adopted a mitigated negative declaration and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program, which analyzed the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan at a broad, programmatic level. Staff anticipates performing additional project-level CEQA review for Trail Segment 7C - South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail once its alignment is verified. Public Notification and Outreach Public notice of this item was posted in keeping with the Ralph M. Brown Act and it was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date. Exhibits 1. City Council resolution 2. Trail Master Plan, page 5-20, Trail Segment 7-C: South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail 3. City Council staff report – Hub Park Lease property, dated Sept. 17, 2019, without exhibits 4. Hub Park Lease property constraints 5. Dudek memorandum - Agua Hedionda Lagoon South Shore (Hub Park) conceptual trail alignment, dated March 31, 2021 6. Overlay diagram – Trail Master Plan Trail Segment 7-C: South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail and Dudek conceptual trail alignment South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail, Capital Improvement Project No. 4085 Total appropriation to date $719,500 Total expenditures and encumbrances to date $263,859 Total funds available $455,641 Program detailed costs Design consultants $254,988 Staff overhead $8,871 Total project costs to date $263,859 Total funds available $455,641 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 5 of 82 RESOLUTION NO. 2021-147 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD DIRECTING STAFF TO PURSUE THE DESIGN, PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOUTH SHORE AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON TRAIL PROJECT WITHIN ONLY THE HUB PARK LEASE PROPERTY WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that it is of benefit to the community to develop a recreational trail and related passive amenities on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, specifically at the Hub Park lease property; and WHEREAS, on Aug. 27, 2019, City Council adopted the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan (TMP); and WHEREAS, on Sept. 17, 2019, the City Council adopted a resolution adding a Capital Improvement Program Project for Trail Segment 7C — South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail, as reflected in the TMP, and appropriating $674,500 from the General Capital Construction Fund; and WHEREAS, the scope of this project anticipated coordination with the underlying property owner of Hub Park, SDG&E; and WHEREAS, easements related to the trail development are subject to approval by SDG&E; and WHEREAS, on May 19, 2020 the City Council authorized a Professional Services Agreement with Dudek, an environmental planning and engineering consulting firm, for design services for the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within Hub Park; and WHEREAS, TMP Chapter 5 — Trail Development Implementation - identifies Trail Segment 7C — South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail; and WHEREAS, the TMP guidelines anticipated the development of Trail Segment 7C, a 2.4-mile passive recreational trail and related amenities on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon; and WHEREAS, the trail was to lead from a new interstate five (1-5) bridge crossing, to the bluff top within the Hub Park lease property; and June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 6 of 82 WHEREAS, significant areas of the trail were to be overlooking the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, with access points from both the west and the east sides; and WHEREAS, the conceptual plan was for the trail to loop around the strawberry fields and within the Hub Park Lease property, and to also provide connection under Cannon Road to the south side of Cannon Road through two existing underpasses; and WHEREAS, the design team has considered several potential alignments for a trail along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, based on the TMP guidelines and the environmental and physical constraints of the land; and WHEREAS, the potential trail alignment alternatives were submitted to SDG&E for review and approval; and WHEREAS, SDG&E representatives stated that the trail development must be limited to only the Hub Park Lease property, and any encroachments into the SDG&E transmission corridor easement and use of existing SDG&E access roads must be minimized to the greatest degree possible; and WHEREAS, the scope of this project had to be greatly reduced to accommodate the trail circulation and access within only the limits of the Hub Park Lease property; and WHEREAS, access to the trail is restricted by SDG&E to only the east side of the Hub Park Lease property - on Cannon Road, at the existing SDG&E access road driveway and gate; and WHEREAS, in this alignment, the trail would start at Cannon Road, and would traverse the Hub Park Lease property from east to west; and WHEREAS, in accordance with City Council Policy Statement No. 84, staff has initiated a public engagement program to receive public input on the design and development of the trail; and WHEREAS, staff recommends pursuing the design, public engagement and development of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within only the Hub Park Lease property; and June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 7 of 82 WHEREAS, sufficient funding is available in Capital Improvement Program Project No. 4085 to pursue the design and public engagement program associated with the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail; and WHEREAS, the City Planner has determined that on August 27, 2019, the City Council adopted a mitigated negative declaration and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program, which analyzed the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan at a broad, programmatic level; and WHEREAS, staff anticipates performing additional project-level CEQA review for Trail Segment 7C - South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail - once its alignment is verified. 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. 2.That the City Council directs staff to pursue the design, public engagement and development of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Project within only the Hub Park Lease property. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 15th day of June, 2021, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Acosta, Bhat-Patel, Schumacher. NAYS: Hall, Blackburn. ABSENT: None. MATT HALL, Mayor jrjvwc‘. BARBARA ENGLESON, City Clerk ii (SEAL) - • • June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 8 of 82 Chapter 5 • Trail Development Implementation Plan5-20 City of Carlsbad Trail Segment 7C: South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail (I-5 to Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center) !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !(!(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!(!(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!(!(!(!(!(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !(!( !( !( !(!( !( !( Buena Vista Lagoon Agua Hedionda LagoonBatiquit o s L a g o o n Lake Calavera Maerkle Reservoir BuenaVistaCreek Leo CarrilloRanchHistoric Park La C o s t a CanyonPark MagnoliaAthleticField AlgaNortePark PoinsettiaCommunityPark CalaveraPark HolidayPark CannonPark El F u e r t e Park Business P a r k (Zone 5 ) Aviara Golf Course ChaseField PineAvenuePark LevantePark MaxtonBrownPark StagecoachPark LagunaRivieraPark AviaraCommunityPark HospGrovePark HiddenCanyonPark CadenciaPark RotaryPark VeteransMemorialPark MageePark Safety CenterSkate Park The CrossingsGolf Course SouthCarlsbadStateBeach CarlsbadStateBeach La Costa Resortand Golf Course Legoland QuarryCreek CannonLakePark Buena VistaElemenatrySchool Buena Vista CreekEcological Reserve HubPark Carlsbad HighlandsEcological Reserve Agua Hedionda LagoonEcological Reserve Buena Vista LagoonEcological Reserve Batiquitos LagoonEcological Reserve CoasterStation CoasterStation Olivenh a i n R d Poinsetti a L a n e Tamarack A v e Carlsbad V i l l a g e D r Carlsbad BlvdMarron Rd PalomarAirportRd College BlvdJefferson StMe lr o s e Dr F a r a d ayAveBatiquitosDr CalleBarcelo n a CalleAcervoElFuerteS tAl i c a nteRdPaseoDelNorte L a C o s t a Ave A venidaPantera To wnGa r denRd Chestnut A v e TamarackAve Ad ams St ParkDrHighland DrElCaminoRealCannon Rd CollegeBlvdFaradayAve PalomarAirportRdHiddenValleyRdThe CrossingsDrAvia r aPkwyPoinsettia L a n e AlgaRdA v i a ra PkwyHoover St Tamarack A v e C a n n o n R dState StCarlsbad BlvdAvenidaEncinasAvenida EncinasEl Ca mino Real El Fuerte St GatewayRd CaminoCirculoCadenciaStCarlsbadBlvdCarlsbadVillageDrMarronRdElCaminoReal LionsheadAve CarlsbadBlvdAven id a E n cinasBatiquitos Lagoon Nature Center ElCaminoRealC a mi n oJuniperoC a m inodelosCochesEl SaltoFalls St LagunaDrOak S tJefferson St Ran ch o S a n taFeRdOld Rancho Santa Fe Rd Sunny Creek R d F u t u r eCol l egeBlvdMonroeSt!à !à 6.56.512.312.3 11.411.4 14.714.7 14.514.57.77.712E12E12.112.11.21.2 9 E 9 E 8D8D 1.31.3 7.17.1 5B5B6.46.4 2C2C 9E9E1A1A 13.613.65.65.612.312.38E8E 5.35.32.12.18.38.313.413.413.913.910.410.4 13.213.212.412.414.114.17.27.2 14.814.8 8.28.2 7H7H9.39.310.210.2 7E7E 8.18.11 3 . 413 . 41.11.1 10.610.6 14.314.37.57.510.310.3 2C2C 13.713.76.46.410D10D8.68.6 5C5C 12B12B7.37.314.614.6 9C9C8.58.5 5A5A14.914.912G12G5.15.113.413.42A2A7.67.66.16.18C8C1C1C 12J12J13 . 5 13 . 59A9A6 . 2 6 . 2 12H12H13.813.813.313.3 5.25.2 14.214.2 5.55.5 12.212.212D12D7G7G8B8B 5.45.4 10.110.17 B 7 B 8. 4 8. 4 10.510.5 1 3 A 1 3 A8A8A12.412.45A5A7.47.4 12I12I 9.29.2 11.211.212F12F10C10C11.111.1 12C12C3.13.17D7D3.23.27G7G11.111.16.36.39.19.1 9G9G1 1 . 3 1 1 . 3 11.411.41B1B 6A6A 14.114.112.312.310B10B 9D9D9F9F 12.412.49B9B1C1C 11.511.57F7F9D9D7A7A 13.113.114 . 4 14 . 41D1D12A12A7C7C 9D9D 10A10A6.46.4 8.38.3 2.22.2 5.65.69D9 D 8D8D 12.412.412.412.413.313.3 13 . 5 13 . 5 ¨§5 Pacific Ocean Ã78 8E8E 9DD2B ¯ !(Existing Beach !(Existing Trailhead with Parking !(Existing Trailhead with On-street !(Existing Trailhead with No !(Proposed Trailhead with Parking !(Proposed Trailhead with On-street !(Proposed Trailhead with No Open Space Trails (Unpaved): Existing Type 1: Nature Proposed Type 1: Nature Existing Type 2: Recreational Proposed Type 2: Recreational Existing Type 3: Wide Dirt Trail or Utility Proposed Type 3: Wide Dirt Trail or Utility Mobility Trails (Paved): Existing Type 4: Roadside Proposed Type 4: Roadside Existing Type 5: Sidewalk Proposed Type 5: Sidewalk Existing Type 6: Paved Multi-use Proposed Type 6: Paved Multi-use Trails Labels: 1.1 - Existing Trail ID (first digit identifies 1.A - Proposed Trail ID (first digit identifies Date: 1/11/2021, Document Path: J:\Requests2010Plus\ParksRec\5407234_15\MasterPlanGraphics\CompositeTrails_11x17_nolabels.mxd Coastal Zone Hub Park Area Subject to Cabrillo Power LLC and Desal Projects Approval Area Subject to HMP Land Manager and Resource Agency Approval CDFW Ecological Reserve Natural Open Space & Beaches Agricultural Space Parks & Golf Courses Project Description Proposed eight-foot wide recreational trail will lead from I-5 new bridge crossing to the top bluff of the lagoon. It will loop around the Strawberry Fields and open space, providing connection to the south side of Cannon Road through existing underpasses. Trail segment within Hub Park lease area may be developed by the City of Carlsbad. Segment outside Hub Park will be conditioned by private devel- opment and environmental permit required to construct the trail. Agreements and trails development is a subject to review and approval of SDG&E. Improve- ments cost includes decomposed granite surface, trail edging and basic trail- head amenities, such as trail ID and trail regulation signs, dog station and trash receptacle for public trails on Hub Park Lease area. Environmental review, agency permitting, and mitigation is not included in the estimated project cost. Estimated Project Cost: $450,000 - trail within Hub Park that may be developed by the City of Carlsbad Subarea: 7 Quadrant: NW Trail Category: MobilityTrail Type: 2, 4Length: 2.4 mile Development Entity: Private Development/City of Carlsbad Estimated Implementation: 2022 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 9 of 82 ~ CITY COUNCIL ~ Staff Report Meeting Date: To: From: Staff Contact: Sept. 17, 2019 Mayor and City Council Scott Chadwick, City Manager Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director kyle.lancaster@carlsbadca.gov or 760-434-2941 CA Review lrL.Qr- Subject: Hub Park Lease Property and a Capital Improvement Program Project for Trail Segment 7C -South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Recommended Action Receive a report on the Hub Park Lease property and adopt a Resolution adding a Capital Improvement Program Project for Trail Segment 7C....:. South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail, as identified in the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan, and appropriating $674,500 from the General Capital Construction Fund. Executive Summary During the city's Fiscal Year 2019-20 Preliminary Budget review, several community members requested the city initiate action to develop passive recreational trails and related amenities on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, specifically at the Hub Park lease property. On June 18, 2019, during Agenda Item No.5 -Fiscal Year 2019-20 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets, the City Council approved a minute motion as follows " ... that a report be completed to add Agua Hedionda Trail as a Capital Improvement Project" (Exhibit 2). In response, staff's report consists of background information on the Hub Park Lease property and provides a resolution (Exhibit 1) to add a Capital Improvement Program Project for Trail Segment 7C -South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail -as identified in the Trails Master Plan. Discussion Background On June 21, 2016, staff presented a report to the City Council on the Hub Park.Lease property (Exhibit 3). The subsections in that report are titled as follows: • Lease and Property Background • Analysis o Opportunities o Constraints and Challenges • Property Deed Restrictions • Land Use/Zoning Policies, Regulations, and Permits ■ Environmental Considerations ■ Physical Considerations ■ Legal and Lease Considerations The information within these subsections remains consistent through present day. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 10 of 82 According to the minutes of the June 21, 2016 City Council Meeting (Exhibit 4): Staff explained that should the Council wish to move forward with adding trail development within the Hub Park area to the City's current work plan, staff would recommend the following steps: • Consider the work at the next Council Goal Setting Workshop (early 2017} • If after the Workshop, Council decides to move forward, staff would return with a comprehensive work plan which would include process, schedule and budget • As part of the process, staff would likely recommend that a Citizens Advisory Committee be appointed by the Council." The minutes of that meeting indicate considerable public comment and City Council discussion then ensued. At the conclusion of the discussion, the City Council approved a minute motion which accepted staff's recommendations and requested that staff determine the appropriate time to assemble the Citizens Advisory Committee. Capital Improvement Program Project The City Council did not make the Hub Park Lease property a goal at the referenced Goal Setting Workshop in 2017 and did not provide direction to staff on this item until its regularly scheduled meeting on June 18, 2019. At that time, the City Council approved a minute motion that a report be completed to add Agua Hedionda Trail as a Capital Improvement Project. Staff therefore prepared the attached Capital Improvement Program Project Charter (Exhibit 5) and Budget Worksheet (Exhibit 6) for the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail. Carlsbad Trails Master Plan On Aug. 28, 2019, the City Council adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP); approved a related amendment to the General Plan Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation Element; and adopted the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan. The adopted MND and MMRP analyzed trail improvements at a broader, programmatic level. The Carlsbad Trails Master Plan, Chapter 5 -Trail Development Implementation, identifies Trail Segment 7C -South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail. The proposed eight-foot wide recreational trail will lead from a new 1-5 bridge crossing to the bluff top within the Hub Park Lease property, overlooking the lagoon. It will loop around the Strawberry Fields and open space, providing connection to the south side of Cannon Road through existing underpasses. The trail program includes decomposed granite surface, trail edging and basic trailhead amenities, such as trail identification and regulation signs, dog stations and recycling/trash receptacles. The proposed trail must undergo project level California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review in conjunction with the development phase that will determine the final alignment of the trail. Easements related to trail development are subject to review and approval by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), which may grant ingress/egress from Cannon Road to the Hub Park Lease property. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 11 of 82 Fiscal Analysis Staff recommends an appropriation of $674,500 from the General Capital Construction Fund, specifically from the funds previously set aside via Proposition C for open space and trail acquisition. The estimated costs are detailed in the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Capital Improvement Program Project Budget Summary. The total estimated cost of $674,500 for the trail project includes environmental review, permitting, design and construction. Next Steps Staff will pursue discussions with SDG&E to obtain easements from Cannon Roaq to the Hub Park Lease property and complete a procurement process to obtain a design consulting firm for planning the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail. Staff will also initiate a public engagement program in accordance with City Council Policy Statement No. 84, Development Project Public Involvement. Environmental Evaluation (CEQA) The Trails Master Plan has been reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). On August 27, 2019, the City Council adopted a MND and MMRP for the Trails Master Plan. The MND and MMRP analyzed the Trails Master Plan at a broad, programmatic level. Therefore, staff anticipates performing additional project-level CEQA review for Segment 7C - South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail when the alignment for the trail segment is developed. 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 the scheduled meeting date. Exhibits 1. City Council Resolution 2. June 18, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. June 21, 2016 City Council Staff Report on The Hub Park Lease. 4. June 21, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes. 5. Capital Improvement Program Project Charter. 6. Capital Improvement Program Project Budget Summary. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 12 of 82 RESOLUTION NO. 2019-181 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT FOR TRAIL SEGMENT 7C -SOUTH SHORE AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON TRAIL, AS IDENTIFIED IN THE CARLSBAD TRAILS MASTER PLAN, AND APPROPRIATING $674,500 FROM THE GENERAL CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION FUND WHEREAS, the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan, Chapter 5 -Trail Development Implementation, identifies Trail Segment 7C -South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail; and WHEREAS, during the city's Fiscal Year 2019-20 Preliminary Budget review, several community members requested the city initiate action to develop passive recreational trails and related amenities on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, specifically at the Hub Park Lease property; and WHEREAS, on June 18, 2019, during Agenda Item No. 5 -Fiscal Year 2019-20 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets, the City Council approved a minute motion that a report be completed to add the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail as a Capital Improvement Project; and WHEREAS, staff has submitted to the City Council a Capital Improvement Program Project Charter and Budget Worksheet for the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail; and WHEREAS, on Aug. 27, 2019, the City Council adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), approved a related amendment to the General Plan Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation Element, and adopted the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail is within the scope of the adopted MND, but additional environmental review may be completed when the alignment for the trail segment is developed; and June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 13 of 82 WHEREAS, an appropriation of $674,500 from the General Capital Construction Fund, specifically the funds set aside for open space and trail acquisition, as detailed in the Capital Improvement Program Project Budget Summary, is necessary to fund the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail; and WHEREAS, easements related to trail development are subject to review and approval by San Diego Gas & Electric, which may grant ingress/egress from Cannon Road to the Hub Park Lease property; and WHEREAS, staff will pursue discussions with SDG&E to obtain the described easements and complete a procurement process to obtain a design consulting firm for planning the trail; and WHEREAS, staff will initiate a public engagement program, in accordance with City Council Policy Statement No. 84 -Development Project Public Involvement, for the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail. 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. 2. That the City Council hereby approves adding a Capital Improvement Program Project for Trail Segment 7C -South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail, as identified in the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan. 3. That $674,500 is appropriated from the General Capital Construction Fund for the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 14 of 82 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 17th day of September 2019, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Hall, Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Schumacher, Hamilton. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. MATT HALL, Mayor ~l ~ ilerdrz frtl>l!z Dtp,-lj BARBARA ENGLESON, City Clerk I C i-1~ (SEAL) ,,11111111111111,,,, ,S;''~o''~~ CAiiJ'''~ * ,'1".,.ft~ $,"'······· ··· .. ~~ ~I,,.;,.. .._V' ~ :: .... /~\~~ r't.~~), ~ •·.• --.ct,a'• .... ~ ",: ...... ' ...... * ~'-:.t1 ············..,,.,,,,-,* ~,,IFO'°'~' ~~ '//11, P ,,,,~ ''"111,,,,,,111\\I~ Cle11f June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 15 of 82 June 18, 2019 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 2 job classification and revising the City of Carlsbad part-time salary schedule by increasing the ranges by three percent (3%). (Staff contact: Silvano Rodriguez, Human Resources) 3. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FROM THE CARLSBAD LIBRARY & ARTS FOUNDATION -Adoption of Resolution No. 2019-090 accepting a donation of $140,165 from the Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation to the City of Carlsbad's Library & Cultural Arts Department. (Staff contact: Heather Pizzuto, Library & Cultural Arts) 4. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FROM CARLSBAD FRIENDS OF THE ARTS -Adoption of Resolution No . 2019-091 accepting a $37,100 donation from the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts in support of the FY 2019-20 Cultural Arts Programs and the 2019 TGIF Concerts in the Parks summer concert series. (Staff contact: Richard Schultz, Library & Cultural Arts) CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM PULLED FOR DISCUSSION: Council Member Schumacher requested this item be pulled for discussion. 1. REVISIONS TO MAN AG EM ENT COMPENSATION PLAN -Adoption of Resolution No. 2019-088 approving revisions to the Management Compensation and Benefits Plan. (Staff contact: Drew Cook, Human Resources) In response to an inquiry from Council Member Schumacher, Human Resource Director Judy van Kalinowski explained the CPI changes every month, but in 2018, it was about 3.35 and ranged between 3.1 to 3.6. For 2019, the range has been 2.4 to 2.9 so far. Council Member Schumacher asked if staff anticipates conducting a comparative compensation study for this labor group. Director Judy van Kalinowski confirmed that staff does plan to conduct a labor study if the budget is approved. Staff anticipates the study to begin early Fall 2019, with results likely to be presented to City Council in early 2020. Motion by Council Member Schumacher, seconded by Mayor Hall, to adopt Resolution No, 2019-088 as amended to go forward with the 3% CPI increase. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. ORDINANCE FOR INTRODUCTION: None. ORDINANCE FOR ADOPTION: None. DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY MANAGER REPORTS: Moved before Item No. 5 6. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICIES FOR PENSION FUNDING AND GENERAL FUND SURPLUS -Adoption of Resolution No . 2019-099 approving City Council Policy No. 86 to establish a Pension Funding Policy, approving City Council Policy No. 87 to establish a General Fund Surplus Policy, and revising City Council Policy No. 74, General Fund Reserve Policy. (Staff contact: Laura Rocha, Administrative Services) City Manager's Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 17 of 82 June 18, 2019 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 3 Deputy City Manager Laura Rocha and Finance Manager Roxanne Muhlmeister presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Council Member Schumacher stated she wou ld be more comfortable voting on each item separately and requested to review the policies every five years. Minute Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Bhat-Patel, seconded by Mayor Hall, to approve Council Policy No. 86 and return to Council every five years or upon Council's request, as well as a discussion for CalPERS. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. Minute Motion by Council Member Schumacher, seconded by Council Member Blackburn, to authorize a $20,000,000 payment to CalPERS. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. Council concurred to continue the discussion of the propos~d Council Policy No. 87 at a future goal setting session. Minute Motion by Council Member Schumacher, seconded by Mayor Hall, to retain a target of 40% in reserves and eliminate the portion of the policy that states that staff recommendations will be made to City Council annually on the appropriate reserve levels and that the reserve policy remain within the purview and the authority of the City Council and community. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. Motion by Council Member Schumacher, seconded by Mayor Hall, to adopt Resolution No. 2019-099 as amended to reflect actions in above referenced Minute Motions. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. RECESS: Mayor Hall declared a recess at 5:57 p.m. Mayor Hall reconvened the meeting at 6:11 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING: 5. FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGETS - Adoption of City Council Resolution approving the FY 2019-20 Operating Budgets and FY 2019-20 to 2033-34 Capital Improvement Program for the City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad Municipal Water District, Community Development Commission, Carlsbad Public Financing Authority and City of Carlsbad as Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency; and, Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 2019-092 adopting the Final Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program for FY 2019-20 for the City of Carlsbad and establishing controls on changes in appropriations for the various funds; and, Adoption of Carlsbad Municipal Water District Resolution No. 1617 adopting the Water· District Final Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program for FY 2019-20; and, Adoption of Community Development Commission Resolution No. 545 adopting the Operating Budget of the Carlsbad Housing Authority for FY 2019-20; and, June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 18 of 82 June 18, 2019 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 4 Adoption of Public Financing Authority Resolution No. 79 adopting the Operating Budget of the Crossings at Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course for FY 2019-20; and, Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 2019-093, acting as Successor Agency for the Carlsbad Redevelopment Agency, adopting the Operating Budget of the Successor Agency and Enforceable Obligations of the City of Carlsbad's Redevelopment Obligation Retirement Fund for FY 2019-20; and, Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 2019-094 establishing the FY 2019-20 appropriation limit as required by Article XIIIB of the California State Constitution and State Law; and, Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 2019-095 adopting changes to the Master Fee Schedule; and, Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 2019-096 approving the FY 2019-20 Operating and Capital Budgets of the Encina Wastewater Authority; and, Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 2019-097 determining that the FY 2019-20 Capital Improvement Program Budget is consistent with the General Plan and applicable Climate Action Plan measures and actions; and, Adoption of City Council Resolution No. 2019-098 approving adjustments to the FY 2018-19 Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budget. (Staff contact: Roxanne Muhlmeister, Administrative Services) City Manager's Recommendation: Take public input, close the public hearing and adopt the Resolutions. City Manager Scott Chadwick, Deputy City Manager Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager Paz Gomez, and Finance Manager Roxanne Muhlmeister presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Mayor Hall opened the duly noticed Public Hearing at 6:11 p.m. Rosanne Bentley spoke in support of the trails master plan, authorized trails at HUB park, the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and a coastal access park in the southwest quadrant in the Ponto Area. Christine Davis, representing the Carlsbad Business Association, spoke in support of the budget and thanked Council for providing a platform and listening to public input to address and improve the residents' quality of life and public safety issues. She also expressed support for more lighting for gathering places in the Village. Gary Nessim, representing Imagine Carlsbad, encouraged the City Council to pursue the Grand Promenade idea. Greg Anglea, representing Interfaith Community Services, spoke in support of the overall budget and continuing to support low-income neighbors. He explained the importance of funding of the Service Center. Diane Nygaard, representing Preserve Cafavera, spoke in support of a Coastal Access Park at Ponto, the trails at HUB Park, and updating the Parks strategic plan to today's needs. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 19 of 82 June 18, 2019 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 5 De'Ann Weimer, representing Citizens for North County, spoke in support of trails along Agua Hedionda lagoon, that Ponto Park be implemented, and that Veteran's Park be delayed. She also requested the Council form an Ethics Commission. Mayor Hall closed the duly noticed Public Hearing at 7:58 p.m. Mayor Hall stepped down from dais at 7:59 p.m. due to a potential conflict of interest. City Attorney Celia Brewer explained the Fair Political Practice Commission's rules on conflict of interest, segmentation, and shared which projects Mayor Hall identified as conflicts: #66083 -NW Quadrant Storm Drain Improvements #58011-Encina Capital Projects #52032 -Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility (Encina Capital Projects) #60041 -Avenida Encinas Widening -South of Pa lomar Airport Rd #40161 -Village Decorative Lighting #60891-Village Intelligent Parking Implementation. Council Member Hamilton expressed support of funding the Village and Barrio lighting and · traffic circles projects as development continues to impact the area. Amended Minute Motion by Council Member Hamilton, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to bring the CIP items for the Village and Barrio traffic circles back to Council with a report on current state so that Council can make a decision about the readiness to move the item forward. Motion carried, 4/0/1 (Hall -Absent). Minute Motion by Council Member Schumacher, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Bhat-Patel, to pass the items related to Storm Drain Improvements, Encina Capital Projects, Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility, Avenida Encinas Widening, Village Decorative Lighting, Village Intelligent Parking. Motion carried, 4/0/1 (Hall -Absent). Mayor Hall returned to the dais at 8:24 p.m . Mayor Hall stepped down from dais at 8:27 p.m. due to a potential conflict of interest relating to the discussion of the Barrio Lighting CIP Project. Minute Motion by Council Member Hamilton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Bhat-Patel, that the City Council prioritize the Barrio lighting CIP project on the CIP list. Motion carried, 4/0/1 (Hall -Absent). Mayor Hall returned to the dais at 8:28 p.m . Council Member Schumacher spoke in favor of starting on the trails on the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 20 of 82 June 18, 2019 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 6 City Attorney Celia Brewer explained that if monies are to be allocated to this project, a report would need to be provided in order to be transparent and open to the public for input as it is not currently listed. Minute Motion by Council Member Schumacher, seconded by Council Member Hamilton, that a report be completed to add Agua Hedionda Trail as a Capital Improvement Project. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. Minute Motion by Council Member Hamilton, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, that the Housing Assistant and the Program Manager positions be funded from the General Fund rather than the Housing Trust Fund. Motion carried, 3/2 (Hall, Blackburn -No). Minute Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Blackburn to include the Library & Cultural Arts Coordinator, Library Assistant, and the 0.4 part-time positions in the budget. Motion carried, 4/1 (Hall"-No). Motion by Council Member Schumacher, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Bhat-Patel, to add $200,000 for residential traffic calming areas at three locations. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Hamilton, to adopt City Council Resolution No. No. 2019-092 as amended, CMWD Resolution No. 1617, CDC Resolution No. 545, PFA Resolution No. 79, City Council Resolution Nos. 2019-093, 2019-094, 2019-095, 2019-096, 2019-097, 2019-098. Motion carried, 4/1 (Hall -No). DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY MANAGER REPORTS CONTINUED: This item was heard before Item No. 5 6. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT POLICIES FOR PENSION FUNDING AND GENERAL FUND SURPLUS -Adoption of Resolution No. 2019-099 approving City Council Policy No. 86 to establish a Pension Funding Policy, approving City Council Policy No. 87 to establish a General Fund Surplus Policy, and revising City Council Policy No. 74, General Fund Reserve Policy. (Staff contact: Laura Rocha, Administrative Services) 7. LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO FY 2019-20 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION BUDGET -Authorize the Mayor to execute a letter in support of the county's proposed FY 2019-20 Behavioral Health Services Division budget. (Staff contact: Jason Haber, City Manager Department) City Manager's Recommendation: Authorize execution of letter in support of County's proposed FY 2019-20 Behavioral Health Services Division budget. Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Blackburn, to authorize the letter as amended to include a statement that says, " ... especially as it relates to the resources and funding specifically allocated to North County." Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 21 of 82 June 18, 2019 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 7 COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Mayor Hall and City Council Members reported on activities and meetings of some committees and subcommittees of which they are members. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: City Manager Scott Chadwick thanked the City Council for approving positions to support the community and that he is looking forward to executing to the levels they expect. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS: None. Cl"rY CLERK COMMENTS: None. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Hall adjourned the duly noticed Meeting at 9:45 p.m. in honor and memory of Ben Shulman. ~(~ Mia De Marzo · Deputy City Clerk June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 22 of 82 Hub Park Lease Area June 21, 2016 Pagel Analysis: Execution of the Hub Park lease provides an opportunity for expanding passive recreational uses such as hiking trails and view-points on the 96 acre property. However, the property is also highly constrained and development of the property presents many challenges. The opportunities, constraints, and challenges exhibited by the 96 acre Hub Park lease property are summarized as follows: Opportunities 96 acres (gross) of property under city control to 2074 Public access could be provided for first time in over 60 years Lagoon frontage and views Development consistent with the values of the Carlsbad Community Vision Development consistent with Open Space & Conservation Resource Management Plan {OSCRMP) Development consistent with draft Trails Master Plan Proposition C -Open Space and Trail Connections set-aside fund Future trail connections -West to 1-5 and coastline -Cannon Road undercrossing -AHLF Discovery Center -Veteran's Park -Crossings Golf Course trails -Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan trails Constraints and Challenges Property Deed Restrictions Cal Coastal Commission (CCC) OS Deed Restriction and existing HMP Hardline-62 acres of lease area Utility Easements/Power line Corridor -41 acres of lease area -Net lease area is 34 acres (net of OS deed restriction) -Net-net lease area is 16 acres (net of OS deed restriction & utility easement) Land Use/Zoning Policies, Regulations, and Permits Carlsbad General Plan Local Coastal Program (LCP) Agua Hedionda Land Use Plan provisions No LCP Implementation Plan -Coastal Development Permit issued by CCC Proposition D Implementation provisions of the Cannon Road Agricultural/Open Space Zone Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan {HMP) provisions Lease area not included in Growth Management Program -not needed for Park compliance -not included as Park in the Zone 13 Local Facilities Management Plan (LFMP) -not included as Park in the Zone 13 LFMP financing plan Permitting/CEQA issues and costs State and Federal Resource Agencies -US Army Corps, US F&W, CA St F&W, RWQCB Item No. 1 -AB # 22,321 June 21, 2016 Page 2 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 24 of 82 · Hub Park Lease Area June 2~~ 2016 Page3 Environmental Considerations Pesticide considerations Biological Resource impact avoidance and mitigation considerations Cultural Resource considerations Archeological Resource considerations Storm water/drainage/grading considerations Physical Considerations Steep Topography Lease area is isolated -access to/from Cannon Road is significantly challenging -location of a trail-head is problematic -no direct trail connection to existing trail system Legal and Lease Considerations Property is leased, not owned Historical and existing Agricultural use and tenant provisions Lease rate As can be readily appreciated by the above enumerated opportunities, constraints and challenges, it is evident that any planning, public outreach, environmental review, permitting, and development of passive recreational uses such as hiking trails and view-points on the 96 acre Hub Park Lease property will take a significant amount of effort, time, and resources. Any work effort in this area at this time would compete for resources with the many other initiatives and projects already anticipated by the City Council's adopted goals and.in the city's adopted capital improvement program, many of which are planned and needed for compliance with the provisions of the city's growth management program . . Options for Consideration: If the City Council wishes to pursue further analysis and work in this area, staff would recommend that the City Council consider the merits of such an effort and the resources necessary to undertake it at their next annual goal setting workshop. If, after consideration as a part of the goal setting workshop process, the City Council determines to move forward, staff will develop a comprehensive work plan for this effort, including a schedule and budget, and present the work plan to the City Council for their consideration. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The activities associated with receiving this report will not involve or result in any disturbance to the environment, and is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA Section 15306 describes the following activities as being exempt from environmental review: " ... basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted or funded." Item No. 1 -AB# 22,321 June 21, 2016 Page 3 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 25 of 82 Hub Park Lease Area June 21~ 2016 Page4 EXHIBITS: 1. Hub Park lease 2. Map of Hub Park lease Area 3. Map of Hub Park lease Area Constraints 4. "Proposal for Public Access and Trail Project on Hub Park/Proposition D Open Space lands", submitted to the City Council by Ms. Vicky Syage on June 14, 2016. Item No. 1-AB# 22,321 June 21, 2016 Page 4 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 26 of 82 EXHIBIT 1 LEA s E THIS LEASE, made and. entered into as of th~ 10-th q~ of November , 1975· l?Y ·a·nd between SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC I , COMP~NY·,. a carifornia corporation,· herei_nafter called "Lessor", and the CITY QF CARL~BAD, CALIFORNIA, a muni~ipal corpo~ation,. I hereinafter called ."Lessee", NIT N E-S S ~TR: WBEREA.$, In 1971 Lessor requested specifi~.plan approval ·-for certain publi'? utility operat.ipns fn the City of Carlsbad;_ and WHEREAS, In the course of processing said _request Lessor ,. · .. off ere? to make a portion of the property covered by the specific plan. available to the Lessee for pa'rk· and recreational· purposes, .and .• WHEREAS, Said offer was a·ccepted by Lessee and incorpor-. ~ted. in Ordinance No. 9279 which approved the specific plan as a conditio~ .thereof; ·~nd WHEREAS, ln acco~~ance_with Section 2, Condition ~o. 3, .. of Ordinance No.• 9279·, Lessor and Lessee have resolved the deta;i.ls. rf?garding the lease of c.ertain hereinafter d_escribed real property; NOW, T~EREFORE, in consideration of the performance of . .. . the terms and conditions hereof the-parties ag:,ee as-follows : i. Leased Premises. Lesso~ does hereby lease to Lessee Item No. 1 -AB# 22,321 June 21, 2016 Page 5 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 27 of 82 use by Lessr . at --,y and all times for· e f~ir or maintenance . \.I. . ..___, o·f exis:f=ipg and ,f1:1ture facilities, as · well as all other operations nec~ssarjr in .connection with ·its public utility operations • .-It is ~nderstood that Lessor may .construct ctdditional electrical tr"ans~ . . "· m~s.sion_ lines and/or other utili'.ty lines upon the lea sec· :pre-~~~s ·and rese:Cves th~ right to accomplish sa1d construction. Lessor shall . .. ~ak~ reas·onable ·efforts to coordinat·e such .activities wit,h Less¢e to minimize the interference with the Lessee Is use of the pr-emises. . . . . . .. 6. Rent. iessee agre~s ·to ·pay Lessor rent based on the amount of one half . of ~e taxe~ asses_sed against the leased premises . · and paid by Les~o:r, but in no case sh~l~ th~ amoun"t: p·aid by the City exceed the sum of fourteen thousand \tol·lars ($14 ,o·oo) a·nnuaJ.ly,. ·. Lessee. and Lessor shall take · ·all reasonable steps to relieve· Le.ssor of the real property ~tax liability on the leased premises_ for· the term :of the lease or any .:r;enewal as ·herein provided. The obligation of Lessee to pay-·rent· shall not commence ·until five (5) y~a:cs-·aft;er· execution o·f this lease or until LesE;ee. has . qdopted a plan of develop- .rn~nt for the premises and obtained all permits necessary to accomplish the development, whichever occurs later. 7 ~-·Improvements. . Lessee shali-hav~ the right to construct improvements ·upon the leased prem:1,ses·. . Lessee agrees to consult with - · Lesso·r regarding any proposed improvements prior to the commencemei:it -. ·of const;ruction. · No improvements, including' grading or structur.es of . any type,·· shall in~erfere with-Lessors public utility ·facilities or · operations on the leased premises. Lessor rnay -~eiocate in a mutually agr~eable m~nner any such improvement at Lessor's· expense. Lessor ---,_. ... ~ .-· wiJ'.'1· take every reasonable means · ·to avoid reloca t"ion of Lessee 's improvements. Upon termination of this -lease, a.fter .receipt of a written demand from Lessor, -Lessee shall remove all impr~vements Item No. 1 =1\B # 22,321 · .June 21, 2016 Page 7 of 20 3 . June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 29 of 82 within 11inety (90). days at Lessee.' s expense. 8~ Pro:tection and Pat.rols. _Lessee agrees · to police, regulate, ancl control the entry and activi'ties in and upon t}).e . . . . "·. . . leased premises to the same extent as ot~er c_ornpar~ble prope·::i:q owned. by Lessee., ·rri" addition, Le·ssee will take re as.on able steps ·to protect all Lessor-owned property surroundin·g or adjacent to the· leased premises and exterior thereto s·o as _to· rnipimi~e any I and all: disturbances ~md da;ages,. including the possibility _ of damage to property and in'jurie_s to persons incident to · the use · o·f said premises by .· a~y person ent~ring :t~ereon. · Said . protection -shall be consistent with the protection given to e>ther··_privat~ prope_rty in the City· of Carlsbad. r. 9. Waste. Lessee shall not commit, suffer, nor permit any waste·, nuisances, or unlawful acts on the'· leased premises-;· and shall·at all-times maintain· tj1e same in a clean ~~d sa~~t~ry con-. . -· dition ·in ~ompliance with all applicable rules, laws, regulations; and ordinances. respecting ,health and safety of the City of Carlsbad and County of San Diego, and--·the State of California . 10. _ Right of Entry . Lessor · r _e;erves the right to enter .. upon the leased prernises_at any ~irne £or the ~urpose of viewing, patroling and inspecting the sanie to see if Lessee is faithfully comp.lyi.pg with the terms and.conditions of this lepse. ·11. Rights 0£ Lessee. Lesse-e shall h_ave n? ri~hts mor ac;guire any interest in or to the leased premi~·es other than as_ -AA9~i~ed in this leas~ and as a lessee and tenant thereof . . ,, 12. Default. Should default be made in -the performance of anY. of the terms and conditions of this lease and such default shall continue for sixty (60) days after Lessee has bee11 notified Item No. 1"" AB# 22,321 June 21, 2016 Page 8 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 30 of 82 in writing of such default, then Lessor may re-enter, . take ·possession of said -premises,. and remove any and all persons and' pr~perty of Lessee therefro~. ;_ ~~--:"c.,_ ' 13. Assignment. Lessee shall not assign this lease nor · sublease the 1-eised premises ~xcept up~n the-.written cons_e_nt of . Lessor which shall not· be unreasonably.withheid. Sub~ect to· the terms and provisions of this iease, Lessee.may make any'joint·use· . . . t' . . $,' • agreement for the use or improvement of' the premises an-a_· may . grant permits·,. licenses or pr:i.viledges to any agency,· person or partner- . ship to enter upon and/or .. use .any or all_ of the. leas·ea.-premises, upon . -. • • . t • -terms and conditions as the Lessee de.eins necessary or desirable.· 14 ~ Waiver. Any_ waiver by Lessor of any. bre·ach of one_· . . or more of the terms, covenants, and conditiqns of th~s lease shall . not be a waiver 9f any subse~uent or othe·r hreach 0£ the same·, or of any other term or condition ·hereof •. • 15._ ·Indemnity. Lessee hereby agre·es to indemnity, save and ho:l-4 Lessor haililless from and against any and all demands,· . ~lairns·,. suits, loss, _·aam?ge, 0 :i.njury I resulting from. any ·act or t. . • • .. omission-of·-Les;;ee, its employees, age_nts, permittees, invite.es, or oth~r pfars~ns ·upon the J.ea·sed 'premises with or without the consent of Lessee to the person or· person·s, · ~r p;roperty or p_roper~ ties· of·any person, including injury to or: death of any person in any way arising from u~e a~d_ occupancy of. the lE:as·ed premi~es b~ .. . Lessee, its.agents, servants, employees, or invitees, whether ae'tual., or implied by law. It is the mutual intention and agreement of the parties that the foregoing indemnity provi~ions ·shall extend to any and 5. Item No. 1 -AB~ 22,321 June 21, 2016" Page 9'bf 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 31 of 82 all damages suffered by Lessor to its property adjacent to the leased premises or i_njriry to. or death of a_ny pers_on upon thp · ad:- • ., y • jacent · property in any 'vfay ·arising from the use ~r-occupan'°c~ ··-=-~ ,, of the leased ·premises, -occasioned by the negligent,· willful, or ,?-ntentional acts or omissions of any person_s1 using an~ ·who :may be in or upon the leased premises. •i6 · . .Liability Protection. Lessee agr~es to include t·he leased property in the liability•protection program in use for other property owned b~-Lessee. i7. ·Notices. Notices to be given from or to either·p~rty may be addressed as follows: a. Leiser at 101 A~h Street, San~Diego, Californi~ 92101. b. Lessee at 1200 Elm Avenue, Carlsbad, Ca-lifornia 92008. Notices shall be deemed given_hereunder when placed by. eitl?,er pa.rty in the United States-mail, postage prepaid,· certi.fied, and properly.addressed to the other • . ·. ·1s •. Ordinance No. 9279, -Section 2, 13-13, 1-3. It is agreed· -that construction of park· improvements, under Paragraph 7 of this lease, are not considered development of Lessor's property as ·specified~ Ordinance No. 9279, Se~tion 2, 13-B, l-3. · • · 1'9. Existing Agricultural Lease. Lessee recognizes· that a part of thE? pa·rk lease a_rea is presently being l~ased· by L~ssor · for·agricultural purpos~s. Lessee ·agrees that'Lessor may continue . . ~--.· . . ·. . . . tci'' lea·se this area for agricultural pur-pos~s and. will not require -• _'#' '. . . . the cancellation until Lessee• s plans to develop the leased. premis.es_ for its intended park use are ready to be implemented. · Prior. to .;._ Item No_. 1 :.AB# 22,321 6 • June 21, 2016 · Page 10 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 32 of 82 LEGAL DESCRIPTION.OF HUB PARK SITE -CITY OF CARLSBAD · That portion of' Lots "F" ?-nd. 1:H11 or . Rancho Agu~ Hedionda, in-the 0-ity of" Car;t.sbad, County of'· Sari Diego, _ State o:f Californ,ia, according to Partition Nap thereor· No • . 823, filed in the office or the County Recorqer qf' said County, November 1~, 1896",; described_ as follows: Beginning at the cor~er oommon to Lots 11F11 , "H" and "I1'. of said Rancho Agua Hedionda_; them:e along· t;he · · Northerly line of said tot 11FII South 86° 52 • Olt-11 East (record· South 87° 23 1 21' 11 East per Record. of Survey No. 7938),.1456.25 .feet; therice leaving said li11e South 22° 501 . Q.lj" West·, 1273. 28 :feet-to the beginning of· a 9-49. 00 :foot radius tangent curve concave Northwesterly_; thenae . . Southwesterly along the arc of' said curve through a ·central angle of' 18° ·39' 4011 , a· distance o'f' 309. 00 feet; ·_thence· non-tangent North 84° 521 43 11 West., 2517.07 :feet; thence North 27° 23r 43 11 West, 392.39 reet; thence North B~~- 52' · ~3 11 West, 453.19 feet; then.ce-1forth 07° 51'· 113 11 · West; 259.19 feet; thence North 89° 26 1 0511 West., ~o.lJ.67 feet;. thence North 16° 211 1 3an West, 4110 feet more or less to the mean-high .tide line of''Agua Hedionda i.wper Lagoon; thence. Southea~terly, Northeasterly and Northwesterly along said mean high tide line to the Northeasterly line of said Lot 11H"; thence along said line s·~uth 611° 011 4111 East; 275 feet more or less to the POINT OF BEGINNING. DESCRIPTION ·ntl':\!H:'!l DY .J.3.J_~,s:/Q. . • • I !l:C,i?l,rfDrNN&~~M 22,321 mcu t:1-:J,J:/-g~p_-}.J.. ~- June 21, 2016 Page 12 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 34 of 82 PROPOSAL FOR PUBLIC ACCESS AND TRAIL PROJECT ON HUB PARK/PROPOSITION O OPEN SPACE LANDS I. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT This is a citizen group prepared proposal for the city to construct a public trail project on the Hub Park/Proposition D Open Space lands located south of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. In 1975, the city entered into a lease agreement with San Diego Gas and Electric Company ("Hub Park Lease") that granted the city the legal right to use a portion of the company's land located south of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon for public park and recreational uses. The Hub Park lease consists of 91 acres and was granted as a condition for the city approving a Specific Plan which allowed the expansion of operations at the Encina Power Plant. The lease would allow public access to and the construction of a trail project. The trail project described in this proposal would be located on the Hub Park Lease area. Proposition D was approved by Carlsbad voters in 2006 and placed a permanent open space designation on approximately 1S5 acres of land south of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and north of Cannon Road, The Hub Park Lease area is part the Proposition D open space land. The Proposition stated, in part, that the purpose was "to allow public use, access and community gathering places to occur in the area". The Permitted Use Section of the Proposition specifically lists public trails as a permitted use. Therefore, the public trail project described in this proposal is consistent with Proposition D. Proposition C was approved by Carlsbad voters in 2002 and provided the city with authorization to spend more than $1 million on several projects including open space and trails. In the city's 2012-13 Budget, the City Council transferred $5 million of the Proposition C funds to a line specific item for open space and trails. Therefore, funds are available to construct the trail project described in this proposal and the voters have already given authorization to use the funds for this type of project. The trail project is also consistent with the city's existing Citywide Trail Plan. That plan shows a future trail in the same general location as the trail shown in this proposal. The trail project Is also consistent with the standards and guidelines contained in the "Citywide Trails Report" previously prepared by the city. An important feature of the project is that it has been planned in a manner that allows viable connections/linkage to other existing and future trails as shown in the Citywide Trail Plan and as further described in detail in the Project Description section of this proposal. As such, this project could be viewed as Phase 1 of a larger, future trail project(s) that would provide public access to the entire south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon as well as other areas of the city. There was community disagreement recently over a development project located adjacent to the Hub Park/Proposition D Open Space lands (Measure A). Citizens on both sides of this issue were in agreement, however, in their desire to have public access and trails on the open space lands. The vision of this proposal for the construction of a trail project on Hub Park is to take a major step in unifying the community.· · Item No. 1-AB# 22,321 June 21, 2016 Page 16 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 38 of 82 II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TRAIL PROJECT Except for an entrance off Cannon Road, the proposed trail project would be located entirely on the city's Hub Park Lease area and is shown on Attachment 1 to this proposal (Proposed Trail Plan). It would be approximately one mile in length, 8 feet wide, unpaved and available for both hiking and biking users. The trail would be located outside of and setback from the City's Habitat Management Plan preserve boundaries and split-rail fencing is proposed along the edge of the trail closest to the preserve. Access to the trail project would be provided by an entrance off Cannon Road at the existing, signalized intersection of Cannon Road and Grand Pacific Drive. A small, unpaved parking area could be provided next to the entrance. Some grading of the existing slope located on the north side of Cannon Road would be required. Additional trail amenities being proposed include three picnic areas with tables, benches and shade structures and two vista points with benches. The location of these trail amenities are also shown on Attachment 1. With these amenities, the trail project will not only provide for recreational use but for community gathering spaces for social interaction. The vista points will provide for spectacular views of the lagoon. · The trail project has been planned to allow for connections/linkage to existing and future trails as shown on the Citywide Trail Plan. These trail linkage points are shown on Attachment 2 to this proposal (Trail linkage Map). These trail linkage points include: 1) a westerly connection to remaining open space on the south shore of Agua Hedfonda Lagoon; 2)a southerly connection to the previously constructed under-crossings at Cannon Road and Armada Drive which would provide a continuous trail linkage to the existing trails near Lego Land, on the Municipal Golf Course and on Veterans Memorial Park; 3) a possible easterly connection to the Agua Hedfonda Lagoon Foundation -Discovery Center; and 4) a potential, northerly connection which could provide public, pedestrian access to the existing, sand beaches located along the south shore of Agua Hedionda lagoon. Ill. COST ESTIMATES FOR TRAIL PROJECT The cost estimates for the construction of the Hub Park Trail Project utilized the "Citywide Trails Report" previously prepared by the city (adjusted for rate of inflation), citizen research and input from construction professionals. Because the Hub Park Lease area has been farmed in the past, the estimate also provides for soil testing. The estimates are as follows: Trail Construction (clearing, grubbing, grading)-$207,000 Trail Amenities (3 picnic tables,3 .sun shade structures, 4 vista sitting benches, 5 trash receptacles with dog-waste bag dispensers-$57,800 Split-Rail Fencing (adjacent to entire HMP preserve boundarles)-$120,000 Storm Water Runoff Prevention Measures and Erosion Control-$30,000 Soil Testing-$10,000 Total Project Cost Estimate-$424,800 IV. REQUESTED CITY COUNCIL ACTION It is requested that the City Council indicate its support for the Hub Park Trail Project as presented in this proposal and refer it to staff to determine the appropriate and applicable procedures for processing the project including environmental review and the opportunity for maximum public input and review. _ Item No. 1-A~# 22,321 June 21, 2016 Page 17 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 39 of 82 V. ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1. Hub Park Proposed Trail Plan Attachment 2. Hub Park Trail Linkage Map Item No. 1 -AB# 22,321 June 21, 2016 Page 18 of 20 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 40 of 82 June 21, 2016 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 2 In response to an inquiry from Council Member Blackburn, Assistant Manager Barberio explained that although facilitating the construction of trails in the Hub Park area would increase access to open space, there are other considerations such as preserving agricultural and environmental resources in that area. He further explained that the City already has a Habitat Management Plan in place that has been approved by the California Coastal Commission. Council Member Blackburn confirmed with Administrative Services Director Chuck McBride that the City has set aside approximately $5 million for open space improvements. Of the $5 million, approximately $3.7 million is available at this time. Mayor Pro Tern Wood confirmed with staff that there are archeological artifacts in the Hub Park area. In response to an inquiry from Council Member Schumacher, Manager Barberio explained that the City's lease on the Hub Park property runs through the year 2035. Carlsbad residents Vicky Syage and De'Ann Weimer presented a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) encouraging the Council to move forward with developing public access trails on the Hub Park property. Carlsbad resident Arnie Cohen presented a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) encouraging Council to consider all the costs and complications with implementing a trail system within Hub Park property area. Speakers in favor of moving forward with a trail system within the Hub Park area: Elizabeth Banks; Hope Nelson; Carl Pope; Larry Posner; Laurie Boone; Diane Nygaard. Speakers with a neutral position regarding staff's recommendation: Fred Briggs; Kerry Siekmann. Mayor Hall declared a recess at 10:37 a.m. Council returned to the dais at 10:44 a.m. In response to an inquiry from Council Member Blackburn, City Manager Kevin Crawford explained that if the Council were to move forward with developing the trail plan at Hub Park at this time, staff would need to remove some work from the current work plan due to capacity issues. Mayor Pro Tern Wood asked staff if there are specific ADA requirements that must be followed when constructing trails. Park Planning Manager Liz Ketabian explained that there are requirements that staff follows; however, variances are permitted at times. In response to Council Member Blackburn, City Manager Crawford explained that it would be possible to go ahead and assemble a Citizens Advisory Committee if that is what the Council desires. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 44 of 82 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT CHARTER FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 PROJECT INFORMATION I PROJECT SCORE I 82 IXI New Project Project Number New I Council District Number(s) Check all that apply: ~ 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 Project Name South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail -Trails Master Plan Segment 7-C Asset-Managing Dept/Div Parks & Recreation I AMO Contact Name· I Kasia Trojanowska Sponsoring Department Not Applicable I Sponsoring Dept. Contact Name In/a Location South Shore of the lagoon from new I-5 bridge, through Hub Park Lease property to underpass at Cannon Rd. Project Description The proposed eight-foot wide recreational trail will lead from a new I-5 bridge crossing to the bluff top within the Hub Park Lease property overlooking the lagoon. It will loop around the Strawberry Fields and open space, providing connection to the south side of Cannon Road through existing underpasses [Attachment A]. The proposed trail must undergo project level environmental (CEQA) review in conjunction with the development phase to determine the final alignment of the trail. Coordination with the resource agencies (i.e., CA Coastal Commission, CA Department offish & Wildlife, and US Department offish and Wildlife, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, et. al.) will be required. Easements related to the trail development will be subject to review and approval by SDG&E, which may grant ingress/egress from Cannon Rd. to the Hub Park Lease property through existing utility constraints [Attachment B]. Improvement costs include environmental review, permitting, design and construction of the project. The trail program includes decomposed granite surface, trail edging and basic trailhead amenities, such as trail identification and regulation signs, dog stations and recycling/trash receptacles. )"9.\a! f r~ojec,t Budget ... $674,500 I Budget Requested (FY) I $674,soo D Cost Estimate Attached I Funding Source(s) I Prop C JUSTIFICATION □ No change from prior year D Change in Cost Explain: Provide reason for change □ Change in Scope Explain: Provide reason for change □ Change in Schedule Explain: Provide reason for change Compliance with (check all that apply) ~ Growth Management Plan ~ General Plan D Council Goal IXI Master Plan: IXI Report/Study: D Other: Trails Master Plan 2019 Community Vision Core Values Cite reference document REGULATORY ~ CEQA Review □ CAP Review ~ City-issued Permit ~ Agency-issued Permit ~ Coastal Commission Review □ Negative Declaration IXI Mitigated Negative Declaration □ Environmental Impact Report □ Exemption PROJECT SCORING Factors Possible Points Score Risk to Health, Safety and Environment and Regulatory or Mandated Requirements {Improves overall reHability of the 35 30 capital asset and infrastructure system, complies with approved master plan, mandated by GMP) P::,o,:, 1 nf 7 Exhibit 5June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 46 of 82 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT CHARTER FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 Community Values (The project contributes toward economic development and revitalization efforts, improves the health 25 25 of the community and natural environment through sustainable designs, Open Space and the Natural Environment, Access to Recreation and Active, Healthy Lifestyle, High Quality Community Services) Asset Condition, Annual Recurring Costs and Asset Longevity (Existing conditions and capacity are deficient, increases 20 20 longevity of the capital asset or extends useful life of the asset in the long-term) Multiple category benefit and bundling opportunities (unknown) 10 0 Project Readiness (in the planning phase) 5 2 Funding Availability (funded through planning and design phase) 5 5 Total 100 82 P::,o,:, 7 nf 7 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 47 of 82 Hub Park Lease and CIP for South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail September 17, 2019 Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director Kasia Trojanowska, Parks Planning Manager June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 51 of 82 Recommended Action •Adopt a Resolution –Adding a Capital Improvement Program Project for Trail Segment 7C –South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail and appropriating $674,500 from the General Capital Construction Fund June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 52 of 82 Summary June 18, 2019, during Agenda Item No.5 -Fiscal Year 2019-20 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets, City Council approved a Minute Motion: “…that a report be completed to add Agua Hedionda Trail as a Capital Improvement Project” June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 53 of 82 Background •June 21, 2016 –Staff presented a report to the City Council on the Hub Park Lease property, which is on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Opportunities for future trail connectivity Significant constraints and challenges to address June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 54 of 82 Exhibit 2 -Hub Park Lease Area c::::J Hub Park Lease Area 1,000 500 1,000 Feet June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 55 of 82 Lease History •Lease is result of activities initiated by SDG&E (owner) Encina power plant-related development Proposed development of an oil refinery •City entered into the lease agreement in 1975 June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 56 of 82 Lease Provisions •60-year initial term of lease, to 2035 –Four extensions for total of 39 years, to 2074 •$14,000 annual rent required –Upon plan adoption and permits obtained •Prior to city initiating site work, a one-year notice is to given to allow the agricultural lease terminationJune 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 57 of 82 Opportunities•96 acres of open space •South shore lagoon location and views to ocean •Consistent with the Carlsbad Community Vision •Consistent with Open Space & Conservation Mgmt. Plan •Prop C –Open Space and Trails Funding available •A trail is identified in Carlsbad Trails Master Plan •Potential trail connections (to West, East and South)June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 58 of 82 Constraints & Challenges •Property deed restrictions over a majority of the property –CA Coastal Commission, plus habitat hardline = ~62 acres –Utility easements/power line corridor = ~41 acres •Land use/zoning policies, regulations and permits –General Plan, Local Coastal Program, Coastal Dev. Permit –Proposition D Implementation and Habitat ManagementJune 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 59 of 82 Constraints & Challenges •Environmental considerations –Pesticides, biological impacts, cultural and archeological resources, storm water/drainage/grading •Physical consideration of steep topography •Legal and lease considerations –Existing use of land, tenant provisions and other terms June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 60 of 82 Exhibit 3 -Hub Park Lease Area Constraints c::J Open Space Deed Restriction CZJ Utility Easement/ Powerline Corridor 1,000 500 1,000 Feet June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 61 of 82 CIP Project •8-foot wide recreational trail •From a new I-5 bridge to the Hub Park Lease •Loop around the Strawberry Fields and open space •Connection to the south side of Cannon Road •Decomposed granite trail surface •Signs, dog stations and recycling/trash receptaclesJune 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 62 of 82 Carbbad State Beach 0 0 6 ~- June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 63 of 82 Exhibit 3 -Hub Park Lease Area Constraints Legend CJHOOP¥1<Lo.o<oAru CJ0p,oSP<OC<IDHdR0<11iGtion C3utiitJ Eaomtnl!P.-,lin• Cortidor ,, "'°P<ndf-lJbP¥kT~-S~7 1,000 500 1,000 Feet June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 64 of 82 CIP ProjectTrail Alignment Phase: •Design development for the Trail •Project level environmental (CEQA) review Permitting Phase: •CA Coastal Commission/Department of Fish & Wildlife •San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 65 of 82 CIP Project Easement Agreement with SDG&E: •Proposed trail requires access from SDG&E •Trail proposal will be reviewed and approved by the California Public Utilities Commission through the 851 Application Process •Process may take from 6 to 24 monthsJune 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 66 of 82 CIP Project Project cost estimated at $674,500 and includes: •Design development •Environmental review •Permitting •Construction June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 67 of 82 Next Steps •Pursue discussions with SDG&E to obtain easements from/to Cannon Road •Complete a procurement process for design firm for the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail •Initiate public engagement in accordance with City Council Policy Statement No. 84June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 68 of 82 Recommended Action •Adopt a Resolution –Adding a Capital Improvement Program Project for Trail Segment 7C –South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail and appropriating $674,500 from the General Capital Construction Fund June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 69 of 82 Questions? June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 70 of 82 !"^$ C A R L S B A D B L FARA D A Y AVCANNON RD Ex hibit 3 – Hub Park Lease Area Constraints 1,000 0 1,000500Feet O Date Printed: 9/16/2019 - Image Date: Fall 2014J:\RequestsMarch2015\CityManager\00016430_16 Legend Hub Park Lease Area Open Space Deed Restriction Utility Easement / Powerline Corridor Proposed Hub Park Trail - Segment 7June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 71 of 82 MEMORANDUM To: Michael Tully, Parks Planner From: Alexandra Martini and John Minchin, Dudek Subject: Agua Hedionda Lagoon South Shore (Hub Park) Conceptual Trail Alignment Date: March 31, 2021 Attachment A: Figure 1: Hub Park Conceptual Trail System with Photo Point Locations, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Project Figures 2-4: Hub Park Photo Points, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Project This memorandum reflects the City of Carlsbad’s proposal to construct a recreational trail limited only to the Hub Park leased parcel located on SDG&E property along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad. The primary objectives of this study are to provide: •A trail system that would provide public access into and through the Hub Park parcel. •Maximize appreciation and enjoyment of site features. •Provide views from scenic viewpoints of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and adjacent native habitats. •Afford opportunities for the interpretation of biological resources, while minimizing disturbance to sensitive biological resources within the HMP hardline preserve. From city discussions with SDG&E staff and from previous guidance, it is our understanding that SDG&E requires that encroachment into the SDG&E transmission corridor easement and use of existing SDG&E access roads be minimized to the greatest degree possible. City intent is to develop passive recreational trails and related amenities on the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Originally, the proposed eight-foot wide recreational trail would lead from a new interstate five (I-5) bridge crossing to the bluff top within the Hub Park Lease property, overlooking the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The idea was for the trail to loop around the strawberry fields and Hub Park lease area, providing connection to the south side of Cannon Road through existing underpasses. Based on the directions from SDG&E, the scope of this project has been limited to the trail circulation and access only within the leased Hub Park area. 1 Introduction Based on recent site evaluations, the project team has developed a proposed alignment for a recreational trail along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon within the boundaries of the Hub Park parcel. This memorandum describes the city’s proposed trail alignment. The trial alignment discussed herein is illustrated on the conceptual trail alignment plan (Figure 1 attached herein). Photographs taken from key locations along the June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 72 of 82 proposed trail alignment are included in Figures 2-4, as a reference to existing site conditions. The proposed trail alignment is broken up into 4 segments and is described in order from west to east. 1.1 Site Constraints Within the Hub Park parcel the trail alignment would be constrained to the north by the City’s Habitat Management Plan (HMP) hardline preserve area, which generally follows the existing native habitat and agricultural disturbance edge and, in many locations, follows the top of the hillsides above the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The site is also constrained by the San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) transmission corridor/easement which traverses through the southern portion of the Hub Park parcel, in a west to east alignment, occupying approximately 25% of the southern portion of the parcel. There are several SDG&E and agricultural dirt access roads that cross through the Hub Park parcel. These roads are utilized for SDG&E facility maintenance and by the ongoing agricultural activities within the adjacent areas. The City understands that SDG&E's access roads are for the sole purpose of operating, maintaining and constructing the region's electric system infrastructure and that any other use is discouraged and would be inconsistent with the intent of the facilities that have been installed to provide safe and reliable power to its customers. 1.2 Site Access Access to the Hub Park parcel is proposed to be provided from the east end of the parcel at Cannon Road, where the existing SDG&E access road driveway and gate are located. The proposed trail alignment would be located outside of the existing SDG&E access road footprint and would run parallel with the north edge of the road. This access point would facilitate pedestrian and bicycle access only, with no parking being proposed. Users would utilize the existing sidewalk along Cannon Road and would enter the site via the existing driveway curb cut for the SDG&E access road. Trailhead signage and restrictions for site use would be posted at this location. This segment of the trail is shown as Segment 4 on Figure 1 and is shown in representative photographs on Figure 4. 2 Proposed Trail Alignment The primary objective of this study is to provide a trail system that would minimize disturbance to sensitive biological resources within the HMP hardline preserve and minimize encroachment into the SDG&E easement. The proposed trail alignment that has resulted from this study is depicted on Figure 1. The proposed trail would start at the east end of the parcel at Cannon Road and would traverse the Hub Park parcel from east to west. The trail would primarily skirt the edge of the HMP Preserve boundary, but would pass through the HMP Preserve in a few locations to avoid steep topography, to minimize crossing of the SDG&E easement and access roads, as well as to avoids seasonally wet locations. The proposed trail alignment also utilizes two existing berms that were previously constructed, presumably as part of the agricultural operations, to help capture drainage run-off and to help prevent sedimentation downstream. The use of these berms for the trail would help avoid the low-lying seasonally wet locations and would help avoid the trail alignment needing to connect back to the SDG&E access road. 2.1 Overview of Trail Alignment During the design process, several trail alignments were considered. Based on the biological resources, functional trail considerations and ownership criteria, the team created the most suitable trail alignment, depicted by a red solid line on Figure 1. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 73 of 82 1. Segment #1 - in the western portion of the site, a manmade berm was discovered that lies within the HMP preserve and is proposed to be used as a trail crossing for a portion of the trail. This crossing would provide magnificent vistas towards the lagoon and the ocean and would help avoid crossing through a seasonally wet earthen drainage basin. Much of the berm consists of non-native vegetation; therefore, impacts to native upland habitat would be minimal. However, some impacts to wetland/riparian vegetation would be necessary in order to grade the trail over the berm and to complete needed drainage improvements to address erosion issues. Impacts would be mitigated for accordingly. The southerly loop takes the trail outside the HMP preserve boundary, but it would require the use of some form of elevated boardwalk, small bridge, or other raised trail treatment to provide access through this area during seasonally wet conditions. 2. Segment #2 - In the central portion of the site another manmade berm was discovered immediately adjacent to the HMP hardline preserve. This alignment would utilize the berm as a crossing and would offset a need for placement of the trail through dense habitat and crossing of another seasonally wet drainage basin location. In order to utilize the berm for the trail crossing, the berm would need to be graded and stabilized on either side, with some drainage improvements made to address erosion issues. This work would result in temporary impacts to the HMP preserve, both to upland vegetation, as well as to wetland and riparian vegetation. Impacts would be mitigated for accordingly. 3. Segment #3 - The trail alignment follows the edge of the HMP preserve boundary and links to the proposed viewpoints #4 and #5. To make this connection, the trail would need to cross an unstable highly eroded earthen drainage. To accommodate this crossing, a small bridge structure would be required to span the eroded section. This would provide the closest connection of the trail between the two viewpoints while remaining outside of the HMP preserve. A loop is also proposed in this location to provide additional recreational experiences for users and a connection back to the trailhead at Cannon Road. 4. Segment #4 – The trail alignment within Segment 4 passes through the HMP preserve to connect the trail to the only available access point at the eastern end of the Hub Park parcel at Cannon Road. The proposed trail would be located adjacent to the SDG&E access road and would traverse through a side drainage canyon to avoid the steep grade of the existing SDG&E access road and the dense native vegetation further to the south. There is an existing path in this location that has resulted from unauthorized pedestrian access into the Hub Park parcel and the HMP preserve from Cannon Road. The path leads down through the canyon to hillsides above the lagoon, as well as affording unauthorized access to the lagoon. Placing the trail alignment on the existing pathway (disturbed land) rather than through native vegetation would reduce impacts to native habitat. Impacts to adjacent native habitat within the HMP hardline by potential off-trail use in the future could be prevented through use of fencing, signage and focused enforcement along this segment, as described further below. In addition, there are numerous erosion problems within this canyon which have led to downstream erosion and soil degradation, that could be improved in association with the trail construction and drainage improvements. The trail would be constructed immediately adjacent to the north edge of the access road and would diverge away from the road down through the secondary canyon following the pathway alignment. The proposed trail would utilize moderate (i.e., less steep) slopes to help minimize trail switchbacks, meet trail gradient standards and to help minimize additional habitat impacts. This alignment requires passing through both the SDG&E easement, as well as the HMP preserve, but would avoid relatively steep slopes and dense habitat further to the south. The SDG&E transmission lines are far above grade in this location, June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 74 of 82 and there are no transmission poles or towers located immediately in this vicinity that would be impacted by the trail improvements. 2.2 Potential Biological Resource Impacts Based on the proposed trail alignment shown on the conceptual trail alignment exhibit (Figure 1), the following potential biological impacts would be incurred. Impacts are broken down by impacts within the HMP hardline preserve, and those outside of the HMP hardline preserve. Additional biological resources surveys will be conducted from February 18th to July 8th, 2021 to provide additional information for refinement of the trail alignment. The impacts that have been assessed and are summarized below are based upon previous biological resources surveys conducted by Dudek and the currently proposed trail alignment. The following impacts assessment assumes a total 12-foot trail width disturbance (i.e., 8-foot wide trail with 2 feet on either side) for the majority of the trail, and a 20-foot trail width disturbance where the trail passes through vegetation associated with the western and central manmade berms (described above in Section 2.1, No. 1 and 2). These trail widths would allow for future trail maintenance. Biological Impacts Within the HMP Hardline Preserve: • Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub…………………………………………………………………………………..0.39 Ac. o Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub – Coastal Form (0.38 ac) o Disturbed Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub – Baccharis Dominated (0.01 ac.) • Disturbed Habitat……………………………..………………………………………………………………….0.06 Ac. Total Potential Impacts Within HMP Preserve:…………………………………………………………… 0.45 Ac. Biological Impacts Outside of the HMP Hardline Preserve: • Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub………………………………………………………………………………….0.52 Ac. o Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub – Coastal Form (0.21 ac.) o Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub – Baccharis Dominated (0.09 ac.) o Disturbed Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub – Baccharis Dominated (0.21 ac.) o Disturbed Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub – Coastal Form (0.01 ac.) • Disturbed Habitat……………………………..…………………………………………………….………….1.06 Ac. • Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest……………………………….……………………..……….0.08 Ac. Total Potential Impacts Outside of HMP Preserve:………………………………………………..1.66 Ac. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 75 of 82 Additional Biological Impacts From Alternative Alignments Outside of the HMP Hardline Preserve: If the western and central manmade berms (described above in Section 1.4, No. 1 and 2) are avoided, and the alternative alignments are utilized instead, then no additional impacts to biological resources within the HMP Hardline preserve would occur; however, the following additional impacts outside the HMP Hardline would occur. Biological Impacts outside of the HMP Hardline Preserve by avoiding manmade berms: • Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub………………………………………………………….………………………..0.06 Ac. o Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub – Coastal Form (0.03 ac.) o Disturbed Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub – Baccharis Dominated (0.03 ac.) • Disturbed Habitat……………………………..……………………………………….…………………………..0.14 Ac. • Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest………………………………..…………………………………0.02 Ac. Total Potential Impacts Outside of the HMP Preserve:……………………………………………..0.22 Ac. June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 76 of 82 Attachment A (Figures 1-4) June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 77 of 82 Date: 3/31/2021 - Last saved by: lterry - Path: Z:\Projects\j1282100\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Trail Exhibits\Photo Exhibits\Fig 1 Hub Park Conceptual Trail System with Photo Pnts.mxdHub Park Conceptual Trail System with Photo Pont Locations Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Project SOURCE: AERIAL-BING MAPPING SERVICE 0 300150Feet FIGURE 1 Trail View Point (VP) Power Poles & Towers Trail Photo Point Location Proposed Trail Alignment (Segment 7C) Existing SDG&E Utility Roads & Agricultural Roads Hub Park Boundary (Source: City 9/2020) SDG&E Utility Corridor City HMP Hardline Area Hub Park/SDGE South Shore HMP Hardline Preserve Agua Hedionda-SDGE in Hub Park HMP Hardline Preserve June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 78 of 82 Photo 1: Viewpoint #1 looking west Photo 2: Viewpoint #1 looking east Photo 3: Segment 1 view at berm crossing Photo 4: Segment 1 view into basin and berm Photo 5: Segment 1 trail at Hub Park boundary Photo 6: Viewpoint #2 looking west Hub Park Photo Points 1–6 FIGURE 2 Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail ProjectJune 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 79 of 82 Photo 7: Viewpoint #2 looking east Photo 8: View looking east towards Viewpoint #3 Photo 9: Viewpoint #4 looking west Photo 10: Viewpoint #4 looking east Photo 11: Viewpoint #5 looking west Photo 12: Viewpoint #5 looking east Hub Park Photo Points 7–12 FIGURE 3 Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail ProjectJune 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 80 of 82 Photo 13: Segment 4 looking at Viewpoint #6 Photo 14: Viewpoint #6 looking west Photo 15: Viewpoint #6 looking east Photo 16: Segment 4 trail through canyon Photo 17: Segment 4 view looking toward SDG&E road and trailhead Photo 18: Segment 4 view at trailhead west along SDG&E road Hub Park Photo Points 13–18 FIGURE 4 Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail ProjectJune 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 81 of 82 Date: 5/4/2021 - Last saved by: lterry - Path: Z:\Projects\j1282100\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Trail Exhibits\Fig 1 Hub Park Conceptual Trail System with Exist City Trails.mxdSouth Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Alignment Comparison Exhibit Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Project SOURCE: AERIAL-BING MAPPING SERVICE 0 470235Feet Proposed South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail as instructed by the property owner Antitciapted South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail, Segent 7C per Trails Master Plan, 2019 Hub Park Boundary (Source: City 9/2020) June 15, 2021 Item #7 Page 82 of 82 Tammy Cloud-McMinn From: Sent: To: Subject: June 15, 2021 City of Carlsbad DeAnn Weimer <dweimer318@yahoo.com> Tuesday, June 15, 202110:15 AM City Clerk Item 7 Comments from Citizens For North County 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 All Receive -Agenda Item # 1 For the Information of the: CITY COUNCIL Date 1J/tSb.1 CA ~CC ~ CM ~ACM ~DCM (3) _::::: Re: Item 7 HUB Park Lease Property and Capital Improvement Program Project for Trail Segment 7C -South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Dear Mayor Hall and Council Members, The staff report and recommendation regarding the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail are inadequate, concerning and indeed shocking. Citizens For North County, a non- profit 50 lc4, urges the council to table this issue and fashion a response that delivers on the HUB Park that truly links Carlsbad's trails, and respects the wishes of the community for this unique area -expectations that have been consistently supported passionately by the community for more than 40 years and in two elections. CNC's initial concern is precedent. What type of precedent is being set if Carlsbad fails to hold SDG&E to its 1970's lease commitment to a city park on the lagoon? According to the staff report, SDG&E representatives are backing out because SDG&E does not want residents crossing its easements and hiking on its access roads. The actual language is: "access roads are for the sole purpose of operating, maintaining and constructing the region's electric system infrastructure and ... any other use is discouraged and would be inconsistent with the intent of the facilities that have been installed to provide safe and reliable power to the company's customers." 1 It is an astonishing assertion. Like many communities in this county, there are numerous places where Carlsbad has added trail easements on private property, including SDG&E property. There is nothing unusual about the practice. There have been plenty of opportunities to cite such an objection, Black Sage Trail, the Ridgeline Trail, or indeed any of the Carlsbad Trail Master Plan programs through the decades. Throughout hundreds of planning meetings, public hearings, and council votes, has SDG&E sounded an objection, or a disgruntled tweet, or even whispered that such use was "discouraged?" Not in our memory. When and where has SDG&E laid the paper trail for this about face? If it exists, this timeline of concerns should be presented to the council and the community. The SDG&E objection -if taken at face value --is a rollback of 40 years of large entities and governments working hand-in-hand for the benefit of the community, open space and trails. There are consequences if such practices are abandoned. In the case of Hub Park, the types and frequency of linkages across the city's trail network would be limited instead of expanded. Those consequences and implications are not articulated or taken into consideration in the recommendation before the council today. Historically, when other landowners have objected to providing access, the city has not considered their objections valid when weighed against the benefit to the larger community. But today, Carlsbad would cave without contesting the claim. Where -before this council - is the option to resolve that the designation for the property will remain as a park and that Carlsbad will not consider other zoning change requests for the property? Another issue is fairness. You are elected by residents acr:oss Carlsbad's various districts. But this staff report says it is okay with city officials if SDG&E keeps its commitments to one farmer but welches on its commitment to every other resident of this city. That is not the farmer's fault. But to fail to defend the obligations made to every other resident and passively allow SDG&E to treat its long-term arrangements not as commitments but as a sort of smorgasbord of promises SDG&E can honor or discard at will, can that be considered anything less than poor governance? Unwinding long-standing commitments with less than plausible excuses, abandoning precedents, poor governance, this is not the representation Carlsbad deserves. This pandemic has made it abundantly clear that we are all in this together. We do not move forward if one end of the boat is underwater. CNC is confident this city has the skill and creativity to craft and execute a sharper strategy. Again, we ask the council to table action on Item 7 and instruct staff to draft a response consistent with the expectations set decades ago. Why should HUB Park be treated differently? Thank you. Sincerely, 2 South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Update June 15, 2021 Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director Tim Selke, Parks Services Manager Kasia Trojanowska, Parks Planning Manager Recommended Action •Adopt a resolution directing staff to pursue the design, public engagement and development of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within only the Hub Park Lease property Background •In 1975, significant community concerns were raised regarding the proposed development of an oil refinery on the Hub Park property, owned by SDG&E –In response, city entered into a lease with SDG&E, covering approx. 96 acres of lagoon’s south shore Background •A majority of the Hub Park Lease property is subject to the provisions of Proposition D, an initiative adopted by voters in 2006 that preserved 155.10 acres of property along Cannon Road as permanent open space Terms of the Lease •An initial period of 60 years, which runs through 2035 –May be extended for four additional periods, to 2074 •Property may be used for park and recreation purposes •City to pay rent, not to exceed $14,000 annually, due at time when plans are adopted and permits are obtained Terms of the Lease •A portion of the Hub Park Lease property is currently being leased to the Carlsbad Strawberry Company •City is required to provide a one-year notice to SDG&E, in advance of initiating actual development of the Hub Park Lease property, so SDG&E can terminate the lease with the Carlsbad Strawberry Company –if necessary Trails Master Plan •On Aug. 27, 2019, the City Council adopted the Carlsbad Trails Master Plan (TMP) •TMP Chapter 5 identifies proposed trail Segment 7C -South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail Project Approval and Funding •On Sept. 17, 2019, City Council adopted a resolution adding a Capital Improvement Program Project for Trail Segment 7C –South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail, as identified in the Trails Master Plan, and appropriating $674,500 from the General Capital Construction Fund Conceptual Alignment of Trail in TMP •2.4-mile passive recreational trail •From a new I-5 bridge to the Hub Park Lease •Loop around the Strawberry Fields and open space •Access points from both the west and the east •Connection to the south side of Cannon Road through existing underpass Carbbad State Beach 0 0 6 6 6, Design Services for Trail •On May 19, 2020, the City Council authorized a Professional Services Agreement with Dudek, an environmental planning and engineering consulting firm, for design services for the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within Hub Park Initial Constraints on Trail Alignment •Design team considered several potential alignments for the trail based on the TMP guidelines, and the environmental and physical constraints of the land •The potential alignments of the trail were submitted to SDG&E for review and approval C ' C Hub Park Leas:e Area m Open Space Deed Restriction . t/ P0011erline Corrrdor £:3 Utility Eas:emen d u ·b Park Trail • Segment 7 Propose "" Added Constraints on Trail Alignment •SDG&E stated that the trail development must be limited to only the Hub Park Lease property, and that any encroachments into the SDG&E transmission corridor easement and use of existing SDG&E access roads must be minimized to the greatest degree possible C ' C Hub Park Leas:e Area m Open Space Deed Restriction . t/ P0011erline Corrrdor £:3 Utility Eas:emen d u ·b Park Trail • Segment 7 Propose "" Revised Conceptual Alignment of Trail •The primary objective was to minimize disturbance to sensitive biological resources within the Habitat Management Plan (HMP) preserve and to minimize encroachment into the SDG&E easement Revised Conceptual Alignment of Trail •The scope of the project had to be greatly reduced: –The length of the trail is 1.4 mile (instead of 2.4 miles) –Ped access to the trail only at Cannon Road, where the existing SDG&E access road and gate are located –Trailhead will not include a parking lot; no vehicles Revised Conceptual Alignment of Trail •Trail activity within only the limit of the lease property •The trail will pass through the HMP Preserve in a few locations to avoid steep topography and to minimize crossing of the SDG&E easement and access roads, as well as to avoid seasonally wet locations ~ Trail View Point (VP) ~ Power Poles & Towers .... Trail Photo Point Location ~Proposed Trail Alignment ,·, ..... Existing SDG&E Utility Roads & Agricultural Roads ~ Hub Park Boundary (Source: City 9/2020) L_J SDG&E Utility Corridor City HMP Hardline Area G:;] Hub Park/SDGE South Shore HMP Hardline Preserve 9 Agua Hedionda-SDGE in Hub Park HMP Hardline Preserve ~ Proposed South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail as inst ructed by the property owner "'-• Antitciapted South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail, Segent7C per Trails Master Plan, 2019 □ Hub Park Boundary (Source: City 9/2020) Public Engagement to Date •Worked with subconsultant to identify the stakeholders •Created plan for public outreach on the trail’s amenities •Developed a schedule for the public outreach process Option 1 •Pursue the design, public engagement and development of the trail within only the Hub Park Lease property Option 1 Pros: •Meets the expressed desire of the community •Increases recreational opportunities for the community •Partially satisfies the intent of a trail within the TMP •Adds 1.4 miles of trails to the city-wide trails inventory •Provides for controlled use of the bluff tops along the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon Option 1 Cons: •Results in a mile less distance than anticipated in TMP •Provides limited access to the trail •Does not offer new parking opportunities •Increases impacts to native habitat •Use of property will be for an unknown duration •Cost to design modified trail is comparable to original Option 2 •Option 2: Do not pursue the design, public engagement and development of the trail within only the Hub Park Lease property at this time Option 2 Pros: •Funds and staff resources allocated to other high priorities •The trail to remain on the TMP list for future consideration •Delaying development of trail until the development of adjacent projects, such as the I-5 widening project, is underway may advance the collaboration efforts •Additional trails connectivity may be pursued instead Option 2 Cons: •Would not meet the expressed desire of the community •Potential for increased construction costs in the future Staff Recommendation •Staff recommends Option 1 for the project •Will not meet full intent of the TMP, but will provide a significant recreational benefit to the community Recommended Action •Adopt a resolution directing staff to pursue the design, public engagement and development of the South Shore Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trail within only the Hub Park Lease property Questions?