HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Bill 7.A 01/26/2004CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
AGENDA BILL J A N 2 �� �
Agenda Title
Meeting Date: January 26, 2004
Conduct a Public Hearing and introduce Ordinance adopting a
Precise Plan Line for Caulfield Lane between Lakeville Street and
Meeting Time 3:00 PM
Hopper Street
7:00 PM
Category (check one) ❑ Consent Calendar Public Hearing New Business
❑ Unfinished Business ❑ Presentation
Department
Director
Contact Person
Phone Number
Community
Mike Moo
f ffn
Craig Spa l 'ing
778 -4301
Development
I I -
Cost of Proposal N/A L&I
Account Number N/A
Amount Budgeted N/A �`
Name of Fund: N/A
Attachments to Agenda Packet Item
Ordinance with Legal Description - and Plat
Aerial Photo with Alignment
Letters from property owners.
Draft Public Utilities Commission '(PUC) Application
Summary Statement
The Precise Plan Line for Caulfield Lane between Lakeville Street and Hopper will provide future right -of-
way access to the existing wastewater treatment plant, corporation yard, the Pomeroy Corporation property
and the vacant property adjacent to the Petaluma River.
In conjunction with this right -of -way determination, the Council is also being asked to authorize the City
Manager to sign and forward an application to the state Public Utilities Commission requesting approval of
an at -grade railroad crossing at Caulfield Lane. An approved crossing at Caulfield will ultimately result in
the closing of the existing crossing at Hopper Street. SMART and the Northwestern Pacific Railroad.
freight hauler are both in support of this application.
Recommended City Council Action /Suggested Motion
Approve proposed alignment and introduce Ordinance adopting Caulfield Lane Precise Plan Line
Authorize the City Manager to sign and forward the PUC °application for a Caulfield Lane at -grade crossing
Reviewed by Finance Director:
Reviewed b t Attorne :
eF.
'Approved b 4 Citv Manager:
Date:
Date:
l
I TT
Today's Da :
Revision # and Date Revised:
File Code:
#
January 14, 2004
1
CI'T'Y OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
January 26, 2004
• AGENDA REPORT
FOR
CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND INTRODUCE ORDINANCE ADOPTING A
PRECISE PLAN LINE FOR CAULFIELD LANE BETWEEN LAKEVILLE STREET'
AND HOPPER STREET
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Precise Plan Line for Caulfield Lane between Lakeville Street and Hopper-will provide future right -
of -way access to the existing wastewater treatment plant, corporation yard, the Pomeroy Corporation
property and the vacant property adjacent to the Petaluma River.
2. BACKGROUND
Recent development applications in the vicinity of Lakeville Street and Caulfield Lane, and future
access as indicated in the Central Petaluma Specific Plan, have created the need to establish a Precise
Plan Line for a future right -of -way as well as move toward securing an at -grade crossing of the railroad
tracks.
The subject Precise Plan'Line defines a right -of -way for Caulfield Lane between Lakeville Street to
• Hopper Street. Right -of -way alignment and width is based on Specific Plan traffic counts, thoroughfare
standards and intersection lane geometry. The alignment also meets the needs of the existing owner and
future development of the subject property (APN 005- .060 -031).
The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on December 9, 2003 and recommended approval
of the Caulfield Lane Precise Plan Line to the City Council. Subsequently, the City Council, on January
5, 2004, adopted a Resolution of Intent to establish a Precise Plan Line and conduct a public hearing.
According to Chapter 13.20.140 of the Petaluma Municipal Code, the City Council, shall hear the matter
and order by Ordinance the - establishment of a Precise Plan Line, or, modify the proposed Precise Plan
Line as the City Council may deem proper.
Staff has reviewed the traffic counts, lane geometry, alignment, and legal description and has found
them to be adequate and consistent with the intent of the Specific Plan and future development. A legal
description and plat have been prepared and attached including an exhibit- reflecting the assignment over
an aerial photo of the subject site.
Also attached for your information is a draft application to, the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
that will initiate the'process of securing an at -grade crossing at Caulfield Lane and the eventual closing
of the existing crossing.at.Hopper Street. Council direction is requested to authorize the City Manager to
sign and forward the application to the PUC.
ALTERNATIVES
Continue public hearing and delay introduction of Ordinance.
4. FINANCIAL IMPACTS
N/A
r
•
5. CONCLUSION
The Community Development, Department finds that the proposed Precise Plan Line provides orderly
and efficient'iraffic'circulation for'future right -of -way access.
6. OUTCOMES OR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS. THAT WILL IDENTIFY SUCCESS' OR COMPLETION:
N/A ,
7. IZECOMMENDATION
Approve proposed alignment and introduce Ordinance adopting Caulfield Lane Precise Plan Line.
Authorize the City Manager to sign and forward the PUC application.
SACC -City CoundhReports\Caufield Plan Line 012605.doc
•
•
I ORDINANCE NO. N.C. S.
2
3 Introduced By Seconded By
4
5
6
7
8
9 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PRECISE PLAN LINE FOR THE
10 RESERVATION OF FUTURE RIGHTS -OF -WAY FOR CAULFIELD LANE
11 BETWEEN LAKEVILLE STREET AND HOPPER STREET
12
13 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA AS
14 FOLLOWS:
15
16 Section 1 . That the City Council finds that on December 9, 2003 the Planning
17 Commission forwarded to the City Council an affirmative recommendation relative to the
18 establishment of a Precise Plan Line and that said recommended Precise Plan Line is
19 further designated and, shown on that certain description attached hereto, designated
20 Exhibit A and Exhibit B, and by reference�made a part hereof.
21
22 Section 2 . The City Council further finds that said Planning Commission held
23 a hearing on said proposal to establish Precise. Plan Line on .December 9, 2003, after
24 having given notice of the hearing in the manner, for'the period in the form required by
25 Ordinance No. 597 N.C.S.
26
27 Section 3 . The City Council further finds that notice of the public hearing
28 required to be held by the City Council upon receipt of the Planning Commission
29 recommendation and as set forth in Resolution No. 2004 -005 N.C. S. duly adopted by
30 this Council on January 5, 2004 was given in the manner, for the period and in the form
31 required by Ordinance No. 597 N.C.S.
32
33 Section 4 . The City Council further finds that, after the public hearing on
34 January 26, 204, no protests or objections to said proposed Precise Plan Line which
35 should be sustained were received; and that, any changes and modifications were made to
36 said proposed Precise Plan Line and that the public safety, comfort, convenience, interest
37 and welfare required by the adoption of the recommended Precise Plan Line is consistent
38 with the purposed of Ordinance No. 597.
39
40 Section 5 . That pursuant to Ordinance No. 597 the City Council hereby
41 orders the establishment of the Precise Plan Line described above, and further designated
42 on Exhibit A and Exhibit B attached hereto and by reference made a part hereof.
43
44 Section 6 . The City Clerk is hereby directed to publish this ordinance
45 including Exhibit A. and Exhibit B attached hereto, in the manner and for the period
46 prescribed by the City Charter.
1 •
2 INTRODUCED AND ORDERD published this 26 day of January 2004.
3
4
5 ADOPTED this day of 2004, by the following
6 vote:
7
8
9 APES:
10
11
12
13 NOES:
14
15
16
17 ABSENT:
18
19
20 Mayor
21
22
23 ATTEST:
24
25
26
27 Approved:
28 City Clerk
29
30
31 City Attorney
r�
EXHIBIT -A-
CAULFIELD 'LANE EXTENSION
PRECISE PLAN LINE BOUNDARY
SEE EXHIBIT "W FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION
0
FOR GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION AND INFORMATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
P.O.B.
A
86* ��. , qq . "
P.O.C.
10 s 8
'o Z 80 '54'3g
Z54-54�
2
2
q
O
8
"CtOHA& S, INC.
2627,0.R. 3.38
4,
APN 005-060-031
7
5
I .
6
McPH41L :5, 1AIC.
D .
2627 O.R. 338
J
rn 010
APN 005-060-031
to
00
O
A
o
0 9 1-1414
S ST P9C /FjG
O 008
411,90
1927" ON ? 00 1 , xz 0, No
W4 . ... ... .
COURSE DATA
--
I S 03*28'00" W
0.83'
0 Z,4-/ ��*4
. 6-tr
oo,>
2 L=57.03' R=38.00'
D=85*59'20".
I
S 00*27'03" E
61.55'
0 16
4 S 05'02'07" E
50.16'
LEGEND
5 S 00*27'03" E
47.98'
6 N 00*27'03" W
41.82'
A • FOUND 1/2" IRON PIPE
.7 N 04*06'41 " E
50.17'
TAGGED LS 4419
8 N 00'27'03" W
9 L=40.88' R=38-00
52.49'
D=61'38'21"
FOUND 1/2 IRON PIPE
10 N 86'32'00" W
21.11'
TAGGED LS 3489
P.O.B. POINT OF BEGINNING
P.O.C. POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
STEVEN J.
LAFRANCHI & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CIVIL ENGINEERS - LAND SURVEYORS
PETALUMA MARINA BUSINESS CENTER
776., 6AYWOOD SUITE 312
PETALUMA. CALIFORNIA 94954
707 FAk 3239
M10C I 4. /)M/,^ I I) flnnACVA
EXHIBIT E
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
PRECISE PLAN LINE FOR THE CAULFIELD LANE EXTENSION
PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
SITUATE IN THE CITY OF PETALUMA, COUNTY OF SONOMA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
BEING A PORTION OF THE LANDS OF THE MCPHAILS INC. A•CORPORATION, AS DESCRIBED IN DEED
RECORDED IN BOOK,2627 OFFICIAL RECORDS AT PAGE 338, SONOMA COUNTY RECORDS AS SHOWN. ON
THAT CERTAIN RECORD OF SURVEY FILED IN BOOK 600 AT PAGE 32, SONOMA COUNTY RECORDS AND
ALSO BEING APORTION OF THE LANDS OF'PETALUMA RIVERFRONT, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED, LIABILITY
COMPANY AS DESCRIBED IN DEED RECORDED UNDER DOCUMENT NO. 2001 - 118292, SONOMA COUNTY
RECORDS AS SHOWN ON THAT CERTAIN.RECORD OF SURVEY FILED IN BOOKA34 OF MAPS AT PAGE 17
SONOMA COUNTY RECORDS AND ALSO BEING A, PORTION OF THE LANDS OF NORTHWEST PACIFIC
RAILROAD AS SHOWN ON THAT CERTAIN RECORD OF SURVEY FILED.IN BOOK 434 OF MAPS AT PAGE 17,
SONOMA COUNTY RECORDS„ BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING AT A FOUND ONE -HALF INCH IRON PIPE TAGGED L.S. 4419 MONUMENTING THE MOST
NORTHERLY ,CORNER OF SAID LANDS OF MCPHAIL'.S, INC. AS SHOWNQWSAID RECORD OF SU.RVEY'(600
MAPS 32); THENCE ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF LAKEVILLE HIGHWAY AS SHOWN ON SAID RECORD
OF SURVEY (600 MAPS 32) SOUTH 86* 32'00' EAST, 198.38 FEET TO THE POINT OFBEGINN/NG,OF THE
HEREIN. DESCRIBED PARCEL; THENCE'SOUTH''03 28' 00" WEST, 0.83 FEET; THENCE.ON ANON- TANGENT
CURVE CONCAVE SOUTHWEST, WHOSE CENTER BEARS SOUTH 03'33! 37" WEST HAVING A RADIUS
OF 38.00 FEET, THROUGH A.CENTRAL ANGLE OF 85° 59'20" AN ARC LENGTH OF 57._03 FEET; THENCE
SOUTH 00° 27' 03 61.55 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 05 02' 07 "`EAST, 50.16 FEET; THENCE
SOUTH 00° 27' 03" EAST, 47.98 FEET; THENCE.ALONG A TANGENT CURVE TO THE LEFT HAVING.A
RADIUS OF 261.00 FEET, THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 31 10' 09" AN ARC LENGTH OF 141.99 FEET;
THENCE ALONG A REVERSE CURVE HAVING A RADIUS OF 189.00 FEET, THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF
44 15' 52" AN ARC LENGTH OF 146.01 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF°SAID LANDS OF,MCPHAILS INC.,
THENCESOUTH 12° 38'40" WEST,.60.43 FEET TO A CORNER OF THE, SAID LANDS OF PETALUMA
RIVERFRONT, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AS SHOWN ON SAID RECORD OF SURVEY
(434 MAPS17), THENCE ALONG THE WESTERLY LINE OF SAID LANDS OF 'PETALUMA RIVERFRONT, LLC, A
CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY SOUTH 12° 38' 40" WEST, 30.17 FEET TO A FOUND ONE -HALF'
INCH IRON PIPE TAGGED L.S. 3489 MONUMENTING THE MOST NORTHERLY CORNER OF THE LANDS•OF
THE CITY OF PETALUMA AS DESCRIBED INDEED RECORDED IN BOOK 2744 OFFICIAL'RECORDS AT PAGE
63.3 SONOMA COUNTY RECORDS AS SHOWN ON SAID RECORD OF SURVEY (434 MAPS 17); THENCE
ALONG SAID LINE SOUTH 777 19' 27" EAST, 72.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 12'38'4o EAST,'90d64 FEET TO
THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF SAID LANDS OF MCPHAILS, INC. THENCE ALONG A TANGENT CURVE TO THE
LEFT. HAVING A RADIUS OF 261.00 FEET, THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 44° 15'52" AN ARC LENGTH OF
201.64 FEET; THENCEALONG A REVERSE CURVE HAVING A RADIUS,OF 189100 FEET, THROUGH A
CENTRAL ANGLE OF 31° 10' 09" AN ARC LENGTH OF 102.82 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00° 27' 03' WEST,
41.82 FEET; THENCE NORTH'04 06'41" EAST, 50.17 FEET THENCE:NORTH 00'27'03" WEST 52.49'
FEET THENCE ALONG A TANGENT CURVE TO THE RIGHT HAVING A RADIUS OF 38:00 FEET, A CENTRAL
ANGLE OF 61" 38' 21" AN ARC LENGTH OF 40.88 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF LAKEVILLE,HIGHWAY;
THENCE ALONG SAID LINE .NORTH .80' 54'54" WEST, 115.78 FEET; THENCE CONTINUING ALONG SAID
LINE:NORTH 86° 32' 00" WEST, 21.11 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING,
CONTAINING 42,820 SQUARE FEET (0.98 ACRES) MORE OR LESS.
BASIS OF BEARING OF THIS DESCRIPTION IS THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECORD OF SURVEY (600 MAPS 32).
THE FINAL LEGAL DESCRIPTION FOR DEDICATION OF PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY MAY VARY FROM THE
PRECISE PLAN BO D.ARY DESCRIPTION BASEDON FINAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.
STEVEN J. LAFRANCHI, P.L.S. 6368 DATE
EXPIRATION DATE 12/31/06
STEVEN J. LAFRANCH1 & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CIVIL ENGINEERS - LAND SURVEYORS
PETALUMA MARINA BUSINESS CENTER
775 BAYWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 312, PETALUMA, CA 94954
TEL 707- 762 -3122 FAX 707 - 762 -3
01499Caul6dt .doc
•
R.C.E. 49302
STEVEN J. LAFRANCHI & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CIVIL ENGINEERS — LAND SURVEYORS
PETALUMA MARINA.BUSINESS CENTER
775 BAYWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 312, PETALUMA, CA 94954
TEL 707 - 762 -3122. FAX 707 - 762 -3239
LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION
P.L:S. 6368
On behalf of Petaluma Riverfront, LLC, I the undersigned hereby approve and authorize
the Precise Plan Line Boundary for the Caulfield.Lane Extension of way as
described and shown on the attached legal description and exhibit.
Matthew White Dat
01499A- autholdoc
R.C.E. 49302
STEVEN J. LAFRANCHI &. ASSOCIATES, INC.
CIVIL ENGINEERS' - LAND SURVEYORS
PETALUMA MARINA BUSINESS CENTER
775 BAYWOOD DRIVE, SUITE'.312, PETALUMA CA 94954
TEL 707- 762 -3122 FAX 707 -762 -3239
LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION
P.L.S. 6368
On behalf of.McPhails, Inc., I the undersigned "hereby approve and authorize the Precise
Plan Line Boundary for the,Caulfield Lane Extension right of way as described and
shown on the attached legal description and exhibit.
Dennis Parsons, Vice President CFO
1/ 6 l -
Date
•
•
01499A- autho.doc
BEFORE THE
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
In the Matter of the Application of the
City of Petaluma, a Municipal. Corporation, for
an Order Authorizing the Relocation of One
At -Grade Crossing of the Tracks of the
Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority in the
City of Petaluma, County of Sonoma.
Application
go
,APPLICATION OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA
FOR AN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE RELOCATION OF ONE AT- GRADE CROSSING
OF THE TRACKS OF THE NORTHWESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD AUTHORITY
IN THE CITY OF PETALUMA, COUNTY OF SONOMA
Pursuant to Public Utilities Code §§ 1201, et seq. and Rules 38 and 39 of the
is
Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, the City of Petaluma, a municipal corporation
( "Petaluma" or "Applicant?'), hereby files this application for an order authorizing the relocation
of the at -grade crossing of the railroad tracks of 'the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority
located at the intersection of Hopper Street and Lakeville Street in the City of Petaluma, County
of Sonoma. The crossing is proposed to be relocated approximately 2000 feet to the east, from
mile post 5 -38.3 to mile post 5- 37-.8, in order to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety and in
furtherance of the traffic circulation upgrades for the area established in the 1987 General Plan of
the City of Petaluma and the recently approved Central. Petaluma Specific Plan.
In support of this Application, Petaluma provides the following information:
Identity of Applicant (Rules 15(a) and (b)).
Applicant, City of Petaluma, is a duly organized municipal corporation, having
been formed by charter in accordance with California law. As a municipal corporation, Petaluma
exercises jurisdiction over all municipal functions, including the construction, reconstruction and •
maintenance of a system of public roads within its geographic boundaries.
Correspondence and communications regarding this Application should be
directed to:
Mr. Mike Bierman
City Manager
City of Petaluma
11 English Street, Box 61
Petaluma, CA 94952
Tel: (707) 778 -4345
Fax: (707) 778 -4419
With a copy to:
Jose E. Guzman, Jr.
NOSSAMAN, GUTHNER, KNOX & ELLIOTT LLP
50 California Street, 34th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111 -4799
Tel: (415) 398 -3600
Fax: .(415) 3 98-243 8
2. Description of Authority Requested (Rules 15 and 3
Petaluma seeks an order from this Commission, pursuant to Public. Utilities Code
§§ 1201, et seq., authorizing the relocation of one existing public at -grade crossing of the
railroad tracks of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority (the "NWPRA ") in the City of
Petaluma. This railroad line is the main line of the former Northwestern Pacific Railroad
Company. The railroad line currently is owned by the NWPRA, a joint powers authority formed
in accordance with California law. As explained in greater detail below, there have been no train
movements over this railroad line since at least December, 1998.
3. Description of Proposed Crossing Relocation (Rules 38(a) -(b) and (e)-
(h))
0
•
2
Petaluma proposes to relocate the existing;Hopper Street at -grade crossing, now
located at railroad milepost 5 -38.3. Petalumaproposes to close the crossing at its current
location and construct anew replacement at -grade crossing approximately 2,000 feet to the east,
at a proposed southward extension of Caulfield Lane; in the City of Petaluma. When completed,
at its point of crossing of the railroad tracks, Caulfield Lane will be atwo -lane public street,
approximately 65 feet in width. The proposed new crossing w'il'l be located generally to the
south and the west of the : intersection of U.S. Highway° 101 and State Highway 116 (the
Lakeville Highway), and approximately 1400 feet north of the Petaluma River, in the City of
Petaluma, County of 'Sonoma. At the point of the .Dfobosed ,Caulfield Lane replacement crossing,
the NWPRA railroad tracks .run east to west. Caulfield Lane. will be a north/south public street at
its point of crossing with the.railroad tracks. The new crossing is proposed to be constructed at
railroad milepost 5 -37.8. The nearest existing crossings to the proposed Caulfield Lane crossing
are the at -grade Rush Creek crossing to the east (railroad milepost 5 -28.5, in the City of Novato)
and the at -grade Hopper Street crossing to the west (railroad milepost 5 -38:3, in the City of
Petaluma). This latter crossing would be closed' and replaced with the at -grade Caulfield Lane
crossing.
A legal description of the property constituting the proposed :newzrossing is
attached hereto as Exhibit 1. Attached hereto as Exhibit 2 is a map showing the proposed anew
crossing, the rail line to be crossed and the stre=ets in this general area of Petaluma. Attached
hereto as Exhibit 3 is a map showing all streets, roads; °property :lines, tracks, buildings,
or other obstructions to view for a distance of at least 400 feet along the railroad and 200 feet
along the street in each direction from the proposed crossing. Attached hereto as Exhibit 4 is a
profile- diagram showing the ground line and grade line' and the rate of grades of approach on the
•
streets and the railroad tracks associated with the new proposed crossing.
Petaluma proposes to constructthe new crossing in accordance with the
Commission's General Order No. 72 -B, preferably using pre -cast or cast in place,reinforc .
ed
concrete panels between a.o
ndnieither side of the railroad. tracks (G.O. 72 -B, Standard No, 8).:
Applicant proposes the installation of the Standard No. 9,, automatic gate type crossing protection
device as specified in Commission General Order No. 75 -C or, if the Commission orders, itwill
install four quadrant gates as recently approved "for use by the Commission.
4. Statement of Public Need '(Rule 38(c)).
Attached hereto as Exhibit S, is a duly certified copy of a Notice of Exemption
signed by the City Manager of the City of Petaluma on , 2003, authorizing the
filing of lihig Application with the Commission. There are two significant public`benefits being
achieved in Petaluma by the proposed closure of the Hopper Street crossing and its relocation to
the proposed new Caulfield Lane location.
The first public. benefit is improved safety. The Hopper Street crossing. intersects
_the railroad tracks at an acute angle, is at an intersection that is not signalized, and is. located
within 660 feet of the °busy intersection of "D" Street and Lakeville Street. In addition, there is ,a
secondary street, also named Lakeville Street, that is a "frontage >road" between they RR tracks
and the main Lakeville Street that would be eliminated. This frontage road is approximately 40
feet from Lakeville Street and provides access from "D" Street to three properties between. "D"
Street °and Hopper Street: This added roadway at the intersection of "D" and Lakeville Streets
creates a circulation hazard that, with' its elimination, will improve both the'safety.and operations
at the above- mentioned intersection.
4
L iJ
®' Finally, the crossing equipment for the Hopper Street crossing is lold and outdated. In contrast,
the replacement crossing at Caulfield;Lane will cross the railroad tracks at 'a 90 degree angle,
will be located at a new, fully signalized intersection, and will utilize the latest state of the art
crossing equipment.
The second,public benefit is improved traffic circulation that furthers: the City of
Petaluma's long -range planning efforts. The City of Petaluma's General Plan, which was
adopted in 1987, anticipates and recommends that primary access to the real property bounded
by U.S. Highway 101 to the east, "D" Street to the west, State,Highway 116 , (Lakeville
Highway) to the north and the Petaluma River to the south (such land is referred to herein as the
"Lower Reach ") be accomplished `by means of the extension of Caulfield Lane. (see Exhibit 2
for a depiction of the Lower Reach and the Caulfield Lane extension). The more recent Central
Petaluma Specific Plan, which was adopted on June 2; 2003, also anticipates access to the Lower
Reach via the Caulfield. extension. Such access will be safer, as.noted above, and is also more
efficient than the Hopper Street crossing, as it provides more direct access to the Lower Reach
from U.S. Highway 101.
Finally,, although not expressly part of this application, closing the Hopper Street
crossing presents an opportunity for the future railroad freight operator to relocate the freight and
team track facility to the parcels at the corner of "D" and Lakeville Streets. If the future freight
operator chooses to relocate to this site, or.off the existing depot site to any alternative site the
"Drill Line" and railroad spur °that currently cross "D" Street approximately '100 feet and 120 feet
south of Lakeville Street will also be removed, furtherteducingthe number of at -grade
crossings. It should be noted that the current property owner of the subject parcels, the freight
operator, the North Coast Railroad Authority, the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority, the
5, ..
Sonoma Marin Area Rapid. Transit District and the City of Petaluma are negotiating the terms of •
such a relocation plan, but no final plan or timeline has been established.
5.
Crossing (Rule 38(d)).
Petaluma'proposes the construction of an at -grade crossing at Caulfield:Larie
instead of a separated grade crossing because (1) the Lower Reach is currently served, by the
Hopper Street 'at -grade crossing, and this application merely serves to relocate; and upgrade such
at -grade crossing to provide access to the very same Lower Reach parcels of land, (2) the use of
at -grade crossing protection devices such as Standard No. 9, automatic gate type. devices (see,.
Commission. General Order No.. 75 -C) or four, quadrant gates will adequately protect the public
safety; and (3) construction of a grade sepafation is physically infeasible at the proposed -
location.
(a) Level of'Traih�and Vehicular Traffic
Regarding the projected levels of train and vehicular traffic that will use the
crossing, as previously, noted, there has been no train traffic on this part of the NWPRA main
line since at least December, 1998. On December 9, 1998, pursuarit to Emergency Order No. 21,
63 Fed. Reg. 67976, the Federal Railroad Administration ( "FRA ") ordered the discontinuance of
all train operations over entire NWPRA system due. in part to the poor track conditions on the
NWPRA -rail 'lines and "the poor condition of numerous - at -grade crossings and grade crossing
protection devices at these crossings. Members of the Commission's Rail Safety & Carriers
Division participated in and closely. assisted the FRA in 1908 with the inspections of NWPRA
rail facilities which'lead to the discontinuance of train operations over -the entire NWPRA rail
system. There are no current plans to resume train operations over the NWPRA rail lines,
including the line which Caulfield Lane. will cross.
0
Regarding the projected vehicular traffic, that would use the, Caulfield Lane
crossing, the Final EIR certified by the City of Petaluma.in connection with adoption of the
Central Petaluma Specific Plan (CPSP), contained future cumulative traffic volumes for the main
intersections within the specific plan. These intersections, included those along the RR corridor
where at -grade public street crossings currently, and will continue to occur. Of the intersections
studied, the volumes projected for the foilowingintersections,were comparable:
Washington/Lakeville, "D" /Lakeville and Caulfield/Lakeyille. The FEIR studied these
intersections and where necessary, recommended modifications to improve the vehicular
circulation and intersection Level of Service. The CPS'P Final EIR concluded that the extension
of Caulfield Lane was consistent with the existing 'General Plan, would provide access to the
Lower Reach, and would hot constitute a significant environmental impact if fully implemented
as envisioned in the Specific Plan and General Plan.
(b) Standard At -Grade Crossing Protect bri Devices Will Ensure Public
Safe
Given the absence of rail traffic on the NWPRA rail line and the relatively small
number of motor vehiclesprojected to use the crossing; Petaluma asserts that the use of standard
at -grade crossing protection devices — e.g., the Standard No. 9 automatic gate type device
described in Commission General Order No. 75 -C,: or four quadrant gates — is completely
adequate to protect tthe public safety at the proposed.Caulfield Lane crossing. In addition, the
closure of the Hopper Streetat -grade crossing will, for the reasons:stated above, add to the
public's safety in the crossing of the NWPRA's tracks in this area of the City.
(c) Physical Infeasibility of Constructing a Separated Grade Crossing
Because of the physical proximity of the proposed at -grade crossing to the
Petaluma River to the south and to the State Highway 116 (the Lakeville Highway) to the north,
7
it is physically infeasible to construct a separated grade crossing in lieu of the proposed at-grade
•
crossing.
The proposed at -grade crossing of'Caulfield`Laneis less than 1400 feeth6tth of
the Petaluma. River. Thus, the water table in this particular geographic area is relatively.high and
the construction of any faulfield Lane underpass of the NWPRA railroad tracks or the
construction of any Caulfield Lane overpass of the NWPRA tracks will be severely impacted by
the water °table and will impose serious complications.to such construction. In particular,
with respect to any proposed Caulfield Lane underpass of the NWPRA rail line, the elevations 'of
such an underpass project are as follows:
® Top of rail,elevation: 10♦0 feet .
® Railroad bridge :thickness: 6.0 feet
® ;Clearancefroin bottom' of` bridge to road.. 18.0 feet
o Required road elevation: - 14.0 feet
Elevation --14.0 is significantly below the 'elevation of tidal flows in the Petaluma
River. Thus, it is not practicable to construct a CaulfieldLane`underpass crossing of the
NWPRA tracks.
With respect to any proposed Caulfield Lane over - crossing of the'NWPRA tracks,
the elevation of a bridge deck is determined as follows:
e 'Top of rail "elevation: 10.0 feet
® Bridge Clearance: 24.0 feet,
Bridge thickness'(including falsework): 6.0 feet
® Required bridge deck elevation. 40.0 feet
Any Caulfield Lane bridge over- crossing of the NWPRA railroad tracks will
require connection with the existing pavement on the Lakeville, Highway at an elevation of 9.0
feet. The maximum slope of Caulfield Lane between Lakeville Highway and the N
railroad tracks is 5 9/o, in order to comply with the sidewalk standards set forth in the Americans
with Disabilities Act ( "ADA "). The,d stance between the Lakeville Highway and the NWPRA
railroad tracks is approximately 500 feet. The maximum B road elevation at the NWPRA tracks is
as follows:
® Pavement elevation of Lakeville.Highway: 9.0 feet
® 500 .feet at 5% maximum slope per ADA: 25.O:feet
® Maximum elevation of pavement
at railroad per ADA: 34.0 feet
The maximum road elevation at'the.railroad tracks with a maximum 5% slope as
specified by the ADA is 34.0 feet, which is less than the 40 feet minim elevation clearance of
a bridge over the railroad tracks. 'Thus, a Caulfield Lane over- crossing is impracticable without
either non - compliance with the ADA or the construction of 'an underpass crossing of Caulfield
Lane for the Lakeville Highway. The significant additional cost .of constructing an underpass
crossing by Caulfield.Lane for the Lakeville Highway in order to accommodate a separated
grade crossing by Caulfield Lane of the NWPRA railroad track& is simply not warranted in this
situation.
Attached hereto as Exhibits 7 -A and 7 -13, are engineering drawings illustrating the
impracticability of constructing either Caulfield Lane underpass or overpass of the NWPRA
tracks.
6. Review Under the'California Environmental Quality Act (Rule 17.1).
The California Environmental Quality Apt .(Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et
seq.) requires the City of Petaluma (the lead agency under CEQA) to conduct an environmental
analysis of the project. Initially, the City if Petalurn a conducted an environmental analysis of the
Circulation System for the Central Petaluma Specific Plan, which includes the proposed at -grade
Caulfield Lane crossing. With respect to the project itself, that being the closing of Hopper
Street and extension of an at -grade railroad crossing,of.Caulfield Lane, the City of Petaluma
9
determined that pursuant to Section -15183(a) of Article 12 of the California Gode.of Regulations
(the "CEQA Guidelines "),°the project as described herein is consistent with the adopted Specific
Plan, as well' as the General "Plan, and concluded that no further environmental review is
necessary.
In compliance with Rule 17.1(d) of the Commission's Rules of Practice &
Procedure, the City of Petaluma: attaches as its Proponent's Environmental Assessment ( "PEA ")
Exhibit 6 hereto, which is, a copy of the Notice of Exemption duly 'executed by the City of
Petaluma on , 2003. The environmental analysis conducted in the CPS'P Final
EIR and the'N'otice of' Exemption- meets the requirements of Rule 17.1(d)(1) by concluding that
with respect to the proposed construction oaf the Caulfield Lane crossing and the proposed
closure of the Hopper Street crossing, "it can be seen with certainty that there Is no possibility
that the project'in question may have a significant adverse effect- on the environment ..."
T. Service of Application on Railroad (Rule 3`8(i))..
In accordance with Rule 38(i) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and
Procedure, Petaluma has served a copy of this Application,on .the.,Northwestem Pacific Railroad
Authority and the Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit District, as 'indicated on the attached
Certificate of Service.
8. Categorization of Application P&suantto SB 960
Pursuant to the requirements of SB 960 and Article 2:5 of the Commission's
Rules of Practice and Procedure, Petaluma proposes that this Application be categorized as a
" ratesetting ' proceeding. Although this Application does not fit the definition - of a "ratesetting"
proceeding as set forth in Rule 5, Rule 6.1(c) directs that proceedings that do not specifically fit
is
10
any of the category definitions.set forth in.Rule 5 should be categorized as "ratesetting"
proceedings.
Petaluma does: not believe that hearings will be necessary on this Application.
Given the information provided in this application with respect to the lack of train traffic on this
rail line, the information demonstrating the physical impracticability of constructing a separated
grade crossing, and the fact that this Application concerns the simple relocation of an existing at-
grade crossing to serve the same properties, Petaluma cannot conceive of what issues might be
raised in any protest to this Application. Nonetheless, should a protest to this Application be
filed and should the Commissioner assigned to the Application determine that hearings are
needed, Petaluma proposes the following schedule for this proceeding:
Preheating conference:
Evidentiary hearings:
Briefs filed:
Proposed decision issued:
Comments on PD filed:
Reply comments filed:
Final Commission decision
[SIGNATURE ON FOLLOWLNG PAGE]
11
WHEREFORE, the City of Petaluma respectfully request that the Commission •
issue an order (1) authorizing the City to construct the proposed Caulfield Lane at -grade crossing
of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority tracks atrailroad milepost °5 -37.8; and (2)
authorizing the City to close the existing Hopper Street,at =grade crossing located at railroad
milepost 5 =383.
DATED: April 2003 Respectfully submitted
City of Petaluma
By
Mike :Bierman
City Manager
City of 'Petaluma
11. English Street
Box 61
Petaluma, CA 94952
Tel: (707) 778 -4345 ,
Fax: (707) 778 -4419
a
12
,. _,,.
i� u
o.�
;I" �I