HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2007-097 N.C.S. 06/04/2007 Resolution No. 2007-097 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF CALIFORNIA
(PUC) DECISION 06-02-036 ISSUED FEBRUARY 16, 2006 CONCERNING THE
AUTHORIZATION OF THE RELOCATION OF ONE AT-GRADE CROSSING OF THE
TRACKS OF THE SONOMA MARIN AREA RAIL TRANSIT DISTRICT IN THE CITY
OF PETALUMA, COUNTY OF SONOMA (CAULFIELD CROSSING) AND
APPROVING SAID RELOCATION
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2006, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued
Decision 06-0036, its conditional approval of the City of Petaluma's application to relocate the
at-grade crossing of the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART)/Northwest Pacific
Railroad Authority (NWPRA) railroad tracks from Hopper St. to Caulfield Lane (included herein
as Exhibit A); and,
WHEREAS, this authorization will expire two years from issuance; and,
WHEREAS, in the event passenger rail service commences along the SMART railroad
tracks, Petaluma must apply to Commission for continued authorization of this at-grade crossing;
and,
WHEREAS, in the event that Petaluma extends Caulfield Lane past Hopper St., the City
must include in the design any changes to Caulfield Lane and the railroad crossing, as required
by the Commission's Consumer Protection and Safety Division's Rail Crossing Engineering
Section (ROES); and,
WHEREAS, relocation of the crossing to Caulfield Lane is recommended by City, PUC
and NWP Co. engineers, as a safer alternative to Hopper Street; and,
WHEREAS, funding for placing the railroad signals at either crossing would be
provided by the NWP Co., on the condition that it meets their schedule; and,
WHEREAS, staff recommends City Council accept the PUC decision to allow relocation
of the existing at-grade railroad crossing at Hopper to Caulfield Lane.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma accepts Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Decision 06-02-036 conditionally allowing
relocation of the existing at-grade railroad crossing at Hopper Street to Caulfield Lane, attached
herein as Exhibit A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council finds that although the Central
Petaluma Specific Plan provides policy and regulatory direction on the development of the
Lower Reach area, at present there is insufficient and inadequate vehicular and emergency access
to serve said development potential; and acceptance of the PUC decision and the extension of
Caulfield .across the railroad tracks shall not constitute a sufficient or adequate means of
vehicular and/or emergency access to serve said development potential on a permanent and/or
interim basis unless and until the following occurs to the satisfaction of the City Council:
Resolution No. 2007-097 N.C.S. Page I
® Plans, financing and any accompanying environmental review for at least two separate and
distinct points of vehicular access (as defined by the City) from the existing City street
network to the Lower Reach area which are. adequate for public safety and traffic mobility,
including, but not limited to:
° Completion of a plan line for the extension of Caulfield Lane to Petaluma Blvd. South and
accompanying financing plan that includes, but is not limited to, the fair share obligations
of property owners within the Lower Reach area. and any other affected properties;
° Completion of a plan line, the acquisition of right-of--way and a financing plan for the full
construction of Hopper Street consistent with the design standard and route called for by
the Central Petaluma Specific Plan and any amendments thereto.
° Completion of a plan line, the acquisition of right-of--way and a financing plan for any
other alternative route(s) that will satisfy the requirement of having two separate and
distinct points of access to the Lower Reach area which are adequate, in the judgment of
City, for public safety and traffic mobility.
o Planned access routes shall not compromise nor impair the operations of the City's
corporation yard and wastewater treatment. facilities in the Lower Reach and shall provide
direct and efficient emergency access consistent with the City's public safety standards.
o Planned access routes shall be designed, financed and implemented in a manner that supports
and facilitates the ultimate development of the entire Lower Reach area consistent with the
Central Petaluma Specific Plan and any amendments thereto.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the A ro ed as to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regu{ar meeting on the 4~' day of June, 2007, f rm:
by the following vote:
City ttorney
AYES: Freitas, Harris, Vice Mayor Nau, O'Brien, Rabbitt
NOES: Barrett, Mayor Torliatt
ABSF,NT: Notie ~
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
City Clerk M yor
Resolution No. 2007-097 N.C.S. Page 2