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Public Hearing - Circulation Element Amendment 91-1- CEA 91-
- age 3 - Council/Ay�--ncy Agenda - 12/16/91 (3) PUBLIC COMMENTS Edith Gonzales and Roy Hansen requested a barrier for Cascade Lane. Robert Anderson and Donna Griffith spoke re: paramedic services. Sandra Fairbanks and Tom Fairbanks spoke against Cascade Lane closure. Mike Ferguson re: H.B.M.C. Section 9771 and 12.38.030 (fences and walls) . Wes Bannister recommended using a Council advisory group outside of the Fire Department to look into the differences of usings vans v.s. engines for paramedic services. Brad McIntyre presented the drawbacks of using fire engines for paramedic services and spoke in opposition to cutting manpower. Curt Campbell presented an informal petition bearing approximately 5,926 signatures of persons opposed to reductions in fire/paramedic service and fire department manning. Tony Giambone re: importance of quick paramedic response time. Dave Sullivan; representing Huntington Beach Tomorrow, spoke in opposition to city pay raises. D-1. (City Council) PUBLIC HEARING - CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT XQ 91-1 - NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO 91-35 - RESOLUTION NO 6333 -440.50 TALBERT AVENUE BETWEEN GOLDENWEST & GOTHARD Public hearing to consider the following : r. QONT. APPLICATION NUMBER: Circulation Element Amendment No. OPEN 91-1/Negative Declaration No. 91-36 FROM 12/2/91 APPLICANT: City of Huntington Beach - Departments of Library .Services and Public Works LOCATIO1N: Talbert . Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets . REOUEST: To consider deletion of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets as an arterial from the City' s Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways. ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: Negative Declaration No. 91-36 assessing the environmental effects of said Circulation Element Amendment will also be considered by the City Council COASTAL, STATUS: Not applicable RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Negative Declaration No 91-36 with Mitigation Measures and findings for approval as set forth in Attachment No. 1, approve Circulating Element Amendment No. 91-1 by adopting Resolution No. 6333 and forward to the County Board of Supervisors for approval. - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1 TO THE GENERAL PLAN. " //�� �do)oz'r_d erred 0o/1er� 5-2 CSi%va ,/?'J�t //�, �► _no� 49ASS-AeXon t 4M 9,',3op.i». - 9:7'j,3)0.m • (3) (12/16/91) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach that Circulation Element Amendment No. 91-1 be forwarded to the Orange County Board of Supervisors for adoption as follows : That Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest Street and Gothard Street, shown on Exhibit I attached hereto, be deleted as a secondary arterial from the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting held on the 2nd day of December, 1991. Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Clerk City Attorney Jz 9/ /2- / REVIEWED AND APPROVED: INITIATED AND APPROVED: City Administrator Director of Community Development 17 Lc5 R I RI 17; R2 Cl RI L iml RI F m I R3 R R2 C F R3 MI-CD i�M I R 2 CF-R RI I pi y RI RI Lo R, m I m I ERI M - CD IR2 R2 RI I ��RI CF-R I-CD mi mi RIB= RI TALBERT MI-CD RI W IRI RI RI RI MI-A MI-CD R R' w R4-SR• >< CF- R 3: : - -- -- - 111. /A R z CF-*R MI-CD MI-A R4-SR 0� 0 J: D) R I CF-R z :,.7: ............ -------------- ----------- I =I RI �- - I M I ml� (RA-0-CD) MI-CD ONTARIO OR 5 1 CF-R RI PA-0-CO F_ R i RI RI c ml _,0UUllC OR Mil Nc;"i -------- ---------- I RI nr C F-C OR 0 A t/H i).q 1-.3 r, HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING DIVISION EH[UNTINGTONSEACH ATTACHMENT N0. CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT 91 - 1 Huntington Beach Planning Division TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page 1 . 0 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 . 1 Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 . 2 Environmental Status . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2 . 0 AREA OF CONCERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2 . 1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2 . 2 Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2 . 2 . 1 Circulation Patterns and Projected Volumes . 6 2 . 2 . 2 Emergency Vehicle Response . . . . . . . . . 10 2 . 2 . 3 Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 2 .2 . 4 Arterial Highway Funding Program . . . . . . 13 2 . 2 . 5 City Goals and Policies . . . . . . . . . . 14 3 . 0 SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 1. 0 INTRODUCTION This document constitutes an amendment to the Circulation Element of the Huntington Beach General Plan and is the first amendment to this element for 1991. The Circulation Element was adopted as a mandated element of the General Plan in December, 1976; this is the sixth amendment to the Circulation Element since its original adoption. The adopted Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways is presented in Figure 1-1 . 1 . 1 Methodology This report addresses a proposal by the City of Huntington Beach Library Services Department to delete Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest Street and Gothard Street from the Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways (Figure 1-1) to allow for implementation of the Central Library Parking Master Plan. The proposed deletion is analyzed in Section 2 . 0 in terms of existing and proposed circulation patterns and traffic volumes, emergency vehicle responses, impact on existing and planned land uses and consistency with adopted City goals, and policies . In order to evaluate arterial classifications needed to serve the current and future traffic conditions, certain criteria and assumptions are made regarding roadway capacities . The relationship between arterial capacity and traffic volumes is typically expressed by means of Levels of Service. The concept of levels of service assumes that each type of arterial has an absolute limit to the amount of traffic that it can accommodate and that conditions rapidly deteriorate as traffic volumes approach that level . As traffic approaches capacity, congested conditions are experienced. -1- (1315D) Ss)LIC d DICES PUBLIC NOTICES l PUBLIC K TICE& I PUBLIC NOTICEr- I PUBLIC NOTICES I PUBLIC NOTICES N� OF PUBLIC HEARING • CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1 NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO. 91-36 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Huntington Beach City Council will hold a public hearing in the Council Chamber at the Huntington Beach Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California, on the date and at the time indicated below to receive and consider the statements of all persons who wish to be heard relative to the application described below. DATE/TIME: Monday, December 2, 1991, 7:00 PM APPLICATION NUMBER: Circulation Element Amendment No. 91-1/Negative Declaration No. 91-36 APPLICANT: City of Huntington Beach - Departments of Library Services and Public Works LOCATION: Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets. REQUEST: To consider deletion of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets as an arterial from the City' s Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways . ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: Negative Declaration No. 91-36 assessing the environmental effects of said Circulation Element Amendment will also be considered by the City Council COASTAL STATUS: Not applicable ON FILE: A copy of the proposed request is on file in the City Clerk' s Office, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California 92648, for inspection -by the public. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to attend said hearing and express opinions or submit evidence for or against the application as outlined above. If there are any further questions please call Julie Osugi, Assistant Planner, at 536-5271. I£ you challenge the City Council' s Action in court, 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 at, or prior to the public hearing. Connie Brockway City Clerk City of Huntington Beach r Ri I o� ------� R' CF_R MI M I R3 R2 iv„'� MI-GO R2 CF-R ,:. . _ :a : RI.� RI RI RI plp„;,�; au•a.+_ r.. �.L I - �\ RI l? / MI CD R2• - ' • R2 \ RI AI / CF-R / . .• I-CD I MI MI RI TALBERT a� MI-CD (D) Ir •MI MI-A "IOR2 (� a 1��� ... tl _. • RI ... MI'A R4-SR' Q {RI Rl RI wI•Go --- —IL It : C ER ; CF-R MI-CD MI_A 'RA3R R1-- >.nr. % CF-R .�. (RA-0-CD) M I Rl RI MI-Co MI• pIT..O .. ~ CF-R we I AI RI i CF-C I ,A -- - RI ---------- RI .. ------------------ ----- .. .... .. ... (( . .a,...,aut- �•ve•� ,M �.� .K•(_ ,_�c Al I n I CFC 'I NUNTWGTON REACII HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING DIVIS10N f Y STATE OF CAUFORNIA County of Orange 1 am a Citizen of the United States and a resident of the County aforesaid; I am over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the below entitled matter. I am a principal clerk of the HUNTINGTON BEACH INDEPENDENT, a newspaper of general circulation, printed and published in the City of Huntington Beach, County of Orange, State of California, and that attached Notice is a true and complete copy as was printed and published in the Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley issues of said newspaper to wit the issue(s)of: November 21 , 1991 I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on November 21 , at Costa Mesa, Califomia. r Signature PROOF OF PUBLICATION REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION December 2 , 1991 Date Submitted to: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Submitted by: Michael T. Uberuaga, City Administrate:r Prepared by: Michael Adams , Director of Community Develop rite ;t ON L Subject: CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1/NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO. 91-36 JYt4 11#�' a-Coh+ qJ4IV,, Consistent with Council Policy? Yes [ ] New Policy or ExceptionBa4) .3.3 Statement of Issue, Recommendation, Analysis, Funding Source, Alternative Actions, Attachments: QZ STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Transmitted for your consideration is Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1, a joint request by the Department of Public works and Library Services to delete Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets from the City of Huntington Beach Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways with the replacement of the segment with a parking area for the Central Library. RECOMMENDATION• Staff Recommendation: Motion to : Adopt Negative Delcaration No . 91-36 with Mitigation Measures and approve Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 by adopting City Council Resolution No . L333 and forward to the County Board of Supervisors for approval . Planning Commission Action on November 5, 1991 : ON A MOTION BY RICHARDSON AND A SECOND BY BOURGUIGNON, THE PLANNING COMMISSION VOTED TO APPROVE NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO. 91-36 WITH MITIGATION MEASURES BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Richardson, Newman, Shomaker, Kirkland, Dettloff , Bourguignon, Leipzig NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Y PI 0 5/85 ON A MOTION BY RICHARDSON AND SECOND BY NEWMAN, THE PLANNING COMMISSION VOTED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1 BY ADOPTING :PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1452 , BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES : Richardson, Newman, Shomaker, Dettloff, Bourguignon NOES : Kirkland, Leipzig ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ON A MOTION BY RICHARDSON AND A SECOND BY NEWMAN, THE PLANNING COMMISSION VOTED TO APPROVE THE CENTRAL LIBRARY PARKING MASTER PLAN BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Richardson, Newman, Shomaker, Kirkland, Dettloff, Bourguignon, Leipzig NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None CIWMB concerns were primarily associated with the types of waste the project would generate and impacts to landfill capacity resulting from the subsequent disposal of these materials . Staff explained that waste materials will predominantly consist of asphalt concrete which is completely recyclable. The comments and staff ' s responses have been included in the Planning Commission staff report (see Attachment No . 4) . Prior to any action on Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1, it is necessary for the City Council to review and act on Negative Declaration No . 91-36 . ANALYSIS: Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 The proposed project will delete the segment of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets as an arterial . Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 evaluates the Talbert Avenue deletion in terms of the effects on 1) circulation patterns and projected traffic volumes; 2) emergency vehicle response; 3) existing and further land uses in the area; 4) the City' s participation in the Orange County Arterial Highway Financing Program; and 5) adopted City goals and policies . The Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 document attached to this report contains a detailed analysis of the issues associated with the arterial deletion. The following is a summary of the conclusions of Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 . RCA - 12/2/91 -2- (1447d) The subject segment of Talbert is a lightly used arterial (receiving approximately 5, 300 average trips per day) . Traffic counts conducted by the Traffic Division have indicated that a significant portion (approximately 33%) of these trips are related to Central Library and associated activities . The remaining 3 , 500 through trips when redistributed on surrounding arterials (primarily Slater, Ellis, Goldenwest and Gothard) over a 24 hour period are considered minor and can be adequately accommodated without experiencing any noticeable deterioration in service level . All arterials in the project vicinity are currently operating at a LOS of A or better and are anticipated to continue to do so with the deletion of Talbert . Furthermore, the subject segment of Talbert is never anticipated to serve arterial level traffic volumes due to the previous deletion of Talbert between Edwards and Goldenwest Streets which eliminated potential use of the street as a connector route between the residential area, located to the west of Edwards, and Beach Boulevard. Build out trip projections anticipate an increase of approximately 500 trips per day of which one third are library related trips . Surrounding arterials are projected to operate at LOS of C or better and will continue to do so with the deletion of Talbert . In summary, the proposed Circulation Element Amendment will allow for the deletion of an unnecessary arterial designation, as determined by both the City of Huntington Beach Traffic Division and the OCEMA, and will provide potential safety benefits to library patrons and park users by reducing the number and the speed of vehicles in the library vicinity. The segment of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets will never realize secondary arterial levels of use and will continue to be a minor component of the City' s arterial highway circulation system. Furthermore, due to the low number of through trips conveyed by this segment its proposed deletion will not substantially disrupt current and future traffic flow and levels of service in the area . In addition the subject segment of Talbert is not a vital part of the Fire Department emergency response route system and can be deleted without any noticeable effect on emergency response time in the vicinity. And finally, the deletion of Talbert is consistent with other elements of the General Plan and will specifically facilitate implementation of the goals and policies of the Circulation and Community Facilities Elements . RCA - 12/2/91 -3- (1447d) Environmental Status : On September 4 , 1990, the Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) , in its initial study of the project determined that the project would result in several potential short-term impacts . However, all impacts were associated with the parking lot development rather than with the deletion of Talbert Avenue as an arterial . The EAC determined that all potential adverse impacts could be mitigated to a level of insignificance and recommended processing of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project . All recommended mitigation measures were incorporated into the project as conditions of approval for the Central Library Parking Master Plan. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act regulations in effect at this time, the Department of Community Development advertised draft Mitigated Negative Declaration No . 91-36 for 30 days . Written communications were received from the Environmental Board and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) . The Environmental Board expressed concerns over the suitability of construction of a parking lot near the landfill with the potential hazards associated with methane in the area . In response to the Board' s concerns, staff has clarified that the City contracted with Kleinfelder, Inc. to prepare a Landfill Gas Mitigation Investigation and Geotechnical Study. These studies assess the methane and soil conditions for the project site and detail methane ventilation methods and structural specifications for safe parking lot development . The Board also requested clarification on the proposed parking lot expansion for the Central Library. FUNDING SOURCE: Not Applicable ALTERNATIVE ACTION: Motion to: Approve Negative Declaration No. 91-36 with mitigation and deny Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 . ATTACHMENTS: 1 . Findings for Approval of Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 2 . City Council Resolution No. 65'73 to adopt Circulation Element Amendment No. 91-1 3 . Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 4 . Planning Commission Staff Report dated November 5, 1991 MTU:MA:JO: jr OD- RCA - 12/2/91 -4- (1447d) ATTACHMENT 1 FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO, 91-1 : 1 . Deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets will not result in substantial future impacts to surrounding arterials and the ability of the Circulation System to serve the Central Library area, since projected buildout levels of service or surrounding arterials with the deletion will be at LOS C or better . 2 . Deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets, will not negatively impact the future provision of emergency vehicle response to the Central Library area, since several adequate alternative response routes are available which will not deteriorate the Fire Departments five (5) minute response time to the area . 3 . Deletion of Talbert, between Goldenwest and Gothard as an arterial is consistent with the other elements of the General Plan. 4 . Deletion of Talbert, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets, is consistent with Circulation Element policies for the development of a system of arterial streets and highways that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods by improving safety for library patrons and park uses by downgrading the levels of traffic and traffic speeds in the library area . 5 . Deletion of Talbert, between Goldenwest and Gothard Strees, is consistent with the Community Facilities Element policies for providing adequate community facilities by providing adequate parking facilities and providing a more cost effective use of the property. 6 . Deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets, will allow for removal of an unnecessary arterial designation since previous deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Edwards Streets, prevented the possibility of future arterial level use or the subject segment . �- 1 ' S RESOLUTION NO. 6333 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1 TO THE GENERAL PLAN WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California desires to update and refine the General Plan in keeping with changing community needs and objectives; and A public hearing on adoption of Circulation Element Amendment No. 91-1 to the General Plan was held by the Planning Commission on November 5, 1991, and approved for recommendation to the City Council; and Thereafter the City Council, after giving notice as prescribed by Government Code Section 65355, held at least one public hearing to consider Circulation Element No . 91-1; and At said hearing before the City Council all persons desiring to be heard on said amendment were heard, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach pursuant to provisions of Title 7, Chapter 3, Article 6 of California Government Code commencing with Section 65350, that Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 is hereby adopted as follows : That Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest Street and Gothard Street, shown on Exhibit I attached hereto, be deleted as a secondary arterial from the City of Huntington Beach Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways . 1 AMENDMENTS \�ar. CIRCULATION PLAN OF ARTERIAL W[5T YIHSTER n ann.c ` m..rsyo., covrca 10,/•7lR --MSe[ I10612R help![ rv. TJ STREETS AND HIGHWAYS re-Te IZAa 3L- eTzs ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL e-2-ea1 1310 Ix-S-M 5324 1 3,5-e4 1322 s-A-e. eaes RESOLUTION NO.4368—DEC.12.1976 1-2o-se less `� LEGEND' a-?-" soea I \ re-so Bose • \: - .E- ----- FREEWAY STREET CAPACITY ApGQ3Y MAJOR 45.000 PRIMARY 30.000 C i•pOER - �AvE. _ 1�l � SECONDARY 20,000 k NOTE EDINGER �` AVE SOLID LINES IN61CATE EXISTING RIGHT OF WAY \ NOT NECESSARILY ULTIMATE RIGHT-OF WAY DASHED LINES INDICATE AREAS WHERE-NO RIGHT OF WAY EXISTS NEIL I \ O I \ AV[I 7 C YARMER ----- ` 2 T4� TALRERT KFi J [LL13 u � AVE. 1 �~ i . __G•RFIELD AK. .F i -\% YORXTORN - AYE / AD•ILS AVE C�. I AV I 7 / `\\ • AHTA - •L- tIr © v l Q \NAAeLTON CITY OF 2 _ � HUNTINGTON BEACH ` 'B"WHO �_AY -f--- 9^ ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA �! ' FIGURE 1v�1 `�. The levels of service concept has established classifications A through F for defining levels of service . The six levels of service classifications are defined as follows : Level of Service A: indicates no physical restriction on operating speeds . Level of Service B: indicates stable flow with few restrictions on operating speed. Level of Service C: indicates stable flow, higher volume, and more restrictions on speed and lane changing. Level of Service D: indicates approaching unstable flow and little freedom to maneuver. Level of Service E: indicates unstable flow, lower operating speeds than level of Service D, and some momentary stoppages . Level of Service F: indicates forced flow operation at low speeds where the highway acts as a storage area and there are many stoppages . The City of Huntington Beach has deemed a Level of Service of C as an acceptable flow of traffic for link capacities (a link is the portion of the roadway between two arterial intersections) , and a LOS of D for intersections . The following table shows the roadway capacity values the City uses for circulation analysis of each type of facility. Roadway Capacity Values for Arterial Highways Levels of Service* Type of Arterial A B C D E F 6 lanes divided 36 , 000 40,400 45, 000 49 , 500 54 , 000 - 4 lanes divided 24 , 000 27, 000 30, 000 33, 000 36, 000 - 4 lanes (undivided) 16, 000 18, 000 20, 000 22, 000 24 , 000 - 2 lanes (undivided) 5, 000 7, 500 10, 00 12, 500 15, 000 - *Maximum average daily trips (ADT) , which is defined as the average number of trips over a 24-hour period. In analyzing the proposed arterial deletion in this amendment, the City planning staff utilized traffic generation volumes for the arterials surrounding the proposed deletion and other information provided by the City of Huntington Beach Traffic Division. -3- (1315D) 1 . 2 Environmental Status On September 4 , 1990, the Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) , in its initial study of the project determined that the project would result in potential short-term wind/water erosion, air quality, noise and circulation impacts, soils impacts , drainage impacts and loss of mature trees . However, all impacts were associated with subsequent parking lot development rather than with the arterial highway deletion. The EAC determined that all potential adverse impacts could be mitigated to a level of insignificance and recommended processing of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project . All recommended mitigation measures were incorporated into the project . Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act regulations in effect at this time, the Department of Community Development advertised draft Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 91-36 for thirty (30) days . Written communications were received from the Environmental Board and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) . The Environmental Board expressed concerns over the suitability of construction of a parking lot near the landfill and potential hazards associated with methane in the area . In response to the Board' s concerns, staff clarified that the City contracted with Kleinfelder, Inc. to prepare a Landfill Gas Mitigation Investigation and Geotechnical Study. The studies assess the methane and soil conditions for the project site and detail methane ventilation methods and structural specifications for safe parking lot development . The Board also requested clarification on the proposed parking lot expansion for the Central Library. CIWMB concerns were primarily associated with the types of waste the project would generate and impacts to landfill capacity resulting from subsequent disposal of waste materials . Staff explained that waste materials will predominantly consist of asphalt concrete which is completely recyclable. Due to this and cities ' growing need to reduce waste generation, to comply with AB 939 regulations, the project ' s waste is anticipated to be recycled and thereby have an insignificant effect on landfill capacity. N -4- (1315D) 2 . 0 AREA OF CONCERN On November 20, 1990 the Planning Commission held a public hearing on construction of the Central Library Expansion project (Conditional Use Permit No. 90-49) . At that time, the expansion project consisted of three separate phases . Phase 1 consisted of construction of the entire library expansion structure and occupancy of upper floor uses; Phase II consisted of occupancy of lower level uses; and Phase III consisted of expansion of parking lot facilities and reconfiguration of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets . As part of its action at that time, the Planning Commission conditioned occupancy of Phase II uses upon approval of a Parking Plan by the Planning Commission. Since then, the Department of Library Services has requested construction of the Central Library Expansion project in a single phase. As such, it has submitted a Parking Master Plan for the library expansion. As part of that Master Plan, Library Services and the Department Public Works are also requesting the deletion of a segment of Talbert Avenue (between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets) from the City' s Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways . Staff has prepared Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 to address that deletion. 2 . 1 Background Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets is a secondary arterial which runs east and west across the central portion of the City of Huntington Beach. Additionally, Talbert Avenue has regional significance because it continues into Fountain Valley where it bridges the Santa Ana River Channel and becomes MacArthur Boulevard which continues through the cities of Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Irvine and Newport Beach. -5- (1315D) At the present time, Talbert Avenue terminates at Goldenwest Street in the City of Huntington Beach. This has been its terminus since 1976 when Talbert Avenue from Edwards to Goldenwest Street was deleted from the City' s Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways in order to avoid bifurcation of Huntington Central Park. 2 . 2 Analysis This section analyzes the proposed deletion of the Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Street in terms of the effects on 1) circulation patterns and projected traffic volumes, 2) emergency vehicle response, 3) existing and future land uses in the area, 4) the City' s participation in the Orange County Arterial Highway Financing Program, and 5) adopted City goals and policies . 2 . 2 . 1 Circulation Patterns and Projected Traffic Volumes The following section analyzes existing traffic volumes and circulation patterns in the vicinity of the study area. The section also projects future 2010 traffic volumes and circulation patterns with the deletion of the subject segment of Talbert Avenue. It should be noted that although Talbert does have some regional significance, as previously mentioned, both the County of Orange and the City' s Traffic Division have indicated that the previous deletion of Talbert between Edwards and Goldenwest Streets, which eliminated the possible use of this segment of Talbert as a connection route between the residences in the area to the west of Edwards Street and Beach Boulevard, has virtually eliminated the regional significance of this segment along with any chances that the subject segment of Talbert will ever operate at secondary arterial level . Therefore, it has been determined that this segment of Talbert has little significance to regional circulation patterns and does not need to be addressed any further as a regional accessway in this document . Existing Traffic As indicated in Figure 1-1, there are currently four arterials, in addition to Talbert Avenue, on the Circulation Plan which are intended to provide circulation in the Central Library area. Those arterials are: 1) Slater Avenue which is a secondary arterial, 2) Ellis Avenue which is a primary arterial, but is presently constructed as a secondary arterial between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets , 3) Goldenwest Street which is planned as a major arterial but is presently constructed as a primary arterial, and 4) Gothard Street which is designated as a secondary arterial . Figure 2-1 depicts existing traffic volumes on the arterials in the immediate project vicinity in terms of Average Daily Trips (ADT) . Talbert Avenue presently conveys 5,300 (ADT) between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets, of which approximately 33% (1, 767 ADT) are library associated trips and 66% (3 , 533 ADT) are through trips . Talbert Avenue conveys 9 , 700 ADT between Gothard Street and Beach Boulevard . These volumes place Talbert Avenue at Level of Service (LOS) A for a secondary arterial . The design capacity (LOS C) for a secondary arterial would be 20, 000 ADT. �— -6- (1315D) i �jL;,TER 15 , 000 15 , 700 -LOS. A LOS A I I of o o o o O o i I I � TA�362� _ 513 0 0 9 700 —_ LOS A LOS A i Q C> � o 0 Z N a a J � O E LLI AVE . 5 , 300 LOS A LOS' A FIGURE 2-1 r� am Existing Traffic Volumes (ADT) 14 and Levels of Service (LOS) huntington beach planning division Slater Avenue presently conveys 15, 000 ADT between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets and 15, 700 ADT between Gothard Street and Beach Boulevard . These volumes place Slater Avenue at LOS A for a secondary arterial . Ellis Avenue is presently conveying 5, 300 ADT between Goldenwest Street and Beach Boulevard. This traffic volume indicates that Ellis Avenue is operating at a LOS A for secondary arterial as it is presently constructed. Goldenwest Street presently conveys 20, 000 ADT between Ellis and Talbert Avenues and 24 ,000 ADT between Talbert and Slater Avenues . These traffic volumes indicate that Goldenwest Street is operating at a LOS A for a primary arterial . Gothard Street presently conveys 14, 500 ADT between Ellis and Talbert Avenues and 16, 000 ADT between Talbert and Slater Avenues . These traffic volumes indicate that Gothard Street is operating at LOS A for a primary arterial . The remaining estimated 3 , 500 through trips for the portion of Talbert Avenue in question, when redistributed on surrounding arterials (primarily Slater, Ellis, Goldenwest and Gothard) over a 24 hour period is considered minor and can be adequately accommodated without experiencing any noticeable deterioration in service level . All arterials in the project vicinity are currently operating at a LOS of A and are anticipated to continue to do so with the deletion of Talbert . Future Impacts of Deletion of Talbert Avenue as an Arterial . between Goldenwest and Gothard In order to examine the long-term impacts of the deletion of the subject section of Talbert Avenue, the City Traffic Division and planning staff conducted an analysis on a long range basis . The analysis evaluates the proposed arterial deletion' s impacts on surrounding arterials based upon projected build out (2010) traffic conditions, as a worse case scenario. Baseline 2010 traffic projections were determined using a Traffic Study prepared by LSA Associates, Inc. for the Holly-Seacliff area . Based upon the previously determined percentage of library associated trips, it is estimated that 3 , 900 trips (approximately 67% of the 2010 projected trips for the subject segment of Talbert) would be redistributed onto surrounding arterials . Due to the proximity of Slater and Ellis Avenues and Goldenwest and Gothard Streets, it is assumed that a majority of the remaining trips will be redistributed onto these arterials, with a minor percentage being re-routed onto other periphery streets . It should be noted that traffic volume increases to periphery streets resulting from the Talbert Avenue deletion were considered negligible and therefore have not been specified here. Figure 2-3 shows the projected 2010 traffic volumes and levels of service on Slater, Ellis, Goldenwest and Gothard with the deletion of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets . 'D -8- (1315D) i Q cfl �jL AT-eR 15 , 9.00 19 , 000 LOS A LOS B o r.� 0 o U r o d a O M rn a 9 , 700 LOS A J� o o oo cn o 3 0 O I w ..1QLL7. -r-� J � E LLI AvE 7, 500 6 , 200 LOS A LOS A I I FIGURE 2-2 Projected 2010 Traffic Volumes (ADT) and Levels of Service (LOS)15P with Talbert Deletion mil - huntington beach planning division Talbert Avenue is anticipated to convey approximately 9 , 700 ADT between Gothard Street and Beach Boulevard . This volume will continue to place Talbert Avenue at Level of Service (LOS) A for a secondary arterial . It should be noted that anticipated trips along this route are not anticipated to change due to the minor level of use of this segment . Slater Avenue is projected to convey approximately 15, 900 ADT between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets and 19 , 000 ADT between Gothard Street and Beach Boulevard. These volumes place Slater Avenue at LOS B and LOS A, respectively, for a secondary arterial . This indicates a slight deterioration to service levels along Slater Avenue between Gothard and Beach under build out conditions ; however, it should be noted that the slight deterioration in service level is anticipated to be primarily due to increase in the development of the area rather than the deletion of Talbert Avenue and that levels of service will still be well above the City' s standard, at a LOS B. Ellis Avenue is anticipated to convey approximately 7, 500 ADT between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets and 6, 200 ADT between Gothard Street and Beach Boulevard. These traffic volumes indicate that Ellis Avenue will continue to operate at a LOS A for a primary arterial . Goldenwest Street is projected to convey approximately 30, 800 ADT between Ellis and Talbert Avenues and 34 , 700 ADT between Talbert and Slater Avenues . These traffic volumes indicate that Goldenwest Street is anticipated to operate at a LOS A for a major arterial . Gothard Street is projected to convey approximately 14 ,200 ADT between Ellis and Talbert Avenues and 19 , 100 ADT between Talbert and Slater Avenues . These traffic volumes indicate that Gothard Street is anticipated to operate at LOS A and LOS C for a secondary arterial . In summary, when projected build out trip generations along Talbert Avenue are redistributed onto the surrounding arterials, over a twenty-four hour period, there will be a negligible impact to the levels of service of those arterials . Arterials in the project vicinity are anticipated to operate at an LOS of C or better . 2 . 2 . 2 Emergency Vehicle Response Fire station planning in the City of Huntington Beach has proceeded with the understanding that through access between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets will be available via Talbert Avenue as a secondary arterial as indicated on the City' s Circulation Plan. The subject Talbert segment provides the best access route from the Gothard Street station (see Figure 2-3) to the Huntington Central Park area located on the west of Goldenwest Street at Talbert Avenue. -10- (1315D) v = a V1' A. 0 1600 7700 u eolsA r x ARGOSY - K 0. I GR Z IDINcIR HE — MU 11fR WA WARNIR R R \ SI AIU IASe1RI BC1 Go IIIIs � r J � _ F e 3 LEGEND C.ARFIfID BU - BUSHARD s' { /YORKIOWN GO - GOTHARD BU"``t '', ADAMT 3 � HE - H EI L , /INDSANAROSIS LA - LAKE LA /AIRANTA MA MA - MAGNOLIA *EXISTING NAMIl10N MU - MURDY TO BE ABANDONED eANNlhhi WA - WARNER . PROPOSED GR - GRAHAM BC - BOLSA CHICA FIGURE 2-3 FIRE STATION LOCATIONS -( ' HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING DIVISION However, the Fire Department has indicated that the primary importance of the segment is to provide emergency access to the Central Library which will be maintained and designed to Fire Department standards . (The adequacy of accessways is primarily determined by turning radii and street width and need not be designated to arterial standards . The proposed parking lot design can therefore provide sufficient emergency vehicle access) . The Fire Department has stated that, although it is generally preferred to have the maximum number of access routes possible, this segment of Talbert, due to the existing and anticipated future development patterns in the area and the presence of several acceptable alternate routes (via Slater and Ellis Avenue) , has little significance to their emergency service for the area . Response times in the area currently comply with the city standard of five (5) minutes and are expected to continue to do so regardless of the deletion. In summary, the primary significance of the segment of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Street is to provide emergency access to the Central Library which will not be effected by the proposed deletion. Furthermore, the subject segment provides minimal benefits to Fire Department access capabilities in the area . Alternate emergency response routes via Slater or Ellis Avenue can provide adequate Fire Department access in the project vicinity; therefore, the deletion of the subject segment of Talbert Avenue will have a negligible impact to emergency fire response. 2 . 2 . 3 Land Uses The subject segment of Talbert Avenue is surrounded to the north, south and west by area designated as part of the Huntington Beach Central Park. Areas to the east, across Gothard Street primarily consist of industrial uses . Originally, Talbert Avenue was identified as a secondary arterial which ran from Edwards to Gothard Street . However, the segment of Talbert between Edwards and Goldenwest Streets was subsequently deleted (GPA No. 76-3) due to concerns associated with park use compatibility. Although land uses along the subject segment of Talbert are more intense in nature than those along the previously deleted segment, the same issues of incompatibility may still apply. Of primary concern is the issue to safety. In its current state, the subject segment of Talbert traverses an area used for library parking . This requires some library patrons and park users to cross Talbert Aveune traffic. The proposed deletion and the resulting decrease in the intensity of use (i .e. as a parking area) is expected to significantly reduce conflicts between library/park pedestrian traffic and arterial traffic by reducing traffic speeds and volumes (and generally discouraging through traffic) in the library area . -12- (1315D) The segment of Talbert is also located in the vicinity of an abandoned landfill site . Presence of peat and organic materials in the vicinity have led to differential street settlement and creation of depressions resulting from the decomposition of these materials . The underlying soils conditions combined with street usage has resulted in a increase in the frequency of such depressions and has created costly maintenance problems for the street . The Department of Public Works has indicated that the deletion of this segment of Talbert as an arterial will reduce the number of vehicles crossing the property and will slow the creation of such sink spots, thereby, reducing the City' s maintenance costs for the area . A separate land use issue involves the use of the subject segment of Talbert Avenue as a means of access to businesses on Talbert Avenue. There are presently a large number of small industrial and automotive tennants on the north and south side of Talbert Avenue, east of Gothard Street . Those businesses are typically accessed by customers coming from Beach Boulevard to the east or from Goldenwest Street from the west . Deletion of the subject segment of Talbert Avenue would require that Goldenwest Street customers detour to Ellis or Slater, then back to Talbert, to patronize the businesses . Deletion of the Talbert segment may make the businesses on Talbert more difficult to find and access for customers coming from Goldenwest . That the number of customers to be impacted will be fairly low, however, is borne out by the low traffic volumes which presently utilize the subject segment of Talbert . The analysis in Section 2 . 2 . 1 has indicated that the deletion of the subject segment of Talbert Avenue is a very lightly used arterial and that its deletion will have a minor effect on the levels of service or surrounding arterials . As described above, elimination of the arterial status of the segment will provide safety benefits to library patrons and parks users as well as possible maintenance cost benefits . 2 . 2 .4 Arterial Highway Financing Program The County of Orange presently operates an Arterial Highway Financing Program (AHFP) wherein the individual cities receive funding for arterial highway construction and maintenance. Such funding, however, is contingent upon consistency of the cities ' circulation plans with the County' s Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH) . In order to remain eligible for AHFP funding, any city which amends its circulation plan must do so in a coordinated effort with the County. Since the subject segment of Talbert is shown on the County MPAH, deletion of the extension by the City must be done according to the amendment process adopted by the County. The process essentially requires that the Orange County Environmental Management Agency (OCEMA) be informed of the suggested amendment and then supplied with all of the analytical data collected by the City. The OCEMA then recommends approval or denial of the amendment to the Board of Supervisors . -13- (1315D) This Circulation Element Amendment document follows the proper procedure for analyzing an amendment to the Circulation Plan. Because of the very short time-frame of this amendment, the OCEMA has not been able to review the document . However, the City has been working in a coordinated effort with the County during this process . Preliminary discussion between the City staff and OCEMA/Transportation Planning has revealed that the County is in support of the proposed deletion and will make a recommendation to the County Board of Supervisors to delete Talbert from the County Master Plan of Arterial Highways, pending receipt of a City Council Resolution requesting the deletion. Therefore, the deletion is not anticipated to result in loss of the AHFP funds . 2 . 2 . 5 City Goals and Policies The General Plan for Huntington Beach contains statements of goals and policies which are intended to provide guidance and direction for development of the City. Several separate elements contain goals and policies which are applicable to the proposed deletion of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets . The Circulation Element of the General Plan contains policies related to the arterial highway system city-wide. The proposed deletion of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets is consistent with following goals and policies adopted in Section 3 . 1. 2 of the Circulation Element : Goal 1. To provide a multi-mode transportation system that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods . Policies 1 . Develop a system of arterial streets and highways that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods . 2 . Support the establishment of public transportation systems within the City that are directed toward meeting the mobility needs of the community. 7 . Provide a transportation system that is consistent with efforts to minimize adverse environmental and aesthetic effect . The land use compatability analysis in Section 2 . 2 .3 of this document indicated that downgrading of Talbert to a parking lot access will reduce the number and speeds of vehicles in the library area, and will provide for safer pedestrian circulation in the library area which is consistent with goal 6 and policy 1 . In addition this section has determined that the subject segment is located in the vicinity of an abandoned landfill . Underlying soils conditions combined with arterial level street usage will result in frequent occurrence of sink spots and dspressions in the street . Deletion of Talbert will allow for more appropriate development of a parking lot which will reduce the rate of sinkage and associated maintenance costs and, therefore, is consistent with policy 3 . ,T - 1 . "2q -14- ( 1315D) The traffic projections in Section 2. 2. 1 of this document have indicated that the subject segment of Talbert is a minor component of the City' s Circulation System which is not likely to ever experience arterial levels of use. Deletion of Talbert is consistent with policy 2 by allowing for removal of an unnecessary arterial . The Community Facilities Element addresses the provision of life-threatening hazards community facilities throughout the City and contains goals and policies to provide adequate facilities in the City. Section 3 . 5 . 6 of the Element contains the following policies : 1 . Promote the provision of adequate community facilities within the City of Huntington Beach. 4 . Prior to constructing new community facilities, consider the impact of those facilities on annual maintenance and operating costs and staffing requirements for maintenance. Since the deletion of Talbert will allow for subsequent development of needed library parking, the deletion is consistent with policy 1. In addition, as previously mentioned, the deletion will allow for more cost effective development of the property which is consistent with policy 4 . -15- (1315D) 3 . 0 SUMMARY The proposed Circulation Element Amendment will allow for the deletion of an unnecessary arterial designation, as determined by both the City of Huntington Beach Traffic Division and the OCEMA, and will provide potential safety benefits to library patrons and park users by reducing the number and the speed of vehicles in the library vicinity. The segment of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets is a lightly used arterial which due to previous deletion of its westerly segment will never realize secondary arterial levels of use and will continue to be a minor component of the City' s arterial highway circulation system. Furthermore, due to the low number of through trips conveyed by this segment its proposed deletion will not substantially disrupt current and future traffic flow and levels of service in the area . All surrounding arterials will continue to operate at an LOS of C or better, both at present as in the year 2010 . In addition the subject segment of Talbert is not a vital part of the Fire Department emergency response route system and can be deleted without any noticeable effect on emergency response time in the vicinity. And finally, the deletion of Talbert is consistent with other elements of the General Plan and will specifically facilitate implementation of the goals and policies of the Circulation and Community Facilities Elements . -16- (1315D) huntington beach department of community development STAFF ATT �/���HNIENT NO. _ REPORT TO: Planning Commission FROM: Community Development DATE : November 5 , 1991 SUBJECT: CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1/CENTRAL LIBRARY PARKING MASTER PLAN/NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO . 91-36 APPLICANT: City of Huntington Beach, Library Services and Public Works Departments PROPERTY OWNER: City of Huntington Beach, 2000 Main Street , Huntington Beach, CA 92648 REOUEST: Deletion of Talbert Avenue (between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets) from the Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways and approval of the Central Library Parking Master Plan to allow for additional parking to serve the Central Library expansion project . LOCATION: Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets . DATE ACCEPTED: August 26, 1991 ZONE : CF-R (Community Facilities-Recreational) and Ml-CD (Light Industrial-Civic District) EXISTING USE : Arterial 1 . 0 SUGGESTED ACTION: Motion to : A. "Approve Negative Declaration No . 91-36 with Mitigation Measures and forward to City Council for adoption; " and B . "Recommend approval of Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 to the City Council by adopting Planning Commission Resolution No . 1452 and forward to City Council for approval ; " and C . "Approve the Central Library 'Parking Master Plan with findings and conditions of approval . " A-FM-23C 2 . 0 GENERAL INFORMATION: The Departments of Public Works and Library Services are jointly requesting the deletion of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest Street from the City' s Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways with the replacement of the segment as parking area for the Central Library. The projects have been processed concurrently under one ( 1) mitigated negative declaration due to the overlapping locations and issues of concern. This staff report separately addresses each project starting with a summary of conclusions of Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 followed by an overview of the Central Library Parking Master Plan. 3 . 0 ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS : On September 4 , 1990 , the Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) , in its initial study of the project determined that the project would result in potential short-term wind/water erosion, air quality, noise and circulation impacts , soils impacts , drainage impacts and loss of mature trees . However, all impacts were associated with subsequent parking lot development rather than with the arterial deletion . The EAC determined that all potential adverse impacts could be mitigated to a level of insignificance and recommended processing of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project . All recommended mitigation measures were incorporated into the project as conditions of approval for the Central Library Parking Master Plan . Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act regulations in effect at this time, the Department of Community Development advertised draft Mitigated Negative Declaration No . 91-36 for 30 days . Written communications were received from the Environmental Board and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) . The Environmental Board expressed concerns over the suitability of construction of a parking lot near the landfill with the potential hazards associated with methane in the area . In response to the Board ' s concerns , staff has clarified that the City contracted with Kleinfelder, Inc . to prepare a Landfill Gas Mitigation Investigation and Geotechnical Study. These studies assess the methane and soil conditions for the project site and detail methane ventilation methods and structural specifications for safe parking lot development . The Board also requested clarification on the proposed parking lot expansion for the Central Library. CIWMB concerns were primarily associated with the types of waste the project would generate and impacts to landfill capacity resulting from the subsequent disposal of these materials . Staff explained that waste materials will predominantly consist of asphalt concrete which is completely recyclable . Due to this and Cities ' growing need to reduce waster generation, to comply with AB 939 regulations , the project generated waste is anticipated to be recycled and thereby have an insignificant effect on landfill capacity. The comments and staff ' s responses have been attached to this staff report (see Attachment No . 5) . Staff Report - 11/5/91 -2- (1275d) Prior to any action on Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1, it is necessary for the Planning Commission to review and act on Mitigated Negative Declaration No . 91-36 . 4 . 0 ISSUES AND ANALYSIS: This section summarizes the analysis constained in Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 and discusses the issues associated with the proposed Central Library Parking Master Plan. Circulation Element Amendment No , 91-1 The proposed project will delete the segment of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets as an arterial . Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 evaluates the Talbert Avenue deletion in terms of the effects on 1) circulation patterns and projected traffic volumes ; 2) emergency vehicle response; 3) existing and further land uses in the area; 4) the City' s participation in the Orange County Arterial Highway Financing Program; and 5) adopted City goals and policies . The Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 document attached to this report contains a detailed analysis of the issues associated with the arterial deletion. The following is a summary of the conclusions of Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 . The subject segment of Talbert is a lightly used arterial ( receiving approximately 5 , 300 average trips per day) . Traffic counts conducted by the Traffic Division have indicated that a significant portion (approximately 33%) of these trips are related to Central Library associated activities . The remaining estimated 3 , 500 through trips when redistributed on surrounding arterials (primarily Slater , Ellis , Goldenwest and Gothard) over a 24 hour period are considered minor and can be adequately accommodated without experiencing any noticeable deterioration in service level . All arterials in the project vicinity are currently operating at a LOS of C or better and are anticipated to continue to do so with the deletion of Talbert . The proposed Circulation Element Amendment will allow for the deletion of an unnecessary arterial designation, as determined by both the City of Huntington Beach Traffic Division and the OCEMA, and will provide potential safety benefits to library patrons and park users by reducing the number and the speed of vehicles in the library vicinity. The segment of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets due to previous deletion of its westerly segment will never realize secondary arterial levels of use and will continue to be a minor component of the City' s arterial highway circulation system. Furthermore, due to the low number of through trips conveyed by this segment its proposed deletion will not substantially disrupt current and future traffic flow and levels of service in the area . Staff Report - 11/5/91 -3- ( 1275d) In addition the subject segment of Talbert is not a vital part of the Fire Department emergency response route system and can be deleted without any noticeable effect on emergency response time in the vicinity. And finally, the deletion of Talbert is consistent with other elements of the General Plan and will specifically facilitate implementation of the goals and policies of the Circulation and Community Facilities Elements . Central Library Parking Master Plan On November 20 , 1991 the Planning Commission held a public hearing on construction of the Central Library Expansion project (Conditional Use Permit No . 90-49) . At that time, the expansion project consisted of three (3) separate phases . Phase I consisted of construction of the entire library expansion structure and occupancy of upper floor uses ; Phase II consisted of occupancy of lower level uses ; and Phase III consisted of expansion of parking lot facilities and reconfiguration of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets . As part of its action at that time, the Planning Commission conditioned occupancy of Phase II uses upon approval of a Parking Plan by the Planning Commission. Since then, the Department of Library Services has requested construction of the Central Library Expansion project in a single phase. As such, it has submitted a Parking Master Plan for the library expansion. It should be noted that pursuant to previous Planning Commission direction this is only a Parking Master Plan not a new Conditional Use Permit . This section analyzes the proposed Central Library Parking Master Plan. This section analyzes the two (2) primary issues associated with the Central Library Parking Master Plan, specifically the provision of adequate parking and circulation and parking lot design. The existing parking lot provides a total of 453 parking spaces . These parking spaces are provided in two (2) areas , one 178 space area north of Talbert adjacent to the library and another 275 space are on the south side of Talbert . The proposed Parking Master Plan will expand the boundaries of the existing parking area, adjacent to the library, to incorporate the Talbert Avenue right-of-way, a portion of the existing parking area on the south side of Talbert, as well as an approximate 1 . 1 acre strip of park area on the north side of Talbert and an approximate 0 . 7 acre strip on the south side of Talbert , into a single 705 space lot (see Figure 1) . Staff Report - 11/5/91 -4- (1275d) FIGURE 1 I I i I i i �I 7• I I I I J 3 V� I IIIII lil � IIli1,' Y, � xa uj cc ca Gi JAI i ` ` ' �. / T/ <t) 3 a —j_, ^_ "�f�•..r=..,s„�„z,l--r._�,�:�', !1 I I I I I I!I!I I ! '� ,��'.- ,, `"�. /fir \ C— >:;,...o x o� 14, z V jo t NOTE: _ /X// \\j•• 4 � w+•.a+c ele n.+.,.na m..�..oa a c Boundary of Talbert Avenue and \ the existing Library Parking ' Lot Q AEjCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN � 1 W 1 I I 1 1 1 wA 1.2 1 1 The City Zoning Code does not contain any specific parking standards for libraries . However, staff believes that due to the intense variety of uses previously approved for the library expansion project , the library is more of a multi-media/resource center than a traditional library. As such, staff determined that parking requirements for the expansion should be based upon the square footage of each approved of use. Parking need for the library with expansion was then calculated based upon the following ratios . Office, reading rooms , and stack areas are parked at 1 space/300 square feet ; and conference rooms and auditorium areas are parked at 1 space/35 square feet . Based upon these factors a total of 704 spaces would be required to serve the site . The Parking Master Plan will provide a total of 704 spaces . This consists of 333 standard size (9 ' x 19" ) spaces , 363 compact spaces (of which 189 are 7 ' 9" x 12 ' 6" and 174 are 9 ' x 16 ' 6" ) and 8 handicap spaces . It should be noted that the proposed compact spaces do not comply with compact parking provisions of the zoning code . The plan proposes approximately 52% compact spaces ; this is approximately 32% (222) spaces more than the 20% maximum ( 141) spaces permitted by code . In addition, none of the compact spaces meet the minimum 9 ' x 17" dimension requirements specified by code . However, this is a conceptual plan and it is possible that 141 of the 9 ' x 16 ' x 6" spaces can be redesigned to meet code by incorporating surplus aisle width areas . The remaining 222 spaces should be redesigned to comply with standard size parking space requirements . Circulation throughout the parking lot is provided via two (2) 30 foot wide main accessways one (1) which runs along the western portion of the lot and provides access to the northern parking spaces and the other which serves as the primary library accessway and connects Goldenwest and Gothard Streets . The accessway incorporates curves and bends as well as two (2) traffic circles , one ( 1) located near each entrance point to slow traffic and discourage through trips . The exact configuration of traffic circles have not yet been established and will be required to meet Public Works standards . Internal circulation and parking space access will be provided through 27 foot wide drive aisles . These aisles exceed code provisions which require a 26 foot aisle width. The plan provides one ( 1) crosswalk between the primary accessway and southerly parking areas , see A on Figure 1, to provide safe pedestrian access to the library. Staff is requesting that the Public Works Department look into the need for providing additional crosswalks near the library enchance (see B, Figure 1) and/or a stop sign at the intersection of the primary circulation route and the aisleway which runs immediatly in front of the library (see C, Figure ,l) for incorporation on final plans . Staff Report - 11/5/91 -5- (1275d) Staff also recommends that the plan be designed to incorporate a wider drop off/bus turnout in front of the new childrens library (area D, Figure 1) so that drop off traffic won ' t conflict with other parking lot traffic . The primary accessway is currently 38 feet wide in this area and may be widened slightly to provide an acceptable loading area . These elements have been incorporated as conditions ofapproval . 5 . 0 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 with the following findings and the Central Library Parking Master Plan with the following findings and conditions of approval : FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1 : 1 . Deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets will not result in substantial future impacts to surrounding arterials and the ability of the Circulation System to serve the Central Library area , since projected buildout levels of service or surrounding arterials with the deletion will be at LOS C or better . 2 . Deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets , will not negatively impact the future provision of emergency vehicle response to the Central Library area, since several adequate alternative response routes are available which will not deteriorate the Fire Departments five ( 5) minute response time to the area . 3 . Deletion of Talbert , between Goldenwest and Gothard as an arterial is consistent with the other elements of the General Plan. 4 . Deletion of Talbert , between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets , is consistent with Circulation Element policies for the development of a system of arterial streets and highways that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods by improving safety for library patrons and park uses by downgrading the levels of traffic and traffic speeds in the library area . 5 . Deletion of Talbert , between Goldenwest and Gothard Strees , is consistent with the Community Facilities Element policies for providing adequate community facilities by providing adequate parking facilities and providing a more cost effective use of the property. 6 . Deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets , will allow for removal of an unnecessary arterial designation since previous deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Edwards Streets , prevented the possibility of future arterial level use or the subject segment . -D Staff Report - 11/5/91 -6- (1275d) FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - CENTRAL LIBRARY PARKING MASTER PLAN : 1 . The Central Library Parking Master Plan will not be deterimental to the general health, welfare and safety of the neighborhood or City in general . 2 . The Central Library Parking Master Plan will allow for the provision of needed parking facilities to serve future Central Library facilities . 3 . The Central Library Parking Master Plan will provide for safer circulation of library and park pedestrian traffic . 4 . The Central Library Parking Master Plan will promote a more cost effective use of a landfill area . CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - CENTRAL LIBRARY PARKING MASTER PLAN: 1 . The site plan received and dated October 2 , 1991 shall be the conceptually approved layout with the following modifications : a . Compact parking spaces shall not exceed 20% of total number of parking spaces and shall have a minimum dimension of 9 ' x 17" . b. Comply with all provisions of the Huntington Beach Ordinance Code . 2 . The applicant shall implement the following mitigation measures identified in Mitigated Negative Declaration No . 91-36 : a . During construction, the applicant shall : 1 . Use water trucks or sprinkler systems in all areas where vehicles travel to keep damp enough to prevent dust raised when leaving the site; and 2 . Wet down areas in the late morning and after work is completed for the day. b. Prior to issuance of a grading permit , a grading plan shall be submitted to the Department of Public Works for approval . A plan for silt control for all water runoff from the property during construction and initial operation of the project will also be submitted prior to issuance of grading permit . c . Prior to issuance of grading permits , a detailed soils analysis shall be prepared by a registered Soils Engineer for proposed parking areas located on the south side of Talbert . This analysis shall include on-site soil sampling and laboratory testing of materials to provide detailed recommendations regarding grading , soil corrosivity, fill properties , foundations , retaining walls , streets , and T utilities . The project shall implement the recommendations contained therin. Staff Report - 11/5/91 -7- (1275d) d . During construction, the applicant shall : 1 . Use low sulfur fuel ( 105% by weight) for construction equipment ; 2 . Attempt to phase and schedule construction activities to avoid high ozone days (first stage smog alerts) ; and 3 . Discontinue construction during second stage smog alerts . e . Prior to issuance of grading permit , hydroloyg/hydraulic studies shall be submitted to the Public Works Department for approval . f . Drainage flows from adjacent properties shall not be obstructed. Flows shall be accommodated per Public Works requirements . g . Prior to issuance of grading permits , plans depicting the location, type, size, and quantity of all existing plan material which will be removed or relocated as a result of the parking lot development shall be submitted to the Departments of Community Development and Public Works . h. Existing mature trees on the site shall be retained and incorporated into the site plan if feasible . Any existing mature tree that must be removed shall be replaced at a 2 : 1 ratio with 36 inch box trees which shall be incorporated into the project ' s landscape plan. i . Construction shall be limited to Monday - Saturday 7 : 00 AM to 8 : 00 PM. Construction shall be prohibited Sundays and Federal holidays . j . Prior to issuance of grading permits , a traffic control plan shall be submitted to Public Works for approval . 3 . Prior to initiation of demolition activities , the contractor shall submit a methane health and safety plan which specifies the precautionary measures which will be implemented to protect workers during project construction. 4 . The proposed parking lot shall implement all measure identified in the "Gothard Street Landfill Gas Migration Investigation" prepared by Kleinfelder, Inc . (September, 1991) to minimize the potential methane related hazards . 5 . If leachate is discovered during construction, construction acitivites shall be halted and a consultant shall be retained to assess the condition and develop a mitigation plan before construction is allowed to continue . 6 . Access shall be designed to comply with Fire Department standards . '-D Staff Report - 11/5/91 -8- (1275d) 7 . The plan shall incorporate traffic control signage and - crosswalks pursuant to Public Works standards . 8 . Parking lot accessways and traffic circles shall be designed to Public Works specifications . 9 . The plan shall incorporate a bus turnout pursuant to Public Works standards . 10 . The plan shall be reviewed by the Public Works , Planning and Fire Departments prior to final approval . 6 . 0 ALTERNATIVE ACTION: A. The Planning Commission may approve Negative Declaration No . 91-36 with Mitigation Measures and forward to City Council for adoption; and B . The Planning Commission may recommend denial of Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 and forward to the City Council for denial . C. The Planning Commission may approve the Central Library Parking Master Plan as the Circulation Plan is not intended to establish the precise alignment of Talbert which can subsequently be realigned to run south of the Central Library Parking Master Plan through the Precise Plan of Street Alignment process and will not preclude development of the parking plan. ATTACHMENTS : 1 . Area map 2 . Planning Commission Resolution No . 1452 3 . Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 4 . Negative Declaration No . 91-36 (with Mitigation Measures) 5 . Response to comments 6 . Memo from Bob Eichblatt , City Engineer, dated August 22, 1991 7 . Letter from Environmental Board dated September 26 , 1991 8 . Letter from California Integrated Waste Management Board dated October 7, 1991 9 . Alternative findings for denial HS : : kjl Staff Report - 11/5/91 -9- (1275d) l� I o U"� RI , Izll < ,vl I� R2 M I — R3 �I f 1 R I —�• C F-R ;lllJJJJ�) v T R 2 RI u+<s a MI-cD� R2 I I I C F-R RI P.I 'yi RI I RI _�.-• O O �� of ; ^I I;� I I I _ v +i• v �^ r i i MI I Lw xll RI & / ^I -`"MI — CD I �9 �IR2 R2 \ RI , RI CF-R ! : 1 �, I CD M i IY M I I s RI S RI I . f E 5 RI y TAL RT I� I I (0) MI MIA f02 RI �RI RI RI w-co i; f ,ua /• a, R4SR'I`_..,." Iv �I )/ram W I I R4-SR i� CF-R MI- CD -Rr:. o M I -A _'R4-SR i i l i(MI ^D) _ � I RI R I (RA-0-CD) I II 3 RI MI-co I M I I MIL I I WTARtO DR i I I C F R RI I ! i i RI RI MI =�.oco I CF-C 61 _ 'i �� �+ �-oucecc oR RI L - EJ R I C r i �! �c - CEA91-1/ND91-3 6 �, P& w � HVNTINCTON BEACH HUNTWGTON BEACH PLANNING DIVISION RESOLUTION NO. 1452 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1 WHEREAS, Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 has been prepared and analyzed in the Planning Commission Staff Report dated November 5 , 1991; and Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 proposes the following amendment to the Circulation Element of the General Plan : THAT PORTION OF TALBERT AVENUE BETWEEN GOLDENWEST STREET AND GOTHARD STREET BE DELETED FROM THE CIRCULATION PLAN OF ARTERIAL STREETS AND HIGHWAYS; and Whereas , the Planning Commission held a public hearing pursuant to Government Code Section 65353 on November 5 , 1991, to consider said Circulation Element Amendment ; and The Planning Commission is required to make a recommendation to the City Council on the amendment to the General Plan pursuant to Government Code Section 65354 . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Huntington Beach as follows : SECTION 1 : The Planning Commission desires to update and refine the Circulation Plan of Arterials Streets and Highways in keeping with changing community needs and objectives . SECTION 2 : Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 will not result in substantial future impacts to surrounding arterials or the ability of the circulation system to serve the Central Library area . SECTION 3 : Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 will not adversely impact emergency vehicle response to the Central Library area . SECTION 4 : Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 is consistent with the other Elements of the General Plan . SECTION 5 : Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 implements the goals and policies of the Circulation Element of the General Plan by facilitating safe and efficient movement of people in the Central Library area . SECTION 6 : Circulation Element Amendment No . 91-1 implements the policies of the Community Facilities Element by facilitating the provision of adequate community facilities . -D -1- SECTION 7 : The Planning Commission of the City of Huntington Beach hereby adopts said amendment to the General Plan of the City of Huntington Beach . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said amendment to the Circulation Element of the City of Huntington Beach is recommended for adoption by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach . PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the 5th day of November, 1991 by the following roll call vote : AYES : NOES : ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: Mike Adams , Director Kirk Kirkland, Chairman ( 1275d-12 , 13) -2- CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT 91 - 1 Huntington Beach Planning Division ri CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH INTER-DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION I EU1'EINGTON BEACH To File From Julie Osugi Assistant Planner Subject ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Date September 4, 1991 FORM NO. 91-36 Applicant: City of Huntington Beach Request: Deletion of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Street as an arterial on the City's Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways to allow for subsequent development of a parking lot in conjunction with the Huntington Beach Central Library expansion project. Location: Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets. Background Staff has reviewed the environmental assessment form noted above and has determined that a negative declaration may be filed for the project. In view of this, a draft negative g Y P J g declaration was prepared and was published in the Daily Pilot for a thirty (30) day public review period commencing Tuesday, September 10, 1991 and ending Thursday, October 10 1991. If any comments regarding the draft negative declaration are received, you will be notified immediately. Recommendation The Environmental Assessment Committee recommends that the Planning Commission approve Negative Declaration No. 91-36 finding that the proposed project will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. Mitigation Measures X The attached mitigating measures will reduce potential environmental effects resulting from the project and are recommended as conditions of approval. JO:lp (0673d-2) LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING DMSION CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH Notice is hereby given by the Department of Community Development, Planning Division of the City of Huntington Beach that the following Draft Negative Declaration request has been prepared and will be submitted to the City of Huntington Beach Planning Commission for their consideration. The Draft Negative Declaration will be available for public review and comment for thirty (30) days commencing Tuesday, September 10, 1991. Draft Negative Declaration No. 91-36 in conjunction with Circulation Element Amendment No. 91-1 is a request to delete Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets as an arterial on the City of Huntington Beach Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways to allow for subsequent development of a parking lot in conjunction with the Huntington Beach Central Library expansion project. A copy of the request is on file with the Department of Community Development, City of Huntington Beach, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. Any person wishing to comment on the request may do so in writing within twenty—one (21) days of this notice by providing written comments to the Department of Community Development, Environmental Resources Section, P.O. Box 190, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. (0673d-4) ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING DIVISION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 91-36 1 . Name of Proponent: City of Huntington Beach Address: 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Phone Number: (714) 536-5271 2. Date Checklist Submitted for Review: September 4, 1991 3. Concurrent Entitlement(s) : Circulation Element Amendment No. 91-1 4. Proiect Location: Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets 5. Proiect Description: Deletion of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard Street from the City's Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways to allow for subsequent development of a parking lot in conjunction with the Huntington Central Library Expansion project. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (Explanations of answers are included after each subsection.) Yes Maybe" No 1 . Earth. Will the proposal result in: a. Unstable earth conditions or changes in geologic substructures? _ - X b. Disruptions, displacements, compaction or overcovering of the soil? X _ C. Change in topography or ground surface relief features? X d. The destruction, covering or modification of any unique geologic or physical features? — X _ e. Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site? _ X ( Yes Maybe No f. Changes in deposition or erosion of beach sands, or changes in siltation, deposition or erosion which may modify the channel of a river or stream or the bed of the ocean or any bay, inlet or lake? — X g. Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similar hazards'. X Discussion (a—g) : Deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets, from the City's Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways consists of a map amendment and will not result in any earth related impacts. However, subsequent development of the area as a parking lot for Central Library will result in some disruptions, displacements, compaction and overcovering of soil as well as changes in topography and short—term increases in wind/water erosion. (b,c,d) The proposed parking lot site currently slopes downward to the north. Existing elevations range from approximately 47 feet at the southern edge of the site to 20.0 feet at the northern edge. Development of the parking lot proposes grading,of the site to an elevation of 38.5 feet at the south edge, sloping downward to the north to an elevation of 24 feet, as well as compaction and overcovering with paving and landscaping. The proposed grading will alter the existing topography by leveling off the existing changes in grade. The Public Works Department has reviewed the proposed plan and has indicated that the grading is not anticipated to result in any significant adverse impacts. Drainage related impacts associated with the proposed grading and paving have been discussed under #3. b. Grading and construction of the proposed project area are anticipated to result in short—term increases in wind and water erosion in the area. Increased water erosion may potentially impact siltation in Talbert Lake. However with implementation of mitigation measures no. 1 & 2 contained below, no significant impact is anticipated. (a & g) The project is not located within the Alquist—Priolo Special Hazards Study Zone; however the southern edge of Talbert Avenue is bounded by the Huntington Beach Landfill . Kleinfelder, Inc. has prepared a geotechnical report which analyzes the suitability of the project site for development of the proposed parking lot. The study found a deep layer of organic material which may result in surficial settlement over the long—term due to decomposition. Parking lot maintenance issues have been discussed under 14. However, :he study indicates that analysis of organic materials do not reveal highly active decomposition rates. The report concluded that the parking lot could be developed as proposed using surf icial grading to improve site characteristics. Although most of the parking areas are proposed to be located north of Talbert Avenue, some of the areas are proposed for the south side of Talbert and may be located over the landfill . The study discussed above did not analyze areas south of Talbert; therefore, suitability of soils south of Talbert for parking lot development is not known. However with implementation of mitigation measures no. 3 contained below, no significant impacts are anticipated. Mitigation: 1 . During construction, the applicant shall : a. Use water trucks or sprinkler systems in all areas where vehicles travel to keep damp enough to prevent dust raised when leaving the site; b. Wet down areas in the late morning and after work is completed for the day. qu Environmental Checklist —2— (0627d) Yes Maybe No 2. Prior to issuance of a grading permit a grading plan shall be submitted to the Department of Public Works for approval . A plan for silt control for all water runoff from the property during construction and initial operation of the project will also be submitted prior to issuance of grading permit. 3. Prior to issuance of grading permits, a detailed soils analysis shall be prepared by a registered Soils Engineer for proposed parking areas located or, the south side of Talbert. This analysis shall include on-site soil sampling and laboratory testing of materials to provide detailed recommendations regarding grading, soil corrosivity, fill properties, foundations, retaining walls, streets, and utilities. 2. Air. Will the proposal result in: a. Substantial air emissions or deterioration of ambient air quality? X _ Discussion: Deletion of the segment of Talbert Avenue is not anticipated to result in substantial increases in air emissions. Although removal of the arterial will result in the rerouting of trips onto surrounding arterials, a study conducted by the Traffic Division to assess impacts associated with deletion of the arterial , has indicated that trips on this segment of Talbert consist primarily of library customers. The number of through trips which would be rerouted was determined to be insignificant. Furthermore, the additional distance traveled as a result of the reroute was determined to be one mile. Rerouting of additional trips onto more efficiently operating surrounding arterials is not anticipated to result in any significant adverse air quality impacts. Some additional short-term dust and construction equipment emissions may result during the grading and construction phases of the proposed parking lot development. However, with implementation of the mitigation measure no. l from the earth impacts section and the mitigation measure identified below, no significant adverse impacts are anticipated. Mitigation: 1 . During construction, the applicant shall : a. Use low sulfur fuel ( .05% by weight) for construction equipment; b. Attempt to phase and schedule construction activities to avoid high ozone days (first stage; smog alerts); C. Discontinue construction during second stage smog alerts. b. The creation of objectionable odors? _ _ X C. Alteration of air movement, moisture, or temperature, or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? _ _ X Discussion (b-c) : No objectional odors or climatic changes are anticipated to result from the proposed project. 3. Water, Will the proposal result in: a. Changes in currents, or the course of direction of water movements, in either marine or fresh waters? X Discussion: See 3b. I Environmental Checklist -3- (0627d) Yes Maybe No Discussion: See 3b. b. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? X Discussion: Deletion of Talbert Avenue as an arterial , between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets, is not anticipated to result in any drainage impacts. However, subsequent parking lot development may alter drainage and runoff in the area. Runoff in the area currently flows toward Talbert Lake. Drainage from properties located to the south passes through the proposed project site. Proposed grading for subsequent parking lot development may alter drainage patterns in the area. However, with implementation of mitigation measures identified below, runoff from southern properties will not be obstructed. No significant impacts to drainage patterns are anticipated. Development of parking facilities will result in an increase of impervious surfaces in the area which in turn, will result in an increase in runoff. Parking area runoff will be collected on—site and will be directed into the City's storm drain system. With implementation of mitigation measures identified below, no significant impact is anticipated. Over the long—term, decomposition of underlying organic materials may result in the formation of depressions which may trap runoff and prevent proper drainage. However, drainage impediments resulting from such depressions are anticipated to be minimal and can be reduced further through diligent parking lot maintenance. No significant impact is anticipated. Mitigation: ' 1 . Prior to issuance of grading permit, hydrology/hydraulic studies shall be submitted to the Public Works Department for approval . 2. Drainage flows from adjacent properties shall not be obstructed. Flows shall be accommodated per Public Works requirements. C. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? X Discussion: The project site is not located in the flood zone and does not propose any structures or activities which will alter flood courses or flood flows. d. Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? _ _ X Discussion: See 3b. e. Discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of surface water quality, including but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? _ _ X Discussion: Se 3b. f. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? _ _ X Discussion: The proposed project does not involve any activities which will alter groundwaters. g. Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? _ _ X Discussion: See 3f. - ! ' q6 Environmental Checklist —4— (0627d) Yes Maybe No h. Substantial reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for public water .. supplies? X Discussion: Deletion of Talbert and construction of the proposed parking facilities is not anticipated to result in substantial increases in water usage or depletion of public water supplies. Primary water usage will be for irrigation of landscaped areas and is not anticipated to be significant. i . Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding or tidal waves? _ X Discussion: See 3c. 4. Plant Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or number of any species of plants (including trees, shrubs, grass, crops, and aquatic plants)? _ _ X Discussion: See 4b. b. Reduction of the numbers of any mature, unique, rare or endangered species of plants? X _ Discussion: Subsequent development of the parking lot will result in the removal of several shrubs and mature trees. However, with implementation of mitigation measure identified below,. no significant impacts are anticipated. Mitigation: 1 . Prior to issuance of grading permits, plans depicting the location, type, size, and quantity of all existing plant material which will be removed or relocated as a result of the parking lot development shall be submitted to the Departments of Community Development and Public Works plans 2. Existing mature trees on the site shall be retained and incorporated into the site plan if feasible. Any existing mature tree that must be removed shall be replaced at a 2:1 ratio with 36" box trees which shall be incorporated into the project's landscape plan. C. Introduction of new species of plants into an area, or in a barrier to the normal replenishment of existing species? _ X Discussion: Subsequent development of the parking lot proposes provision of minor landscaped areas which may result in the introduction of new plant materials in the area. However, no significant impact is anticipated. d. Reduction in acreage of an agricultural crop? _ _ X Discussion: No agricultural crop will be impacted. 5. Animal Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of animals (birds, land animals including reptiles, fish and shellfish, benthic organisms or insects)? _ X b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? _ X _ 147 Environmental Checklist —5— (0627d) (I Yes Maybe No C. Introduction of new species of animals into an area, or result in a barrier to the. migration or movement of animals? X d. Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife habitat? _ X _ Discussion (a-d) : Subsequent development of Central Library Parking facilities will result in the removal of some shrubs and several mature trees. The plant materials to be removed constitute a small portion of the Central Park area and is not anticipated to have a significant impact on animals which may use the area since other areas of the park will still be available. Previously prepared biological assessments (EIR 89-7) of the proposed area have indicated that the project area is not used by any unique, rare or endangered species. No significant adverse impact is anticipated. 6. Noise. Will the proposal result in: a. Increases in existing noise levels? X b. Exposure of people to severe noise levels? _ _ X Discussion: Deletion of Talbert Avenue and subsequent development of Central Library Parking Areas is not anticipated to result in any substantial increases in noise in the project area. Additional traffic re-routed, as a result of the deletion of Talbert, is not anticipated to be substantial . Noise impacts resulting from additional traffic when distributed among surrounding arterials is considered negligible. Some short-term noise impacts may result from grading and construction activities associated with parking lot development. However, with implementation of the mitigation measure identified below, no significant impact is anticipated. Mitigation: 1 . Construction shall be limited to Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Construction shall be prohibited Sundays and Federal holidays. 7. Light and Glare. Will the proposal produce new light or glare? _ _ X Discussion: Deletion of Talbert Avenue and subsequent development of Central Library parking areas is anticipated to result in an increase of parking area lighting for security purposes. However, the project area is not located adjacent to any sensitive uses . With implementation of the mitigation measure identified below, no significant impact is anticipated. Mitigation: 1 . If lighting is included in the parking lot and/or recreation area energy efficient lamps shall be used (e.g. , high pressure sodium vapor, metal halide). All outside lighting shall be directed to prevent "spillage" onto adjacent properties. 8. Land Use. Will the proposal result in a substantial alteration of the present or planned land use of an area? X Environmental Checklist -6- (0627d) Yes Maybe No Discussion: The project consists of a Circulation Element Amendment. The amendment proposes deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets, from the City's Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways to allow for construction of additional parking facilities for the Central Library. The project will locate a parking lot over the existing streets. Surrounding properties consisting of parking area (to be abandoned), vacant land fill to the south, library and park facilities to the north and Goldenwest and Gothard Streets to the west and east, respectively. The proposed project design will maintain library access from both Goldenwest and Gothard Streets but will discourage through traffic. The Public Works Department has analyzed compatibility issues associated with removal of this segment of Talbert Avenue and construction/operation of a parking area. Their analysis resulted in the following findings. Traffic counts conducted for this segment of Talbert indicate that trips are minimal and primarily consist of library customers. If Talbert Avenue were effectively closed to through traffic, rerouted trips could easily be accommodated by Slater, Ellis, Goldenwest and Gothard. Therefore, based upon traffic volumes, the library section of Talbert is not necessary for through movements. The proposed parking lot layout maintains through access between Gothard and Goldenwest Streets and allows for Fire Department response movement. Fire response will also be augmented with the installation of opticom devices on Ellis . No significant adverse impact to Fire response time is anticipated. Based upon geotechnical studies which have identified the presence of landfill/organic materials and previous differential settlement along this reach of Talbert, which has been accelerated by arterial level traffic use, it is recommended that Talbert be reduced to a library accessway. Based upon the above, as well as a compatibility with surrounding land uses, no significant adverse land use impacts are anticipated. 9. Natural Resources. Will the proposal result in: a. Increase in the rate of use of any natural resources? X b. Substantial depletion of any non-renewable natural resource? _ _ X Discussion (a,b) : Deletion of Talbert Avenue and construction of the Central Library parking lot is not anticipated to result in any substantial increases in the use of natural resources or energy supplies. 10. Risk of Upset. Will the proposal involve: a. A risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to oil , pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in the event of an accident or upset conditions? _ — X b. Possible interference with an emergency response plan or an emergency evacuation plan? _ X Discussion: The project proposes deletion of Talbert Avenue as an arterial . However, emergency access between Gothard and Goldenwest Streets through the project site will still be available. Emergency fire response will also be augmented with the installation of opticom devices on Ellis. 11 . Population. Will the proposal alter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of Environmental Checklist -7- (0627d) `:°` Yg� Maybe t c the human population of an area? X Discussion: The project will not impact population, location, distribution, density or growth in the area. 12. Housing. Will the proposal affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing? _ X Discussion: The project will not affect housing in the area. 13. Transportation/Circulation. Will the proposal result in: a. Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement? X Discussion: The proposed expansion of the library is primarily intended to serve existing uses which currently operate from the Central Library; the only true expansion of use will result from the operation of the theater. Therefore, increases in existing trip generation are only anticipated in association with the theater facilities. Library Services has indicated that theater use will be limited to the evenings during the week and on afternoons and evenings during the weekends . Based upon this, the Traffic Division has determined that trip generations resulting from the project will not impact peak hour traffic. Therefore, no significant adverse traffic impacts are anticipated. Furthermore, the Traffic Division has analyzed traffic impacts associated with week day morning and afternoon usage of the theater which would increase peak hour traffic. Based upon this worse case analysis, the Traffic Division has determined that traffic increases resulting from the proposed project are not anticipated to be substantial . No significant adverse impact is anticipated. b. Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand for new off-site parking? _ X Discussion: The City of Huntington Beach zoning code does not contain any specific parking standards for libraries. Staff has analyzed the parking required to serve the library expansion. Parking need was assessed based upon parking generation factors for existing and future uses in the library (1/300 sq. ft. for offices, reading rooms and stacks and 1/35 sq. ft. for conference rooms) . Based upon these factors, a total of 705 spaces will be required to serve the expansion. The proposed plan shows 705 spaces. No significant adverse parking impacts are anticipated. C. Substantial impact upon existing transportation systems? _ X d. Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? X Discussion: Talbert Avenue is currently a secondary arterial which provides east/west circulation through the City. Talbert also continues through Fountain Valley and crosses over the Santa Ana River Channel to connect with Macarthur Blvd. in the cities of Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. The project proposes deletion of Talbert Avenue as a secondary arterial from its existing terminus, at Goldenwest Street, to Gothard Street to the east. Through traffic will not be obstructed; but, through the proposed design, will be discouraged. The Traffic Division has conducted traffic counts along the subject segment. The counts have indicated that trips along this segment are predominantly library oriented and that use of this route by through traffic is minimal . Furthermore, previous deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Edwards Streets, has effectively prevented the possibility of arterial level traffic use along the subject segment of Talbert. The Traffic Division has determined that re-routed through trips can adequately be accommodated by surrounding arterials. The City has also received notice from the County of Orange EMA that they support the elimination of the subject section of Talbert and will recommend to the County Board of Supervisors the deletion of Talbert Avenue from the County Master Plan of Arterial Highways. Environmental Checklist -B- (O627d) Yes Maybe No Some short—term circulation impacts are anticipated during the grading and construction phases of the proposed parking lot. During these phases it is expected that library access and through traffic will be obstructed. However, obstructions will be short—term and with implementation of the mitigation measure identified below, no significant adverse impact is anticipated. Mitigation: 1 . Prior to issuance of grading permits, a traffic control plan shall be submitted to Public Works for approval . e. Alterations to waterborne, rail or air traffic? X f. Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians? _ — X Discussion: Deletion of Talbert Avenue combined with expansion and reconfiguration of the library parking facilities will eliminate existing hazards associated with pedestrian traffic crossing Talbert Avenue from existing parking areas located on the southside of Talbert. These parking areas will be abandoned once new parking facilities are available. 14. Public Services . Will the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered governmental services in any of the following areas: a. fire protection? b. Police protection? _X C. Schools? _ _ X d. Parks or other recreational facilities? _ x_ Discussion: The proposed parking lot will not encroach onto usable park areas. No significant adverse impacts are anticipated. e. Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? X f. Other governmental services? _ X Discussion (e,f) : Proposed parking facilities will be constructed and maintained by the City. However, the public Works Department has indicated that maintenance of the parking facilities would be more cost efficient than maintenance of Talbert Avenue as a secondary arterial . Existing City services can adequately accommodate construction and maintenance of the proposed project. No significant impact is anticipated. 1S. Energy. Will the proposal result in: a. Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy? — _X b. Substantial increase in demand upon existing source of energy, or require the development of sources of energy? _ X Discussion (a,b) : See 9 (a,b) . Environmental Checklist —9— (0627d) Yes Maybe No 16. Utilities. Will the proposal result in a need for new systems, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a. Power or natural gas? X b. Communication systems? _ X C. Water? X d. Sewer or septic tanks? — _ X e. Storm water drainage? X f. Solid waste and disposal? _ X Discussion: No additional utility systems or substantial alterations to existing systems will be required to serve the proposed project. 17. Human Health. Will the proposal result in: a. Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health)? _ X b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? _ X 18. Aesthetics. Will the proposal result in the obstruction of any scenic vista or view oPen to the public, or will the proposal result in the creation of an aesthetically offensive site open to public view? X 19. Recreation. Will the proposal result in an impact upon the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities? X Discussion: The proposed parking lot will not encroach onto usable park area. No significant adverse impacts to the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities provided by Huntington Central Park are anticipated. 20. Cultural Resources. a. Will the proposal result in the alteration of or the destruction of a prehistoric or historic archaeological site? — X b. Will the proposal result in adverse physical or aesthetic effects to a prehistoric or historic building, structure, or object? X C. Does the proposal have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? X_ d. Will the proposal restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area? _ X Discussion (a-d) : The project site is not located in the vicinity of any known archaeological sites or other cultural resources. No significant adverse impact is anticipated. Environmental Checklist -10- (0627d) Yes Maybe No 21 . Mandatory Findings of Significance. a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, sub- stantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? X _ Discussion: See discussion for item #5. b. Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long-term impacts will endure well into the future.) _ _ X C. Does the project have impacts which are individually limited, but cumulatively consid— erable? (A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small , but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is significant.) _ X d. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? _ _ X DETERMINATION On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a _ NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED. I find the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ir��rrtJ . /' `l/ CX— Date/ Sig ture �. Revised: March, 1990 For: City of Huntington Beach Community Development Department Environmental Checklist -11- (0627d) t v < W O ` u ` / I o U w00 7700 O sots. 0 x ARGOSY < � Z o, 8 u t.W,ou�i I u 3 I tOwGtt nt q I ww u.y t w.n.l t ITS \ Sl.ltt IN lAlettl i r d < I r —� G4vnRU SS f /rGtr,yowl, �r O a� O� .o.wy /I..Ulw A'Ot:S /AtuNl♦ ll ElOt. I Zak I R • VICINITY MAP HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING DIVISION RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 91-36 IMPACT MITIGATION Grading and construction activities will I . During construction, the applicant shall : result in short—term wind and water erosion impacts. a. Use water trucks or sprinkler systems in allareas where vehicles travel to keep damp enough to prevent dust raised when leaving the site; b. Wet down areas in the late morning and after work is completed for the day. 2. Prior to issuance of a grading permit a grading plan shall be submitted to the Department of Public Works for approval . A plan for silt control for all water runoff from the property during construction and initial operation of the project will also be submitted prior to issuance of grading permit. Portions of the proposed parking lot are Prior to issuance of grading permits, a detailed soils located over the Huntington Beach Landfill . analysis shall be prepared by a registered Soils Engineer for proposed parking areas located on the south side of Talbert. This analysis shall include on—site soil sampling and laboratory testing of materials to provide detailed recommendations regarding grading, soil corrosivity, fill properties, foundations, retaining walls, streets, and utilities. Grading and construction activities will 1 . During construction, the applicant shall : result in short—term dust and construction equipment emissions. a. Use low sulfur fuel ( .05% by weight) for construction equipment; b. Attempt to phase and schedule construction activities to avoid high ozone days (first stage smog alerts) ; c. Discontinue construciton during second stage smog alerts. Proposed grading and parking lot development 1 . Prior to issuance of grading permit, hydrology/ may impact drainage in the area. hydraulic studies shall be submitted to the Public Works Department for approval . . SS Environmental Checklist —12— (0627d) I IMPACT MITIGATION 2. Drainage flows from adjacent properties shall not be obstructed. Flows shall be accommodated per Public Works requirements. Parking lot development will result in the 1 . Prior to issuance of grading permits, plans removal of trees and shrubs. depicting the location, type, size, and quantity of all existing plant material which will be removed or relocated as a result of the parking lot development shall be submitted to the Departments of Community Development and Public Works. 2. Existing mature trees on the site shall be retained and incorporated into the site plan if feasible. Any existing mature tree that must be removed shall be replaced at a 2:1 ratio with 36" box trees which shall be incorporated into the project's landscape plan. Grading and construction activities will 1 . Construction shall be limited to Monday — Saturday result in short—term noise impacts. 1:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Construction shall be prohibited Sundays and Federal holidays. Grading and construction activities will 1 . Prior to issuance of grading permits, a traffic obstruct access to the library, control plan shall be submitted to Public Works for approval . Environmental Checklist —13— (0627d) �.�__-.__..__...__�.-�__ ISM Z�` • , , �'• � � ' ' ' �' !J . LF EXISTING LIBRARY y A'1t IV F ' �� ' � � , ; : • ' ' III ! I NEW I I EXPANSION T' / F5 '1! fir•<�a,:,.1 ' . . ' c'h "� I� 4l� -�I / 'I I �t�l�! ;S�t+�• 1 il�i`J i F \ �\ \ `•� \ F' f v➢ Im CITY OF HUN'TINGTON BEACH fU��./,�`�~� • HUNTINGTON BEACH LIBRARY ADDITION ANTHONY AND LANGFORD/ARCHITECTS 917E PLAN MASTER PARKING PLAN 705 PAIRP:ING SPACE" RESPONSE TO COMMENTS RECEIVED ON NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO . 91-36 1 . Environmental Board Comment : A subcommittee of the Board has reviewed the assessment and with the endorsement of the full Board recommends that more information be developed concerning Items l ( a) and (g) , specifically the suitability of the former landfill area south of Talbert which is proposed for development as a parking lot . For example, Staff reports in relevant part as follows : "Kleinfelder , Inc . has prepared a geotechnical report which analyzes the suitability of the project site for development of the proposed parking lot . The study found a deep layer of organic material which may result in surficial settlement over the long-term due to decomposition . . . However , the study indicates that analysis of organic materials do not reveal highly active decomposition rates . The report concluded that the parking lot could be developed as proposed using surficial grading to improve site characteristics . Although most of the parking areas are proposed to be located north of Talbert Avenue, some of the areas are proposed for the south side of Talbert and may be located over the landfill . The study discussed above did not analyze areas south of Talbert ; therefore, suitability of soils south of Talbert for parking lot development is not known . However , with implementation of mitigation measures ( sic) no . 3 contained below, no significant impacts are anticipated . " Mitigation measure no . 3 provides , "Prior to issuance of grading permits , a detailed soils analysis shall be prepared by a registered Soils Engineer for proposed parking areas located on the south side of Talbert . This analysis shall include on-site soil sampling and laboratory testing of materials to provide detailed recommendations regarding grading, soil corrosivity, fill properties , foundations , retaining walls , streets , and utilities . " The Board believes that given the potential for methane gas leakage and explosion, questions concerning the suitability of the former landfill area south of Talbert for Development as a parking lot should be answered before the Planning Commission grants approval of the project . �-D Response : This issue has been dealt with in detail in Kleinfelder ' s study entitled "Gothard Street Landfill Gas Migration Investigation" dated September , 1991 and also in their Geotechnical Study dated October 9 , 1990 , which was specifically developed for this proposed parking lot design . The Methane Migration Study recommends the type of Methane Mitigation Measure, specifically a methane ventilation system to be installed under the parking lot . The Geotechnical Study specifically details what type of structural section this parking lot should receive, considering underlying refuse and peat . The Public Works Department has indicated that should the project be approved, the City will implement the recommendations of both studies in construction of the project . 2 . Environmental Board Comment : The Board also recommends clarification of the discussion in response to Item 13 (b) . Item 13 (b) says that the project may have an impact on existing parking facilities . The discussion says in relevant part that , "The City of Huntington Beach zoning code does not contain any specific parking standards for libraries . Staff has analyzed the parking required to serve the library expansion . . . a total of 705 spaces will be required to serve the expansion . The proposed plan shows 705 spaces . No significant adverse parking impacts are anticipated . " The Board wonders whether Staff might find library parking requirements in a source other than the City ' s zoning code . For example , in the County Building Code, or in another source addressing the parking needs of public buildings in general . Also, the Board recommends clarification by Staff of the issue of the 705 parking spaces shown by the plan . Are these 705 additional spaces that don ' t exist today, or is this the number of spaces presently existing? Response: Although the City zoning code does not provide specific parking requirements for library uses , staff believes that due to the combination of facilities which will be available at the Central Library, the completed library will be more of a resource center than a traditional library. As such, the library is anticipated to generate a greater level of activity than a traditional library . Due to this , staff determined that required parking for the library expansion should be based upon the total number of spaces required for each specific use . The required parking was calculated as follows . Parking for office, reading room and slack areas was calculated at one space per 300 square feet based upon the City ' s parking standards for office space . Conference room and auditorium areas were parked at one space per 35 square feet based upon the City ' s parking requirement for public meeting facilities . Using these standards , the total parking required for the library, once completed, is 705 spaces . The library presently provides 453 spaces ; the proposed project will reconfigure and expand the existing parking area to provide a total of 705 spaces . 3 . CIWMB Comment : In order to help decision-makers , 1) identify potential impacts from construction and demolition projects , 2) determine whether any such impacts are significant , and 3) ascertain whether significant impacts can be mitigated to a level of insignificance, CIWMB staff request that the final ND include the following information : A. Since mitigated measures are included in the document , the title of this document ' should be changed to "Mitigated Negative Declaration . " B . Identification of the final disposal site(s) for the project ' s anticipated waste generation . C . Identification of the anticipated types and quantities of solid wastes to be generated upon implementation of the plan; both during construction phases and at the project completion . D . Identification of the potential impacts of these quantities on remaining landfill capacities and the calculated site-life associated thereof . Response: (A) Comment noted . (B, C, D) The project has not been approved , as such, no contractor has been selected to construct the new parking facilities . Therefore, it is not known which landfill facilities contractors will be used to dispose of waste materials . Although the city cannot legally require that the contractor dispose of the waste materials at any specific site, it should be noted that there is an existing pavement recycling center located at the southwest corner of Talbert and Gothard, adjacent to the project site, which is a possible disposal site for the materials . 6d Furthermore , waste materials will predominantly consist of asphalt concrete (A. C . ) which is completely recyclable . In light of new legislation (AB 939 ) which requires cities to reduce their waste generation, it is anticipated that the materials will be recycled, wherever they are disposed of and will , therefore, have a negligible impact on landfill capacities . 9 . CIWMB Comment : The construction of new parking facilities may increase the generation of waste being sent to landfills . To minimize the amount of solid waste going into landfills , staff recommends that the following measures be considered in the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) : A. Implementation of a recycling program at any parking facilities . B . Promote the use of products made of recycled materials (e . g . , asphalt , inerts) in 'the construction of structures for the project . C . Promote the inclusion of waste collection storage areas such as drop off bins into the design of the proj ect . Response: (A, B, C) The project is a flat parking lot . It will employ A. C . on aggregate base or full depth A . C. All of these products are recyclable . Implementation of recycling programs and promotion of bins is not anticipated at this time; however , the library board at some later date might consider such a proposal for the whole lot . 5 . CIWMB Comment : A . Page 2 , discussion on items (a) and (g) . The MND stated that the southern edge of Talbert Avenue is bounded by the Huntington Beach Landfill . It is also stated that other proposed parking areas will be located on the south side of Talbert Avenue and may be located over the landfill . While it is true that Kleinfelder , Inc . has prepared a geotechnical report which analyzes the suitability of the project site for development of the proposed parking lot , there was no mention in the study of possible exposure of construction workers to landfill gas and how it will be mitigated, as a result of disruptions , displacements and compaction of soil materials . B . Because of the potential impact to the public . health and safety, what precautionary measures will be taken? Would there be a Health and Safety Plan developed? C . Is the Huntington Beach Landfill active or closed? D . Would there be an enclosed structure ( i . e . , guard house) in the proposed parking facility? If so , please indicate in the map . Response: (A, B) Even though this is a closed landfill and methane production is at the end of its life cycle curve , the City intends to put the contractor on notice and require that he develop a safety plan during construction of the project . (C) It was operated by the County of Orange until 1959 and has been closed ever since . (D) There will be no enclosed structures constructed on the parking lot . 6 . CIWMB Comment : What is the distance ( in feet) between the library and the landfill boundary? Also , please indicate the location of the landfill in the map . If the distance is within a thousand feet, there is a likelihood of landfill gas migration to the library . Response: The library is located approximately 500 feet from the landfill boundary . As previously discussed, methane study has been prepared to assess the possible methane impacts . The proposed parking lot construction will be implementing all mitigation measures to minimize the potential methane related hazards . 7 . CIWMB Comment : If construction has to occur on top of the landfill , what mitigation measures will be taken for possible creation of odor , landfill gas , vectors and litter? Also , if leachate is discovered during construction, what mitigation measures will be implemented? 6 �' Response: Although refuse is present under a small portion of the proposed lot , the Department of Public works has indicated that if the project is approved, a ventilation system will be installed under the entire lot . Since the protrusion of the landfill that extends under Talbert is narrow and lies so far beneath the street , it doesn ' t appear that grading operations will come into contact with refuse and/or leachate . If leachate is discovered during construction, the Public works Department will halt the project , bring in a consultant to develop a mitigation plan before construction is allowed to continue . ( 1314D) 1L1ff NO. 1J� mac' CITY OF HUNTINOTON BEACH 7k) INTER-DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION HV\TI%C,ToN BEACH To Howard Zelefski From Robert Eichblatt Planning Director City Engineer Subject LIBRARY PARKING EXPANSION - Date August 22, 1991 LANDFILL/TALBERT DELETION The Problem: Geotechnical studies have proved that the adjacent abandoned landfill south of Talbert intrudes into and under the Talbert right-of-way at least as far as the southerly edge of pavement - for the entire length of the library frontage. In fact, at the low point along Talbert, the landfill extends well beyond the northerly edge of pavement. The borings indicate that the refuse mass in certain locations is as much as 20 feet thick, with the bottom of the mass being as deep as 38 feet below the surface. To compound the problem, at the low point along Talbert, the refuse mass sits on top of a thick layer o: peat. These studies explain the reason why this reach of Talbert, over the years, has experienced extensive differential settlement_ The continual maintenance effort required h.as, by no means, been cost-effective, considering the low traffic volumes. If Talbert were widened to secondary arterial standards and the dip taken out, any additional traffic generated by the improvements would further accelerate the settlement and resultant maintenance costs_ Our Geotechnical consultant, therefore, recommended that Talbert be reduced to merely, an access to the library. Possible Solutions 1. Revised structural sections including such things as cement or lime-treated bases The problem is so deep and extensive that such treatments would only delay the continuation of the settlement. 2. Remove the refuse and peat - Since these materials are considered toxic and the depths of the removal are as great as 38 feet, the cost of removal would be considerable and the associated permit process as long as two years. 3. Build a bridge over the landfill - The bridge would be 600 to 800 feet long and might hurt access to the library. The bridge piers would have to run completely through the refuse mass and possibly the peat. This would also necessitate a solid waste mitigation plan and the same two year permit process. The cost of such an undertaking would be prohibitive Traffic Issues Our Traffic Engineering staff has studied the issue. Their findings are as follows: 1. Daily trips on this reach of Talbert are minimal and consisting predominantly of library customers. 2. If Talbert were effectively closed to through traffic, those trips could easily be accommodated by Slater, Ellis, Golden West and Gothard. They will be furEher accommodated by the upcoming widenings on Golden West, Ellis and Gothard. Library Parking Exp. Landfill/Talbert Deletion August 22, 1991 Page 2 3. Several years ago, the City Council removed Talbert, between Golden West and Edwards, from the Circulation Element. This prevented the possibility of future arterial — level traffic volumes. 4. Therefore, considering only traffic volumes, the library section of Talbert is not necessary for through movements. Public Safety Issues The Fire Department objected to complete closure of this section of Talbert because of their response grid. The latest version of the parking layout allows for the response movement, while discouraging the motoring public from driving through. Fire response will also be augmented with the installation of opticom devices on signals along Ellis. County Concurrence I have learned that staff has received notice from the County of Orange EMA staff that they are in support of the elimination of Talbert Avenue as an arterial highway. This support includes also the stretch between Golden West and Edwards in conformance with the action of our City Council several years ago. The EMA staff will make a recommendation to the County Board of Supervisors to delete those reaches of Talbert from the County Master Plan of Arterial Highways, pending receipt of our Geotechnical Report and a City Council Resolution requesting the deletion. REE:dw 3034g4&5 I "'TACHMENT NO. 1991 Dept. of Cc! .;n. Development TO: Planning Commission FROM: Environmental Review Board DATE: September 26 , 1991 SUBJECT: Environmental Assessment 91-36 This Assessment involves a request by the City of Huntington Beach to delete a portion of Talbert Avenue between Goldenwest and Gothard' Street as an arterial on the City ' s Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways to allow for development of a parking lot in conjunction with the Huntington Beach Central Library expansion project . City Staff reviewed the environmental assessment form and determined that a negative declaration could be filed for the project . The assessment was given to the Environmental Review Board for review . A subcommittee of the Board has reviewed the assessment and with the endorsement of the full Board recommends that more information be developed concerning Items 1 (a) and (g) , specifically the suitability of the former landfill area south of Talbert which is proposed for development as a parking lot . For example, Staff reports in relevant part as follows : "Kleinfelder, Inc. has prepared a geotechnical report which analyzes the suitability of the project site for development of the proposed parking lot. The study found a deep layer of organic material which may result in surficial settlement over the long-term due to decomposition . . . However, the study indicates that analysis of organic materials do not reveal highly active decomposition rates . The report concluded that the parking lot could be developed as proposed using surficial grading to improve site characteristics . Although most of the parking areas are proposed to be located north of Talbert Avenue, some of the areas are proposed for the south side of Talbert and may be located over the landfill . The study discussed above did not analyze areas south of Talbert; therefore, suitability of soils south of Talbert for parking lot development is not known. However, with (o implementation of mitigation measures (sic) no. 3 contained below, no significant "I impacts are anticipated. " September 26 , 1991 Page 2 Mitigation measure no . 3 provides , "Prior to issuance of grading permits , a detailed soils analysis shall be prepared by a registered Soils Engineer for proposed parking areas located on the south side of Talbert . This analysis shall include on- site soil sampling and laboratory testing of materials to provide detailed recommendations regarding grading, soil corrosivity; fill properties , foundations , retaining wAlls , streets , and utilities . " The Board believes that given the potential for methane gas leakage and explosion, questions concerning the suitability of the former landfill area south of Talbert for development as a parking lot should be answered before the Planning Commission grants approval of the project . The Board also recommends clarification of the discussion in response to Item 13 (b) . Item 13 (b) says that the project may have an impact on existing parking facilities . The discussion says in relevant part that, "The City of Huntington Beach zoning code does not contain any specific parking standards for libraries . Staff has analyzed the parking required to serve the library expansion . . . a total of 705 spaces will be required to serve the expansion . The proposed plan shows 705 spaces . No significant adverse parking impacts are anticipated. " The Board wonders whether Staff might find library parking requirements in a source other than the City ' s zoning code . For example, in the County Building Code, or in another source addressing the parking needs of public buildings in general . Also, the Board recommends clarification by Staff of the issue of the 705 parking spaces shown by the plan . Are these 705 additional spaces that don ' t exist today, or is this the number of spaces presently existing? Finally, in response to Item 4 , which concerns the landscaping of the parking lot areas, the Board recommends that the City utilize drought resistant plants . i:TT �HN��NT NO.' y , State of California Environmental Protection Agency M e m o r a n d u m . C. To Tom Loftus ":,rf Date : October 7 , 1991 State Clearinghouse 1400 Tenth Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Julie Osugi City of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 From George H. Larson, (-Manager Waste Generation Analysis and Environmental Assessment California Integrated waste Management Board Subject: SCH #91091026 , Negative Declaration (ND) , No. 91-36 , to amend the Circulation Element of the City of Huntington Beach General Plan by deleting Talbert Avenue (Between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets) from the City ' s Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways , Orange County . California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWN,B) staff have reviewed the Negative Declaration for the document cited above and offer the following comments : In consideration of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) section 15205 (c) CIWMB staff will focus comments on specific issues involving waste generation and disposal . In order to help decision-makers 1) identify potential impacts from construction and demolition projects , 2) determine whether any such impacts are significant, and 3) ascertain whether significant impacts can be mitigated to a level of insignificance, CIWMB staff request that the final ND include the following information: A) . Since mitigated measures are included in the document, the title of this document should be changed to "Mitigated Negative Declaration" . B. ) Identification of the final disposal site (s) for the project ' s anticipated waste generation. -D- . 68 Page 2 C. ) Identification of the anticipated types and quantities of solid wastes to be generated upon implementation of the plan; both during construction phases and at the project completion. D. ) Identification of the potential impacts of these quantities on remaining landfill capacities and the calculated site-life associated thereof. The construction of new parking facilities may increase the generation of waste being sent to landfills. To minimize the amount of solid waste going into landfills, staff recommends that the following measures be considered in the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) : A. ) Implementation of a recycling program at any parking facilities . B. ) Promote the use of products made of recycled materials (e . g . , asphalt, inerts) in the construction of structures for the project . C. ) Promote the inclusion of waste collection storage areas such as drop off bins into the design of the project. Other comments : A) . Page 2 , Discussion on items (a) & (g) . The MND stated that the southern edge of Talbert Avenue is bounded by the Huntington Beach Landfill . It is also stated that other proposed parking areas will be located on the south side of Talbert Avenue and may be located over the landfill . While it is true that Klienfelder, Inc. has prepared a geotechnical report which analyzes the suitability of the project site for development of the proposed parking lot, there was no mention in the study of possible exposure of construction workers to landfill gas and how it will be mitigated, as a result of disruptions , displacements and compaction of soil materials . B) . Because of the potential impact to the public health and safety, what precautionary measures will. be taken? Would there be a Health and Safety Plan developed? C) . Is the Huntington Beach Landfill active or closed? D) . Would there be an enclosed structure (i . e, guard house) in the proposed parking facility? If so, please indicate in the map. � -1 , 6q Page 3 4 . what is the distance (in feet) between the library and the landfill boundary? Also, please indicate the location of the landfill in the map. If the distance is within a thousand feet, there is a likelihood of landfill gas migration to the library. 5 . If construction has to occur on top of the landfill , what mitigation measures will be taken for possible creation of odor, landfill gas, vectors and litter? Also, if leachate is discovered during construction, what mitigation measures will be implemented? Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the City of Huntington Beach Circulation Plan of Arterial Streets and Highways . If you have any questions regarding these comments, please call Leandro Ramos at (916) 327-0452 . 70 ATTACHMENT NO, 9 ALTERNATIVE FINDINGS FOR DENIAL CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1/ CENTRAL LIBRARY MASTER PLAN FINDINGS FOR DENIAL - CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 91-1 : 1 . Deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets will result in substantial future impacts to surrounding arterials and the ability of the Circulation System to serve the Central Library area . 2 . Deletion of Talbert Avenue, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets , will impact the future provision of emergency vehicle response to the Central Library area by deleting an access route between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets . 3 . Deletion of Talbert, between Goldenwest and Gothard Streets, is inconsistent with Circulation Element policies for the development of a system of arterial streets and highways that ensures that safe and efficient movement of people and goods . FINDINGS FOR DENIAL - CENTRAL LIBRARY PARKING MASTER PLAN: 1 . The Central Library Master Plan does not comply with compact parking provisions of the Huntington Beach Ordinance Code . 2 . The Central library Parking Plan will encroach onto existing park area and will result in the loss of approximately 1 . 1 acres of vegetation. 3 . The Central Library Parking Plan will allow for public parking in the vicinity of a landfill and will result in maintenance costs to repair damage due to periodic settling . 4 . The Central Library Parking Plan will allow for public parking in the vicinity of a methane hazard area . ( 1275d-14) w MEMORANDUM TO: Robert Eichblatt, City Engineer FROM: Jim Otterson, Traffic Engi;olden SUBJECT: Talbert Avenue between West Street and Gothard Street and its relationship to the Cross Gap Connector DATE: December 10, 1991 At the December 2, 1991, City Council meeting a number of questions regarding traffic conditions on Talbert Avenue were raised by Councilman Green (and others). I will attempt to answer these questions in the order in which they were raised. 1. Have traffic model runs been prepared for the No Cross Gap Connector scenario? Answer: Yes, the Bolsa Chica Local Coastal Program Traffic Analysis (prepared for the >K:oll Company's Bolsa Chica Project E.I.R.) contains ten development scenarios, and seven of these scenarios have traffic model runs for the "No Cross Gap Connector" condition. Of the three remaining scenarios, two have been previously modeled without a Cross Gap Connector component. Talbert Avenue is not effected significantly by the construction or deletion of the Cross Gap Connector. All of the traffic modeling scenarios have shown traffic volumes between 5,300 and 5,900 vehicles per day on Talbert Avenue between Golden West Street and Gothard Street. 2. Can the Cross Gap Connector be connected at the intersection of Edwards Street/Ellis Avenue rather than at the proposed location (the western terminus of Garfield Avenue). Answer: I:t is my understanding that the Cross Gap connector route was selected to minimize grading operations. The present route would use a natural "gap" or low point in the bluff line. The Edwards/Ellis intersection route would add significant grading and fill along the bluff line. The cliffs are considered a significant :latural and coastal resource and efforts have been made to minimize impacts on 'lie bluff. It should be noted that previous attempts to reroute Ellis Avenue to connect with the western portion of Talbert Avenue have been defeated by four different City Councils. The Cross Gap Connector (at Edwards/Ellis) would generate additional traffic on Ellis Avenue (through an existing quiet residential area), which does not have convenient access to Beach Boulevard. Additionally, a Cross Gap Connector alignment at Edwards/Ellis would require substandard curve radii or construction of another right angle intersection (the southerly extension of Bolsa Chica Road intersecting with the westward extension of Ellis Avenue). �1 3. Will any housing units constructed in Phase 1 of the Holly-Seacliff Specific Plan preclude the connection of the Cross Gap Connector at the Edwards/Ellis intersection? Answer: No, but the parcel immediately west of the Edwards/Ellis intersection is to be deeded by Pacific Coast Homes to Orange County for inclusion in the Linear Park. Connecting the Cross Gap Connector at the intersection of Edwards/Ellis will have a significant impact on the Linear Park. 4. What happens if the Cross Gap Connector isn't built? Answer: This question actually has a two part answer. The existing Development Agreement between Pacific Coast Homes and the City specifies that Pacific Coast Homes will be required to mitigate (city-wide) the traffic impacts of their development. This is stated on page 18, second paragraph, of the current Holly-Seacliff Development Agreement. Please see attached Figure 6 from the Bolsa Chica Traffic Analysis showing the system wide traffic impacts of No Project (that is , no Bolsa Chica development) and No Cross Gap Connector for a graphical presentation of likely street system level of service deficiencies with Holly-Seacliff, Meadowlark, Waterfront, and other development traffic. The development (or lack of development) ultimately approved for the Bolsa Chica will determine the traffic impacts on the City's street system. Assuming that the Koll Company's current proposal (approximately 4,800 dwelling units) is approved, it is likely that a number of street segments and intersections will be deficient (please see attached Figure 18 from the Bolsa Chica Traffic Analysis, which depicts 4,800 dwelling units in the Bolsa Chica with a Cross Gap Connector). If the Cross Gap Connector is not constructed emergency vehicle access times will be significantly effected. The Fire and Police Departments would be able to provide more specific information on this issue. If Talbert Avenue between is deleted Golden West Street and Gothard Street, through traffic currently traveling on Talbert Avenue will be diverted to Slater Avenue and Ellis Avenue. Existing traffic on Slater Avenue (between Golden West and Gothard) is approximately 15,000 vehicles per day (vpd). Existing traffic on Ellis Avenue (between Golden West and Gothard) is approximately 5,300 vpd. Future traffic volumes (post 2010, from a Bolsa Chica Development modeling scenario with 5,700 dwelling units, a"worse-case" scenario) with Talbert Avenue deleted from the Master Plan of Arterial Highways shows 15,900 vpd on Slater Avenue and 7,500 vpd on Ellis Avenue. These traffic volumes represent levels of service (LOS) B and A, respectively. The Cross Gap Connector serves primarily north-south directed traffic and will have no significant impact on Talbert Avenue between Golden West Street and Gothard Street. cc: Steve May, Principal Engineer, Development Section Bruce Gilmer, Associate Traffic Engineer Ron Hayden, Director, Library Services Department Bob Franklin, Holly-Seacliff Case Planner Laura Phillips, Bolsa Chica Case Planner .3 i :I [• - • e� of � o ,b�.Cr• �I �N ;D i' r �% u••rte 0 f u° .o.•e LEGEND c AM PEAK HOUR ICU EXCEEDS 0.90 r ® PM PEAK HOUR ICJ EXCEEDS 0.90 • AM AND PM PEAK HOUR ICU'S EXCEED 0.90 .�.n ADT EXCEEDS LOS "C" CAPACITY FIGURE 6 ROADWAY SEGMENTS AND INTERSECTIONS PROJECTED TO OPERATE AT UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS aASMACIYAN-DARNELL. INC. NO PROJECT, NO BOLSA CHICA ROAD EXTENSION it c � o t • � � s •I r rl 6 g ....V co...ec•o• e� Cs 9 ••l rf•• Cy Q� q0 70 �O 1 � J ''� u•••no 0 t N ,t•A. _ 1V .�•'L • t r � O •ter` LEGEND AM PEAK HOUR ICU EXCEEDS 0.90 I PM PEAK HOUR ICU EXCEEDS 0.90 AM AND PM PEAK HOUR ICU'S EXCEED 0.90 ® INTERSECTION WORSENS AS A RESULT OF THIS ALTERNATIVE � •lJ•V• ADT EXCEEDS LOS "C•• CAPACITY r�rrr�rr ROADWAY SEGMENT WORSENS AS A RESULT OF THIS ALTERNATIVE FIGURE 18 R%� ROADWAY SEGMENTS AND INTERSECTIONS PROJECTED TO OPERATE AT UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS BASMACIYAN-DARNELL, INC. ALTERNATIVE 15 4,800 DU, FULL MPAH 44