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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - August 25, 2015 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015 A. Roll call by City Clerk The Special Joint Shirtsleeve Session with the City Council and the Lodi Recreation Commission of August 25, 2015, held at Lodi Lake Park Rotary Area, 1101 West Turner Road, was called to order by Mayor Johnson at 7:01 a.m. Present: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler, and Mayor Johnson Absent: Council Member Mounce Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo Also in attendance from the Lodi Recreation Commission were the following: Mike Carouba, Larry Long, and Mark Hamilton. NOTE: Council Member Kuehne arrived at 7:08 a.m. B. Topic(s) B-1 Overview of Lodi Lake Park Erosion and North Side Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project (PRCS) Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Jeff Hood provided an overview of the Lodi Lake Park Erosion and North Side Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project. Specific topics of discussion included grant application process, past failed attempts for grants aimed at Pigs Lake, contract with IFC Jones & Stokes for assistance, grant deadline of September 1, meetings with Lodi Recreation Commission and decision to focus entirely on the Lodi Lake Park North Side Restoration and Bank Project, and grant amount of $500,000 from the State of California with no required City match. Mr. Hood displayed photographs and diagrams of the existing conditions, current state of the park set-up, proposal for erosion mitigation, and the proposed trail, which will add 3,000 feet to the existing trail. Mr. Hood further detailed the proposed trails, which will include construction of a launch area for kayaks that will not erode the banks, path around the lake to the Rotary area, removal of a portion of the structure in the Rotary area, repair of wall, and continuation of the trail to the Youth Area ending at the new boat launch area. A call for volunteer labor will be made next winter to assist with plantings that will help stop erosion. In response to Mayor Johnson, Mr. Hood stated that individual views regarding the previous vegetation planting efforts vary from seeing short-term success to being ineffective from the beginning. Mr. Hood stated that the grant application will reflect that previous attempts were made to utilize vegetation to counteract erosion, and he added that Jones & Stokes has experience in this field and believes this strategy will be successful. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Hood stated that the grant application deadline is September 1 and the State's review timeline will depend on its staffing level, but he estimated the City should know by spring if it is in line for a site visit, after which he anticipated a four- to five- month construction schedule, if the City is successful in securing the grant, with a completion date of fall of next year. Mr. Hood stated that, if this grant application is unsuccessful, staff will continue to seek viable funding opportunities. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Hood stated that the permit cost to construct a cement protective edge would be costly, and he used the example of the kayak launch area, which was $40,000 for the permit alone. Deputy Public Works Director Charlie Swimley added that the permit process for such a project is cumbersome and could take years to complete. Mr. Hood stated that the proposed project includes funding to plant vegetation as a barrier. Mr. Hood reported that a 2008 study of Pigs Lake identified three primary causes for erosion: Woodbridge Irrigation District (WID) raising and lowering of the water level; waves from boat wakes; and residents living upstream who harden their shore lines. He added that jet skis also contribute to the problem. If the grant is awarded to the City, staff will request that San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors consider reducing the speed limit to 5 miles per hour (mph), particularly in areas where the plants are newly established. Further, Mr. Hood stated that the WID permit allows it to control the level of the water at the dam and it considers Lodi Lake to be its reservoir for water delivery. The City owns Lodi Lake, but it cannot control the water level. Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler requested feedback from the attending Recreation Commissioners. Commissioner Mark Hamilton stated he supports the new trail proposal and the suggested 5 mph speed limit. He further suggested consideration be given to charging an impact fee to those who use Lodi Lake to launch their water vessels, which can be utilized for future needs at the lake. Commissioner Mike Carouba expressed support for the decomposed granite pathway, pointing out that walking was listed as the highest-rated activity in the recent parks survey, but he was uncertain about the proposed fencing. Commissioner Larry Long also expressed support for the pathways, particularly since the PROS Consulting survey demonstrated that walking and biking paths are sorely needed in this community. He added that he, too, was uncertain about the fence because it would block the serene view of the lake, but overall he believed this to be a solid plan and that the project should move forward. Mr. Hood stated that the grant will point out that the community expressed a strong need for walking trails via the survey and that this proposed project will go toward fulfilling that need. Mayor Johnson cautioned that it may be difficult to obtain relief from the Board of Supervisors on the speed limit, adding that the City made similar requests in the past and was denied each time. He stated that usage at the lake has changed and others could request a higher speed limit at the lake, which could be granted by the Board. Mayor Johnson stated he was an advocate for a quiet river. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Hood stated that the Recreation Commission endorsed the idea of erecting a fence to draw attention to the erosion problem and to prevent dogs entering the river, boats being launched, and foot traffic, all of which contribute to the problem, as well as for safety reasons as some of the rentable areas are close to the river's edge. In further response, Mr. Hood stated that park officers patrol the lake and will cite those who do not follow the rules relating to dogs at the park. Council Member Kuehne stated he supports the new walking path but not the fencing, as the lake should remain open. He questioned if it was possible to quantify kayak use and if it has increased over the last few years, which may make a difference when discussing a speed limit reduction with the County. Dan Arbuckle with Headwaters confirmed that rentals at the boathouse have increased significantly and, in working with the SherrifPs office, he has averages for power boats, personal motor crafts, and kayaks. In response to Mr. Carouba, Mr. Hood stated this grant is the last of the river parkways grants, but there may be other opportunities available. In response to Council Member Kuehne, Mr. Hood stated that the consultant believes the proposed project will be viewed favorably by the reviewing agencies because of the positive components of the plan versus it being strictly a reclamation project. The following public comments were received from unidentified individuals: 2 1) Request to separate the walking and biking paths for safety reasons. Mr. Hood responded that the paths are designed to be pedestrian trails and must meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. He stated it is possible to post the pathways for no biking and enforce it using park patrol officers. 2) A representative from the Audubon Society stressed the need to maintain the lake's natural habitat and how important the lake is to Lodi's tourism. 3) No consideration is given to wildlife at the lake and many of the animals are cut off because they hide for safety reasons. 4) A speed limit restriction is counterproductive because slow-moving jet skis also cause wakes against the levees. Provided the suggestion of adding rip rap to the bottom of the lake while it is drained, which may eliminate the need for a permit. 5) Question of who authorized the orange fencing and whether it was for safety reasons or policing concerns; and what evidence is there that shows soil is eroding from people or that there is an erosion problem. Mr. Hood stated that the fence was erected to keep people, dogs, and boats off of the river banks. Mayor Johnson stated there are many reasons for the erosion and it is imperative to determine a solution to address the issue and protect the valuable asset of Lodi Lake. Mr. Hood responded that he cannot speculate a specific number of people and dogs that contribute to the problem, but he pointed out that five years ago the amphitheater was not broken and the foliage was growing in certain locations where it no longer exists. 6) Question on whether the grant will include the area behind Pigs Lake. Mr. Hood responded that the grant does not encompass that area. Staff attempted to secure a grant in 2011 that would have created a new trail around Pigs Lake, but it was denied because, although the State was favorable of the concept, it questioned the long-term sustainability of the project. Future grant opportunities will be considered, but Mr. Hood pointed out that the action to keep people off that bank has reduced erosion in that area. Council Member Kuehne suggested utilizing Google Maps to demonstrate how much erosion has occurred over the years, to which Mr. Hood stated staff has reviewed maps back to 1993 and has seen evidence of erosion. Council Member Kuehne suggested planting the vegetation when the water level is low, which may eliminate the need for fencing. Mr. Hood stated he hopes the fencing will ultimately not be necessary. Myrna Wetzel expressed her hope that the shelter in the Rotary area will be salvaged and relocated, to which Mr. Hood stated every attempt will be made to relocate it or construct something similar. C. Comments by public on non-aaenda items None. D. Adjournment No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 a.m. ATTEST: Jennifer M. Ferraiolo City Clerk AGENDA ITEM &S% CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA TITLE: Overview of Lodi Lake Park Erosion and North Side Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project MEETING DATE: August 25, 2015 PREPARED BY: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive overview of Lodi Lake Park erosion and North Side Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department recently secured the services of ICF Jones & Stokes to develop a project that would protect sections of Lodi Lake Park from erosion and be attractive to grant funding. The area of focus in this project is along the riverbank from the Nature Area to the Youth Area. The Lodi Lake Park North Side Restoration and Bank Stabilization Project would enhance native habitat, slow erosion, discourage public access in key riverbank locations that need time to stabilize, direct proper public use of the riverbank, formalize river access areas, enhance pedestrian circulation through the park and provide learning opportunities for park visitors. This project is being developed so that the City can meet the September 1, 2015, application deadline for the state River Parkways grant program. Staff will provide Council and the public additional details at this shirtsleeve meeting. Feedback will be incorporated into the project description and grant application. FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable. FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable. 1)le Jeff Ho Park ecreation and Cultural Services Director JH:tl cc: City Attorney APPROVED: I en c er, City Manager Jennifer Ferraiolo From: Jennifer Ferraiolo Sent: Monday, August 24, 2015 3:03 PM To: 'Hieb, Wes' Cc: City Council; Steve Schwabauer; Janice Magdich; Jeff Hood Subject: RE: Shirt Sleeve Session Lodi Lake Erosion Discussion - B-01 Thank you for your email. It was received by the City Council and forwarded to the City Manager's office and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department for information, response, and/or handling. In addition, your correspondence will be made a part of the Shirtsleeve Session meeting record as a "Blue Sheet" item. Jennifer M. Ferraiolo, CMC City Clerk P.O. Box 3006 Lodi, CA 95241-1910 (209) 333-6702 (209) 333-6807 FAX From: Hieb, Wes fmailto:wesh@herricksteel.com] Sent: Monday, August 24, 2015 2:53 PM To: City Council Subject: Shirt Sleeve Session Lodi Lake Erosion Discussion - B-01 Team, I am a longtime Lodi resident and so is my family. We have all enjoyed Lodi Lake over the years and some of my fondest memories come from our family outings. I have stayed close to the Lodi Lake area to enjoy it's beauty and for our daily walks with our dogs. Whether it is the start of a beautiful weekend morning or at the end of the day, there is not a better place to walk! My wife and I have met many Lodian's who walk their dogs to the lake and use the area where you can play with your dog's. We happen to have a Chocolate Lab and a West Highland Terrier, and trust me, they know exactly where we are going when we start our walk, knowing full well, they will get to play in the water and swim a little bit. We have met so many other residents who walk their dogs to this area and let them play. We all simply cherish this part of our day and the overall experience of the Lake. I read an article in the paper recently discussing erosion caused by dog's entering from the shore as part of the reason for the eroding banks. Low and behold, this weekend there is an ugly orange fence in any area accessible for the dogs. Then today, I read the document from Mr. Hood's overview for the Shirt Sleeve Session B-01 tomorrow, is to develop a plan to "direct" park user activities. Let me see, what does this mean? To find a way so park users will not be allowed to throw a stick in the water for their dogs? I also acknowledge that this session is looking for a way to secure grant money for shoring up these banks, which I totally understand. However, I have one question; "Are you kidding me?" The overwhelming majority of the erosion on the bank is not being caused by dogs being allowed to swim/play in the river, nor the local angler trying to catch a fish. It is from the constant pounding of boat wakes. Boat traffic, no doubt is the culprit or root cause of erosion. Are Jet Ski's allowed along the Lakes River banks? Now, how do we go about reducing the erosion? Plant more plant life/Tule's along the edge of the River to minimize erosion caused by wakes? Minimize speeds on the river around Lodi Lake or the River? How about shoring up the river's edges with concrete as they have done on the San Joaquin Delta? (With great success I might add) I am not sure what the answer is, though I am sure I could throw out many more ideas. My final comment is only this; We must find a way to keep accessibility along the river's edge for residents and their pets to enjoy. I certainly hope the Council in this shirt sleeve session understand that there are many of residents who use this area and use it safely. We would all hate to lose access. Thank you for the consideration Wes Hfals f Plant mbriager The Herrick Corporation I PO. Box 8429 5tnckton, CA 952081 3003 E. Hammer Lane, Stockton, CA 95212 ` (C-)209,327.1186 1. (P), 209,956,4751 1 (F).: 209.478,7426 I www.herricksteel.com Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in this electronic email and any accompanying attachment(s) are for the use of the intended recipient and maybe confidential business information and/or privileged. If any reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, unauthorized use, disclosure or copying is strictly prohibited, and may be unlawful. if you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by return email, and delete the original message and all copies from your system. Thank you. 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