Title
HEARING - Department of Transportation recommending the Board consider adoption of Resolution 034-2020 to remove a 330-foot portion of Waverly Drive from the County maintained mileage system. (Est. Time 15 Min.)
FUNDING: California Tahoe Conservancy (100% - State).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On February 25, 2020, Item 26, Legistar 19-1153, the Board adopted a Resolution of Intention to remove a 330-foot portion of Waverly Drive between Tam O Shanter Drive and Elks Club Drive from the County Maintained Mileage System. The Board is authorized to take this action per Section 954.5(a) of the Streets and Highways Code. The Department of Transportation (Transportation) identified removal of asphalt from this section of Waverly as part of the Country Club Heights Erosion Control Project (Project) environmental strategy. This section of Waverly Drive is bordered by undeveloped parcels owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy). It has also been determined to have very low traffic volumes and does not provide primary access to properties on Waverly Drive.
A map showing Waverly Drive, its adjoining parcels, and the limits of the proposed maintenance termination is attached (Figure A). The Project would require the removal of asphalt concrete within the maintenance termination limits and the placement of large boulders to permanently block vehicular access to the abandoned road. The removal of this section of Waverly Drive from the maintained mileage system and subsequent restoration will reduce the amount of impervious asphalt and increase the area's natural cleansing capabilities, which is consistent with the goals of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the State of California to protect the water quality of Lake Tahoe.
Transportation staff has spoken with all of the homeowners on Waverly Drive, and they are all in favor of Transportation's plan to terminate maintenance of the affected portion of Waverly Drive. These homeowners access Waverly Drive from Tam O'Shanter Drive.
Transportation has contacted the various utility companies in writing regarding the future removal of asphalt from this section of Waverly Drive (this area contains South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) facilities). Since the area will remain County property; utilities, the Conservancy, and the public will still retain non-vehicular access rights to the area where the road is proposed for maintenance termination. Even though the impacted portion of Waverly Drive will be removed from the County's road network, Transportation will continue to maintain the abandoned area as necessitated by funding requirements.
Transportation staff provided public notice of the public hearing regarding this proposed termination of maintenance of a portion of Waverly Drive pursuant to Section 8322 and 8323 of the Streets and Highways Code.
Should the Board approve this matter, Transportation staff will file a CEQA Notice of Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301. That section exempts from CEQA the minor alteration of existing public facilities (including existing streets and highways) involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. Transportation staff finds that the project does not present any unusual circumstances that would make the exemption inapplicable.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution. Transportation would need to budget future funds for the ongoing repair and maintenance of Waverly Drive.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
February 25, 2020, Item 26, Legistar 19-1153
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel reviewed and approved this item.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total estimated cost of the project is $55,000 and is funded 100% by the Conservancy. Project costs include construction and restoration ($45,000) and staff costs associated with the restoration of the site and the termination of maintenance process ($10,000).
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair's signature on the Resolution and return a signed copy to Transportation, Attention: Patty Scott at Tahoe Engineering.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure, Good Governance
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation