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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 7, 1991 PHos CITY OF LOD! COUNCIL COMMUNICATION orFo�,+ AGEFDA TITLE: Set Public Hearing for April 3, 1991, Re: Banning of Organized Track Event: and Bicycles in the Nature Area at Lodi Lake Park MEETING DATE: March 7.0, 1991 PREPARED BY: Parks and Recreation Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Set Public [fearing for April 3, 1991, regarding recommendation for banning the conducting of organized track meets/events and bicycling in the Nature Area at Lodi bake Park. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: At a meeting held in January 1991, the Nature Area Advisory Committee recommended to the Lodi Parks and Recreation Commission that all track meets/events being held in the Nature Area, along with bicycling be banned. Their reasoning was the interpretation of the Richard Bigler (Lodi Lake Park Master Plan) where he called for limited and moderate use of the Nature Area and in light of the tremendous damage that is currently taking place in the area (see EXHIBIT B attached). The NAAC indicated that major track events and bicycles are going off of the main trails and causing widening and destruction to the minor trail areas and an ever increasing garbage problem, plus heavy use of the area by nonsensitive people/citizens, etc. The Committee also indicated that this is their effort to interpret the Bigler plan and make the Commission aware of area problems/concerns. The Parks and Recreation Commission heard the recommendation at their meeting of February 5, 1991, and solicited comments from both NAAC representatives at the meeting and citizens. After an hour of comments, the Commission asked that the issue be put on the March Commission Agenda to give them a month to talk to residents and get opiniois on what to do. It was also decided by Chairman Bob Johnson that the Parks staff bring back an interpr.:tation of the Bigler Master Plan and what its position is on uses of this area. The item was again put on the agenda in March with representatives from NAAC, Lodi Lake docents, park rangers and general citizens (approximately twenty people) present. Positions on this subject were presented. Scott Essin, Parks Superintendent, recapped the Master Plan (EXHIBIT C). Citizens spoke out on bicycling almost exclusively, dealing with restrictions, children and families enjoying the area, etc. After an hour of presentations it was brought bacY. to the table for a vote. A motion was made and a 3-2 vote taken with Steve Scott, Bob Johnson and Bob Casalegno voting in favor of banning organized track events and bicycles in the Nature Area, and Elvera Melby and Dennis Jones voting against tt.e ban. APPROVED7 THOMAS A. PETERSON ,, w City Manager CCC-1 CNATURE. TXTI.LNDA Banning of Organized 1__ck Events and Bicycles in the Nature Area at Lodi Lake Park March 20, 1991 Page 2 FUNDING: None_ Should hiring additional park rangers to patrol the Nature Area to enforce restrictions be required, increased part-time hours and dollars could result. It is also possible that a volunteer corps could be formed to patrol the area which would also require some funding for uniforms, materials and equipme �l / ' J Ron Williamson, Director Parks and Recreation Department RW/lm attachments CCNATURE.TXTLINDA 77 b,c ar ch -T For —Jtxmp F— OL 'Ro,mv$ Fow, J AMPS r 0, cv, S LIN EXHIBIT B a -iam -- — . 74- K 41 P6Y ail' ll 2y; '1 2, w;o., EXHIBIT "C". Lodi Parks and Recreation Department f 125 N. Stockton Street Lodi, California 95240 Parks 368-1012 Recreation 333-6742 MEMORANDUM To: Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission From: Scott Essin, Parks Superintendent Date: February 22, 1991 Subject: Richard Bigler Lodi Lake Nature Area Design Architect, Richard Bigler, developed the Lodi Lake Master Plan which was approved in 1987. This was a rather comprehensive plan which runs some 65 pages. Following is a synopsis of what that plan says about the Nature Area: In the "Preface to the Design," Bigler mentions the names of the Park Commissioners who participated in the design and the members of the City Council who directed the events. He then notes that there is no room to list the citizens who helped in the design process. He concludes with the following paragraph: "I only have i one reservation in my mind about the parks future development. That is the potential for t overuse of the natural area. This can not be allowed to happen. I mention this now, in the hope that some future citizen will read this, and speak, out." Once again, on Page 19, Bigler repeats his concerns about the results of what would happen if the Nature area is over used. On Page 20, he states the following: "The natural areas are the first destroyed by overuse. Then perhaps, we can do away with the Natural idea of the Park, and sprinklers, grass and picnic will be the answer. Or, if we are to preserve the natural forces, and enhance them, controls of mans use will have to be included in the design." I have attached the full :;:xt of these three pages so that the full impact of these comments may be read. The bottom line is a recommendation to restrict users in the Nature area. Also included in the Lodi Lake Master PIan is a Iist of phased developments that Bigler recommends. His Dumber #1 priority is development of the Nature Area. On Page 15, he lists eleven items which he recommends as actions that should be taken in the Nature Area. These include some removal of the berry bushes, a fence be erected and gates provided for public entry into the Nature Area, Pig's Lake be connected to the river, and that wild flowers be planted. There are several other recommendation he addresses and the full list is attached. Also attached is a cost estimate to do the recommended work which is to be found on Page 23. Other comments about these recommendations are made throughout the report and I have included these pages as I do not know of a way to give you any better synopsis than what is actually written in his recommendations. Subject: Richard Bigler Lodi Lake Nature Area Design Page 3 - Continued Woodbridge Irrigation District - One final comment on what would be Page 42, Bigler talks about the Woodbridge Irrigation District property. This section of the Nature Area Plan appears to be in conflict with what may be developed in the City Master Plan. The City has no desire to go to the north side of the river. This is L*uly unfortunate, but in view of recommendations of the City Attorney, I am aware that there is no plan to purchase this property even should it become available. In addition to the Woodbridge Irrigation property, there is one other property that borders the Nature Area on the north. This property is owned by the Hoffmans. It is my opinion that eventually the Hoffman property directly across from the Nature Area will be developed. Hoffman has indicated opposition to any written policy that would prevent hire from building to the edge of the river at the Nature area. Fence - Regarding the fence which is to be built enclosing the park, this was a major issue during the hearings on the Master Plan. However, the public agreed to the inclusion of this fence because of the protection it would afford the nearby property owners from those who would flee the park through their back yards. There was great concern by the public that their property be protected. A vocal minority was opposed to the fence entirely as it was viewed as a barrier to them entering the park. Boats on the River - The Council has moved to delete access to the river by boaters. This was a recommendation made in the Master Plan. There since has been concern about the L lack of access to the river. Berry Bushes - Bigler recommended that berry bushes remain; some removal in a few areas. This work is as now being proposed by the Nature Area Advisory Committee. (See Pages 34 and 35 attached) loggers - Jogging was to be done on a new path which would run the base of the levee which separates the park from the homes. The idea here was to exclude joggers from the Park. Nature Study Center - An area where displays could be exhibited. We are proposing an information center at the old Lake Concession Stand; however, Bigler was proposing a smaller area in the Nature Area. Fire Hazard - Bigler's plan calls for removal of dense vegetation at Pig's Lake which borders homes. Suggested fire inspection. It is anticipated that this will cause an outcry from the residents, should it occur. Dogs and Cats - Bigler recommends a fence to help in keeping out roving dogs and cats. This fence would have two gates which would be locked at night. (See attached Pages 53 and 54). PREF=ACE TO THE DESIGN THE DESIGN AND MASTERPLAN STUDY OF THIS HISTORIC PARK WAS DONE OVER A 16 MONTH PERIOD, AND ENDED IN DECEMBER 1987. AS THE DESIGNER OF THE PARK, I FEEL PRIVILEGED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT MY MIND AND HAND TO SUCH A WONDERFUL PARK. THE LOVE AND CARE THE PARK HAS HAD IS THE RESULT OF THE CIT:CENS OF LODI. WHEN ONE LOOKS AT THE HANDPRINTS IN THE MORTAR C= THE LAKE SHORELINES, ONE IS AWARE OF THE PAST DEVOTION THAT HAS 2EEN AFFORDED'IN THE PARKS DEVELOPMENT TO DATE. PARK DIRECTOR: RON WILLIAMSON PARK COMMISSIONERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE DESIGN: 1. DEAN DEVINE 4. DENNIS SWANSON 2. TAD ISHIHAKA ,5. ELVERA MELSY 3. DAVID REESE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL WHO DIRECTED THE EVENTS: s 1. EVIE OLSON 4. RANDY SNIDER 2. DAVID HINCHMAN 5. FRED REID 3. JIM PINKERTON THERE IS NOT ROOM TO LIST THE MANY INTERESTED CITIZENS WHO HELPED IN THE DESIGN PROCESS. THOSE WHO ATTENDED AND COMMENTED AT THE DESIGN HEARINGS, AND THOSE I MET ON THE PARK. I ONLY HAVE ONE F'=—SERVATION IN- MY MIND ABOUT THE PARKS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. THAT IS THE POTENTIAL FOR OVERUSE OF THE NATURAL AREA. THIS CAN NOT BE ALLOWED -TO HAPPEN. I MENTION THIS NOW9 IN THE HOPE THAT SOME FUTURE CITIZEN WILL" READ THIS, AND SPEAK OUT. WITH APPRECIATION FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON THIS WONDERFUL SITE. . RICHARD A. BIGLER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT 1168 THE NATURAL AREA CONCEPT �i 1 It is important for the reader to understand the point of view of the designer of the Lodi Park Masterplan. I want my views clear on how I view the Lodi Lake and the wonderful naturals areas that exist. - To understand a Park like this, one must come to grips with 2 important items. They are, the time frame of nature. and the ' time frame of man. I would like to explain them in terms of my understanding. 1. Nature. The word in itself is profound. Nature is profound, more profound than mans understanding. It is at most times, slow moving, and exhibits a power that is far beyond the reach of man. Its time frames are millennia, moving far beyond the generations of mans existence -A or of our time. Natures use of the land is always to re -generate itself. 2. Man, in his use of land, looks only at his time frame. Certainly to some extend he looks beyond a generation, / little thought is given beyond that. Certainly, not to the eventual regeneration of anything that does not come into the benefit of man. Both of these pointy of view are at odds with each other when we are dealing with Park Land that has great natural beauty, wildlife, and mans desire to use these areas. Man in his " immediate desire to use the land for his pleasure, comes into conflict with the forces of Nature. The end immediate result is predictable. The Natural forces will bow to man and to the immediate use of man. The higher natural elements and will become extinct. The Catch 22 of it all, is that the higher life forms of Nature are the very things man w_wtz to enjoy the most. Those higher life forms are the wildlife, bird habitat, majo oaks and sycamores, that are irreplaceable. ` If the higher life forms are destroyed, what then does Nature do. Nature simply starts all over again. Ir, the plant world, it generates lesser forms of plant life, suc:'z as weeds, grasses anC brambles. In the animal and bird world the loss 'is more profound. If the wildlife is endangered, it.simply moves tc j another area, or becomes extinct. In this area. the case woulc be more likely to become extinct and then the domestic animals of man reigns. 1 THE NATURE AREAS THE NATURAL AREA DESIGN CONCEPT: THE NAn*UV_ NIEA DES I GN CONCcPT AREA, AND NATURAL El&4ANCEMEUT . QTS OF CONSIDERATION: IS ONE OF PRESERVATION OF THE IT INVOLVES THE FOLLOWING k MAINTAINING EXISTING PLANT MATERIAL, EXCEPT IN THE AREA OF FIRE CONTROL. THAT INCLUDES THE FURTHER INTRUSION OF THE BERRY BUSHES. PATHWAYS COULD BE MADE TO ALLOW THE BERRY PICKER MORE ACCESS. A FENCE IN TO BE ERECTED ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE TO PROTECT THE AREA, AND THE AREA WILDLIFE FROM FURTHEP . � DOG A114D CAT INTRUSION. GATES PROVIDED FOR PUBLIC ENTRY �. AT THE NATURE STUDY CENTER, AND ALONG THE JOGGING TRAIL. THE AREA IS TO BE CLOSE AT NIGHT. 3. GREEN -HERON LAKE IS TO HAVE A RIVER INLET STRUCTURE PROVIDED TD CIRCULATE RIVER WATER THROUGH THE LAKE. AT THE WEST END OF THE LAKE AN OUTFALL FOR THE WATER IS TO BE BUILD SO THAT WATERS WILL FLOW DOWN THE PRESENT DRAIN, UITH RE ZNTRY TO THE RIVER AT THE NATURE STUDY CENTER AiREA . 4. _PLANT AND WILDLIFE OBSERVATION POINTS ARE TO BE INCLUDED WITH THE ACTIVITIES CALLED FOR IN THE NATURE STUDY CE+1TER. D S. FUTURE PLANTINGS OF TF+'E AREA WILL CALL FOR SEEDING RESPECTIVE AREAS WITH WILDFLOWERS AND MINOR PLANT LIFE THAT FIT THE NATURAL ENVIRCWOIENT. SPECIAL PLANTS ARE TO BE I%-N--LLkDED THAT HAVE SEED FOR BIRD LIFE_ 6- SES THAT HAVE FALLEN INTO THE RIVER ARE TO BE REMOVED ON THE CITY SIDE OF THE RIVER_ 7. MAN MADE STRUCTURES ALONG THE RIVER ARE TO BE REMOVED_ 8. SWIMMING OFF THE BANKS IS TO BE PROHIBITED. 9. PARK SECURITY IN THE NATURE AREA IS IMPORTANT. LOCKING OF THE GATES AT NIGHT WILL PREVENT PUBLIC ENTRY. THIS WILL GREATLY REDUCE THE RISK OF VANDALISM iP" D FIRE- THE IRE.THE LEVEE RANKS THAT SEPARATE THE NATIVE AREA FROM THE E GEWOOD F+ORIES WILL BE Pt -ANTED. THIS WILL PREVENT PUBLIC ACCESS INTO PRIVATE PROPERTY. WALKING ON TF -%S TOP OF THE LEVEE AND IMPROVE T14E PRIVACY OF THE PROPERTY f '4NERS. QFC" I1. A PATH ALONG THE PERIMETER OF THE FENCED AREA SHALL. BE A PART OF THE LAKE CIRCULATION SYSTEM. THE ASPHALT PATH r SMALL BE LOCATED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FENCE BETWEEN THE THE FENCE AND LEVEE, AND WILL EXTEND TO THE GREEN HERON � ��L � ^' t; ,�; ,tip �.��' i� • . -'IDI LAKE MASTERPLAN. SUMMSR 1966 THE NATURAL AREA-- ZONES,.—The-natural REA: ZONES:•-•--Thenatural area is divided into 3 major linear zones. these are: a. The area next to%the river.. This area has heavy,vegetation, mainly, Oaks,..Sycamores, Berry Bushes, Willows and native grasses. b. The area directly behind zone a. This is also linear and mainly oaks, some alders, berry bushes, and -lower class --- grasses. - _ c. A linear. -area that -connects to the residential zone. This area of the ^park has a higher elevation, and has sparse oaks, some berry bushes, and mainly grasses.. This is a dryer area that areas a. and b. due to the higher elevation and is not effected by the higher water table. Major problems that exist are; a. Pig -Lake, -.lack of water circulation and filling in with sediments. If the lake could be restored, it could be a ,_gem. Even now, at early summer, it is -beautiful. But as summer progresses the algae takes over the lake. --(photo record? _ b•. Berry bushes. Major areas of the area is taken over with berry plants. If no- controls are taken,-; or" areas cleared, -34- ,_1 ON SITE OBSERVATION 53- 4.TRIPS. INTO THE PARK WERE. .MADE.�.TWO IN FEBRUARY AND 2 -IN -LATE MARCH. THE MAIN. REASON FOR ON SITE" OBSERVATIONS AT THIS TIME - WERE. TO: „ADDRESS BIRD AND.'.WILDLIFE, AND"EARLY POSSIBLE SPRING ' NATIVE WILDFLOWERS.. " BIRD:FINDINGS:. WITH',THE,LOSS;OF VEGETATION AT THIS TIME OF YEAR- IT, IS : EASY•TO ' SEE'-. THE PREVIOUS NESTING AREAS OF BIRDS. I FOUND. ` VERY:' FEW' NESTING•: AREAS FOR AN. AREA=- AS- LARGE- AND - DENSELY GROWN'- AS THIS: WITH THE-- -LOSS OF VEGETATION:'I BECAME AWARE OF THE LARGE NUMBERS OF CATS.WHO•ARE HUNTING -THE .AREA., ALSO..DOGS, RUNNING THE.AREA WITH OUT ANY CONTROL, OR, DOGS WITH VISITORS RUNNING FREE. WITHOUT ANY LEASH. THE QUAIL.POPULATION THAT WAS.•IN THE PARK LAST YEAR HAVE SEEMED TO HAVE LEFT. :NEARLY MORNING AND LATE EVENING FLIGHTS. OF STARLINGS FLY UP AND DOWN THE�RIVER,:SOME.ROOSTING FOR THE NIGHT.. •• - _ •�::1`i:.: 't... !S•i 1'_ .. �1__. +f'r: 4; rti ;!. .'s.� .�.Y.j..! +�9i/ �'4 ti.a i - .'-M' •. tt• �. _ _ i ti_ _ s� ti?rsf�ii�'T, r.+C_�5.-�-._•^al.:._. ��1C:'_ti�.r .y; 1' FEEL.THAT r'.THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT+tLOSS=.OF. THEA.:' SMALLER�B:RD LIFE IN THE PARK FROM WHAT ONE WOULD EXPECT [TO' FIND. I FEEL*•THAT,THIS IS DUE TO THE HUNTING OF CATS, AND LARGE HUNTING DOGS. 53- DECLARATION OF MAILING On March 21, 1991 in the City of Lodi, San Joaquin County, California, I deposited in the United States mail, envelopes with first-class postage prepaid thereon, containing a copy of the Notice attached hereto, marked Exhibit "A"; said envelopes were addressed as is more particularly shown on Exhibit "S" attached hereto. There is a regular daily communication by mail between the City of Lodi, California, and the places to which said envelopes were addressed. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on March 21, 1991, at Lodi, California. Alice M. Reimche City Clerk i.e nier Perrin uty Ci y Clerk DEC/01 TXTA.FRM °F CITY OF 'LO D I TICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Date: Apri 1 3, 1991 CARNF,GIE FORUM 305 �Vecl Pine Slreet. Lodi Time: 7:30 p.m. E mation regarding this Public Hearing ntact: Alice M. Reimche City Clerk Telephone: 333.6702 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING April 3, 1991 NOT:CE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, at the hour of 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, the City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider the following mater: a) recommendation from the Lodi Parks and Recreation Commission to ban the conducting of organized track meets/events and bicycling in the nature area at Lodi Lake Park. All interested persons are invited to prese.it their views and comments on this matter. Written statements may be filed with the City Clerk at any time prior to the hearing scheduled herein, and oral statements may be made at said hearing. If you challenge the subject matter in ccurt, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk, 221 West Pine Street, at or prior to the Public Hearing. By Order Of the Lodi City Council: Alice M. Reimche City Clerk Dated: March 20, 1991 �pPca�ed any to C � Bobby W. McNatt �w`,p City Attorney BANNING TRACK/BICYCLING LODI LAKE NATURE AREA MAILING LIST EXHIBIT B Ron Williamson Parks and Recreation Commission Members: Parks and Recreation Director Elvera Melby 8 Horth Sunset Lodi, CA 95240 Robert Johnson 1311 Midvale Road Lodi, CA 95240 Dennis Jones 2401 W. Tokay Street Lodi, CA 95242 Robert Casalego 509 Santee Court Lodi, CA 95242 Stephen Scott 511 Virginia Lodi, CA 95242