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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.1 Crossridge Road Gate CITY CLERK File # D8][3]IQ]-[3OJ AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: July 18,2006 SlIBJECT: Alamo Creek Bicycle Path: Potential Connection to Trail Located in San Ramon at the Crosstidge Road Gate R"l)()rt Prepared bv Melissa Morton, Puh/ic Works Director ATTACHMENTS: I Leller from Herb Moniz, City Manager, City of San Ramon 2, Letter dated May 24, 200t\ trom Allan C Moore, legal <,;ounsc! representing the DavIs Family 3 Letter from Theresa Folse, n70 Crossridge Road 4 Letter from Jeanne Olson 5 Customer Response Management Items 0, August 19, 2003, Statl' Report, excerpts of the Mitigated Negative Dedaration, and letters from Counsel I;,r the City and the DavIs family memorializing settlement terms 7 Meeting Minutes for the June 7, 2006, Dublin-San Ramon Liaison Meeting regarding PathlTrail Connedion 8. Letter dated July 7, 2006, from the Law Offiecs of Gagen, McCoy, McMahon, Koss, Markowitz & Raines 9 Vicinitv Map RECOMMENDATION: ----." I~ '% Rceeive the report, receIVe puhlk comment, and proVIde direction to Staff with regard to a conncction between the Alamo Creek Bi<,;yde Path and the adja<,;ent trail loeatcd in San Ramon or provide alternative dlredion. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Staff time would bc required to <,;ompletc necessary do<,;uments in order to grant an casement to the City of San Ramon tor Emergency Vehicle Aeccss and/or trail access, Further envmmmcntal documentation would be necessary to grant an <,;aSC!11cnt for trai I purposes, ______________________~~.__________~~R_________________________._________w_~______________~_________~________ COpy TO: Martin Lysons, Gagen, McCoy, ct at Ucrb Moniz, City of San Ramon Page I of3 ITEM NO.---B-1- 1-': ,111-'I.:nmi:it.:\n:pt.:at orw hour parkillg daj'k <t'l't.: DI DESCRIPTION: The question regarding a connection between the Alamo Crcek Bicycle Path (Path) and the adjaccnt trail in San Ramon was origlllally a~ked by a residcnt on Crussndge Road, The gate bctween the two facilities had been open for some lime, but the residcnt had recently experien<,;ed significant vandalism as a result of the in<,;reased use of the Path and trail connection, When Stall' wnduded an investigatIOn mto the gate at Crossridge Road and its origins, it was dear that thc gatc should be closed until a morc in-depth investigation could be <,;oJl(luded. City of Dublin Staff, in cooperation with statr from the City of San Ramon, examined re<,;ords and do<,;umentallon on the ISsue. At the end of Crossridge Road is a five-foot stnp of land dedicated to the City of Dublin m fee by the developer of the subdivision in which Crussridge Road is situated, The gate in question was originally constructed by the developer of the Bent Creek subdivision in San Ramon, That devcloper obtained an encroachment permit from the City of Dublin to construct a driveway over the strip of land at the end of Crossridge Road tor Emergency Vehicle Acecss (J::V A) and sewer <,;onneetion purposes, The City has no record that the five-toot stnp of land was ever accepted, but the dedication has not expired. There is also no re<,;ord that an easement for EVA or trail purposes was ever a<,;quired by the dcvdoper or the City of San Ramon, The City of Dublin received a letter datcd May 9, 2000 from Herb Moniz, City Manager f;lr the City of San Ramon rcquesting Dublin's <,;omments on the installation of a pedestrian gate at the lo<,;ation of the CUHent vehlde ac<,;ess gate at the cnd of Crossridge Road (See Attachment I ) The pedestrian gate would allow pedestrian access only and hmlt vehicular aeccss to emergency vehicles. He also cites that numerous San Ramon residents havc requcsted that access to the Alamo Crcek Bicycle Path be opened on<,;e again, San Ramon Staff is eUHently investigating several alternati ves for access between the Path and trail Once they have completed their prcliminary engineering, they would like to meet with the City of Dublin and Zone 7 to discuss potcntial trail connedivity On June 7, 2006 a Dublin/San Ramon Liaison Committee special meeting was held. At that meeting, a number of residents ITom Dubhn and San Ramon requested that the gate be opencd. The Dublin High School Cross Country Team also indi<,;ated that opening the gate would enahle the team to practice and hold Cross Country mcets. Mr and Mrs. Davis, residents of Crossridgc Road and theIr attorney expressed opposition to opening the gate on a permanent basis, San Ramon Coundlmember, Dave f-fudson, indicated that while he felt there needed to be a way to pursue vandalism complaints and assure they did not reoe<,;ur, he supported the conncetion of these two trails to enhance the trail experien<,;e for both San Ramon and Dublin residents, Attachments to the Staff Report include testimony hoth advocating that the gate between the two trails be reopened, and that the gates renlain dosed, Attachment 0 is the August 1 CJ, 2003, Staff Report Adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and Awarding Contrad 03-0R li,r construction of thc Alamo Creek Bike Path, Amador Valley Boulevard tu North City Limits and excerpts of the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Also mduded in Attachment 6 are Icttcrs tr011l the City Attorney and thc attorncy for the adJa<,;ent propcrty owners memorializing the tenus of settlement. In examining the corresponden<,;e of Allan C Moore, attorney for the Davis Family, asserting that tbe negative dedaratllln never analyzed the potcntial connection of the two faeilitics, the City Attorney has detenmned that the original cnvironmental analysis for the Path did, in fact, limit analysis of the Path's use to potential trail connections to the south, not to the north, Consequently, m order for thc City Council to grant a<,;<,;ess tor a trail mnnection at the coterminous of Crossndge Road and the RV I\, fi,r tll<; Bent Creek Subdivision, additional environmental analysis and documentation would he necessary Page 2 of3 The July 7, 2006, letter from the Davis Family's attorney diseusscs granting use to the Cross Count\) Team_ However, It is the City Attorney's opinion that even granting temporary and infrequent. use t.o the Cross Country ream would <,;onstitute a projcct under the California Environmcntal Quality A<,;t and rcquirc cnvironmental analysis. <>taff recommends that the City Coun"il receive thc report, accept puhh<,; testimony, and provide direction to Staff WIth regard to a connection bctwcen the Alamo Creek Bieyclc Path and the adja<,;ent trail located 1ll San Ramon or provide alternativc direction, Page 3 00 ~~I ~'~n ~~,!!onJ ........ ,. ,,~ T' \'--"," ' -~- /0+4-7 CITY OF SAN RAMON RI-' ,'"\".,It:< \ wL/i'- ~ ....../0._ .r~-:;::.J'~'J; ,'ilK' \\'1 .....', \ T "~" ',' 2222 CAMINO P AMON S..,N RAMON. r'Al.Il'ORNLIl 945H3 Pl-!nNE: (112S'} 1171-2500 'W PH SllF: www.sanr::Jl11on.c'-l.gov C''Y\ M. III>lAGE.ti5Tlffli"b ~ (I . May 9, 2006 Rich Ambrose, City Manager CIty 01 Duhlin 100 CivIc Plaza Dublin, C A, 9456R Dear Rich, We have received numerous requests from our rcsidcnts to gain access to the Zone 7 Alamo Creek Trail at the end of Crossridge Road from the City of San Ramon via the EVA ofT of our Vista Monte Drivc. The City of San Ramon owns the fence that scparates our two cities and the gate that provides the ability of San Ramon resIdents as weIl as Dublin rcsidents to ac<,;ess trails in each of our jurisdictHlns, The easiest way thIS <,;an he ac<,;omplished is to provide a pedestrian access gate in our fence, 10 your Crossridge Road. Pnor 10 our instaIling a pedestrian ac<,;ess gate, we would like to gain your City's support for such an a<,;cess gate. We are aware that the large existing gate has heen left opcn for several years allowing fi'e~ acc~ss from both sides, however, there have been instances where young people have apparently drivcn up our EVA from Crossridgc Road for inappropriate uses. A pedcstrian gate would eliminate this from happening and not hamper thc emergency ac<,;ess required while still !11Rintaining thc locked vehide gate, Pleasc let me kno,^, if the City of San Ramon <,;an proceed with such a pedestrian only access gate, and any stipulations or <,;onditions that the City of Dublin would require with such an approval. Thank you for your <,;onslderation, 110lll<. forward to working together with you to resolve this issue for all of our residents, Si~ lIerh Moniz City Manger r{" I ";/1<1,/00 UTyl..(Jl'f'.'C\L,Wn,-1:'i.1D l.'lT"M,l.NAGm."''l: 2530 CII'Y ^'I"I!II~NI'.V' 971_2.~11\l 1.ITY l LEIU::. 9"7~~-~53~.1 II(I~,~N Rr.~("]lmr'r::.~ 1.J7.1.:?5<B FINAt.:c~ !)l.:I'AI\"JML,!,:'1 rI73.j(ifl() ,."'"'' ""MM",''''S>RV'''''' 913-l20r ATTIA I'1UUV'TT POLIl"~S)iHVn'l;~; ~n3_"27(J() 11. lltJ,Ut.nl' i'iCONOMI(' l.)F.VEI.Of1\olENT: 973-1554 I. .LAW OFFICES OF GAGEN, M ~OY, McMAHON & ARMSTRONG A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION :?uf-4-7 WnLJ,lJ.1 GAGEN, JR. GREGORY 1.., Mccoy PATR.lCKJ. MCMAHON MARJ( L AkMSTRONO CI-lARLJd:S A. Kuss MICHAELJ. MAKKO'l\llTZ RICHARDC. RAINES BARHAM DUVAL'EWF-U.. ){OBP.RTM. FANUCCI ALLAN C. MOOJl,E STEPHEN T. BUBlIL AM.l,NP~ BEVINS MARTIN l...VSONS K."I.~'ltElUNE S. ZEIALNY ERIt: S. QUANDT l-AI,JRENE.Dol1G1l ANNA. CLAVERJA BFlANNAN SAJIAH S, NIX "lic, , "JET r .l; DANVIU_E OFFICE 179 rRONt STRBS1" ~~\'I P.O Box218 DANVILLE., CAJ..WORNIA 94526-0218. TEr.f.rHoNE. (925) 837-0585 FAX. (.25) 838.5985 May 24, 2006 '1"'" ,~~ \ hJjLI\ij.\,,~t;;.i'''' , .-. NAP A V ALLEY OFFICE '!:"I" Jr::.:.. THE OrrlCES AT SOllfHBRIDGE 1030 MAIN STREET. Surr~ 212 51' HELENA. CALlfORNLA 94574 TELEPrlONr.' (707) 963-090. FAX. (707) 963.5527 PI~""K~lyja: OBDville UJ'CO\Jl'l$EL LINN K. COOMBS Via Facsimile (510/444-1108) and U.S. Mail Elizabeth H. Silver City Attorney, City of Dublin Meyers Nave Riback Silver & Wilson 555 12th Street, Suite 1500 Oakland, CA 94607 Re. Alamo Creek Bicvcle Path/Consideration of Pedestrian Gate at Crussridge Road Terminus by City of San Ramon Dear Ms. Silver" Our offices were retained in 2003 by David and Terry Davis ("Davis family") and other concerned neighbors in Dublin's Ridgecrcek and Woodlands subdivisions and 1ll the Alamo Creek area, with regard to the City of Dublin's original consideration of a new path along a Zone 7 water agency maintenance road (hereinafter "Alamo Creek Bicycle Path," or "Path"). As you will recall, in May of 2003 the City of Dublin originally proposed the Alamo Creek BIcycle Path, At that time, the City determined that the Path would not create any environmental impacts, and the City issued a Notice of Exemption under the CalifornIa Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) The Davis family and concerned neighbors submitted extenSIve comments, documents, and related testllnony, all opposing the opening of the Path. The neighbors confirmed that homes in the area, including those on Oxford Circle (and other zero-lot line homes), with streets in the rear, and only small areas in the front (directly adjacent to the Path), would be significantlv impacted. The neighbors confirmed that constructing the Path would cause increased noise, loss of privacy, and criminal activity. The neighbors further confirmed that the design pattern of the subdivision distinguishes this f:\cJacrn\~5.34S\Silve:r Ltt OS2406.doc ATTAUIDIENT l. Elizabeth H. Silver May 24, 2006 Page 2 ., 0 f 4- 7 proposed Path and its impacts from the Iron Horse Trail and other highly utilized trails and paths. Further with regard to the Path, the neighbors carefully documented the history of the Zone 7 maintenance area and the then-proposed Path. In the rnld-1980s, at the tlrne of the original approvals ohhe subdivIsions surrounding and near Alamo Creek Park, the City Council specifically considered public access to the Alamo Creek area, and rejected such access in favor of a separate park and trail system in the area. Minutes of City meetings in 1985 show that the Council specifically opposed development of trails adjacent to Zone 7 facilities because of "security and maintenance issues." Instead, at the time of approval of the original License Agreement in 1987, the Dublin City Manager, staff and other city representatives con tinned that specific portions of Alamo Creek should not be utilized or accessed by the public, City representatives stated: (I) the creek is intended to be inaccessible; (2) the Uoint use agreement) "intensifies the lands<,;aping within the channel" and should provide for a bridge and permanent four-foot fence to keep children out of the creek; (3) the proposal (for inaccessibility to the creek) will be "environmentally bettcr" for the creek; and (4) The hanks of Alamo Creek arc "steep and hazardous," not like those of Shannon Creek. In response to these concerns, and this history, the City of Dublin withdrew the Notice of Exemption under CEQA, and prepared a MitIgated Negative Declaration (MND). The MND confirms that, with the mitigation measures proposed, the new Path will not have significant impacts WIth regard to use of the Path, including privacy and noise impacts. The City of Dublin's MND, in coming to such condusion, asserts that the Path "is antIcIpated to be a local pathway, used by local Dublin residents and visiturs . " Under this assumption of minimal use of the Path, the MND concludes that privacy and noise impacts will be minimal. Even with these assurances, the DaVIS family and concerned neighbors challenged the issuance of the MND and constructIOn of the Path. However, instead of filing a lawsuit, the Davis family and neighbors worked carefully with the City of Dublin, and arrived at a compromise ("settlement"). That settlement is embodied in the City Attorney's letter of September 17, 2003, and a corresponding response from our office dated September 19,2003 The settlement confirms that the neighbors would not file a further judicial challenge to the City's approval of the construction uf the Path, provided that the City would address the neighbors' concerns as follows. f-\clacm\35345\Silver I.l.r o52406.doc Elizabeth H. Silver May 24,2006 Page 3 4 0 ~ 47 "'Ensure that all local path gates are locked at sundown; opened at sunup, and closed during winter months/high water levels. "'The City would reimburse property owners adjacent to the trail for landscaping (to address privacy concerns). "'The City would address certain fencing Issues to keep local residents and pets out of the creek area. "'The City would work with the residents to prohibit parking for non- residents at the end of Crossridge Road. "'The City would post signs stating "Bike Path and Nature Trail," and evidencing that this is a sensitIVe, natural area. These conditions (hereinafter "Path Cunditions) were (and are) extremely important to the Dublin residents in the Path area. These Path Conditions were specifically tailored to address the privacy, nOIse and related environmental concerns of the Davis family and the concerned neighbors in the referenced subdivisions. It has now come to our attention that the City of San Ramon is eonsidenng "working with the City of Dubhn" to open the gate at Crossridgc Road, and providing a pedestrian cunnection from the City of San Ramon's eXisting emergency vehicle access (EVA) road in the area, to the Alamo Creek Bicycle Path. The Davis family and concerned neighbors want to unmediately and unequivocally state their opposition to opening of the referenced EVA. We have been informed by thc City of San Ramon that "permanent pedestrian access "was never indicated on the plans for the EVA." As shown. the Alamo Creek Bicycle Path was specifically intended as a local, neighborhood serving Path only, with numerous and specific conditions to protect the neighbors and the environment. Opening of the EVA in the area will increase the foot traffic and all related impacts III the area. Opening the EVA will further undermine the assumptions and conclusions of the referenced MND Finally, and most importantly, opening the EVA will destroy the carefully crafted settlement betwecn the neighbors and the City of Dubhn. Under all these circumstallCeS, we would respectfully and strongly obJect to any opening of the EVA and connection with the Path. (By copy of this letter to both Dublin and San Ramon, we further request that we be given notice of any meetings or further discussion of these issues by eIther City) f: \C1~cm\35345\Sil...er l1r 052406.doc Elizabeth H. Silver May 24, 2006 Page 4 50f 47 Thank you for your consideration of these important Issues. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions. Vew truly%urs, I! 1 . /,ffi,/;'" ll' ,[ { II .//1' I I/t/~ , Xflan C' Moore ACMlkra cc. ~ Richard Ambrose, City Manager (By Facsimile and u.s. Mail) City of Dublin Herb Moniz, City Manager (Bv Facsimile and U.S Mail) City of San Ramon David and Terry Davis F:\clacm\35J45\SilVl::T Ltr QS2406.doc JUN-6-2006 11:09P FROM:THE FOLSE'S 925 829~6976 TO: 83361';51 I"'.l 00(+7 June 6, 2006 Mr. Ri.cbard Ambrose City Manaem: 100 Civic Plaza Dublin,. CA 94568 Fax:925-833~1 RE: DUBLINISAN RAMON PEDESTRIAN OATE CROSSRIOOE ROAD, DUBLIN Dear Mr. Ambrose: This letter is a follow-up of our conversation of June 5, 2006. My lllUllIl is Theresa Folse $lid I bave l'esided on Ctossridge Road since the opening of the development, approximately 18 years ago. I am writing to request that a pedestrian gate be installed :&om Crossridge Road to the San Ramon path. For several years we have eIlioyed the beautiful walk ftom our neighborhood to San Ramon and then over Old Ranch Road to the Iron Horse Trail. So many neighbors, along with myself miss the DCCelIS and would like to see it accessible as soon as pollllible, One idea I thought would be to connect the path at the top of CrollStidge Road, but inside the gate, so that when you lock the path in the evening, this would be locked at the same time. taking into consideration the neighbors at the top of the court. This al50 would alleviate any motor vebielell nom baving access or any bleydes at any rate of speed, The rell80n why so many Dublin residents bad not oonh>MM the City of Dublin prior was because there was a letter posted was from the City of San Ramoll, stating that we could contact them mgardiDg aU our concerns. If you want public feedback, you could post a memo like the City or San Ramon. You would be lIItIlIZed to see how many residents would be in favor of this pedestrian path. I appreciate your consideration in this matter. .\...~ - Folse 78 0 Crossridge Road Du liD. CA 94568 ( ) 829-8646 ATTACHMENT 3. 06/07/2006 11:46 YA~ '1:1II"''''''''' vv.. AlAMEDA COUNlY PROBATION DEPARTMENT 5672 STONERlOOE DRIVE PLEASANTON, CA 94eS8 P~one: (925) 551-6878 Fax: (925) 551~798 (4~798) 70 f +7 Fax June 7. 2006 To: Richard Ambros~ City Manager. City of Dublin From, Jeanne Olson ~~ PLEASANTON PROSA1l0N Fmn 925/833~6651 O"tel 6/7/06 Phone: Pall""l 2 including cover sheet Re: Pedestrian gat~ @ Cross ridge Rd. cel 11 Urgent o For Review o Please Comm..nt 0 Pl..""e Reply o PIe..,.., Recycle -Comments: Please read before the meeting with the city officials of San Ramon regarding a pedestrian gate where the gate at erossridge has been padlocked to prevent runn@rSt walkers reaching Old Ranch Park. NOTE: This """"'lIl1'lls Inlendod fur the .... of the lndMdual or elllky to whi<:h tt Is acld_ and m"l' contJl/n InIO_ that Is p.MIeged, conRdel1ial ond """"'fI! from dIsdosu," underlho appll<oblo law. If"", am nOlOle IrMndod IOOlpIpnt ofll1l1! ....sage. you am ho<oby notified_any dlosemlnoUon, d_ulion and copying of l/lI$ ~Isottldly~ Ifyw _l/lI$ """",",nlc>ollon In ermr, pIoue noUfy us ~ by IeIephcno and IOIum tho O11gha' to our Oepm1menIat the_O<Id.........lheU,S.__, _gew.be,"~. ThankYou, J!cIaI('MOOIIERSHe~OFl'lCEFAX"oc ATTACHMENT !t..- 06/07/2006 11: 48 t'JU "11::I........., -..... '10+4-7 R1chard Ambrose City Manager of the City. of Dubl1n FAX! 925/ 833-6651 Dear City Manager I am one of many runners/walkers who enjoy the Alamo 'Creek_ bikepathl up to Old Ranch Park. Unfortunately there is a padlocked gate that has prevCIlt"d me and my running companion from getting to Old Ranch park and back down to Alc[)sla and thc Iron Horse trail for a full 6 mile workout. Please provide a pedestrian gatc so that we may follow our cardio routines and return to our starting point. Jemme Olson P.S. The padlocked gate at the end of Crossridge has been a source of frustration and disappointment. The AlBlnO Creek bib, path is such a positive running/walking path and the short hill f'.rrunning stride. on the street to Old Rauch Park is a plus to the rUll<,ing workout. Before the path was gated and padlOCked, I would run/walk 3 nights a week as well as Saturday and Sunday to COmplete a full 6 mile circuit. With the padlOCked gate preventing my complete worko..t path, I have to turn a.round to run down the St1'8e.tJ run back down the- Alatllo Creek path;p Or completeley skip running the beautiful Alamo Creel path and soley run the Iron Horse trail from Amador Valley Blvd. to Alcosta and then up Alcos"a to Old Ranch Road TO RUN AT Old Ranch I'uk and then back the same way. THERE WILL BE SO MANY HAPPY RUNNERS AND WALKERS WITH '!'lIE PEDES:rRIAN GATE AND I TfIANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PROVIDING A PEDESTRIAN GATE. Sincerely, ) ll'~..., 2 7~' /,; " - J' .ib9-?" - -alL >,.,' ''-<-_ ~ L. eh.nne. Olson Please share with our Dubl1n mayor and the. members of the city council. 110ft? Request ID: 645 RtctNI!V ',\UI'l 2 2. 7.006 PUBUC WORKS City of Dublin Request Form: Park Facility Issues Received: 4/17/2006 2:47:25 PM Status: Completed Priority: Normal Assigned To: Dean McDonald Contact Details From: MRS, Renee van de zande Email: renee.vandezande@eds.com Telephone: 925-803-1006 Address1: 7311 Parkwood Circle #C Address2: City' Dublin State: CA Pref. Method of Response: E-Mail Zip Code: 94568 Request Address Number: Street: Cross ridge Road Type: -- City: State: Direction: -- Apt: Zip Code: Request Details What is the park name you wish to submit a request for? If this pertains Walking path between Vista Monte Drive and to all City parks, please enter "All" in Crossridge Road the space below. Describe the facility issue, We hike the park road from Alamo Creek Park to Old Ranch Park frequently, with twin babies this is a nice path to push the stroller and have the children play at Alamo Creek Park or Old Ranch Park or make the round back via the Iron Horse Trail. The last few times we tried to walk up to Old Ranch Park the gate that connects Vista Monte Drive and Crossridge Road has been locket (last two attempts Sunday April 15 at approx 2;00 PM and Monday April 16 at approx 1 :00 PM), Is it possible to ensure the gate is open during Park Hours so It can be used for pedestrians? Thanks, Renee van de Zande Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES The Citizen activity #1 was sent to the Citizen on 4/18/2006 8:28:31 AM by Debra LeClair This Request Form was updated by Debra LeClair at 4/18/20068;29;28 AM. The status of the request was changed from Active to Pending. This Request Form was updated by Dean McDonald at 4/24/2006 9:53.48 ATTAUBMENT 5. AM. The status of the request was changed from Pending to Completed, Citizen Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES Ms. Van de zande, The gate that you are concerned about is being locked by a nearby resident. The ownership of this gate is being determined between the City of San Ramon and Dublin. Once ownership Is determined the gate will be modified to remain open, It should be resolved by May 1 st. If you have any questions or need further assistance please call me at (925) 833"6630, Dean McDonald Maintenance Sup!. City of Dublin 1001-47 ! ( of4? City of Dublin Request 10' 656 Request Form: Misc, Comments - Park/Landscape Maintenance Received: 4/23/2006 1 46.36 PM Status: Completed Priority' Normal Assigned To: Dean McDonald Contact Details From: Mrs.. Joyce Hayes Email: cjakhayes@yahoo.com Telephone: 925-833-1209 Address1 1030 Vista Monte Drive Address2: City' San Ramon State: CA Pref. Method of Response: E-Mail Zip Code: 94582 Park/Landscaping Location & Concern I am a resident of San Ramon who used to regularly use the Alamo Creek Bike Trail for walking, Approximalely 2 weeks ago the gate from Vista Monte Drive in San Ramon 10 Cross ridge Road in Dublin was locked with a chain_ We contacted SR who have twice removed the chain only to have a heavier chain replace it almost immediately San Ramon PUblic Works Dept tell me that the chain has been put there by a Dublin resident who claims the rear of his home is being vandalised. How can a private citizen be allowed to take the law into his or her own hands. especially On public property? I was also told that the gate WaS for the use of emergency vehicles - surely this person's actions can cause a major delay if fire crews have to cut through a heavy chain in order to be able to reah a grass fire? Please describe your cOncern and indicate the name of the park or location of the landscaping in question, Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES The Citizen activity #1 was sent to the Citizen on 4/24/2006 9:49:02 AM by Dean McDonald This Request Form was updaled by Dean McDonald at 4/24/2006 9:49:20 AM. The status of the request was changed from Active to Completed. Citizen Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES Mrs. Hayes, The gate in question is the responsibility of the City of San Ramon. The City of Dublin issued an encroachment permit years ago to San Ramon as to allow the installation of the gate for controlled emrgency vehicle access only Please contact San Ramon's Community Development Dept for more information. Request Form; Park Facility Issues Received; 4/23/2006 5.23:34 PM Status; Completed Priority' Normal Assigned To; Dean McDonald Contact Details From; Dave Aiken Email: daiken@speakeasy.net Telephone: 872-6354 Address1: Address2: City' Dublin Pref. Method of Response; -- Request Address Number: Street: Cross ridge Type: RD City: 1:<' of ~7 City of Dublin Request 10: 657 State; CA Zip Code: Direction: -- State: Apt; Zip Code; Request Details What is the park name you wish to . submit a request for? If this pertains,. . - - to all City parks, please enter "All" in Trail gate being locked by private Citizen the space below, Describe the facility issue. Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES the gate between the path at the end of Vista Monte Drive in San Ramon and Cross ridge Road in DUblin is being locked by a private resident. This gate connects trails in San Ramon with the Alamo Creek trail in Dublin. This resident has put up 3 different locks and chains, each One thicker than the previous chain (lhe city has been removing them). Today the resident greased the entire gate and chain, Finally, this resident (or someone) moved the trash can and dog scoop pole away from the end of the Alamo Creek trail. The city of San Ramon says that this person is suddenly concerned about vandalism. I can appreciate his or Mr concern, but there are authorities to deal with vandalism_ We are concerned with fire access and upset about not having access to our favorite trails (from both directions), Thank you for your help, The Citizen activity #1 was sent to the Citizen on 4/24/2006 9;52:51 AM by Dean McDonald This Request Form was updated by Dean McDonald at 4/2412006 9:53:04 AM, The status of the request was changed from Active to Completed. Citizen Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES __________________~~_.~____________________r~_______~_~_____________ Mr Aiken, The gate in question is the responsibility of the City of San RAmon. Years ago, Dublin issued an encraochment permit to San Ramon to allow the installation of said gate. It was intended for emergency vehicle access only Please contact the San Ramon Community Development Depl. for further information, /30F4-7 /1 of 4--7 City of Dublin Request 10' 659 Request Form: Oravetz" Vice Mayor Received: 4/24/2006 1 :22:44 PM Status: Completed Priority: Normal Assigned To: Melissa Morton Contact Details From: Tony Oravetz Email: oravetz2@llnLgov Telephone: 925-833-6650 Address1: 100 Civic Plaza Address2: City: Dublin State: CA Pref, Method of Response: E-Mail Zip Code: 94568 Request Address Number: Street: Crossridge Road Type: -- City' Dublin State: CA Direction: -- Apt: Zip Code: Request/Concern Description Tony, It has come to my attention that the gate at the end of Crossridge Road (east side of north Dublin at the SR City Line) is now locked. It didn't used to be locked and pede.strians could go from Crossridge Rd. to Vista Monte Rd in SR Do you know who locked this gate and why? I will ask my city staff and I ask that you inquire with yours as well. I would like to see pedestrian access through that area if possible, Thanks, Scott Please fully describe the request or concern, Include all pertinent information in order that Slaff may fully investigate and respond to the issue. Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES Melissa, Per Rich, I am reassigning this request to you. Thank you, Caroline This Request was Reassigned to Melissa Morton by Caroline Soto at 4/24/20062:23:32 PM, Reason: 0 An em all was sent to the new owner at this emall address:melissa.morton@ci.dubiin.ca.us This Request Form was updated by Melissa Morton at 4/24/2006 5:18:49 PM. The status of the request was changed from Active to Completed, 15' 0 f4.1 The Citizen activity #1 was sent to the Citizen on 4/24/2006 5: 18:55 PM by Melissa Morton Citizen Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES Dear Vice-Mayor Oravetz, The gate was originally constructed as part of SUbdivision 7224 (Bent Creek)in San Ramon, The City of Dublin provided the City of San Ramon with a letter stating that we would issue an encroachment permit to construct the gate and a driveway cut at the end of the court for emergency vehicle access (EVA) in MArch of 1995. However, neither San Ramon or the developer appear to have pursued an easement for EVA purposes and do not have an easement for that purpose at this time. The original development documents when the entitlement was granted talked about trail access, but the subdivision map shows that area connecting Vista Monte Drive and Crossridge Road as an EVAE to be dedicated by separate Instrument No one at the City of San Ramon has knowledge of a separate instrument for that purpose to date. Consequently, until such time as documentation to substantiate accesS is either found or initiated, the gates will remain closed. Mr Dave Davis at the end of Cross ridge Road has voiced concerns at the gate being opened, as he feeis that recent vandalism on his property is attributable to the connectivity between the two areas, and several San Ramon residents have called to ask that the gate be reopened so that they can acCeSS our trail again. I have contacted Karen McNamera with San Ramon and she is going to examine lhe gate tomorrow and insure that it is secured with a City of San Ramon chain and lock. Should you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me, Sincerely, Melissa Morton 1(;0147 City of Dublin Request 10: 701 Request Form: Other Questions/Concerns/Requests Received: 5/15/20065:27'40 PM Status: Completed Priority: Normal Assigned To: Melissa Morton Contact Details From: Ms. Debra Laird Email: ektl@comcasl.net Telephone: 925833-1176 Address1 7064 Lancaster Ct Address2: City' Dublin State: CA Pref. Method of Response: E.Mail Zip Code: 94568 Misc. Questions/Concerns/Requests I am writing in regard to the gate closure on Crossridge Rd" bordering the City of San Ramon, I have spoken to the city officials in San Ramon, They seem eager to resolve the issue and get the trail reopened for pedestrian use. I understand they are looking to the City of Dublin to help with this issue, I am anxious to be able to access these great running/walking/biking trails again in the very near future. Not only do I enjoy them but I frequently bring members of the High School Cross Country team here to run as well. I am deeply Describe your r / / t PI concerned that I Can no longer do this, as it puts myself quesd,on concerhn reqrt~eS t' ease and the students in jeopardy Last fall, I were provl e as muc pe Inen b ' hb ' . f r hi th t St If threatened ya nelg or who dldn t want our group In or~~llon as ~OSSI e, so r a a using the Alamo Creek Trail. Just recently, feilow ~ay t~gaYtaenysoWurreYoOnur ques Ion or runners have been harrassed by another resident The Inves I cern, D bl' P I' D rt t t rtth' u In 0 Ice epa men seem 0 suppo IS harrassment. as they do nothing to stop it. I feel like I should be able to visit ail the parks and trails that are in this city and feel safe using them, These neighborhood residents should not be allowed to continue threatening trail users. Please do your upmost to work out an agreement with the City of San Ramon on trail usage, and restrain the Crossrldge Road residents from harrassing and threatening trail users. Thank you, Debra Laird Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES This Request WaS Reassigned to Meilssa Morton by Toni Walker at 5/16/20068:02:03 AM. Reason: 0 An em ail WaS sent to the new owner at this email address:melissa.morton@cLdublin.ca.us The Citizen activity #1 waS sent to the Citizen on 5/16/2006 6.41.28 PM by no ff 7 Melissa Morton Citizen Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES Dear Ms. Laird, Thank you for your input on this issue. Both the Cities of Dublin and San Ramon are working toward a resolution to the issue, In the interim, there are some facts about the end of Crossridge Road I would like to share with you. Right now, residents who come down from San Ramon to the Alamo Creek Trail, do so illegally There is no access to The Alamo Creek Trail granted at that location, The City of San Ramon has asked that the City of Dublin consider trail access at that location, however, the Cily Council has not had an opportunity to provide direelion to staff on ihis issue 10 dale, The City Manager and the City Attorney are reviewing all of the documentation on the issue and will bring correspondence from the City of San Ramon before the Dublin Cily Council at one of the Council Meetings in June. Should you have further questions on this issue, please feel free to contael me at 833-6630, Sincerely, Melissa Morton, PUblic Works Direelor - ,9,&(47 City of Dublin Request 10' 705 Request Form: Concerns/Questions to the City Council Received: 5/19/2006 7,30:31 PM Status: Completed Priority' Normal Assigned To: Melissa Morton Contact Details From: Ms.. Ellen Riegelhuth Email: ellen.riegelhuth@oracle.com Telephone: 925-997-4693 Address1: 7149 Dublin Meadows Street Address2: #G City' Dublin State: CA Pref. Method of Response: Telephone Best Time to Call: Anytime Zip Code: 94568 Request Address Number: Street: Type: -- City: Dublin Direction: -- State: CA Apt: Zip Code: Comments or Concerns What is your comment or concern? (Please include all information necessary for proper response,) I have called the City of Dublin and the City of San Ramon, and I understand why the gate (at the end of the Dublin neighborhood cul-de-sac, and Alamo Creek Trail) for the emergency access road between Dublin and San Ramon, and Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, must be locked. But, it has always been open, until the last month, and thus, I used it for all my walks, so I could go from my home in Dublin, along the Alamo Creek Trail, through that gate, and up to the soccer field in San Ramon, and back, via the Alamo Creek Trail. I want to put my vote in to you, to make sure the Dublin City Council is working with the San Ramon City Council to create an easement for pedestrian access. The sooner the betler, too, please, as I so enjoy that walk, and hate that my route has been cut so short, due to this newly locked gete. Can you please let me know the approximate timing I can expect pedestrian access to be available, again, through that iocked gate? Would you like a response? If yes, please indicated preferred method of y response above, and include es necessary contact information, Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES -------------------------~-----------------------"-~---------~--~--- Joni, are we still forwarding these to Melissa for response? Thank you, (q cff-7 Caroline This Request was Reassigned to Joni Pattillo by Caroline Soto at 5/22/2006 11 :21 48 AM. Reason: 0 An email was sent to the new owner at this email address: Joni.Pattillo@ci.dublin_ca_us Melissa, per Joni, here's another one assigned to you regarding "the" gate. Thanks_ Caroline This Request was Reassigned to Melissa Morton by Caroline Soto at 5/22/2006 3:08:56 PM. Reason: 0 An email was sent to the new owner at this email address:melissa.morton@ci.dublin.ca.us This Request Form waS updated by Melissa Morton at 5/26/2006 8:59:16 AM_ The status of the request was changed from Active to Completed, The Citizen activity #1 was sent to the Citizen on 5/26/2006 8:59:20 AM by Melissa Morton Citizen Activities: ALL ACTIViTIES Dear Ms_ Riegelhuth, Thank you for your input on this issue Unfortuneately I do not have a timellne for when there will be a determinalion on whether the gate will remain closed or be open to pedestrian access_ The City of Dublin and the City of San Ramon have scheduled a liaison meeting to discuss the issue, but I would expect final determinalion to come before lhe City Council at some point The City Council Agenda is posted on the website, but if you would like personal notification when the issue will come before the City Council, please let me know If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 833-6630, Sincerely, Melissa Morton, Public WorkS Director }.o of. +7 City of Dublin Request 10: 722 Request Form: General Park Question or Request Received: 6/1/2006 10:26:19 PM Status: Completed Priority' Normal Assigned To: Melissa Morton Contact Details From: Mr Edwin Osada Email: edwatch@comeastnet Telephone: 925829"9285 Address1" 7710 Squirrel Creek Circle Address2: City' Dublin State: CA Pref. Method of Response: E-Mail Zip Code: 94568 Request Address Number: Street: Type:-- City: Direction: -- State: Apt: Zip Code: Request Details What is the park name you wish to submit a request for? If this pertains AI C k T 'I , , ama ree ra. to all City parks, please enter "All" In the space below. Please enter your request and/or Please open the gate where the Alamo Creek Trail comments for the park you selected, ends at the San Ramon City Limits and Crossridge, Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES This Request was Reassigned to Melissa Morton by Diane Lowart at 6/5/2006 8:07:33 AM. Reason: 0 An email was sent to the new owner at this email address:melissa.morton@cLdublin.ca.us The Citizen activity #1 was sent to the Citizen on 6/5/2006 11 :02:16 AM by Melissa Morton This Request Form waS updated by Melissa Morton at 6/5/2006 11 :03:03 AM, The status of the request was changed from Active to Compieted. Citizen Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES Dear Mr Osada, Thank you for your input The gate at the end of the trail on the City of Dublin border actually belongs to the City of San Ramon, The two Cities are discussing the matter at a liaison meeting this month, Right now, there is no trail easement connecting the two trails and the gate has been locked, However, your comments and the comments of ./ I o{47 others will be considered in deciding whether the two trails will be connected. Sincerely, Melissa Morton, Public Works Director )~(}f47 City of Dublin RequestlD: 734 Request Form: Concerns/Questions to the City Council Received: 6/9/2006 10:44:00 PM Status: Completed Priority: Normal Assigned To: Melissa Morton Contact Details From: Mrs. Julie Phillips Emal!: juleejp@cs.com Telephone: 925-846-9338 Address 1 1865 Paseo Del Cajon Address2: City: Pleasanton State: CA Pref. Method of Response: E-Mail Zip Code: 94566 Request Address Number: Street: Type:-- City' Dublin State: CA Direction: -- Apt: Zip Code: Comments or Concerns What is your comment or concern? (Please include all information necessary for proper response.) Please reopen the access gate to Alamo Creek Trail which has been closed, I enjoy hiking and walking many of the trails in the area along with my hiking group "The Tri Valley Trekkers" I hope that you will all consider this request Thank you, Julie Phillips Would you like a response? if yes, please indicated preferred method of y response above, and include es necessary contact information, Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES Melissa, are you still answering these? Thanks, Caroline This Request was Reassigned to Melissa Morton by Caroline Soto at 6/12/2006 1 :28:11 PM. Reason: 0 An email was sent to the new owner at this email address:melissa.morton@ei.dublin.ea.us This Request Form was updated by Melissa Morton at 6/15/200610'18:04 AM. The status of the request was changed from Active to Completed. The Citizen activity #1 was sent to the Citizen on 6/15/2006 10:18:08 AM by Melissa Morton Citi:>:en Activities: ALL ACTIViTIES ?-3 vft 7 ____________~_"""_______________~_____________r_"r___________~____ Dear Mrs, Phillips, Thank you for your input on this issue. 60th the Cities of Dublin and San Ramon are working toward a resolution to the issue. In the interim, there are some facts about the end of Crossridge Road I would like to share with you, Right now, residents who come down from San Ramon to the Alamo Creek Trail, do so illegally There is no access to The Alamo Creek Trail granted at that location. The City of San Ramon has asked that the City of Dublin consider trail acceSS at that location, however, the City Council has not had an opportunity to pTovide direction to staff on this issue to date. Until the issue is resolved, the gate will remain locked. Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, Melissa Morton, Public Works Director ..74- ? U 7 City of Dublin Request 10: 742 Request Form: General Park Question or Request Received: 6/14/2006 2:58:01 PM Status: Completed Priority: Normal Assigned To: Melissa Morton Contact Details From: MR ERNI HALAXA Email: lariato1@gmaiLeom Telephone: 925-829-5975 Address1: 6853 HYDE CRT Address2: City' DUBLIN State: CA Pref. Method of Response: E-Mail Zip Code: 94568 Request Address Number: Street: Type: -- City' State: Direction: -- Apt: Zip Code: Request Details What is the park name you wish to submit a request for? If lhis pertains ALAMO CREEK to all City parks, please enter "All" in the space below. I hope you folks are the ones to contact on this so here it goes, By Alamo Creek there is a road named 'CROSSRIDGE' which dead ends to where one can Please enter your request and/or take the bicycle/walking path, During the month of Feb comments for the park you selected. the gate for the path, which is a continuation to San Ramone, has been locked. I thought it was due to the possibility of mud slides but apparently not. Why is it kept closed? Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES This Request was Reassigned to Melissa Morton by Diane Lowart at 6/14/2006 3:56:11 PM. Reason: 0 An email was sent to the new owner at this email address:melissa.morton@cLdublin.ca.us This Request Form was updated by Melissa Morton at 6/15/200610:13:19 AM. The status of the request was changed from Active to Completed, The Citizen activity #1 was sent to the Citizen on 6/15/200610:13:23 AM by Melissa Morton Citizen Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES Dear Mr Halaxa, Thank you for your input on this issue Both the Cities of Dublin and San Ramon are working toward a resolution to the issue, In the interim, there are some facts about the end of Crossridge Road I would like to share with you. Right now, residents who come down from San Ramon to the Alamo Creek Trail, do so illegally There is no access to The Alamo Creek Trail granled at that location, The City of San Ramon has asked that the City of Dublin consider trail access at that location, however, the City Council has nol had an opportunity to provide direction to staff on this issue to date. Unlil the Issue is resolved, the gate will remain locked. Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Melissa Morton, Public Works Director -15of-47 ).{pot47 City of Dublin Request 10' 749 Request Form: Park Facility Issues Received: 6/19/20066:38:09 AM Status: Completed Priority' Normal Assigned To. Melissa Morton Contact Details From: Mrs. Mary Jo Keortge Email: mjkeortge@comeast.net Telephone: 925-556.1447 Address1 7627 Turquoise Street Address2: City: Dublin State: CA Pref. Method of Response: E-Mail Zip Code: 94568 Request Address Number: Street: Crossbridge Type: -- City' State: Direction: -- Apt: Zip Code: Request Details What is the park name you wish to submit a request fo(llf lhis pertains AI C k B'k P th to all City parks, please enter "All" in amo ree I e a the space below. Describe the facility issue, gate closure at San Ramon - please open the gate to continue the usage of the bike/walking path. Otherwise it is just a bike path to a specific neighborhood, not for general public Staff Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES -~-----------------------~~-~-~~----------------~~~-------------~~-- This Request was Reassigned to Melissa Morton by Debra LeClair at 6/19/200611.38:36 AM. Reason: 0 An email was sent to the new owner at this emaH address: melissa.morton@cLdublin.ca.us This Request Form was updated by Melissa Morton at 6/19/2006 1.31.25 PM, The status of the request was changed from Active to Completed. The Citizen activity #1 was sent to the Citizen on 6/19/2006 1 :31 :28 PM by Melissa Morton Citizen Activities: ALL ACTIVITIES Dear Mrs. Keortge, Thank you for your input on this issue. Both the Cities of Dublin and San Ramon are working toward a resolution to the issue. In the interim, there are some facts about the end of Crossridge Road I would like to share with you. Right now, residents who come down from San Ramon to the Alamo Creek Trail, do so illegally There is no access to The Alamo Creek Trail granted at that location. The City of San Ramon has asked that the City of Dublin consider lrail access at that location, however, the City Council has not had an opportunity to provide direction to staff on this issue to date. Until the matter is resolved, the gates between the two trails will remain locked. Should you have further questions on th is issue, please feei free to contact me at 833-6630 Sincerely, Melissa Morton, Public Works Director :<7 t4- 7 /' CITY CLERK File # D[z;]ca0-~ ",,"1 oi4-7 {;Y< ,/ , \Up- t..;v' ~. , ~J ~""'~. i".'J AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: August 19, 2003 SUBJECT' Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Award of Contract No. 03-08, Alamo Creek Bike Path, Amador Valley Boulevard to North City Lilmts Report Prepared bY' Lee S. Thompson, Public Works Director ATTACHMENTS. 1) Resolution Adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Awarding Contract No, 03-08 for the Alamo Creek Bike Path Project, Amador Valley Boulevard to North City Limits, along with Exhibit A. Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) Exhibit B Letters commenting on MND and responses to comments Exhibit C. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 2) Bid Results 3) General Plan Figure 5-3a, Bikeways Diagram 4) Excerpts from Minutes February 25, 1985, City Council Meeting 5) February 25,1985, City Council Agenda Statement, Item 44 6) Excerpts from Minutes of February 23, 1987, City Council Meeting 7) May 20, 2003, City Council Agenda Statement, Item 7 1 RECOMMENDATlON:I'l. J1..'Adopt resolution adopting Mitigated Negative Declaration and ~V,. ~itigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and awarding Contract No. 03-08 to GradeTeeh, Inc. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Budget for this project: TOTAL FY 2002-03 $ 14,824 $ 0 $ 14,824 FY 2003-04 $ 11,270 $ 230.000 $ 241,270 Total Budget $ 26,094 $ 230.000 $ 256,094 Low Bid Salaries/Design/Misc: Improvements: $ 156.639.50 $ 156,639.50 _ _ _ _ _ _ w _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ w _ _ p _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _,_ _ ~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - ~ ~ ~ - M - - - - ~. COPIES TO: GradeTech, In g:Imi'cprojlAl.mo Creek Bike PathlAS .w.rd -- lUO~., ATTAUIDIENT 4. c29 ?1-47 This project is funded through a Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District in the amO\lnt of $107,000, Measure B Pedestrian & Bicycle Fund in theatnount of$12~,329 aiJ.d General Fund in the amount of$22,765 Failure to meet the TFCA funding; guideline requirement of expending all TFCA funds programmed to the project by October 9, 2003, will result in the loss of the TFCA grant. DESCRIPTION; The Alamo Creek Bike Path project would construct a pedestrian and bicycle path along Alamo Creek between Amador Valley Boulevard and the north City limits ("the Path"). This project will pave the existing Zone 7 Water Agency's maintenance road along the west side of Alamo Creek, with the exception of the portion of the road within Alamo Creek Park. The asphalt concrete Path will be approximately 12 feet wide runilingalong the existing concrete v-ditch. This project will also include the'construetionofa raisedl'edestrian erQsswaJk on Willow Creek Drive. This Path will provide access to the Iron Horse Tl'ai1 system via a future bike laiJ.e on Amador Valley Boulevard. Historical Backl!rolindofthePl'ODOsM Alamo Creek Bike Path. The Council is in receipt of a letter dated August 5, 2003, from Allan C. Moore, who represents David and Terry Davis, which addresses certain land use issues pertaining to the Path. Mr Moore's letter contains a discussion of some of the history surrounding the Path and the issue of public access to the Alamo Creek corridor. In response, Staff provides information in this section to assist the Council and the public in understanding the Path's history. MdtAAUYi~~I~'~'IlQ1:Od:;_;$in.oe.atlell$t '1~,':thtei~tf&i\irtaPllll'lhl1s stated.tboCity'smterrt to' pompimethePlitlf ii'J.'th!.lil&mtl.Ml,aIidthliCltyWMl"lfdetn:i6et;rditigly; 111 1992, the AlsmoCteekpath. segmlS;ltthat is the $Ubjectofthe project was includodasabtkeWay in the City'.sOerl.\md.Plan. A1l i.1n;pl~tingpolioyin theGenerajPllll1. IP6cificallylltatcs~ the segment shall be completed. (See G:crne+alfllw. {updatcdto.N6vember 5, 2002] pj'l. 4S,S4,Figure 5-3a.) In.additioll, in 1994, after "~~yepubl:ic btvoiverneutin th'pj~l!ipr~~~., $, ,qtyJ<<ippte4ti1e,Oity's ParksandRcorcation , MQteIl;.fl1an.. W~,'\lflluamto ..ti:IoQlm~':thtl,atY8'1~~tf0l1:"pil!lll'fill1gi. tet1brt:h(u'e ~Plau I~ to Nov .5, 4OOZjp"tf,"'l'I'W'.g6tilM,the1Pii:TkS1Irtif1tecreB1iMr'MlllrterPlall. was to. "1ilJlI.to il~Ull :nfAAlotk OfpdD,~iit1i._11l.theieby1'8'OVWl:lg a~l'C1OUlW 0) m- .lll.ll1'~ .l'lp611'SPllQellllnlJhliu.gthlll'lIlUb1illto;tntfll'\lyfllm.JJ;l.otori:zcd~dos;'!;bxoagbOu.t the .Gublin: ,<<n....dty;", j',@I'l'~~,~_6tt':M1ilDr'Plan"el994){,*MPWl:r4aA.iJ~p,,&~'1 , ,,pneof "'~ iIZlpl~tiDg''PQlioi!l$,8peciffcdJly'SW:e9dm':thlht1t'~IIli':\i'~ OMJ:~"lle~. (he.Mllita" PI8hp'p.'30-31.~>1!h~"~eet;}!u'MIil'ih-b atyJjCliJlital'JmpMVltmlIirtPlan ,lI,U.toe FjsOJ! Yw' 1,~!iW;t 9QJ:'>' . . ' " . ,. Mr. Moore's letter states that, "at the time of the original approvals of the subdivisions surrounding and near Alamo Creek Park, the City Council specifically considered public access to the Alamo Creek area." To support this statement. Mr Moore references the minutes from a 1985 City Council meeting, in which the Council "specifically opposed development of trails adjacent to Zone 7 facilities because of security and maintenance issues." But review of the minutes and associated Staff Report (Attachments 4 and 5) discloses that the City was concerned not about security and maintenance in general, but rather the security and maintenance expenses to the City of Zone 7's development of its ereek properties for residential use, Those issues were subsequently resolved, and the City operates a number of trails on Zone 7 ProB~rty pursuant to vmious license agreements. - Page 2 ty, '::::. 30 0(47 Mr Moore's letter also references the minutes of a Fehruary 23, 1987, Council meeting. At that meeting, on the Council's consent agenda was the approval of the 1987 License Agreement between the City and Zone 7, the owner of the creek corridor. A citizen requested that the item be pulled from the consent ~alendar and asked the Council to reconsider its decision to reject the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation to fully develop Alamo Creek adjacent to Alamo Creek Park for recreational use. When the initial planning for Alamo Creek Park was completed, the City considered more extensive development of the park adjacent to Alamo Creek, but this option was rejected. Mr. Moore states that these minutes confirm that Staff and Council confirmed that certain portions of Alamo Creek should not be used or accessed by the public, Mr Moore then asks why, if the steep slopes of the creek and the effect on the envirolllllent were a concern then, they are not a concern now But review of the minutes (Attachment 6) discloses that the discussion concerned not public access to the creek corridor in general, but rather access to the creek bottom itself. Furthermore, the entire discussion involved only those portIOns of Alamo Creek that are in what is now Alamo Creek Park. It did not involve those portions of the Path to the south and north of Alamo Creek Park Backl!"round on the Bike Path Constrnction Proiect In FY 2000-2001, Staff submitted a Transportation for Clean Air (TFCA) Program application for grant funding of the Alamo Creek Bike Path project On February 22, 2001, the City and the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency entered into an agreement to program $107,000 of TFCA funds for the Path project The project has appeared in the City's Five"Ycar Capital Improvement Program since FY 1994-95 This project was identified in the 2000-2005 Capital Improvement Program to begin construction in FY 2001- 2002, Due to Staff workload and conrdination issues with Zone 7, Staff had requested an extension to I . expend the TFCA funds frorn October 9, 2002, to October 9,2003 The proposed bike path has also bcen identified in the City's General Plan since September 1992, as well as in the Alameda Countywide Bicycle Plan, Volume 1 (dated July 2001), prepared for the Al.ameda County Congestion Management Agency At the May 6,2003, Council meeting, Staff sought authorizatJon to solicit bids for the Alamo Creek Bike Path, After hearing from residents living along the proposed Path, the Item was continued, Some of the concerns express by the residents included loss of privacy to adjacent property owners, disruption of wildlife along Alamo Creek, and potential noise problems from motorized scooters and children loitering on the Path, The Council scheduled and attended a field trip to the project site to view some of the concerns firsthand on Monday, May 12, 2003 The residents expressed anwnber of concerns during the May 12th site visit Staff responded to those concerns in a Staff Report presented at the May 20,2003, Council meeting (Attachment 7.) On May 20, 2003, the City Council approved a Notice of Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and authorized Staff to solicit bids, On June 3, 2003, the City Council directed Staff to prepare an Initial Study for the proposed Alamo Creek Bike Path project and return to Council with the appropriate environmental findings when Staff returned WIth the project to award the contract. It was anticipated that the contract would be awarded in August. Consistent with this direction, the Council is now being requested to take action on the environmental document and the contract award, IEnvironmental Review Staff worked with several consultants and prepared an Initial Study that reviewed possible environmental impacts including, but not limited to, air quality, hlological resources hazards and noise. The findings Page 3 1'\\-. S 3/ of-4-7 m the Initial Study concluded that although the Alamo Creek Bike Path project could have a significant effect on the enviromnent, there would not be a significant effect because mitigation measures will be mcorporated into the project (see Exhibit A of the Resolution). Thus, Staff prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project. Four mitigation measures were identified to reduce the impact to the environment to less than significant. These mitigation measures are described in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (see Exhibit C of the Resolution). On July 7, 2003, the City filed a Notice of Availability of Environmental Document to begin the 30.day comment period of the Mitigated Negative Declaration, which ended August 5, 2003 During this penod, a total of eIght (8) letters were received commenting on the project (see Exhibit B of the Resolution) Staff has prepared written responses to these comments, included on Exhibit B of the Resolution. The comments received reflect four major concerns: privacy, noise, public safety, and biology Some of the comments note that the Path will be constructed adjacent to residences along Oxford Circle that have minimal set.baeks from the Zone 7 property and actually face the Creek and the Path (Oxford Circle is fronted by garages and residents travel pathways to reach their front doors.) Therefore, the comments argue that Path users will be able to look directly into yards and living areas of the residences. While acknowledging this comment, the responses to comment note that this is not an environmental impact under CEQA and, therefore, it is not further considered in the CEQA documentation, The comments are correct that the residences will face the Path directly, but there IS existing fencing and vegetation along the corridor adjacent to Oxford Circle that provides a measure ofpnvacy. Noise is considered an environmental Impact under CEQA, and some of the comments concem potential noise from the use of the Path by the public. One comment letter includes a study by an acoustical engineering firm, Charles M. Salter Associates, Inc., which concludes that noise levels associated with public use of the Path are expected to be between 50 dB and 55 dB. This is somewhat greater than the average dB rating of 34 determined in the Initial Study As noted in the responses to comments, this amount is considered "normally acceptable" under the Noise Element of the City's General Plan and this level of increased noise is therefore not considered to be significant. The comments raise several issues in the realm of public safety First, it has been suggested that the Path will result in crime because of the secluded nature of the Path. Consistent with other public trails within the City, the Police Department does not anticipate a significant increase in calls for service from the Path. In addition, the Path will be closed between dusk and dawn, which will further limit the activity, Second, it is suggested that there is a risk to children from drowning in the creek. As noted in the responses to comments, summer water levels in the creek are very low. During the winter, when water levels tend to be higher and can rise rapidly during storms, the City anticipates closing the Path during significant rain storms to lessen the danger of the creek. The City also consulted with Zone 7, who indicated that the agency is not aware of any accidental drownings along other creekside paths in the City Several issues have been raised with respect to biological resources, which the Initial Study found would not be significantly affected by the Path project. The comments request information on the creation of the creek buffer, question whether biological Slgulneance should be based on the presence of surrounding development, and raise concerns about the effects of increased human disturbance in the creek corridor. The responses to comments provide the requested background information, which shows that a public bicycle path was enVIsioned along the eastern bank of Alamo Creek as part of the larger residential development of the Villages of Alamo Creek, approved by the City in 1986. The responses also confirm that the initial study described and analyzed the potential for public use to cause significant biological impacts to the creek corridor. The responses confirm that the presence of surrounding development was -- "'PaQ'f':.1. ~ ~ 32oH-7 not the basis for the finding of no slgmficant biological impacts, Instead, the finding was based on the nature of the Path construction and use, lD that no grading, construction or use of the Path IS proposed in the creek or on its banks, or in natural habItat areas, Similarly, neither construction nor use of the Path .will interfere with the movement or migration of species, After reviewing the comments on the Mitigated Negative Declaration and preparing responses to environmental issues raised in the comments, Staff recommends that the Council adopt the Mihgated Negative Declaration based on fmdings that the Path project as mitigated will clearly have no significant effect on the environment and that an EIR is not required, as further set forth in the attached draft Resolution. Construction Contract A total of two bids were received (Attachment 2), The low bidder is GradeTech, Inc., with a low bid of $156,639.50 The contractor is scheduled to start work the week of September 8,2003, and complete the bike path pavement by September 30th in order to expend the TFCA funds by October 9,2003 RECOMMENDATION: Staff has reviewed the Initial StudylMitigated Negative DeclaratIOn and all comments received during the public comment review period for the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Responses have been provided to these comments and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program has been prepared. Staff has checked references and bonding requirements for GradcTech, Ine, Therefore, Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and jV1itigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and award Contract No. 03-08, Alamo Creek Bikc Path, Amador Valley Boulevard to North City Limits, to GradeTeeh, Inc, -- Page 5 .:'!'r ~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1i.'I..-, ,1l~'~ 33or-'f7 Initial Study! Mitigated Negative Declaration Project: Alamo Creek Bicycle Trail Lead Agency: City of Dublin July 2003 . 3tf'u(4-7 . Drive to provide for a safe crossing of this street. Signs would also be installed by the City at this crossing to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety Exhibit 4 shows the proposed design of the Willow Creek Drive road crossing. No overhead lights would be installed along the path. Bicycle path identification signs would be posted at entrances at Amador Valley Boulevard, Alamo Creek Park, Willow Creek Drive and Crossridge Road. Signs would also be posted identifying pennitted and prohibited uses along the path, similar to signs posted within City of Dublin parks. . . . . Till! proposed Alamo ~~ ,Pi!;hJS enticipatecl to bea local pathway, \1SM by local Dublin residents and Visitors, H[}weve~,th:erewould be a mnnecti.ontootherregional paths iniheDublln area via .a'pfopOUdClass UbikeWllyoniAmador Valley Boulev;ud itnmediate1ysouth of the p<<JpOaedpat:tu; . . The path is anticipated to be funded through a combination of grants from (1) the Transportation Fund for Clean Air, provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and (2) Alameda County Measure B monies provided through the Pedestrian and Bicycle Fund. If this project is approved, the City of Dublin anticipates start of construction in the Fall of 2003. An estimated two months would be required for actual constructed of improvements identified above. . . I I I I I I I I. City Of DUblin Initial Study/Alamo Creek Bicycle Path Page 4 July 2003 I ?r; 0 { + 7 m eye r 5/ n 0 v e ribock silver & wilson profis5lan~1 law totpordflon Elizabeth H. Sliver Attorney at Law 510.808.2000 VIA FACSIMILE & U.S. MAIL 925.838.5985 September 17, 2003 Allan C, Moore, Esq. Gagen, McCoy, McMahon & Annstrong 279 Fronl Streel Danville, CA 94526 RE. Alamo Creek Bicycle Trail This letter serves to respond to your lettar to me of September 4, 2003 and to confirm our telElphone conversalion today regarding the City's proposal 10 resolve the concerns of David and Terry Davis and their neighbors regarding Ihe improvements to Ihe Alamo Creek Bicycle Trail. There are five conditions requested in your letter, The City's response is noted below Lack oates at sundown and ODen at sunup: close in winter; close durino times of hioh water levels. The gates will be closed and locked between dusk and dawn on a daily basis and will be closed during significant rain storms, The gates will be closed by slaff within one hour of dusk. City staff will mark Ihe elevation of Ihe creek that will trigger closure during rain storms, The path will not be closed during winter months except as noted above, 2. Plant fast orowino Dlants and trees on homeowners' side of trail area as buffer. The City will reimburse property owners who live adjacent to the trail for the purchase of fast growing trees and shrubs in a total amount not to exceed $5,000. The funds will be divided between the single-family and townhouse/condominium property owners as you propose, subject to approval by the City The funds are to be used to purchase trees and shrubs to be planted along the westerly side of the existing fence that separates the Zone 7 property from the private property for the purposa of providing screening. One neighbor, preferably Mr, and Mrs. Davis, should collect receipts from the property owners who purchase trees and shrubs and send them to Lee Thompson, the Public Works Dimctor, in one batch, with a list of the names of the owners who purchased plants and the amount of the purchase, no later than November 19, 2003, Mr Thompson will have staff Inspect to determine that the trees and shrubs have been planted and the City will then reimburse the property owners for the cost of the lmes and shrubs, 555 lllll SII'O<I, Silit. 1500 I Oakland, Calirornia 94601 I till 510,808.21100 I fax 1il0,444.1108 I www,m.y.rxn.v..com OAKLAND. SAN LEANDRO. SANTA ROSA. SACRAMENTO. SAN FRANCISCO. LOS ANGElES 30 of4 7 Allan C. Moore. Esq. September 17, 2003 Page 2 As I explained to you, the City's offer is premised on two factors. The City has no way to irrigate plants on the Zone 7 property and will not. therefore, agree to plant trees and shrubs on that side of the fence, In addition, the City will not go on private property to plant trees and shrubs due to liability concerns. The offer of $5,000 is contingent on the running of the statute of limitations on a legal challenge 10 the Council's August 19 approval of the mitiga.ted negalive declaralion and the project 3. Install a 4' fence to keep people and pets out of the creek for "safetv and environmental orotection"; the fence must be aesthetically oleasinQ with siQns, Councilmembers indicated an interest In a 4' fence along the creek side of the trail at the August 19 meeting and asked the City Manager to return to the Council with a report regarding the feasibility of fencing, The report is scheduled for the October 17 Council meeting, The report will suggest locations for fencing to enhance public safety We are looking at removal fencing because of Zone Ts need to access the creek for removal of debris, In addition, Zone 7 would have to approve placement of such a fence and the City would have to comply with CEOA. 4 Prohibit oarkino for non-residents al the end of Crossridoe Road, ThiS can only be done through a permit parking program pursuant to the California Vehicle Code which allows preferenlial parking for residents. Under such a program, residents would need a permit to park any car on Ihe street and signs would have to be posled indicating permit parking only Lee Thompson will present a report to the Council on October 17, recommending approval of a preferential parking program at the end of Crossridge Road adjacent to the properties owned by the residents who signed the September 12, 2003 request to the Council. I do not anticipate any Council concerns with approving such a program. The staff can delay impiementation of the program until the City receives a written request from the majority of the affected residents that they would like the program to be implemented, 5, Post siGns ("Bike Palh and Nature Trail': 'This is a sensitive natural area, please stay on oath', "Residential area - No trespassino.; "No motorized vehicles. Gas or electric, allowed." The projecl includes bicycle path identification signs posted at entrances at Amador Valley Boulevard. Alamo Creek Park, Willow Creek Drive and Crossridge Road, The project also includes posting signs identifying permitted and prohibited uses similar to signs In other City parks, The standard City signs would read as follows: "Path users must stay on pavement;" 'Dogs must be on leash at all times;" "No motorized vehicles;' and any other appropriate standard City signs, 660279 37 0 r 47 Allan C. Moore, Esq. September 17,2003 Page 3 The City staff will begin work on the Alamo Creek Bike Path on September 18, The erosion conlrol measures will be performed on Seplember 18 and 19, Grading and paving will begin September 22. The improvements are expected 10 take approximately a week, with signing, striping and raised crosswalks to be installed during the next three weeks. Thank you very much for your cooperation in resolving the concerns of the neighbors. As I indicated I will be on vacation beginning tomorrow so please contact John Bakker in my office wilh your response to this letter Very truly yours, MEYERS, NAVE, RIBACK, SILVER & WILSON 0"", o~z., . ~~J 1...... ' l. "','f:..#:),~.,7 t:'"Ut-.~-.... '" ~ .r;;~' Elizabeth H. Silver City Attorney City of Dublin EHS:rja e: Richard Ambrose, City Manager Joni Pattillo, Assistant City Manager Lee Thompson, Public Works Director Steven Yee, Associate Civil Engineer John Bakker, Associate Attorney 660279 r (1'f.(}O( 3'boJ47 ^ lAW OfFICES OF GAGEN, McCOY, McMAHON & ARMSTRONG A PROfESSIONAL CORPORATION '" I WIWIWRO,;,oEN.1k.. (iIl!'JlCIRVLMc:r:t!y PATIl.ICt::J,MC:MAfDN M"'RICT. AR."'/1T'Iln~T1 C1lAlll-IUIA.KQiI~ MTlCIIAIJl..J. MAmlWln RIQlAjl,D~.R..uNu YfC!OR1.CoNTI BARBAMOUVALJE'lVBI.l. RllIil!kT M. PANUCCI Au...o.1>ICMcXJIlII !lTllJ'l.lllNT,RUIlHl. AMNlDABBVlI'Ill MAMlN LfllONS CBlJAMKIM Jolmr.RLFI'T7..'I;lMYCNlI PAULS.OOODMAJI T,o.u,II.N~ KATHI!l\1NES.ZElAZM' N:-lAc.MOO/'l P.RIlC!'l. QllANnT September 19, 2003 DANVnLE OFFICE 279 :FRONT STP..EET P.D.Box 2UI DANVILLE, CA'-WQRNlA 94526-02.18 ThL'f.J'HONE!: (925) 837-0585 f^X: (925) 838.5985 NAPA V AlLEY OFf/ICE T1-ffi OPFlCES AT SOUTHBRIDGE 1030 MAIN S"J'ReET. SUlTR 212 ST. IiELffiM, C;..r,lFORNIA 94574 TELEPHoNe: (707) 96>-<1909 FAX: (707) 96)-5527 Plea!le reply to: DaRville By Facsimile (510)444-1108 Original by Us. Mail Elizabeth H. Silver, City Attorney, City of Dublin McyersfNavc Riback Silver & Wilson 555 12th Street, Suite 1500 Oakland, California 94607 Re. Alamo Bike Trail Dear Ms. Silver: Thank you for your letter of September 17, 2003, which sets forth the City of Dublin's response (Response) to five conditions requested by our clients David and Terry Davis (Davis family), with regard to the City's recent approval of the Alamo Creek BicyclelPedestrian Path (Path), This letter will confirm, per our discussion, that the Davis family appreciates and agrees with the City's Respon~e, and that based on such Response we will not be filing a judicial challenge to the City's approval of the Path. The Davis family looks forward to working with the City with regard to issues addressed in the City's Response. Pursuant to Condition #2 of the Response, I will be requesting the Davis family to submit directly to the City a proposed allocation of division of the funds between the smgle-family and townhouse/condominiums. F;\CLACM\3534.5\tlnal. ltr.wpd 3q 'J I 47 Elizabeth H, Silver September 19,2003 Page 2 We further appreciate the opportunity for the Davis family to work directly with your Public Works DIrector and City Engineer's office as needed to address the Response issues. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. V~I yours, tKfe ACM:am cc: David and Terry Davis (encls. letter dated Sept. 17,2003 to Allan Moore from Elizabeth Silver) F:\CIACMIl~3'Mn.I.ltr,wpd CITY 9E..JmIUd.N 100 Civic Plaza, Uublin CA 94568 !f0 j f 4 7 City Manae:er's Office (925) 833-6650 MEMORANDUM DATE. June 16,2006 TO' CIty Council FROM. City Manager SUBJECT City of Dublin/San Ramon Liaison CommIttee Special Meeting On June 7,2006, a mecting was held with representatives from the Duhlin/San Ramon Liaison Committee to discuss the Alamo Creek Trail/Crossridge Road Emergency Vehicle Access Gate Closure. Mayor Lockhart eXplained the reason for !he meetmg was to hcar citizen's concerns regarding thIs lSSUe and then take that inlormation back to Dublin and San Ramon's City Councils and Staffs for discussion. LIaIson Committee Members and City Staff in attendance: Mayor Janet Lockhart, City nfDublin Vice Mayor Tony Oravetz, City of Dublin Dave Hudson, San Ramon City Councilmember Carol Rowley, San Ramon Vice Mayor Herb Moniz, San Ramon City Manager Richard Ambrose, Dublin City Manager Melissa Morton, Public Works Director, City of Dublin Joni Pattillo, Assistant City Manager Lt. Moon, Dublin Police Caroline Soto, Deputy City Clerk, Dublin Public Speakers were given time to speak: Glenn Walder, teacher at Dublin High, discussed the need for the gate to be opened for accessing both trails in Dublin and San Ramon for cross country training and competitions. The trails were safer than usmg City streets. RIchard Osborne, Dublin, discussed using the gate to commute to work on bike from Dublin to at Windemere School in San RanlOn by uSlllg Alamo Creek to avoid riding on the streets. He did not feel , safc using the streets and would like to see the gate unlocked. Martin Lysons, Attorney for Terry and Dave DavIs, stated he was speaking for the Davis' and other neighbors of the Davis' The use of the gate for through traffic had increased parking, garbage and vandalism. He discussed the history ofthe creek and environmental findings regardlllg the creek and gatc. In 2003, there was a mitigated Negative Declaration done and the Davis' and then neighbors challenged somc of the findings. Instead of going to court, the DaVIS' and the neighbors came to an agreement. In that settlement agreement, it was reiterated that this trail would be specifically for local servmg traffic. There was nothing in the Settlement Agreement that allowed the opening of the gate to through traffic. These neighbors would be reasonable to access of the trails and sensitive to the issues of ATTACHMENT 7. 41 d47 the people that need the trail for speeiflc events. The neighborhood felt that ifthere was some notice and limited, specific events m which there was a need for the trail, such as a cross country meet, where there were pcople that were specifically assigned for clean up after the events, that these kinds of events could be accommodated. However, to open up the entirc trail to through traffic runs afoul ofthe en\1re administrative history ofthlS trail from Its construction to present day He asked for the Cities to take two stcps: I) That Dublin accept the five-foot spike strip which had bee dedicated by the developer; 2) Both Cities put up signage stating the fad that through traffic is prohibited. Patty Hoyt, San Ramon, asked who maintained the AlanlO Creek Trail and after Dublin City Managcr Rich Ambrose said the City of Dublin maintains the trail, she stated that if the City is mamtalllmg it, then It should be accessible to City resIdents. Kim Burgess, Dublin, stated that ownership and mamtenanee of the trail should determine access to It by the public. She was also the parent of a cross country student and said that as such, they picked up garbage after the use of the trai I by the cross country team for events. Terry Davis, Dublin, asked Staff to define where Alamo Creek Trail started and stopped, because the gate that was in question was not a part of the trail. Mayor Lockhart stated that Staff would do a presentation on thc trail that included where It started and stoppcd, Dubhn Public Works Director Mclissa Morton stated the two ends of the trail were Amador Valley Boulevard. and Crossridge Road, Mayor Lockhart stated that the gate in question and Emergency Vehicle Access was in San Ramon and was not presently part of the trail. A resident of Bently Oaks Court, San RanlOn, discussed her use of the trail and was upset that there was no longer acecss. As a San Ramon resident right off the trail, she had never had any trouble related to the trail. Dave Davis, Dublin, stated he was hearing from the residents present, an entitlement, to use the trail that was never meant to be a trail. Thc emergency access vehicle (EVA) road was referred to, on the original documents, as a non pedestnan accessible area. To use, open or climb the gate was agamst the law He reiterated that the gates were never legally opened or ]iltended to be opcned. He was told ten years ago that thc gates were going to be locked because it was never meant to be opened. He understands that the gates may need to be opened, legally, to be used for different purposes but that there were other ways to get from Duhhn to San Ramon. The gate should not be opened simply through entitlement at the cxpense ofthe privacy ofthe residents of the surrounding homcs. Signage should be in place that it was an emergency vehIcle access road only; no pedestrian access. Joyce Hayes, San Ramon, asked if there had been any decrease in vandalism since the gates had been locked. Mr Davis stated yes. Ms. Hayes suggested the gates be opened in the morning and locked in the evening. Debbie Laird, Dublin, a frequent trail user, asked if the law could be changed from emergency access vehicle use only to public access, pedestrian or bike traffic, not vehicle access. Lj~ 0('4-7 Dublin Public Works D,redor Morton gave background on the trail and the gate. At the end of Crossridge Road, there was a 5 foot dedication strip of property, whlCh was to ensure that Dublm could dctermine how and when that road could be extcnded if it ever was. She had no rccord that It was ever accepted; only dcdicated. When the San Ramon subdivision eame in, Dublin granted an encroachment penllit to put III a driveway cut and original gate for emergency vehicle access. But a true easement over the top of that dedicatIOn"" as never pursned. So right now there was not an emergency vehicle access over the top of the dedication and no record that Dublin ever accepted that dedication. That piece of property would still be viewed as held hy the original subdivider and does not twilight for 25 years. It was now 20 years old. Her records do not show that area was ever conceived as trail access. The environmental documents for that trail examined the impacts of incorporating that trail, on the adj aeent owners, the 110ra and fauna ofthe creek, and it described the trail as having these two fixed termini and no connechon on the north side being local served, serving only That was the environmental document done for the origmal pro] eel. There was also a Settlement agreement that spoke to how the trail would be operatcd and maintamed. The trail was physically closed from dusk to dawn. It is the view ofthe City Altorney that for these two trails to he eonneetcd, further environmental documentation would be necessary if the Council were interested m connecting the path to the other path in San Ramon. Dublin Vice Mayor Oravetz suggested reahgmng the trails to connect. Dublin Public Works Director Morton stated the grade differential would not allow thIS. Dublin Vice Mayor Oravetz discussed hIS use of the trail and likes to see CItizens using the trail and hoped a solution could he reached by the two Councils, maybe by extending it to bypass the homes in the area. And agreed that, legally, the gate in question should be locked. Dublin Mayor Lockhart said the makmg of the trail was for the reSidents of our community, to see the habitat and enjoy the trail. It was news that there were so many people in the neighboring community that also enJoyed the trail. She was also hoping there was a way for the Council's in both Cities to work through the issue to protect the Davis's and other neighbors'nghts, and allow everyone to enjoy the trail. San Ramon City Managcr Hcrb Moniz discussed the hackground of the San Ramon trail. From City of San Ramon's perspective, the EVA gates should always be locked to vehicle access. Cars were accessing the EV A gate and at that pomt, the gate was locked, He asked that San Ramon just put 111 a pedestrian gate and San Ramon Public Works advised him that the City of Dublin had five foot strip of land there, so the City of Dublin would need to be contacted to put in the pedestrian gate and that was where it was. He quoted from the ADA Conditions of Approval, Page 6, 8d, "Applicant shall make arrangements with the City of Dublin for extension of the EVA easement into Dublin from the street J on the final Map app]ieation." On Page ]2, #]2, "Prior to fihng a final map, developer shall submit detail improvement plans for planned trail facilities to the PlaIUling Dept. and other appropriate agencies for review and approval. These plans shall be integrated with other plaIUled train facilities and EV As, Details of the EV As shall be submitted for review and approvaL" City could not find any submissions. San Ramon Councilmember Dave Hudson discussed thc longstanding, close relationship between the two cities, We should not be putting gates across trails. He said maybe there needs to be more coordination in finding out who is vandalizing the trails, so as to not have to close off trails. There needs to be a way to Improve trails, not go backwards. And make parks and trails local beyond county and city lines. The Liaison Committee Members all continued the discussion on the nced to find alternatives to connect the two Cihes' trails for the enjoyment of the pubhc, not impose on the nearby homeowners, and alleviate vandahsm on the trail. Mr. Davis reiterated that there should be signage up to explam what was going on with the gate. 4}; of 4- 7 Mayor Lockhart stated that the Liaison Committee had heard from everyone in attendance and would now go back to its' respective City Councils and have d,s<,;ussions about what could be done to accommodate residents and ncighbors and creative fhlllklllg needed to take place. But she could impress on the Dublin City Council, there was great interest to enjoy this trail. Staff needed speak to talk to thc neighbors to get their lllput and that the Davis were at the meeting to gIVe their point of view and hear others point of view An attcndcc asked iffhe Idea of eOnneetlllg the Alamo Creek Trail with the other would require an environmental work study to which City Manager Ambrose statcd yes and It could take months. Mayor Lockhart advised that an EIR does not always give you the answers you want Meeting adjourned at 5.22 p.m. LAW OFFICES OY 41 of +7 GAGEN McCOY GAGEN, McCOY, McMAHON, KOSS, MARKOWITZ & RAINES 4. PPOlft:SSlONAL CORPORATION WILLlAt,fnA[fI:!N,JIl. GRf.OORY L, Mccoy PATlI:ICKJ. MCMAHON CHARLES f\., Koss MICllAELJ. MARKOWITZ RlCIIARDC. RAINEs BAkDARA DUVAL JEVfI3LL RO!l~k.'1' M. F ANUCCI Al.l.AN C. MOOltE Sn:p/iEI'Il,8IJf.Hl. A1'.IANDA BEVINS MAil-TIN L\'SuNS KATHERINE $, i.'.F;.I.,.I.7.NY ERlC S. QUANDT LAI,!RF.N E. Do\)G~ ANNA CLAVllR.lA BRAN".NAN SARAH S. NIX July 7, 2006 DANVILLE Of,'.l-'ICE 279 FRONT STREET P,O, Box 218 DANVILLE, CALIFORNIA 94526-0218 TELEPHONE: (925) 837-05Rj FAX; (925\ 838-W85 ~:.ll1';.~1-i ~~1\,~f;:'S,~.~ . ~ .'.,~ "',....i'i....~. '" \,:"11",. NAH V ALLEY OFflCE THE OFF1CES AT SOUTHERIDOE 1030 MAIN STREET, SUITf. 212 ST. HELENA. CALTFORN1A 94574 TELEPHONE; (707) 963-0909 FAX; (701)Y63-5527 PluatRtrplylO; OF COUNSEl. LINN K. COoMIlS liP I 'lilJr fW1': ,~~/~~(S Danville . Via Facsimile (925/829-92~81 and U.S. Mail 1(J1!~ ':' ~'~'L' :1. .l i,W,,,,"'.!r<,<~~,ll Melissa Morton Public Works Director City of Dublin 1 00 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 Re: Alamo Creek Bicyde Path Proposcd Pedestrian Gate at Crossridge Road Dear Ms. Morton: Our offices continue to represent David and Terry Davis ("the Davis Family") and other concerned neighbors in the Ridgecreek and Woodlands subdivisions regarding the proposed opening of a pedestrian gate at the Crossridge Road terminus to connect thc City of San Ramon's emergency vehicle access (EV ^) to the Alamo Creek Path ("the Path"). As you know, the Davis Family homc is the nearest to the location of this proposed site. I would like to thank you for the opportunity provided to us to voice our clients' concern at the City of Dublin/City of San Ramon Liaison Committee Meeting ("the Liaison Committee Mecting") on June 7, 2006 The Davis Family and I felt that this meeting was very productive and infonnative As outlined in the letter to Elizabeth H. Silver from Allan C Moore of our office, the history of the Alamo Creek Trail dates back to the mid-80's, when the Ridgecreek subdivision was first approved. At that time, the City Council spccifically addressed the question of whether public access should be allowed to the Alamo Creek area and rejected the idea. Thc City Council cited "security and maintenance issues" as the reason for their opposition to the development of trails adjacent to Zone 7 facilities. These issucs persist to this day, and thc additional foot and bicyclc traffic created by opening the proposed gate will only compound the problems. P.\CLACMd5345\Morton Ltr 07(}706.doc A1'fACBMENT L Melissa Morton July 7, 2006 Page 2 45of47 Nothing in the path's history suggests that public access to the path could be considered at a future datc. In fact, the existing Alamo Creek path was constructed pursuant to a mitigated negative declaration (MND), which found that the new path would not have significant irnpacts only under the assumption that the path "is anticipated to be a local pathway used by local Dublin residents and (their) visitors." Only under these circumstances could the MND conclude that privacy and noise impacts would be minimal. When the MND was published, the Davis Family and other concerned neighbors challenged its findings and the proposed construction of the Path. This began a process of good-faith negotiations with the City of Dublin, which resulted in a compromise settlcment agreement The City Attorney's letter of September 17, 2003 and a response from our office dated September 19, 2003 outline thc terms of the settlement These letters confirm that the concerned neighbors would refrain from filing a judicial challenge to the City's approval and construction of the path only under specific conditions tailored to address the privacy, noise, and related environmental concerns of the Davis Family and the concerned neighbors. These conditions are also outlined in the above-referenced letter from Allan C. Moore to Elizabeth Silver. In my opinion, opening of the BV A gate or creating a connection to the Path from San Ramon in any location would be contrary to the spirit and the letter of the settlemcnt agrcemcnt, and to the assumptions and conclusions of the mitigated negative declaration. The history and the intent of the original approvals for the Path preclude the opening of this gate and the creation of any other connection to San Ramon. However, the Liaison Committec Mccting gavc cvcryonc the opportunity to hear the positions of people on all sides of this issue. My clients remain sensitive to the needs of the Dublin High School cross-country team to utilize the Path to host regional meets. If the school wishes to host such a meet, the Davis family would not oppose use of the Path for this purpose, but only under the following conditions. (1) that the Path be utilized only for regional meets and not for regular practices, (2} that the number of meets is limited to three per year; (3) that cach neighbor within 300 feet of the Path is given 30 days' notice for each meet; and (4) that the school assumes responsibility for policing the area for excess litter and incidental damages when the meet is over It should be noted that this concession is a violation of the Path's intended use; therefore, such limited use must be the exception, and not the rule. The City should also notify the school that any violation of these provisions will result in a revocation of the priviledge of using the Path. A connection to the existing concrete path in the Bent Creek subdivision on the San Ramon side of the fen<,;e was also discussed in the Liaison Committee Meeting. This connedion would dearly violate the SpIrit and the letter of the settlement agreement, the MND and the stated intent for the local use of the Path, The Path is a designated as a bicycle and nature trail. Any connection from Bent Creek, or any other San Ramon f.,\CLACM\35345\Morl0!l Ltr 0707Mi.doc Melissa Morton July 7, 2006 Page 3 40o.f-4-7 location, would transform the Path from a nature trail to a thoroughfare. The connection would create a path that threatens the long-term health of three protected heritage oaks and would severely degrade the environmental quality of the hillside. In addition, the privacy needs of the neighbors, which were so carefully addressed in the settlement agreement and the MND, would be severely compromised. In summary, our clients continue to object to opening the gate or creating any connection between the EVA and the Path. However, they are willing to support a compromise provision for the Dublin High School cross country team to utilize the Path under the limitations outlined above. We ask that the City reject any proposal to open the connection between the EVA and the Path. In addition, we ask that the City formally accept the dedication of the "spite strip" that was dedicated to the City when the Ridgccreek subdivision was initially approved. Thank you for your consideration of these issues. Please call me if you have any questions. Sincerely, 7~ <:v~ Martin E. Lysons MEL:kra cC' David and Terry Davis Richard Ambrose Herb Moniz F"\CLACM\35345\Morton Ltr U711706.dm; Alamo Creek Bicycle Path at Crossridge Road 70f '+7 I'IIroeI!I 0 ~ 100 111II :DI 4XI ~ IIIIID ~ '__All.... ~_. ATTAC ,.