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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - February 9, 2010 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010 A. Roll Call by City Clerk An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, February 9, 2010, commencing at 7:01 a.m. Present: Council Member Hansen, Council Member Johnson, Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, and Mayor Katzakian Absent: Council Member Mounce Also Present: City Manager King, City Attorney Schwabauer, and City Clerk Johl B. Topic(s) B-1 Presentation on the California High -Speed and Regional Rail Program (CD) City Manager King briefly introduced the subject matter of the Statewide High Speed Train System. Interim Community Development Director Rad Bartlam introduced Brian Schmidt of the Rail Authority to provide the presentation. Mr. Schmidt provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Statewide High Speed Train System. Specific topics of discussion included connecting cities throughout California, Merced to Sacramento Section, purpose of high speed train project, current and projected need, what are high speed trains, grade separations, typical sections along alignment, California Environmental Quality Act/National Environmental Policy Act process, potential environmental issues, potential Sacramento high speed train (HST) station location, potential Stockton HST station location, potential Modesto station locations, potential Merced HST station location, HST project process, alternatives analysis process, California high speed train prior milestones, public participation, and the Central Valley working group. In response to Council Member Hansen, Mr. Schmidt stated there is no difference other than terminology between regional rail and commuter rail. In response to Council Member Hansen, Mr. Schmidt stated there is no documentation to indicate who stated approximately seven to eight years ago that Lodi does not want commuter rail coming through the City. In response to Council Member Hansen, Mr. Schmidt stated a letter from the City Council indicating that they are interested in high speed rail and regional rail stops in the City is good. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Schmidt stated both high speed and regional rail would run parallel and the support is needed for both simultaneously. In response to Mayor Katzakian, Mr. Schmidt stated high speed rail would require new tracks that may run parallel to existing tracks to the extent possible with separate right of ways. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. King stated a new track would require a right of way acquisition of land possibly parallel to Highway 99. Mr. Schmidt stated it would most likely run east of the Union Pacific track but engineers have not yet looked at specific design and cost alternatives. Continued February 9, 2010 In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. Bartlam stated the high speed segment will not stop in Lodi, the closest stop is Stockton, and the question of opportunity is to use the alignment for regional rail purposes. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. Schmidt stated some of the impacts of high speed rail going through town would be elevated structure, 50 foot wide right of way, two to four tracks, and noise should be nominal compared to freight trains. Mr. Schmidt also discussed the anticipated frequency of round-trip trips. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Schmidt stated the modeling process is being reviewed and options for sharing tracks and mixing services are being considered. In response to Mayor Katzakian, Mr. Schmidt stated the typical passenger ridership in Europe for high speed rail is 1,000 people per set. In response to Council Member Hansen, Mr. Schmidt stated regardless of the ballot measure, due to federal funding, high speed rail efforts will move forward although it may not be built for some time. Mr. King stated it is his understanding that the main purpose of high speed rail in California is to connect the Los Angeles area with the Bay Area. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Schmidt stated true high speed would occur around the Bakersfield area where there is room to go over 200 miles per hour. In response to Council Member Hansen, Mr. Schmidt stated the projected commute from Los Angeles to San Francisco is two hours and twenty minutes including station stops. General discussion ensued among the City Council, Mr. King, and Mr. Schmidt regarding the European rail system and how it would compare to the proposed high speed and commuter rail system in California. In response to Council Member Hansen, Mr. Schmidt stated the bond that passed over a year ago for high speed rail in California was approximately $9.95 billion and was designed to be a matching funding source for scoping, design, and some construction. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. King stated the item will be placed for Council consideration on the February 17 agenda in order to ensure a timely response for the February 26 scoping period deadline. In response to City Manager King, Mr. Schmidt stated he does not believe any American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funding was received for the Merced to Sacramento rail option, as the funding that was received was primarily for Los Angeles to San Francisco. In response to Mayor Katzakian, Mr. Schmidt stated other areas competing for high speed rail funds include Chicago, the Midwest, Florida, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Seattle, although California received more than any other state. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Schmidt confirmed that the worst case scenario is that if Lodi does not accept high speed rail, it may not get regional rail either. Myrna Wetzel spoke in support of utilizing the multi -modal station in light of the cost and effort that went into its construction. C. Comments by Public on Non -Agenda Items - None. N Continued February 9, 2010 Adjournment No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 a.m. ATTEST: Randi Johl City Clerk AGENDA ITEM 1; 0" CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA TITLE: Presentation on the California High-speed and Regional Rail Program MEETING DATE: February9, 2010 PREPARED BY: Community Development Director RECOMMENDED ACTiION: Presentation on the California High-speed Rail Program and its implication for Regional Rail. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: As the City Council is aware, the California High-speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is preparing an Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIWEIS) for the Merced to Sacramento High Speed Train (HST) Project as part of the state-wide system. The Statewide Program EIRIEIS generally selected the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) corridor for the high-speed train route from Sacramento to Stockton. However, due to federal regulations under the Clean Water Act and because the UPRR alignment option may have more potential impacts to waters and biological resources, the Central California Traction (CCT) alignment option will also be evaluated as part of the Project EIWEIS. The Burlington Northern/Santa Fe (BNSF) corridorwas selected for the route between Stockton and Merced. The alignment selected uses the UPRR corridor through the portion of the Central Valley from Merced to just south of Stockton, and the BNSF corridor was recommended for further study in this area for the Project EIRIEIS, Stations are planned in Merced, Modesto, Stockton and Sacramento. Brian Schmidtfrom the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission will be present at the Shirtsleeve meeting to provide an overview of the program and a status of the segment from Sacramento to Merced as well as its implicationsfor regional rail service. FISCAL IMPACT: NIA FUNDING AVAILABLE: NIA dt Bartlam Community Development Director APPROVED: /-�`— B air ' , City Manager Sm F"M*M TM TN X el-" y r t`r # \ t R 1 1 Rd++r Lftmfw p LOW Area Rwfnurd MST ff*ft Pubb: L + Aftw" Corridor Ril Pp*a 543ae Pans $�ppp5 D ow 5P M O VYMT • Paft"Ul Subw 9 9aenc u5 r L= OL Oax ap C&WQMft FrrtYM wyrar�q MW MhBff" "W ZEM. olfunry Paaraes , axy LegK}' PmKd MM-, U, Ugpt et Fen m4G m 19% -11"." -1-1 Connecting: • San Francisco Bay Area • Los Angeles • Orange County • San Diego • Inland Empire • Central Valley • Sacramento OD U.S_ Depo"nr cauraanrda Of TronsporlOon fivapf-Mr-M RAM ALPrhhNM Federal Rallroad (4 Adminfamffen StaWde Map .S- ,epa"nr •� � Of Transpor1Oon rnuar arr 'AAL Fsdelul Rallrvnd OD'A'dmInidnitfan Purpose of the High Speed Train Project — Provide a new rode of high-speed intercity travel that would link the Central Valley to the Bay Area and Southern California — Interface with international airports, mass transit, and highways — Provide added capacity to meet increases in intercity travel demand in California in a manner sensitive to and protective of California's unique natural resources Current and Projected Need — Expected growth in population — Increases in intercity travel demand — Increases in travel delays arising from the growing congestion on California's highways and airports — Intercity highway system, commercial airports, and conventional passenger rail serving the intercity varlet at or near capacity — Negative effects on the economy, quality of life, and air quality in the San Joaquin Valley from highway and airport congestion US. Deportrt nt of rraanspomffion Federal Rahroad AdrWnidrer Ean i • Intercity passenger trains operating at speeds up to 220 miles per hour Tracks separated from roads and highways Proven Technology — Safe and Reliable — Successfully operating throughout Europe and Asia #ger High -Speed Trains Around the World California High -Speed Train Concept hinkaMnsen, Japan TGV, Frame Intercity Express, Germany QiCALIFCN N A HUH -SPEED A40L nL FHO€ fTY u_s_ Depoomeni Cowof Transportation Federal Railroad Administration Grade Separations �;000 1 . 00 nderDa �;000 1 . r zV �- Y W W WV -AF Aerial Structure r Row 1LF'4� I 1'-V 1(r,8R e 1 � • Portions of the alignment will need special structures to fit into built environment • Structures could include: • Aerial structures (bridges) • Embankments • t grad • Tunnels � IfItfLLSIGII lei kf18n ��+ , Highway Wrier ILL T i I 1 � F Hlg" Shared Highway Corridor Twin Single Track Tunnels U.S, Department +� of Transporkcmon Ainii on'AtL ederol Rallroad AdmTnts mftn The Environmental Review Process and planning activities associated with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQ ) and the National Environmental Policy Act (TEPA) will: Identify significant environmental impacts • Evaluate reasonable alternatives that could reduce or avoid environmental impacts * Develop detailed mitigation (ways to reduce or avoid environmental impacts) • Provide information for public review and comment * Disclose to decision makers the impacts, mitigation, and public comments u,s' pepgrftMrr ja �,,,,.�,,. of rrcnapartcmu7 AtfrHOMM Rallrcad Aamlr rtra M * Aesthetics and Visual Quality * Agricultural Resources/ Farmland * Air Quality J Climate Change • Biological Resources and Wetlands * Construction Impacts • Historic, Archaeological and Paleontological Resources • Cumulative Impacts and Secondary Impacts * Electromagnetic Interference/ Electromagnetic Frequency * Geology, Soils and Seismicity * Hydrology, Water Resources and Floodplai ns * Hazardous Materials/ Wastes • Impact to Low Income and Minority Populations * Land Use and Planning * Noise and Vibration * Parks, Recreation and Open Space * Population and Housing * Public Utilities and Energy * Safety and Security * Socioeconomic and Community Impacts * Traffic and Circulation u,s.aepomn M GAL.Ronm4of ircnspcwkAw AtfrHOMM'°u F rot Ralircad 1lbmin["raffm .b-j U.S. Dertment CAUFGRNIA Potential Sacramento of anportation 4")GH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY 4W Federal Railroad i ■I iT r,qb t i Iri ■ Adrninistrurion Ummenta srat(on (iadyardl P��r:'° Modcalo Slal�on� Aar ti ru 1 ^ ( I jF1' ,•i . Y' ?I .i is _._.-i Aka Potential Merced HST Station Location 41 WIP '49 lei ik r . . # Aw 40 440 N 44 caw t C., jkt4b F jkRgo AF' ' ti �i' - $ ' T i t' - + #' t• � 4, Now ,�":; rte' A HST Project Process ,articulate Project Alternatives Purpose & Analysis Need I Draft * Iua: •Preliminary Design •Corridor Environmental Impacts — Technical Studies Prepare Draft Merced to Sacramento EIR/EIS PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC SCOPING REVIEW COMMENT Ongoing Community & Agency Meetings, Interviews, Communications Formally Certify Final Merced to Sacramento EIR/EIS Alternatives Analysis Process Lead Agency Working Group Review Initial Development of Alternatives Revised Definition of Alternatives Agency/ Public/ Stakeholder Outreach Project Alternatives Workshop Lead Agency Working Group Review Draft Alternatives Analysis Report Final Alternatives Agency/ Public/ Stakeholder Outreach Analysis Report Project Description CA High -Speed Train Prior Milestones A-deiAD,, --Ic.hc.c.o Cor-r-Idor 3a,/ 6 T to & th Sa-) ic,,;.c... Hch Fra--§,,c.c. Cc.:-tral Speed Vflloy R /IProcram 11771 Alic, I Pr -og ra -r, r�Ca.Pitrnia B,./Hess S �, I S EIR ---I S P 1 I _ _ Propcsitic I E� n L:��r. f ��,] Cc.r.t"IfIc..c. 1.4. — A7 A-deiAD,, a --Ic.hc.c.o Cor-r-Idor Corr'dor, & th Sa-) ic,,;.c... Fra--§,,c.c. a Thank you for attending today's scoping meeting. Please fill out a comment sheet, hand it to a staff person or leave it in the comment bones provided at each station. If you rant to comment outside the meeting, here is how to provide input: Written Comments — California High -Speed Rail Authority Mr. Dan Leavitt, Deputy Director Attn. Merced to Sacramento H TProjectEIR/EIS 925 L Street, Suite 1425 Sacramento, CA 9.5814 Fax: (916) 322-0827 Emailed Comments— California High -Speed Rail Authority comments@hr.ca.ov Include in the subject Ione. Merced to Sacramento HST Comments gust be received no later than February 26, 2010. For more protect information visit the authority's website: www.cahighspeedraii.ca.gov GO ALUMNUff US Depo�rrnvnt f3Of rranspomffion Federal Ranroad AdrWn1drer Ean CALIFORNIA Ofr� High -Speed l ailutholt t Admin llaaior AL-TAMONT C nKANAUTER EXRF&ESS RAIL COMMMON AW .wa �� *�+ �y�� yvy�.PW w N ACtivitieS ■ Partners with # Autharlty ftoughout the project development process ■ Guidance on local Issues, development plans, and poliides Assist In developing and evaluating alternatives * Develop consensus regarding project goals, objectWes and F jor elemerrts ■ Participation In pub9c involvement activMes and events - Ualsons to local communities Altamont Commuter Express * Calif mta High -Speed Rail A#fthority •California Partnership for San Joaquin Valley * Caltrans Division of Rail* City of Elk Grwe *City of Galt 9 M of Lodi *City of Merced * City of Modesbo +City of Sacramento *City of Turlock e Merced County. Wrced County Asodation of Governments * Sacramento Council of Governmwt * Sacramento County * SacTamerito Regional Transit Disbr San Joaquin County Council of Guyemment * Sari ]oaquin Regional Rail Commission Stanislauts Council of Governments Stenlslaus County