HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 18, 1992 (85)AGENDA TITLE: Recommendations of the Parks and Recreation
Commission and the Mokelumne River Access Task Force
MEETING DATE: March 18, 1992
PREPARED BY: Parks and Recreation Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council review the findings of
both the Parks and Recreation commission and
Mokelumne River Access Task Force committee and
adopt policies directed toward access and
coordination of the nokelumne River with the County where needed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In September of 1991, Mayor David
Hinchman and the City Council directed
the formation of a Mokelumne River Access
Task Force to address the many and varied
issues of the Mokelumne River, the focal point of which would be
AWJ� - current and/or needed. Mr. Hinchman, upon consultation,
indicated to appointed Chairman Bob Johnson and Staff Department
Head Ron Williamson, that other and varied issues of the river be
discussed and recommendation should be brought forward to the
Council at an appropriate time when findings were concluded and
conclusive.
A committee of seven members was selected and approved by Mayor
Hinchman - Bob Johnson, Chairman; R. E. Thull, Russ Munson; Jsrry
d lr; John Kindsltth; B9b Sternfels; and pat Coillstor . The
committee conducted four public hearings to discuss the issue of
the Mokelumne River and related areas. The dates of those meetings
were October 23. 1991, November 19. 1991, December 10- 1991, and
January 14. 19ka. All meetings were publicized and notifications
to all committee members, interested parties, City Council, Parks
and Recreation Commissioners, and City Staff took place. Likewise,
minutes at the conclusions of all meetings were forwarded to all
parties listed above. The Lodi News Sentinel/ Stockton Record
covered the meetings and did feature articles on same. "The Public
was informed."
APPROWD.
THOMAS A. PETERSON r.crc4s owr
CRY
=.x
Recommendations
Uokelumne River
March 18, 1992
Page 2
of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the
Access Task Force
After concluding all meetings of the Task Force, their findings and
recommendations were presented to the Parks and Recreation
Commission at a "SPECIAL ME HG MELD TUESDAY, EE§RUARX It. 199-2.10
at which time the Commission reviewed the findings and
recommendations of the Task Force and likewise made appropriate
recommendations as they saw and see the issues of the Mokelumne
River.
Included with the Council Cwunication, you will find rwhibft a -
Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Meeting of February 18, 1992,
and Commission Motions; Mbit B - Uinutes of the Mokelumne River
Access Task Force Committee and their motions/ Recommendations;
Wil" - Visuals of primary areas - Lodi Lake Park Access-
-Point -
(I will have overhead projections on these points of emphasis.)
Mr. Bob Johnson, who has served admirably in chairing the February
18 and all'Task Force meetings, will be present to discuss is
detail the findings and recommendations of both groups, as yell as
Staff members, Ron Williamson, and Scott fssin, and City Attorney
Bcb McNatt, who was present at all Task Force and Commission
maetings. (Mr. McNatt should likewise be cooplimented for his
services, dedication, and interest in providing us with legal
opinion and counsel when and where needed.)
FMING: -At-this point, this is an unknown until action is taken
and policy formed.
Ron Williamson
Director of Parks and Recreation
RW:srb
cc: Bob McNatt, City Attorney
Attachments
F. NO1'.i: i A
LODI PARKS AND RECREATION COKMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
Tggsday. February is. 1992
I. Ro11 Ja11
Present - Commissioners: Chairperson Bob Johnson. Bob
Casalegno, Steve. Scott,. Elvers Melby. Also present, Bob
McNatt, City Attorney. Staff: Ron Williamson, Marilyn Field,
Scott Essin.
11. agenda T tem
A. Mokelumna_ River Access Task Force Review and
Chairperson Johnson gave a recap of the four Task Fnrce
committee meetings from October 1991 through January
1992. Tonight's recommendations will be presentedto the
Lodi City Council at the March 18, 1992, meeting.
Mr. Johnson introduced Committee member, Bob Sternfels,
who reviewed the "consolidated" motion covering following
issues:
A. Five mph speed limit - City properties
B. Five mph speed limit -non-City properties
C. Comprehensive Xaster Plan
D. Public access at Lodi Lake Park
E. Enforcement recommendation
F. Scenic Overlook park consideration
G. Thorpe property access recommendation
H. Access through Mokelumne Village
I. Highway 99 Bridge, Arnaiz property
J. Other related areas -future planning.
B. public Input
Approximately, sixty people gathered in the Carnegie
Forum to speak to the' Lodi Parks and Recreation
Commission with regard to the Consolidated Motion that
was passed by the Mokelumne River Access Task Force
committee.
The following individuals spoke on the issue of
establishing the Scenic Overlook as a public park with
access to this park from Mokelumne Village streets, or
from an easement placed on the Thorpe property. All of
the individuals listed below were very much against the
City developing the Scenic Overlook as a public park.
All of them cited the increased traffic, parking
problems, and vandalism as major concerns.
The following individuals are against theThorpe Property
access recommendation:
Martin Thorpe
Pat Stocker
C. Commission Action/Recommendation
A. On motion by Steve Scott and second by Bob
Casalegno, a five mph speed limit on the Mokelunne
River be imposed adjacent to all City of Lodi
properties.
Ayes - Scott, Casaleqno, Johnson and Melby
Noes - None
Motion carried 4 - 0
B. On motion by Elvera Melby and second by Bob
Casalegno, that all other areas, (private
properties) along the Mokelumne River, be
encouraged to likewise adopt and go before the
Board of Supervisors to create a five mph speed
limit through the river expanse of Woodbridge
Regional Park to those areas in the eastern section
of the City limits and areas for future
considerations.
Ayes - Melby, Casalegno, Johnson
Noes - Steve Scott
Motion carried 3 - 1
C_ On motion by Elvera Melby and second by Bob
Casalegno, a Comprehensive Master Plan of the
Mokelumne River addressing access, development,
preservation, maintenance and resource management
be adopted and completed as a joint venture of the
City of Lodi and County of San Joaquin, to address
the present and the future of the river area.
Include primarily those areas within the City
limits, but consider the total expanse from
Woodbridge Regional Park, Knight's Lake, and
properties and concerns for same on the north side
of the river to the eastern City limits and new
planned areas to come.
Ayes - Melby, Casalegno, Johnson, Scott
Noes - None
Motion carried 4 - 0
-3-
H. On motion by Bob casale,jno and second by Elvera
Melby, it was unanimously aqrerd there ,could be no
access through the Mokelumne Village streets, with
the exception of City maintenance .,chicles.
Ayes - Casa legn.j, Melby, Johnson, Scott
Hoes - None
Motion carried 4 - 0
I. On motion by Bob Casalegno and second by Elvera
Melby, that the Highway 99 bridge/elood plain be
encouraged for preservation and a wetlands ar -a; no
access be allowed at this time. It is suggested
that vacant lots be fenced and signed to disallow
trespassing at the Yokuts cul-de-sac. That this
area be a part of the Comprehensive Master Plun and
considered for preservation and to be left natural.
Ayes - Casalegno, Melby, Scott, Johnson
Noes - None
Motion carried 4 - 0
J. On motion by Elvera Melby and second by Bob
Casalegno, the areas of Knight's Lake, Woodbridge
Regional Park, and the eastern boundaries of the
City limits be a part of the overall "big picture"
of future consideration and public access. That
these areas likewise be a part of the Comprehensive
Master Plan and be addressed. That areas on the
North bank of the Mokelumne River, not previously
addressed, be considered for future river resources
and encourage formation of a river bank maintenance
district for more economical erosion control.
111. Meeting Adiourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharron Baumbach, Department Secretary
Reviewed and edited,
Ron Williamson, Director of Parks and Recreation
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EXU1 81 7 B
Ni—I it U ,r i.
MOKELUMNE RIVER ACCESS TASK FORCE COMMITTEE
CARNECIE FOIZUi1
'Cuesdav, 5anuary 14, 1992
A. Roll Call,,
Present: Committee Members - Chairperson, Bob Johnson; R. E.
Thull; Russ Munson; Jerry Neuburger; John Kindseth; Bob
Sternfels. Also present - Sgt. Rector of San Joaquin County
Sheriff's Office; Bob McNatt, city Attorney, Ron Williamson,
Director of Parks and Recreation; Scott Essin, Parks
Superintendent.
Late: Pat Coulston
Minutes - of December 10, 1991 meeting. Mr. Frank Alegre
telephoned and requested that an addition be made to the
minutes (a copy has been handed out to the committee members)
as follows: "We provide access to the Mokelumne river at Lodi
Lake at a cost to the taxpayer. We can't control what we now
have; no additional access needed."
Motion to accept the minutes as amended by Bob Johnson and
second by Jerry Neuburger. The motion was carried.
B. Puj2lig figgess PointgZareamon the MokgjymDe-RiverwiLthin C -y
T imi to and/or other 1 oral reconni 7.ed areas_
Included with tonight's Agenda was a separate sheet indicating
proposed access areas, which we have discussed at our
last meeting.
The members of the task force received a memorandum dated
January 10, 1992, from Bob Sternfels, one of our members. WhO
indicated that he would propose a motion at this January 14
meeting. We have attached a copy of this MOTION dated January
10, 1992, to be made a part of these minutes.
Jerry Neuburger asked for clarification of wording on the
Cirst page of Mr. stern[e115 memorandum, under Lodi Take Park
- Controls with reference to "Mokelumne dam." He inquired if
Mr. Sternfels was talking about the "Woodbridge dam." Mr.
Sternfels replied that he was referring to the llwoodbridge
dam."
-1-
Question from Russ Munson - I s it the 11. 1. D. I s pos it. ion that
they have no intention of letting ,pater back in that area,
that they want to leave it in its current state_? Mr.
Christenson responded that is the W.I.D.'s plan for Kniyht's
Lake.
naa Pnrtar_ 103 Knni rnivrt [MOKeluMne 1l
Questions: (1) Full-time park patrol on duty when park is
open? ( 2 ) Will swimming be a l lo'. ped? ( 3 ) Will there be onqoing
river patrol? (4) will property adjacent to park be fcncod?
(5) What about transient encampment across the river?
(Question directed toward Scenic Overlook property.)
Chairman Johnson's response - to address the question of
property adjacent to park being fenced, there would have to be
various considerations in doing this. The access would be via
the road that was described by Mr. Williamson and there would
be somebody there to control access and collect fees. Since
it would be a city swim area, a lifeguard would be on duty.
Park rangers, obviously would be in and out of the park on an
ongoing patrol. Your questions about the Sheriff's patrol on
the river is something that is controlled by them, and would
be on an "as need" basis as indicated by Sqt. Rector.
Comment from committee - the hours of operation would be
similar to those at Lodi Lake Park. Anyone in there at
unauthorized times would be violating the trespass law and
obviously something could be done. The hour.;would be posted
and there would be a much greater opportunity for enforcement
with the property improved than as it is right now.
Mr. Coulston asked Dee Porter to identify the piece Of
property described in her question (4) above. She said it was
the property east of the City property; she beiieves it
belongs to Arnaiz. In reference to Ms. Porter's comment of
the problem with the transient encampment, she informed the
Committee that at about 5:00 P.M., every evening, individuals
gather on the north side of the river. At certain times
during the year (as soon as the picking season starts), they
have a large encampment. When questioned as to the name of
the property owner on the north side of the area, Ms. Porter
said she didn't know.
Comment from Sgt. Rector - They will respond "as needed." His
staff will have to look at the traffic that is generated from
new installations to determine whether or not they would be
putting more people in that area. They have limited
resources, six officers besides himself, patrolling the entire
Delta and coning to our area on an "on call" basis.
-3-
Pet Storkdr. P. U. Box 673. Yictor - Thanked Mr. 5ternfels for
the Motion he prepared. Some oversiqhts, one being Kniqht's
Lake. Entire westerly bank of Knight's Lake owned by Mr.
Stocker and his father-in-law, and has been developed - in
pastura at this point, bcinq in internittont pasture over the
last 30-35 years. As waters receded, they have reseeded and
put into pasture.
Rarbara Bowers. 419 Swall2w Lane. Lodi. Suggested looking at
Cal Trans property for river access, mostly for boating.
Chairman Johnson's question to Ms. Bowers - when she addressed
her comments to the Mokelumne Access December meeting, her
comment, as interpreted in the minutes, was that she was
concerned about the private property area (floodplain area)
being harmed, and now it appears she is advocating opening it
up. Ms. Bowers responded with floodplain, aqain, is low land
area, and sensitive in the winter months, when she suggested
this is closed. Any traffic generated on the other side
wouldn't harm the floodplain area, because there is a corridor
Of land that is a barricade between the two.
17QYCe S1,11Iyan_ 1A1dapwnnd D iy _ rpdk. Inquired as to who
Would conduct the study referred to in Mr. Sternfel's Kotion
under Woodbridae Development - Type of Access. What kind of
a committee? Committee of Lodi residents, or who? Mr.
Sternfels responded by saying this portion of Motion was a
general overall recommendation, adding that there is nothing
in mind, i.e., another advisory committee.
Ms. Sullivan inquired if Mr. Stcrnfcls had been to the
Woodbridge area, at the Woodbridge County Regional Park.
Beyond, a little further to the west, is property that's in
the floodplain, as that goes behind the Woodbridge sewage
treatment pond, between the river and the pond area. Wildlife
and habitat is in existence right now. She added that there
was no parking provided to the public, that it's a free park,
and there for foot traffic. Ms. Sullivan encourages this
Committee's recommendation to the City council that it explore
a little more broadly into floodplain property, particularly
along the south bank of the Mokelumne River in back of those
future subdivisions, and preserve that floodplain for natural
habitat. Ms. Sullivan reemphasized her original point brought
Out at the December meeting - it's important that this Task
Force look at the long-range thing - not looking only to the
next five years or ten years - but off into the future, at
least twenty years from now. Look at the "big picture" and
long-range plan.
-5-
**(With reqard to tho action that the committoc took to
address speed limits adjacnnt to City proporty, it is
rscommendcd by the committoe that the private property owneru,
likewise, would request a 5 mph speed limit adjacent to their
property and they, as individuals or as a group, should submit
a request to the county Board of Supervisors.) Confirmed by
the Task Force Committee.
Mr. Sternfel's Motion was taken piece by piece as follows:
WMEMEHSIVE PLAN
That the City of Lodi adopt a Mokelumna River Comprehensive
Plan of access, development, preservation, maintenance and
resource management for the Mokelumne River from Highway 99 to
Lodi Lake.
On NOTION by Jerry Neuburger and second by Bob Sternfels, it
is recommended that the City of Lodi adopt a Mokelumne River
Comprehensive of access, development, preservation,
maintenance and resource management for the Mokelumne River
from Highway 99 to Lodi Lake Park.
Ayes - Neuburger, Sternfels, Johnson, Kindseth, Thull.
Coulston, Munson. Motion carried 7 - 0.
SAL OVERVIEW - As this portion of Mr. Sternfel's Motion
addresses specifics later on, it was aqreed to go to SPECIFIC
PLAN COMPONENTS
LOD I LAKE PARK
On MOTION by Robert Sternfels and second by Bob Johnson,
watercraft shall have unobstructed access to the Mokelumne
River from Lodi Lake.
Ayes - Sternfels, Johnson, Neuburger, Kindseth, Thull,
Coulston, Munson. Motion carried 7 - 0.
CONTROLS
On MOTION by Bob Johnson and second by Russ Munson, activities
on Lodi Lake relative to alternating between speed boats and
non -powered boats and their days and hours of operation remain
the same and be reviewed by City staff.
Ayes - Johnson, Munson, Sternfels, Neuburger, Xindseth, Thull.
Coulston. Motion carried 7 - 0.
Committee aqreed to pass on issues of gates, log booms, and
floats and leave these controls to City staff.
-7-
THORPS PROPERTY
SLiriF.$_4Ls`'t,["$A119 "I
on *i- by Hobert Sternfels and second by Jarry Neuburger,
the roadway shall be shielded Cron the remainder of tho Thorpe
property, make the antranco attractive, and pnrkinq should be
self-contained at the new park.
Ayes - Sternfels, Neuburqer, Johnson, Kindaeth, Munson,
Coulston, Thull.
Motion carried 7 - 0.
SCENIC OVERLOOK
On WWT2H by Robert Sternfals and second by Jerry Neuburqer,
the City of Lodi should develop a nev "family" park at the
Scenic Overlook. Funding to be provided through State,
Federal, and/or City funds, which nay be available; beach and
small boat access to be provided; facilities for swimming,
picnic, sports, and qroup functions should emphasize family
utilization; convenient parking should bo on -!site.
Ayes - Sternfels, Neuburqer, Johnson, Coulston, Thull, Munson,
Ki�ndseth
Motion carried 7 - O.
On MM12H by Jerry Neuburger and second by Robert Sternfels,
an admission fee shall be charged, and security fencing,
signage, etc. used where needed (i.e. on streets in Mokflumne
Village.)
Ayes - Neuburger, Sternfels, Johnson, coulston, Thull, Munson.
Kindseth.
Motion carried 7 - O.
Ad WE
On NOTION by Jerry Neuburqer and second by Bob Sternfels,
that patrol be a joint effort of the City of Lodi and San
Joaquin County.
Ayes - Neuburger, Sternfels, Johnson, coulston, Thull, Munson,
Kindseth.
Notion carried 7 - 0.
90ER row_gTDF.RATTpNS
On MOTION by Bob Sternfels and second by Jerry Neuburger,
neighbors shall be shielded with proper fencing; maintain
river free of debris. Russ Hunson asked for an amendment to
Motion to add that the access should be via the existing city
streets (Mokelumna Village).
-9-
J
HIGHWAY 99 BRIDGE (Arnaiz Property)
OTHER CONSIDERAI C—S
On MOT1011 by Robert Sternfels and second by Jerry Neuburger,
neighbors shall be encouraged to renco vacant lots used for
unauthorized access.
Ayes - Sternfels, Neuburqer, Kindseth, Munson, Johnson,
Coulston, Thull
Motion carried 7 - 0.
On �Wl by Jerry Neuburger and second by Pat Coulston, the
flood plain property that we know as the Arnaiz property be
Considered by the City for future wetland or preservation, and
that the City address this as part of its plan for the
Mokelumne River area.
Ayes - Neuburger, Coulston, Sternfels, Kindseth, Munson,
Johnson, Thull.
Motion carried 7 - 0.
KNIGHT'S LAKE
TYPE OP AC' m
KWTON by Robert Sternfels and second by Pat Coulston to
return area to its original environment, specifically allowing
the river to back up in the area creating an actual lake area.
Ayes - Sternfels, Coulston, Neuburger, Kindseth, Thull, Munson
Johnson.
Motion carried 7 - 0.
WOODBRIDGE DEVELOPMENT
TYPE OF ACCESS
On NOT12M by Robert Sternfels and second by Jerry Neuburger,
the City shall coordinate with County of San Joaquin to
develop a comprehensive plan of development for Woodbridge
river area that will be'compatible with the City of Lodi
Mokelumne River Comprehensive Plan, and ask County to adopt a
5 mph speed limit.
Ayes - Sternfels, Neuburger, Kindseth, Cr Thu 11,
Johnson
Noes - Munson
Motion carried 6 - 0.
-11-
EXHIBIT C.
.401, i`•
`\
d
;�;�-IIIS
PETITION IN RESPONSE TO POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF
MOKELUMNE'VILLAGE SCENIC OVERLOOK (OLD CITY DUMP)
AS PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE MOKELUMNE RIVER
We, the undersigned residents cf Mokelumnc Village. do hereby formally go on public record
that we arc OPPOSED to any dcvelopmcnt of the Scenic OvLriook (old City of Lodi dumpsite
located at the wcsl end of our subdivision and highlighted on the attached map) bctausc adc-
quate, reliable information has not been compiled and analyzed to mitigate any impacts public
access at this location in a residential subdivision may haw.
& this point, before the Mokclumnc Enver Public Access Task Force makes its recommendation
to the City, and be we know their specific plans, we would like to be sure the followingttems
and potential impacts arc addressed, appmpriatc mitigatins measures arc developed, and an
implcmcnlalion, monitoring, and policing system is designed to assure the mitigating measures
arc ca rri e d out, prior to any recommendations concerning public a ccess to the M oke I u m ne River
through our sudivision:
1. Summary, extent and scope of project to accommodate public access
2. dict Land Use Plan
3 Traffic and Circulation
4. Public Utilities and Services
5. Population and Impact on Housing Values
b. Fiscal Effects
Z Energy Resources
a Gboac W and Soils
9. Water Resources
10.
Air Resources
11.
Biological Resources
12.
Cultural Resources
13.
Noise
14.
Hazardous Materials
15.
Insurance Liability
16
Railroad Trestle Danger
We do not believe sufficient information has been gathered to make any recommendations con-
cerning our subdivision. We, as a group arc prepared to do whatever is accessary to protect our
home values and make sure allalternatives are fully explored. including the actual heed formorc
public nccess, and that appmpriatcand reasonable mitigation measures arc incorporated in any
plan cf cluvdapment of the aforercfcrcnccdsitc.
Each and every homeowner undersigned would like to Ex put on the mailing list with any notices
of meetings, action, or decisions to be milled directly to each homeowner so we may individ-
ually, and as a group have our input on ;his very critical and controvers;,ii matter.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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la���t• ► ' • ► • " • a • ' iNigel
11 • ► 11 ► ► •ITM :4 ItersTIFf IMR M Bill
HOMEOWNER ADDRESS DA TE
►-9z
F/Sr z
44
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PETITION IN RESPONSE TO POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF
MOKELUMNE VILLAGE SCENIC OVERLOOK (OLD CITY DUMP)
AS PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE MOKELUMNE RIVER
HOMEOWNER ADDRESS
�G
r
)r
87
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PETITION
IN RESPONSE
TO
POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF
MOKELUMNE
VILLAGE
SCENIC
OVERLOOK (OLD CITY DUMP)
AS
PUBLIC ACCESS
TO
THE MOKELUMNE RIVER
ONESf DTESS
71 4: �„r 2P /]/Cloy 1d,01 l A" rr,v %>,P.
i a �' •1 �a• ' -' r
PETiI14N !N R Qt+ LIQ !CT�NTIALDjYFLQfMENf _OF
MQKr:LUMNE VILLAGE S QLlQ_QYER 01K i= CITY Um
AS PUBLIC A_CCU_S__TQJ_HE_M_0Kr;LUMhjF.
Jtfto
pecapll