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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/03/12 - Minutes - SpecialMarch 12, 2012 CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER A special meeting of the Rancho Cucamonga City Council was held on Monday, March 12, 2012 at Floyd Mr. Stork Elementary School, located at 5646 Jasper Street, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Mayor L. Dennis Michael called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Present were Councilmembers: Bill Alexander, Chuck Buquet, Diane Williams, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Spagnolo and Mayor L. Dennis Michael. Also present were: John Gillison, City Manager; Linda Daniels, Assistant City Manager; Trang Huynh, Building and Safety Official; Lori Sassoon, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services; Police Chief Mike Newcombe; Fire Chief Mike Bell; Debra L. McKay, Assistant City Clerk/Records Manager; Operations Lieutenant Steve Smith; Larry Henderson, Principal Planner and Shirr'I Griffin, Deputy City Clerk. B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Michael noted the workshop setting and indicated that public comments would be heard after each presentation. He inquired if anyone wished to speak prior to the presentations. No communication was made from the public at this time. II C. ITEM(S) OF BUSINESS II C1. Discussion Regarding Access to Cucamonga Canyon Chief Newcombe presented the staff report and provided the history of the use of Cucamonga Canyon. He outlined various concerns resulting from this use, including the trespass onto private property, illegal parking, littering, vandalism, burglary, etc. Several years have been spent addressing these concerns. Chief Newcombe noted the need to look for anon-traditional approach to resolving these concerns as there are many people who visit the canyon each year in a responsible and respectful way. Operations Lieutenant Steve Smith indicated that the primary concern of the Police Department is to protect the quality of life of the residents near the canyon entrance. Currently, there are concerns about pollution, vandalism, theft and trespass. In order to address these concerns, he presented information on the placement of 7 No Trespass and 4 Advisory signs at various locations. The main focus of these signs is to keep the public off of private property and onto the road designated to access the canyon. Operations Lieutenant Smith noted that the focus is on education, rather than enforcement. Information will be placed on Face book, Channel 3 and on the City's Internet site as well as in the newspaper. Chief Newcombe indicated that the private property owners have given permission for the signage and stated that staff has been discussing this matter with Cucamonga Valley Water District as well as the Forestry service. City Manager Gillison indicated a recommendation to eliminate the off-roadway parking area on Almond Street. Special City Council Meeting March 12, 2012 Page 2 of 5 In response to Council Member Buquet, discussion was held regarding the off-road parking area. The intent of the recommendation in the staff report for the signage and the off-road parking area is to minimize accessibility to the immediate area (which is private property) and to encourage people to legally access the canyon. In response to Mayor Michael, Operations Lieutenant Smith discussed the various crimes in the area. There are a large number of people who do not live in the area who are visiting the canyon. Gabe Garcia, District Ranger USDA Forest Service, confirmed to Mayor Michael that the canyon is still open. The Forest Service does not have the funding at this time to provide signage or other amenities to the public. He concurred with the staff recommendation, noting that it was a good solution. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Spagnolo, Chief Newcombe indicated that the signage was intended to assist visitors in knowing what is private property and finding the legal way to access the canyon. If people are confronted in some way and need assistance, they should call 9-1-1. Chief Newcombe indicated that this area would be monitored and noted that the plan can be modified if needed. Dennis Cisneros recognized that resources are limited. He encouraged the Council to analyze the situation further and not close the off-road parking area. Ken Douglass expressed a concern with equestrian access, noting that horses can not enter if the upper gate is locked. Also, he inquired if staff had contacted the private property owners and asked for permission to use their property. He inquired on the ownership of the canyon and expressed a concern with riding a horse along the current access route. Paul Layton suggested that a parking lot and restrooms be placed at the end of the trailhead. A member of the audience disrupted the meeting and was escorted outside. Elise Yerkey was concerned about being denied access to public lands. She didn't know how to legally enter the wilderness area and spoke about the need to educate the public. James Henvood stressed the need for trail connectivity and did not want to see a repeat of the Etiwanda Preserve situation where equestrians and dogs are not allowed. Jeremy Lanini expressed a concern with accessing the lower falls. Regarding the off-road parking area, he noted that elimination of this area would create additional problems in surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Lanini suggested that the fire road be reopened and that there be a permit to walk to Cucamonga Canyon. Also, he suggested that the upper gate remain open to allow access to equestrians. John Lyons considered the Cucamonga Canyon the 8~" Wonder of the World. He noted that the mountain is sacred Indian ground. Bob Patterson addressed various routes to the canyon and inquired if they were legal or illegal to walk on. Laurie Gates noted that there is not a way for her to access the canyon legally. She indicated that elimination of the off-road parking area would steer visitors through the residential neighborhoods. Ms. Gates inquired on the ownership of the streets and opposed the removal of the off-road parking area. Kathy Norcia did not believe that the off-road parking area had solved anything. There are numerous people in front of her home every day, drinking, using foul language, etc. Ms. Norcia noted that the parking area encourages people to be in a place that they do not belong as they can not legally access the canyon from this location. Erick Meisser noted the public's right to visit their National Parks. This lack of access is unreasonable Special City Council Meeting March 12, 2012 Page 3 of 5 J.R. Holman inquired on the proposed placement of the No Trespassing Signs David Flatten understands that opening up the access road was up to the Forest Service. He suggested that the City look at purchasing and improving the property above the existing gate so that everyone can visit this area. Sonya Seling expressed a concern with sending people down the other canyon as it will be ruined. John Gillison, City Manager, noted that staff did approach the private property owners about purchasing their property. While one property is owned by several people, there was not a majority interest to sell. The rest of the property owners were not interested. Mr. Gillison indicated that staff will continue to pursue this concept. Mr. Gillison stated that the property ownership in this area was very complex and indicated that staff had spent quite a bit of work determining who owned which property. Basically, he confirmed that a person can not travel to the lower falls without walking on private property. All of the property owners were asked if they would consent to people walking across their property and none would consent to do so. Also, Mr. Gillison reported that Cucamonga Valley Water District is experiencing concerns with water quality as extensive graffiti is being done to the canyon walls. Chief Mike Bell noted that the long-term solution lies with the Forest Service, but noted that their resources are minimal. He indicated that he would pursue keeping up the upper gate open to allow equestrians to enter. Chief Bell stressed that implementation of the recommended actions would help to buy time to find the long- term solution. Council Member Alexander noted that this discussion was a good first step and concurred with the need for public access to the canyon. He concurred with the speaker who expressed a concern with driving visitors to a pristine canyon and noted that surveillance cameras might be warranted. Council Member Buquet indicated that access to the canyon had been discussed for some time in order to find the most equitable solution. He noted the need for everyone to work together and concurred with the need for pedestrian and equestrian access to the canyon. Council Member Williams encouraged the audience to stay involved. She supported placement of the signage and suggested that other adjustments be made to allow the residents some sort of access to the canyon. For instance, a Cucamonga permit, which shows the property owner's permission to cross his/her property. Mayor Pro Tem Spagnolo indicated the City's responsibility was to the residents in the community and remembered when the Fire Department made nightly trips to rescue people. He noted that this workshop was a step in the right direction. Mayor Pro Tem Spagnolo concurred with the need for signage. Mayor Michael appreciated the comments. He noted the needs of people who live in the area and the needs of residents who would like to visit and protect the canyon somewhat conflict with each other. Mayor Michael noted that the focus should be on the residents. He referenced the speaker cards and asked the audience members to leave their names and telephone numbers so that staff can set up a follow up meeting to discuss possible alternatives. Recess Mayor Michael recessed the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Reconvene: Mayor Michael reconvened the meeting at 8:17 p.m. with all City Council members present Special City Council Meeting March 12, 2012 Page 4 of 5 C2. Planning for Trail Connectivity in the City Linda Daniels, Assistant City Manager, presented the staff report and addressed the types of hiking and riding trails in the community: Regional Multi-Purpose Trails, Community Trails and Local Feeder Trails were discussed. Mrs. Daniels also addressed the establishment of an Equestrian/Rural Overlay District within the General Plan and Development Code, as well as the Trails Implementation Plan and the Hiking and Riding Trails Master Plan. Lastly, she commented on the benefits of a trails system and the challenges in establishing important trail links. In response to Council Member Buquet, the Hiking and Riding Trails Master Plan was discussed, specifcally as it affects Cucamonga Canyon. Mrs. Daniels identified the trails that currently exist and the proposed future trails. Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, suggested that it might be time to study the west end of the City to determine and recommend at a future date possible trailheads. Council Member Buquet noted the limitations at Etiwanda Preserve and spoke about the need for a strategic plan to provide access around that preserve. In response to Mayor Michael, City Manager Gillison noted that the Trails Advisory Committee develops a priority list of trail improvements. What has slowed down; however, is maintenance as funding is limited. In response to Council Member Buquet, City Manager Gillison spoke about the Etiwanda Preserve and its management plan, which doesn't allow equestrian and canine access to the Preserve. John Lyons noted the need for a mountain bike trail. Keri Wescott suggested that an Adopt a Trail program be implemented. A member of the audience noted that there is not a way to get to Heritage Park by horseback. Also, he suggested that the Council consider establishing a 25 mile per hour speed limit when horses are present in that area. Lastly, the audience member wondered how the Hellman Fire Station could have been funded when there were horse trails yet to be built. A member of the audience inquired about the Alta Loma Channel. In response, Senior Planner Larry Henderson discussed the proposed trail in that area. The audience member expressed a concern with the privately owned trails as some property owners are not keeping their trails accessible. In response, the Senior Planner indicated that Code Enforcement works on these types of situations frequently in order to ensure accessibility. C3. Public Safety Programs Designed for Trail Safety (Oral Presentation) Chief Newcombe spoke about the public safety programs that have been designed for trail safety and encouraged everyone to be safe on the trails. Chief Bell noted that location numbers have been placed on the bottom of the poles in the PE trail to aid dispatch in locating people in need of assistance. Erick Meisser thanked staff for their hard work. C4. Update on Adoption of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Chief Bell presented the staff report as well as the Frequently Asked Questions. In response to Council Member Alexander, Chief Bell confirmed that the proposed map can be modifed by the City. Special City Council Meeting March 12, 2012 Page 5 of 5 In response to Mayor Michael, Chief Bell indicated that vent information can be provided to homeowners living in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Also, Chief Bell noted to Council Member Buquet that information could be provided to homeowners in this area on all the recommended improvements. Dennis Cisneros noted the need to remind Edison to keep the utility corridors clear and free of weeds and debris. Tim Johnson inquired if this map imposed fees on the people who lived in this zone and suggested that information be placed on the City's Internet site. In response, Chief Bell indicated that this map does not impose a fee and spoke about the SRA fee, which applies to homeowners in rural areas outside City limits. A member of the audience inquired if this map provides authority to the Fire Chief to restrict access. Also he inquired why the Council would consider the Carrari Ranch project as it is within this Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. In response, City Manager Gillison indicated the developer's right to propose a project, noting that the project has not been heard or considered by the City Council yet. John Lyons suggested a smoking ban in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Council Member Alexander indicated that a public hearing should be held on the adoption of this map. Mayor Michael thanked the audience members for attending the meeting and providing their comments on the topics listed on the agenda. ...,.. D. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Michael adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Re ectfully^su'bmitted, ~. ~ ~`~' Debra McKay, MMC Assistant City Clerk/Records Manager Approved: March 21, 2012