HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2009-199 N.C.S. 12/21/2009Resolution No. 2009-199 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
SUPPORTING THE PETALUMA PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ADVISORY
COMMITTEE'S LETTER ON THE NOVEMBER 2009, DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT PREPARED BY THE NORTH COAST RAIL AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, on its regular meeting of December 9, 2009, the Petaluma Pedestrian and
Bicycle Committee (PBAC) reviewed and solicited public comment on the Draft Environmental
Impact Report (DEIR) for the North Coast Rail Authority (NCRA) proposed freight rail
expansion; and,
WHEREAS, the PBAC determined the need for the DEIR to more adequately address
public access and trails within rail rights of way in the City of Petaluma; and,
WHEREAS, the PBAC has prepared a comment letter stating such comments; and,
WHEREAS, the PBAC has requested that the City Council adopt a resolution in support
of the aforementioned comment letter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Petaluma
hereby:
1. Supports the comment letter, dated December 15, 2009, from the PBAC, which
is presented as Attachment 2 to the staff report accompanying this resolution and;
2. Directs the PBAC and staff to submit said comment letter to the NCRA to include as
public comment for the DEIR.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: [hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Appr v as to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 21 S` day of December, o
2009, by the following vote:
AYES: Vice Mayor Barrett, Glass, Harris. Healy, Rabbitt, Renee, Mayor Torliatt
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
City Clerk
City
Resolution No. 2009-199 N.C.S. Page 1
Committee: Abercrombie, Asselmeier**, Ferguson, Hatheway, Hauswald, Lofroos*, Renee,
Webster, Yetter *Chair; **Vice Chair
Staff: Curtis Bates, Public Works; Jennifer Williams, Staff
December 15, 2009
Mitch Stogner, Executive Director
North Coast Railroad Authority
419 Talmage Road, Suite M
Ukiah, CA 95482
RE: SCH #2007072052 NCRA Russian River Division Freight Rail Project Draft
Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Comments
Dear Mr. Stogner,
The Petaluma Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PBAC) reviewed the above
referenced draft EIR. Due to concerns that arose earlier in the year when SCTA sent a letter
regarding the bicycle path in NWP right of way, we have recommended action to submit
comments to the NCRA DEIR.
As avid bicyclists speaking on behalf of Petaluma, a tourist destination for the bicycle touring
community, the Petaluma PBAC would encourage and support a contiguous and uninterrupted
trail along the 70-mile SMART line as was voted by SMART district voters in November 2008 when
approving a sales tax measure.
PBAC appreciates your support in updating the trail guidelines to review projects on a case-by-
case basis, and encourages NCRA to approve the trail projects over which it has jurisdiction.
Because the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists is of the utmost importance, the PBAC would
also stress that maintaining a safe trail can be accomplished throughout the 70 miles of track
when review standards are. clear. PBAC encourages the full effort of NCRA to accommodate
Rails and Trails programs when reviewing programs, in order to determine appropriate safety
mitigations where setbacks are closer than typically accommodated along the track. This is vital
to designing successful future program applications.
As stated, Petaluma has seen a pleasant increase in bicycle tourism, with visitors staying in local
accommodations while en route to touring Sonoma County and beyond. A contiguous and
uninterrupted 70-mile trail would ensure both tourists and residents alike would have an
alternative safe, healthy means of traveling the North Bay.
Thank you for your considerations.
Sincerely,
Kit Lofroos
Chair, Petaluma Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee
Resolution No. 2009-199 N.C.S. Page 2