Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program Committee Meeting

CITY OF MONTEREY NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE “Second Preliminary Screening” Meeting February 24, 2011 Council Chambers, Few Memorial Hall Minutes CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. ROLL CALL Twelve neighborhoods were represented: Aguajito Oaks Alt. Abby Foss Casanova Oak Knoll Rep. Richard Ruccello Alt. Mike Brassfield Deer Flats Rep. Janine Robinette Del Monte Beach Rep. Jayme Fields Fisherman’s Flats Rep. Hansen Reed Alt. Tom Rowley Monterey Vista Rep. Hans Jannasch New Monterey Rep. Sharon Dwight Oak Grove Rep. Tom DiMaggio Alt. Maxwell Green Old Town Rep. April Harrison Alt. Mary Ann Finocchi Skyline Forest Rep. Dennis Duke Skyline Ridge Rep. Carol Lieberman Villa Del Monte Rep. Larry Conte Two neighborhoods were not represented: Alta Mesa, Del Monte Grove-Laguna Grande Staff Present: Tom Reeves, Doug Stafford, Kim Allen CONSENT ITEMS APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. February 10, 2011 Mr. Reeves pulled the February 10, 2011 minutes from consent and asked the Committee to add the information from the February 10 NIP Project Follow-up list to the minutes. Sharon Dwight asked to add other clarifications to Item #5 and Item #6. The Committee concurred. Sharon Dwight made a motion to approve the February 10, 2011 minutes as amended. Hans Jannasch seconded the motion. The motion was approved by all twelve Representatives, with Alta Mesa and Del Monte Grove-Laguna Grande absent. ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Reeves opened Public Comments. Tom Rowley, Fisherman’s Flats Alternate, advised the Committee of the project he submitted to create NIRP, a NIP Infrastructure Repair Program, to set up a method to allow the city to fund repair of sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, especially those NIP Committee Final Minutes February 24, 2011 1 that were initially installed with NIP funds. Having no further requests to speak, Mr. Reeves closed Public Comments. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS None. NIP INFORMATIONAL REPORTS 2. NIP Spokesperson’s Report NIP Alternate Spokesperson Richard Ruccello said he attended the February15 City Council meeting and informed the Committee that Councilmember Sollecito requested a Council NIP Subcommittee meeting to discuss Council direction to NIP, definitions of essential maintenance and public health and safety, and the discrepancy between current definitions and the definition used to put approved projects on hold in 2009. Mr. Ruccello spoke to the concern of NIP not following the City Charter and said he advised Council that staff had already started the time consuming task of estimating projects. NIP Alternate Spokesperson Sharon Dwight said she attended the February 17 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and reported that the Commission will provide their input to the NIP Committee at their March meeting. Richard Ruccello, Casanova-Oak Knoll Representative, stepped down from the table, and was replaced by Casanova-Oak Knoll Alternate Mike Brassfield. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 3. Follow up of February 15, 2010 City Council Direction Mr. Reeves advised the Committee that the Council NIP Subcommittee meeting has been scheduled for March 3 and the information from that meeting would be brought to Council at their March 15 meeting. He restated that staff had begun the estimating process and advised the Committee that staff would contact the representatives when necessary to obtain any additional information to complete the project estimates. 4. Follow up of February 10, 2011 NIP Meeting Project Review (Aguajito Oaks through Oak Grove Neighborhoods) The Committee went through the project nominations that required additional study, clarified information, and determined which projects are not valid. (Projects listed in italics are those that have been modified or pulled from the active list.) Alta Mesa AM-01 Del Monte Ctr Sound Wall – Sharon Dwight requested a determination if this project had any public benefit. Casanova Oak Knoll COK-05 Melway Traffic Signs – Staff confirmed that this project has been completed. Del Monte Beach DMB-01 Spray Ave Lighted Crosswalk Warning System in Front of Tot Lot – Mr. Reeves stated that the Traffic Engineer will not support a mid-block crosswalk, that a sign was not a valid NIP project, and advised Jayme Fields to meet with Traffic Engineer Rich Deal. DMB-05 Beach/Dunecrest Slow Traffic Devise – Ms. Fields advised that further work may be done on this project in conjunction with the existing Surfway Chicanes project. Downtown NIP Committee Final Minutes February 24, 2011 2  DT-01 Cortes/Church St Underground Utilities – Mr. Reeves has contacted the submitter regarding the undergrounding process, and is waiting for a response regarding withdrawing the project. DT-02 Pearl/Anthony/Robinson 500 Blk Undergrounding – Mr. Reeves has contacted the submitter regarding the undergrounding process, and is waiting for a response regarding withdrawing the project. Fisherman’s Flats FF-04 Monterey Woods Traffic Mirror – Hansen Reed asked that the project remain on the list as a valid project, since a similar NIP project was approved a few years ago. Monterey Vista MV-01 Sierra Vista Underground Utilities – Hans Jannasch stated that the submitter has withdrawn this project. He said he is waiting for response from the submitters of MV-06 and MV-25 to confirm if he will combine those two projects as Monterey Vista Underground Utilities Study. The Committee discussed the status of undergrounding projects in general, and Sharon Dwight reminded everyone that the current General Plan encourages undergrounding utilities throughout the city. MV-13 Soledad Dr/Mar Vista Dr – Staff clarified that this project was Soledad Dr/Monte Vista and has been completed. MV-16 Via Chiquita Drainage – Mr. Jannasch confirmed that Via Del Rey sidewalk had been split off to a separate project as MV-42 Via Del Rey Sidewalk Ph I and confirmed that the location was not Via Ladera. MV-34 Monte Vista School Trail – Staff advised that Doug Stafford will take the project to the next school district meeting. MV-41 261 Mar Vista Fire Hydrant/Drainage – Mr. Jannasch stated that the submitter has withdrawn this project. New Monterey NM-19 Lottie St 700 Blk Drainage West Side – Sharon Dwight advised that this project has not been completed and will remain as a valid project. NM-20 Lighthouse EIR & Preliminary Engineering – Ms. Dwight advised that this project may have already been funded, and will do further research to confirm. NM-25 Hawthorne/POM Pedestrian & Bike Access – Staff confirmed that this project would be for construction and that approval from POM would be required. Oak Grove OG-02 Sloat Ave/5th St Lighted Crosswalk Warning System – Staff advised that the Traffic Engineer determined that a lighted crosswalk is not safe at this location. Tom DiMaggio to meet with Traffic Engineer to explore if there is another solution for project scope. 5. Project Screening (Old Town through Citywide Neighborhoods) The Committee reviewed the project nominations, clarified information, and determined which projects are not valid. (Projects listed in italics are those that have been modified or pulled from the active list.) Old Town OT-04 Monroe St 200 Blk Gutter – Staff to determine if the project is the responsibility of the property owner. OT-06 Old Town Underground Utilities – April Harrison to verify with submitter whether NIP Committee Final Minutes February 24, 2011 3  to keep the project on the list or withdraw it again this year. Sharon Dwight noted that neighborhoods are awaiting the results of New Monterey Undergrounding Utilities Cost Study which is a project currently on hold. OT-10 Clay Tree Planting OT-11 Wainwright 800 Blk Tree Planting OT-12 Monroe 200 Blk Tree Planting The Committee discussed whether any tree planting projects should remain on the valid project list. Mary Ann Finocchi stated that previous tree planting projects were put on hold, and wondered whether new tree planting projects should go forward. Carol Lieberman reminded everyone of the City of Monterey’s designation as a tree city, which is an element of the City’s tourism industry. Sharon Dwight stated that she would take this subject to the March 3 Council NIP Subcommittee meeting to ask for guidance. OT-19 Dutra Pedestrian Safety Enhancement – April Harrison and staff concurred that there was no feasible solution, so the project is withdrawn. Skyline Forest SF-01 Skyline Dr Walk/Jog Path Lighting renamed Skyline Walkpath Lighting per Dennis Duke. SF-02 Forest Rise Pl Landscaping Circle – Mr. Duke said the project has been referred to the Park Division and is withdrawn from the active list. SF-05 Skyline Forest Roadwork & Install Sidewalks – Mr. Duke said the submitter has withdrawn the project. SF-07 Holman Hwy/Skyline Forest Traffic Signal – Mr. Duke combined SF-07 Skyline Forest Dr at Hwy 68 Traffic Signal Study with SF-09 and renamed the title as Holman Hwy/Skyline Forest Traffic Signal Study. Staff noted that Pebble Beach may be conducting a study for this location. Skyline Ridge SR-01 Underground Utilities – Carol Lieberman said the project has been withdrawn because it is for open forest area and there are no property owners to share the cost of the project. Villa Del Monte VDM-01 Hwy 1 Soundwall Palo Verde/Casa Verde – Staff suggested that this project be combined with VDM-04 Ferrante Park Sound Wall along Hwy 1 and VDM-08 Casa Verde/Del Monte Underground Utilities, and rescoped as a living sound wall since Council previously determined that soundwalls along scenic corridors would not be allowed. Staff said that Caltrans right-of-way and who would be responsible for maintaining any planting would also have to be considered in the scope. VDM-05 Encina/Casa Verde Crosswalk Bulb-outs – Larry Conte said the project had been partially funded previously as part of a project that was on hold. VDM-09 Ramona Ave Traffic Calming – Mr. Conte to consult with the Traffic Engineer to redefine scope. VDM-10 Ramona Ave/ Neighborhood Sidewalk Repair – Staff to confirm if the trip hazards are caused by city street trees. VDM-11 Casa Verde Sidewalk Repair – Staff to confirm if the trip hazards are caused by city street trees. VDM-12 Montecito Ave Traffic Calming – Mr. Conte to consult with the Traffic Engineer to redefine the scope. VDM-13 Montecito/Dela Vina Add Parking Spaces – Mr. Conte to consult with the Traffic Engineer. NIP Committee Final Minutes February 24, 2011 4  Citywide CW-01 Josselyn Cyn Widening at Hwy 68 Intersection – Tom Rowley said a study had been completed to improve drainage and widen the road around 10 to 12 years ago. Staff said the project would need Caltrans approval. CW-02 Griffin Plaza Security Lighting – The Committee concurred that this project should be moved to Downtown. CW-04 Mark Thomas Dr btwn Aguajito/Sloat Pave Sidewalk on South Side – Staff confirmed that the project is on the north side, includes a Class 2 bike lane, and that it is a duplicate of CW-75 Mark Thomas Bike Lane. CW-10 York/Hwy 68 Park – Mr. Stafford said that that this project is on county and Caltrans property. Sharon Dwight said the zoning needs to be confirmed and that Parks and Recreation Commission will provide input on the project. CW-12 Josselyn Cyn Rd Install Sidewalks – The Committee concurred that the scope of project needs to be further defined, and that Fisherman’s Flats and Deer Flats should determine if they support a reduced scope. CW-29 City Way-Finding Master Plan – Mr. Reeves advised that Architectural Review Committee may need to be consulted to determine if this is a project the city would support. CW-30 National Historic Landmark District Update/Analysis – Mr. Reeves to confirm if this project has been fully funded, or if it still needs additional funding. CW-33 Del Monte/Pacific Intersection Safety Improvement – Mr. Reeves confirmed that the project has been designed, that matching funds are needed for construction, and that the project scope may need to be rewritten. CW-34 Garden Rd Resurfacing – Ms. Dwight asked if this was a project that the city planned to completed with Gas Tax funding in the near future. Mr. Reeves confirmed that this road is one identified as in serious disrepair. CW-37 Olmsted Left Turn Signal onto Hwy 68 – Mr. Reeves said this project is located on county property. Sharon Dwight asked that Fisherman’s Flats Representative recommend if this project should be seriously considered, since it is closest to that neighborhood. CW-41 Munras/Soledad Freeway Entrance Signage – Mr. Reeves said he will research further to determine if Caltrans is responsible for the requested freeway entrance signage. CW-47 Glenwood Retaining Wall – This project was moved to Glenwood at the last meeting, reference GW-02. CW-71 Glenwood Cir MPC Baseball Field Trash Cans – This project was moved to Glenwood at the last meeting, reference GW-03. Mr. Reeves stated that waste receptacles that are attached to the ground would be a valid project, but that the City would need to revise their waste disposal service area contract. CW-74 Glenwood Cir LED Pedestrian Caution Sign – This project was moved to Glenwood at the last meeting, reference GW-04. Mr. Reeves will review with the Traffic Engineer to confirm if this is a valid project. COMMITTEE MEMBERS COMMENTS Carol Lieberman (Skyline Ridge) asked that Council confirm that the Committee will be allowed to use the money the program is entitled to or if Council will use the funds on the projects they have determined are their priority. Sharon Dwight added that it is not a wise use of staff time or the Committee’s time if Council is only going to approve their own proposed projects. NIP Committee Final Minutes February 24, 2011 5 Hansen Reed (Fisherman’s Flats) had no comment. Tom DiMaggio (Oak Grove) said reducing the soft cost of expenses would be the right track to follow. Abby Foss (Aguajito Oaks) had no comment. April Harrison (Old Town) had no comment. Janine Robinette (Deer Flats) had no comment. Dennis Duke (Skyline Forest) asked if the Committee should have an emergency meeting to receive Council’s direction to them. Mr. Reeves confirmed that Council will review direction to NIP at their March 15 meeting, and that there is no need for an emergency NIP meeting. Sharon Dwight (New Monterey) said the Prescott Sidewalk Phase II project is under construction and that the residents are pleased. Ms. Dwight said she spoke independently with past Councilmembers Clyde Roberson and Theresa Canepa, and they both confirmed that one of the reasons the NIP was established was to take care of broken things in neighborhoods such as trip hazards. She said they both confirmed that even though they approved property owner responsibility of sidewalk maintenance in the City Code, they never intended that NIP would not be allowed to repair trip hazards. She asked the Committee to consider agendizing this topic at a future time to recommend that a Subcommittee meet with Councilmembers to revisit the more recent decisions regarding NIP’s ability to approve sidewalk maintenance projects. Hans Jannasch (Monterey Vista) had no comment. Jayme Fields (Del Monte Beach) said she wanted to emphasize that NIP has a very good established way of setting criteria, prioritizing, and approving projects and that she hopes Ms. Dwight’s clarification of Council’s motion is correct so that the Committee can get to work and do their job. She said she does not want to be a figurehead selecting through someone else’s sub-list of priorities, when that is not the NIP Committee’s job. Larry Conte (Villa Del Monte) said he also wants to revisit the sidewalk maintenance issue and shared that he recently witnessed an older woman in his neighborhood fall and break her nose on a sidewalk trip hazard. Mike Brassfield (Casanova Oak Knoll) also gave an example of a woman in his neighborhood who was unable to maneuver her stroller over a trip hazard. He said people choose Monterey as a place to live because the city has a reputation for maintaining the neighborhood sidewalks. NEXT MEETING Mr. Reeves stated that the next meeting is the March 31, 2011 First Project Review Meeting, Council Chambers, 7 p.m. (Tentative Alta Mesa through Oak Grove Neighborhoods). ADJORNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. _____________________________ ______________________________ Kim Allen Tom Reeves NIP Recording Secretary NIP Staff Coordinator NIP Committee Final Minutes February 24, 2011 6