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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 20, 2018 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018 A. Roll Call by City Clerk An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, March 20, 2018, commencing at 7:01 a.m. Present: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and Mayor Nakanishi Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and Deputy City Clerk Farris B. Topic(s) The following items were presented out of order. B-1 Receive Information Regarding Green Bike Lanes (PW) Jeff Pell and Doug Bojack, representing Bike Lodi, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Lodi Greenline Project. Specific topics of discussion included route map, current status, political landscape, possible future uses, acquisition methods, benefits of Rails-to-Trails conversions, local example, Manteca's Tidewater Bikeway, positioning Lodi for success, Lodi Greenline, elevator pitch, and how City Council can help. Council Member Kuehne expressed support for the idea and stated his preference would be a hybrid model, with a light-rail train in the middle and bicycle/pedestrian paths on each side. He further stated that, with the success of the World of Wonders museum, the location would be ideal for providing transportation for families to Lodi Lake. Council Member Chandler expressed concerns over maintenance costs and liability issues should someone be injured while using the pathway. Mr. Bojack responded that bicycle/pedestrian paths have less impact on the infrastructure than roads utilized by cars and that communities often utilize non-profit groups to assist with trash and day-to-day support. City Attorney Magdich responded the City would be responsible for injuries that may occur, but there are trail immunities in place that protect cities. Council Member Johnson stated that while he is a strong proponent of recreation in Lodi, he has concerns about losing rail service to the former General Mills site as it is a potential selling point for future users. Mr. Pell reiterated that Bike Lodi is not advocating abandonment; the plan they are advocating would position the City to be ready should Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) decide to abandon the tracks in the future. Council Member Johnson expressed further concerns regarding time limitations set on any potential grants the City may obtain. City Manager Schwabauer clarified that any grants obtained at this point would be for planning; at which time the project would be set aside until the timing was right to bring it forward for construction. Mayor Nakanishi stated he likes the idea of walking/biking paths because of the health benefits, but he has concerns about fiscal aspects of the project and asked Mr. Schwabauer to comment on staff's ability to take on this project. Mr. Schwabauer stated it would depend upon Bike Lodi's level of commitment; if Bike Lodi is willing to assist in the grant application process, then staff should be able to handle the project and the City would be ready should UPRR decide to abandon the tracks. Sherry Aguilar, a former Manteca resident who lived adjacent to the Tidewater Bikeway, spoke in 1 favor of having a similar pathway in Lodi. Lodi resident Myrna Wetzel expressed concerns regarding noise on the pathway; urged Council to survey neighbors before moving forward; and advocated instituting time restrictions on usage, should a pathway be installed. B-2 Receive Information and Council Feedback on Recommendations for Lodi Arch Refurbishment (PW) Public Works Director Charlie Swimley provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding Lodi Arch refurbishment. Specific topics of discussion included history, current condition, recommendations, and community involvement. Mayor Nakanishi expressed support for refurbishing the Lodi Arch. Council Member Chandler expressed support for moving ahead with the project; the arch is a symbol of our community, and tourism and other activities are increasing in the downtown area. Council Member Kuehne expressed support and noted that he may be able to get the paint donated; he further advocated using Love Lodi volunteers to move the project forward. Council Member Johnson expressed support for the project but stated he is concerned about the plastering repairs matching if Love Lodi volunteers work on the lower portions of the arch and a professional contractor works on the upper portions. Mr. Swimley responded that, based on his conversations with the organizers of Love Lodi, appropriate teams would be assigned to work on the arch, led by contractors with the proper training and expertise to make the repairs. Council Member Chandler concurred and advocated use of Lodi Lodi teams to assist on the project. C. Comments by Public on Non-Agenda Items None. D. Adjournment No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 a.m. ATTEST: Pamela M. Farris Deputy City Clerk 2 THE LODI GREENLINE PROJECT Lodi City Council Shirtsleeve Session March 20, 2018 Presented by Doug Bojack and Jeff Pell, Bike Lodi LodiGreenline.org CURRENT STATUS PRESENTATION OVERVIEW •Current Status •Possible Future Uses •Acquisition Methods •Benefits of Rails-to-Trails Conversions •Local Example •Positioning Lodi for Success POLITICAL LANDSCAPE POSSIBLE FUTURE USES ACQUISITION METHODS •Abandonment and donation •Railbanking in lieu of abandonment •Sale BENEFITS OF RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONVERSIONS •Economic Impact •Health •Livability •Conservation •Community Identity and History LOCAL EXAMPLE MANTECA’S TIDEWATER BIKEWAY •3.5 mile Class I bicycle and running trail constructed of asphalt and crushed gravel. •Connects neighborhoods to the central business district, the library, and parks. •Built on former Tidewater Southern Railroad tracks. •Recognized more than 15 years ago as an outstanding transportation achievement. POSITIONING LODI FOR SUCCESS Regional, State, and Federal money is available for planning and implementation Some Sources of Funding ●Safe Routes to Schools / Measure K ●California Parks and Rec Department ●Federal Transit Administration ●National Park Service ●San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District THE LODI GREENLINE ELEVATOR PITCH WHAT CITY COUNCIL CAN DO Plan for the future. Pass a resolution that: ●Authorizes the City Manager or his designee(s) to apply for planning grant funding opportunities ●Directs the City Attorney to negotiate the acquisition process when appropriate Bike Lodi can assist with grant writing and applications Lodi Arch Refurbishment Presentation March 20, 2018 The City of Lodi Public Works Overview •History •Current condition •Recommendations •Options for community involvement History •Constructed in 1907 - E.B. Brown •Bear placed in 1910 – updated in 1940’s •Remodeled in 1956 •Declared historical landmark - 1981 History Current Condition •Sound overall condition •Cracks in plaster •Interior wood members good –Some dry rot •Electrical is old but okay •Needs cleaned, painted and some TLC Current Condition Current Condition Current Condition Current Condition Recommendation •Pressure wash •Fix cracks in plaster •Fix light fixtures •Fix some dry rot •Maybe repair “LODI” signs? •Paint (current color) •Recoat Bear Community Involvement •Love Lodi 2018 –Fix cracks in plaster – up to 8 ft. high –Paint (possibly donated by professional) Questions???