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Home My WebLink About5/20/2015 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.M. a Y N R 4 • �obeutN.. R City Council Staff Report Date: May 20, 2015 CONSENT CALENDAR Subject: ADOPTION OF MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CONVENTION CENTER PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 14-09 From: David H. Ready, City Manager Initiated by: Public Works and Engineering Department SUMMARY The environmental review process for the Convention Center Parking Lot, City Project No. 14-09, (the 'Project"), has been completed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). The final environmental document is ready for review and approval by the City Council, including adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Completion of this process allows the City to move forward with construction of the Project. During the public review process, there were no requests for a Public Hearing; therefore, none is required in the City's approval of the final environmental document and adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AND ORDERING THE FILING OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR CONVENTION CENTER PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 14-09." STAFF ANALYSIS: On March 19, 2014, the City Council authorized staff to proceed with the design of a new parking lot to support the Convention Center; a copy of the March 19, 2014, staff report is included as Attachment 1. Subsequently, on June 4, 2014, the City Council approved the plans and specifications, and authorized staff to proceed with bidding of the parking lot; a copy of the June 4, 2014, report is included as Attachment 2. Design of the parking lot improvements is nearly complete, and bidding will be initiated upon receipt of a final design for electrical service from SCE (anticipated by June 1). ITEM NO. 2 M City Council Staff Report May 20, 2015- Page 2 Adoption of MIND for Convention Center Parking Lot (CP 14-09) The City has identified its property located at the southeast corner of Avenida Caballeros and Amado Road as the site of a parking lot. Construction of this parking lot is considered a "Project", therefore, staff completed environmental analysis of the parking lot pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). Accordingly, staff prepared an Initial Study with the City of Palm Springs identified as the Lead Agency. The scope of improvements analyzed in the Initial Study is identified as: construction of a new surface parking lot with a maximum of 906 parking spaces, including perimeter landscaping improvements along Avenida Caballeros and Amado Road, and on-site lighting and electrical improvements, with on-site retention basins, all described as the Convention Center Parking Lot, City Project No. 14-09, (the `Project'). The project site is identified in Figures 1ibelow. ram_�_ � _'Y {�r�, h' . �{' ` L �• :J! 7t - ... .. ... .. .r.. _. a.. - )fit• • r a • 1 . i � t Roo Figure 1 02 City Council Staff Report May 20, 2015 - Page 3 Adoption of MND for Convention Center Parking Lot(CP 14-09) A site plan for the Project is identified in Figure 2 below: cm OnAn • PA ;'" P frtjt �A I Rig} I�- .. _ + __ - •I __ _ _. I FUTURE CONSTprI1 l0N ' . I I PA f -.. ?1 I J V - > C - EXISTING CONCRETE yaf. PA t M SLAB, 1T s i 4 ZZ : biro f . ' I ✓ - '- ._ J I __ FUTURE OOMOTRLIPT� W.oYJ P R — Figure 2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Construction of the Project is considered a "Project" as defined by CEQA. Pursuant to Section 15378(a) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, (the "CEQA Guidelines"), a "Project" means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and that is (1) an activity directly undertaken by any public agency including but not limited to public works 03 City Council Staff Report May 20, 2015- Page 4 Adoption of MND for Convention Center Parking Lot(CP 14-09) construction and related activities clearing or grading of land, improvements to existing public structures, etc. In order for the City to proceed with construction of the Project, the potential environmental impacts must be analyzed. Staff has completed analysis of potential environmental impacts associated with the Project pursuant to CEQA, and has prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, (the "IS/MND"). Staff considered impacts that might result from construction of the Project, analyzed those potential impacts on the environment, and reported the potential impacts in the IS/MND. In accordance with Section 21082.1 of the California Public Resources Code, and Sections 15072 and 15073 of the CEQA Guidelines, public review of the IS/MND occurred through the following measures: • Staff circulated the IS/MND to local agencies for a 20-day public review period from February 3 through February 23, 2015 • Staff mailed a Notice of Availability of the IS/MND to all property owners located within a 300-foot radius of the Project • Staff published a Notice of Availability in the Desert Sun on February 4, 2015 A copy of the IS/MND is included as Attachment 3, and a copy of the Notice of Availability is included as Attachment 4. The scope of improvements analyzed in the IS/MND for the Project include: construction of a new surface parking lot with a maximum of 906 parking spaces, including perimeter landscaping improvements along Avenida Caballeros and Amado Road, and on-site lighting and electrical improvements, with on-site retention basins. The purpose of the Project is to provide additional parking facilities to support the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Initial Study has analyzed various environmental factors, including: • aesthetics • land use and planning • agriculture resources • mineral resources • air quality • noise • biological resources • population and housing • cultural resources • public services • geology and soils • recreation • greenhouse gas emissions • transportation/traffic • hazards and hazardous materials • utilities and service systems • hydrology and water quality • mandatory findings of significance 04 City Council Staff Report May 20, 2015 - Page 2 Adoption of MND for Convention Center Parking Lot(CP 14-09) Public Review During the 20-day public review period, the City received one comment letter from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians through its Director of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office dated February 25, 2015, supplemented by an e-mail of the same date; copies of the letter and e-mail are included as Attachment 5. In accordance with the comment letter, it was requested that the following provision be included in the Mitigated Negative Declaration: The presence of an approved Native American Cultural Resource Monitor(s) during any ground disturbing activities (including archaeological testing and surveys). Should buried cultural deposits be encountered, the Monitor may request that destructive construction halt and the Monitor shall notify a Qualified Archaeologist (Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines) to investigate and, if necessary, prepare a mitigation plan for submission to the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Agua Caliente Tribal Historic Preservation Office. Pursuant to the comment received from the Director of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office, staff is recommending that mitigation measure V2, identified below, be added to the Cultural Resources section of the IS/MND. Findings The Initial Study prepared for the Project has concluded, and following public review, staff has determined that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment for the following reasons: • The Project will have no impact on agricultural resources, biological resources, hazards and hazardous materials, land use and planning, mineral resources, population and housing, recreation, and transportation/traffic; • The Project will have a less than significant impact on aesthetics, air quality, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrology and water quality, public services, and utilities and service systems; • The project will have a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated on cultural resources, noise, and mandatory findings of significance. The City has prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration that identifies various avoidance and mitigation measures related to biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, hydrology and water quality, transportation/traffic, utilities and service systems, as identified on the Environmental Commitment Record (otherwise known as a "Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program"), which will ensure that the Project will have no significant effect on the environment. Staff will include the Environmental Commitment Record as part of the final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration, which will identify the following mitigation measures: 05 City Council Staff Report May 20, 2015- Page 3 Adoption of MND for Convention Center Parking Lot(CP 14-09) Cultural Resources V-1 Should cultural resources be encountered during the construction of the proposed project, work shall immediately cease and a qualified archaeologist shall be contacted to evaluate the significance of the resource. Any significant findings shall be documented and presented to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the Tribe and the City, and resolved to their satisfaction. V-2 An approved Native American Cultural Resource Monitor shall be available on- site during any ground disturbing activities. Noise XI-1. Construction activities on-site shall occur only between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, as specified by the Palm Springs Noise Ordinance (11.74.041). The Construction Site Regulations (Chapter 8.04.220) also identify specific limits on hours of operation for construction equipment as not between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. if the noise produced is of such intensity or quality that it disturbs the peace and quiet of any other person of normal sensitivity. XI-2. All construction equipment, fixed or mobile, shall be equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers and the engines shall be equipped with shrouds. XI-3. All construction equipment shall be in proper working order and maintained in a proper state of tune to reduce backfires. XI-4. Stockpiling and vehicle staging areas shall be located as far as practical from the northern and eastern boundaries of the site. XI-5. Parking, refueling and servicing operations for all heavy equipment shall be located at the southeast corner of the site. XI-6. Stationary equipment shall be placed such that emitted noise is directed away from noise-sensitive receptors. FISCAL IMPACT: The final engineer's estimate for construction of the Project is $1.2 Million. Funding for construction of the Project is anticipated to come from unexpended bond proceeds from the 2007 Series C Tax Allocation Bonds left over from the Redevelopment Agency for the City of Palm Springs. On February 18, 2015, the Successor Agency Board approved Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) 15-16A, which determined that the use of unexpended bond proceeds from the 2007 Series C Tax Allocation Bonds, in the amount of $1,039,996 and referenced in the approved ROPS as Item Number 69, has been changed from "to be allocated in future ROPS"to being allocated for use in ROPS 15-16A. At the point of award of a construction contract, the Successor Agency Board will be requested to approve an amendment to its adopted 0 6 City Council Staff Report May 20, 2015 - Page 4 Adoption of MIND for Convention Center Parking Lot(CP 14-09) ROPS conforming it to this action. The use of the 2007 Series C Tax Allocation Bonds would be for the construction of parking in former Merged Project Area No. 2, to serve the Convention Center area, an appropriate redevelopment expenditure under the former Redevelopment Plan and the Implementation Plan. However, it may be necessary to identify additional funding as necessary to award the full amount of the construction contract, which may come from General Fund balance or the Measure J Capital Project Fund. The project site is subject to the development standards and mitigation requirements identified in the Agua Caliente Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan (the 'Tribal HCP"), and is located within the Valley Floor Conservation Area. Pursuant to the Tribal HCP, the project will be considered a Covered Activity, and payment of the Tribal HCP Mitigation Fee will be required prior to construction. The Tribal HCP Mitigation Fee is currently $2,371 per acre, and the City will pay the equivalent of $21,339 in mitigation fees to the Tribe for permanent disturbance of 9 acres of land located in the Valley Floor Conservation Area. Payment of this fee will be required prior to construction of the Project. Prepared by: Marcus L. Fuller, MPA, P.E., P.L.S. Assistant City Manager/City Engineer Approved by: David H. Ready, Esq., P City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1. March 19, 2014, staff report 2. June 4, 2014, staff report 3. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 4. Public Notice 5. Comment Letter 6. Resolution 07 Y ATTACHMENT 08 �O TALM SAS iy G� V N • k is 9 h oroeeiee. Cq</FORN�p CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: March 19, 2014 SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT SUBJECT: CONVENTION CENTER TEMPORARY PARKING LOT DESIGN CONTRACT— SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Special Projects Coordinator SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION In summary, the design effort will encompass the development of a temporary parking lot that will hold approximately 650 cars, will include relocation of the 400 amp electrical panel, the relocation of the four electric vehicle charging stations, underground preparations for future automatic parking pay stations, allow for the entry of aircraft up to 65 feet wide and will maintain the existing White Party pad and upgrade the water service. Attached is the proposal for the design work from MSA Consulting, Inc. It totals $59,050 for the design effort including $8250 for landscape design and $5300 for electrical design services. The current fee does not include bidding period and construction period administrative services which will be negotiated at the time the project actually proceeds to construction. With a September 1, 2014 opening date deadline this project will require a great deal of expedited work, including actions by the Planning Commission, plan check by Public Works, plans approval by City Council and even the possibility of compressed bidding and construction schedules. Allen F. Smoot, Special Projects Coordinator David H. Ready, City ager Attachments: Proposal WIC 11I _tt�f� �11G]NFERSNG ® L,ativ Sr atiet'Itic ij March 14, 2014 Mr. Allen Smoot CITY OF PALM SPRINGS 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Subject: Proposal for On-Call Civil Engineering Services (RFP 5561) Plans, Specifications and Estimates for Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot Dear Mr. Smoot: MSA Consulting, Inc. (MSA) is pleased to provide you with this scope and fee for Pre- Design Survey and Design Engineering and Landscape Architecture Services for a temporary parking lot for the Palm Springs Convention Center under our On-Call Engineering contract. Our proposal is based upon the information provided to us and our understanding of the City of Palm Springs standards and requirements. Scheduling for the Work will commence upon receipt of a signed copy of a Purchase Order. All terms and conditions of our On-Call Civil Engineering Agreement dated November 18, 2013 shall apply. We hope the attached scope and fee are consistent with your requirements. We appreciate the opportunity to offer our services and would be pleased to answer any questions you might have. Very truly yours, Robert S. Smith, P.E. President! CEO MSA Consulting, Inc RSS:rp Enclosures Exhibit A — Scope of Services Exhibit B — Compensation ft4'18 Doou, eNSP¢7bueWS56t PS comenllon Centw Tarp PaiWn91.oNs_A3m.W_PS Coe I..,Ca 111 Temp 1'aMJn3 LMS.AB„BEV03.16.14iium Via Electronic Mail 1� 34200 BOB HOPB DRIVE a RANCHO M]RA(IE M CALIFORNIA ® 92270 760-420-9911 a 700-?7 _7RQ3 FA)a as www MS ArnxeTTTTTNCTNU rnM City of Palm Springs On-Call Civil Engineering Services Page 2 March 14, 2014 EXHIBIT "A" SCOPE OF WORK MSA (Consultant) proposes to perform the following tasks: 0 C 6 t Base Survey and Topography 1. Research record maps and bench marks. Set targets and provide aerial mapping for the 9 acre parcel, Calculate record boundary from record maps and city R/W does. Obtain supplemental survey points on location of entry tie-ins and existing utilities adjacent to site frontage. Includes field location of existing 600 amp panel on adjacent parcel. Utility Research 2. Perform utility research from available city-provided improvement plans for onsite areas and from utility agencies for adjacent public right of ways. 3. Create Existing Utility Base from available plan information. 4. Field verify existing surface utilities. 5. Update Utility Base. Precise Grading and Paving Plan 6. Based on compiled existing utility and field survey information, prepare a Precise Grading and Paving Plan at a scale of 1"=40'; process plan through the City for approval. The proposed parking lot will be temporary, sufficient for approximately 650 spaces. The pavement section envisioned will be 2 1/2" asphalt over compacted native, with no parking islands or interior landscaping. Plan to also include minor curb and gutter and perimeter sidewalk design. Specification 7. Complete Bid documents, special provisions and technical specifications based on City template and Greenbook. Cost Estimate 8. Prepare an Opinion of Probable cost. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and Fugitive Dust Control Plan 9. Prepare Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); process through the State for approval. 10.Prepare Fugitive Dust Control Plan (PM-10); process through the City for approval. 34200 Bons riavr. DKtyI= n RANCHO ivtiR.noc 5 C 1LtFGR41A 9?2?0 760-320-9811 760-323-7R93 FAX a v't&%R.MSACONSI'L ri�sI c.cos City of Palm Springs On-Call Civil Engineering Services Page 3 March 14, 2014 Landscape Design (by sub-consultant Michael Buccino) 11.Prepare a landscape plan for a buffer around the perimeter. Plans to include landscape and irrigation design. 12.Review landscape and irrigation design with City staff. Water Quality Management Plan 13.Prepare Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP); process through the City for approval. Electrical Engineering/Lighting Design (by sub-consultant MRC) 14.Design the parking lot lighting system and controls 15.Design power to the flashing street crossing system 16.Relocate the existing 600 amp service if required. 17.Coordinate with SCE on the relocation of the primary electrical services if required. 18.Provide equipment and fixture specifications 19.Attend design meeting as required. 20.Provide complete Title 24 compliance forms for electrical as required for submittal with the construction documents to the Building Department. 21.Provide a set of electrical construction documents that includes all plans, details, diagrams, notes, specifications and calculations needed for building department submittal, bidding and construction. Meetings / Project Management 22.Attend meetings with City and provide project management as needed. DELIVERABLES • Plans, Specifications and Estimate of Probable Cost for a temporary parking lot. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES and ASSUMPTIONS The following has been taken into consideration in the preparation of this proposal: 1. Client to provide access to sites. 2. Client to provide City Improvement and Utility Plans. 3. City to provide baseline specifications. 12 34200 BOB HOPE DRIVE s RANCHO MIRAGE la CALIFORNIA s 92270 760-320-9811 ® 760-323-7893 FAX ® www.MSACONSULTINGINCCOM City of Palm Springs On-Call Civil Engineering Services Page 4 March 14, 2014 EXCLUSIONS Consulting services relating to any of the following tasks are presently specifically excluded from the agreement. Some items, if required, may be provided by Consultant by separate written proposal with additional fees approved by the Client: 1. Agency fees/research costs. 2. Potholing/Pothole coordination. 3. Utility relocation coordination. 4. Boundary survey. 5. Geotechnical studies or soils report (note: temporary pavement section established by City.) 6. Plotting of easements. 7. Construction staking. 8. Bidding assistance or construction administration. 9. Improvement plans other than those listed in scope. 13 34200 BOB HOPE DRIVE z RANCHO MIRAGE IN CALIFORNIA m 92270 760-320-9811 m 760-323-7893 FAX ® www.MSACONSULTINGINC.COM City of Palm Springs On-Call Civil Engineering Services Page 5 March 14, 2014 EXHIBIT "B" COMPENSATION Client agrees to compensate Consultant for such services as follows: Task/Description Fee Plans, Specifications & Estimates......................................................... $59,050 1 Base Survey and Topography..........................................$6,500 2-5 Utility Research................................................................$3,300 6 Precise Grading Plan.....................................................$12,500 7 Specification.....................................................................$6,500 8 Cost Estimate...................................................................$1,700 9-10 SWPPP / PM-10...............................................................$5,500 11-12 Landscape Architecture ................................................... $8,250 13 WQMP ............................................................................. $6,500 14-21 Electrical Engineering ......................................................$5,300 22 Meetings / Project Management ...................................... $2,000 Reimbursable allowance (reproduction).....................................$1,000 The proposed fee would include all labor, materials and incidental expenses such as vehicle mileage, postage, toll calls, CADD computer time, and survey materials. Not included are reproduction costs, title company charges, special mailing charges, application, and filing or permit fees. 14 34200 BOB HOPE DRIVE a RANCHO MIRAGE ■ CALIFORNIA ■ 92270 760-320-9811 ® 760-323-7893 FAX s www.MSACONSULTINCINC.COM ATTACHMENT 15 �O,ppLM$A ry e+ V N `F°"N,P CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: June 4, 2014 CONSENT AGENDA SUBJECT: CONVENTION CENTER TEMPORARY PARKING LOT—APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORITY TO GO TO BID, CP#14-09. FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Special Projects Coordinator SUMMARY The proposed action would be to approve the Plans and Specifications for the Palm Springs Convention Center Temporary Parking Lot and authorize staff to proceed to bid. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Approve the Plans and Specifications for the Palm Springs Convention Center Temporary Parking Lot, CP# 14-09, as prepared by MSA Consulting, and authorize staff to proceed to bid on the project. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. STAFF ANALYSIS: With the potential for development of a hotel on the current Convention Center parking lot on the north side of Amado Rd. replacement parking is needed. The City Council previously approved an agreement with MSA Consulting to design a 650 space temporary parking lot on the SE corner of Amado Rd. and Avenida Caballeros. Staff and the consultant worked closely with the Convention Center staff to be certain the parking lot would meet their needs and work well for future events scheduled for that property. The temporary parking lot was to incorporate the existing concrete pad, allow for relocation of the outside electrical service currently on the north lot, relocate the four electric vehicle charging stations. The project plans were submitted to Planning under a Land Use Permit Process and the review has been completed and the Land Use Permit has been approved; LUP # 14- 020B. ITEM NO., 29 16 City Council Staff Report June 4, 2014- Page 2 Convention Center Temporary Parking Lot-Approval of Plans Attached is the parking lot site plan, its landscape plan and a lighting plan. The plans provide for a 650 space parking lot, with perimeter landscaping that reutilizes the palms from the existing parking lot and with a lighting program that utilizes fixtures with shaded lenses to prevent spillage onto adjacent property. The design also accommodates the needs of the Convention Center to bring taxing aircraft onto the site in the future should the need occur. With City Council approval staff will be prepared to move to bid as soon as the City Manager provides that direction based on the activities of the proposed hotel. To be completed by September 1, 2014 the project needs to bid in July. FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for this project will be budgeted as a General Fund Capital Project. The engineer has provided a preliminary cost estimate to complete this work as follows: Landscaping $155,000 Lighting/electrical $390,000 Lot Improvements $740,000 Total Estimate $1,285,000 Ai Allen F. Smoot, Sp vial Projects Coordinator i I David H. Ready, City er Attachments: 1. Project Plans 17 AMADO ROAD 0 CC W -.4 � PROPO$FO�CON6TRU(STION �r J f^ FUTURE CONSTRUCTION } # + 0 �\ PFELMWANx CONSTRICTION EXMPT FOR TEMPOPMY PA M LOT - I D NOM \\ I� also esm av .m maw.a mim r.r u,ne a mnmmnmm u.rm p - r MEL zap w C U aY Ire • i tio.. d R fH` un,rt n EILGIRO�L E2.0 EUF=IGL P AN V. I N W Q U ®pAp O 7 C8 I NTi.a�E dw,ee AMADO ROAD a �' �r EG/•PD..QA• -1=z z< i n VI •.,•� artn rim az� am aiv. a� rev a+n rim � J m $� of J .a N • O O o ® w z _..... 0 g GRAND TOTAL PLANT UST Qt v MEE OW BOIAMM NAME co..oN y �^ SIMBOL O H ATM 5TCCL EDGE�'TNCK%0"HIDE.UALK y Q GUM HSTALL TOP OR 5TCCL EDGE ABOVE 2 2 CN511 Ginn MADE. HSTALL AcCMMG TO V Q p 6 nw.x we wit su MAILfAGTLFfS REGWENDED SPELIFILAIIOHS. N C a V NOTE one uema • em d V '• 19 4WSLAPC N 60LHGNG SHw NATOT T"E E05TNG SOIL f TYPE AND TE%111RE GN We. THE LANDSLAPC Q mur AROVELT SMALL NSPEOT AND APPROVE THE D- WMDED S Ai rt'S PCM OP ORICN WORE IT IS LID LOW pj \ � \II`1•//1 2 ¢r.rtmn �� DECRED TOO Mf JOE 51Tf. Z ' 4, • 19 �� .av rw ruF Q J �`•a w SHRUBS a '� ,� • 60 uamnAr _ C _ 35 w.•n rm Z MATCHUME'N .,, • 6 31 . Lw,w Z s.u. eA Q ® 27 mums onaa a 10 Y 65 uw rrmx xrmr✓ c. • 49 weoew uuaasii•n om H•r • 9 AaxH een xxu ® 5042 auommau. m.0 _ ncc. Lana s Ac �� GROUND a "pi COVER • up/�'.'}``, pbA�['!��uLX auvd�a xoe uzm z nu avr near a\ �ir NORTH ' rzs acuaa.ceraa....m n reQamw.�oa rcxe. Mn 1�ion' I(�I l� IV d _ W w MATCHLINEW GRAND TOTAL PLANT LIST F Q TREE orr O M•LA2s INSTALL STEEL TOP a'S�AxTEEL x+'xJ' BLWLR U `g SVHB fINM MS G TOP CR STCCL EDLC�'ABOVE w 2 -^I M5M CIWYEL fM OL INSTALL ALGLWMO TO fIWNUfWLTA[CS RLOKIOCO YCLICWPTIONS, y X1'g 8Xt ®G d� U .. nx urm wt Qt ' ` f ,...�. NOTE, O E+ �LLS L 19 >LL MARTEN SCl GHEEMDMALL i0 TE"E1.CP LNE u 3 f • as 'P'wr vUa/' x' Ld1N5L NOLNDML SNWE. HOTLX TXC C45TML SOL (� �' S TTPC EC MALL I SP CT A r OVEE re J ma $E WRMIEDT OL A INSPECT AND MPROVC THE U• tl • - •¢•m• � eoa MUVERE SO AT ITS PANT Of ORlfl!BEFORE IT IS y L£WERED i0 THE JCp 51fC. m Ale C 2 J J ELI PAWS a nu cuw ru,run 9 U r f- nwis i mz wwm ae mars , SHRUBS �•�L.v ,.,,a, • 60 e.r nsx,n,m w• a m. W 35 uu umnn sea W mu • 6 ouy rmwu Tu,ml wuu f w U • "'* �F 31 a,wee..,oew mxrun vsc. z 27 aae..ennnon o zPEENSPEAN o y w J NC • 10 n.a nv. mz ® O ru.n • 65 MNNL. xsow a'.mnv m 6 K NC . 49 uouma oa mr ¢u rauww vvm a cc £ • 9 sorer m Ma• q 50 aaorc..nu eew •O[ tl � 42 w•nn sane n J Q piWNJ W J Q r � -� as osn.,M,oaa•nvw,r,menux,ca,e ran. d W Z_ xw Z L a ' 6 J a O ATTACHMENT 22 OF 4ALM IPA � V � � INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION RPOR AY Etl Cq Z I FO R��A Project Title: Convention Center Parking Lot Improvements Case No. Land Use Permit #14-020B, City Project No. 14-09 Assessor's Parcel No. 508-070-038 Lead Agency Name and City of Palm Springs Address: 3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 Project Location: Southeast corner of Amado Road and Avenida Caballeros Project Sponsor's Name and City of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Address: Palm Springs, California 92262 General Plan Desi nations : Resort Attraction RA -Section 14 Master Plan Zoning: R-4 Contact Person: Marcus Fuller, Assistant City Manager Phone Number: 760 322-8380 Date Prepared January 30, 2015 23 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Description of the Project The project proposes to construct a new surface parking lot including perimeter landscaping improvements along Avenida Caballeros and Amado Road, and on-site lighting and electrical improvements. The proposed parking lot consists of a total of a maximum total of 906 parking spaces to be constructed in phases. The first phase may include up to 655 parking spaces, including 12 accessible parking spaces, and4 electric vehicle designated spaces. A second phase may include the remaining 251 parking spaces. An on-site retention basin is proposed along the southerly and easterly boundaries to intercept and mitigate increased storm water runoff and to comply with National Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. A copy of the parking lot site plan is shown in Figure 3. Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses The project site is currently vacant with the exception of an existing concrete slab that will be incorporated into the proposed parking lot improvements. The project site is currently used as an outdoor event held annually during the White Party. The area surrounding the site is fully built out, and has been for a number of years. Commercial and hotel uses surround the property. Adjacent to the site, surrounding land uses include the following: North: Existing multi-story residential condominium development known as "Sol", currently in final construction. South: The westerly half of the southerly boundary is adjacent to an existing commercial center comprised of a restaurant and offices, and associated surface parking lot. The easterly half of the southerly boundary is adjacent to vacant land. East: Vacant lands. West: Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs Convention Center Other public agencies whose approval is required None. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 2 24 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION C s. F� f t {Y, A City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 201 S Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration s 25 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 144 wfi jd} i kk t . 1 t 4 ^a• „4. 3 .. m � City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 4 26 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION w anv •A g F.a�wawnx k e� ter[ r ??## <a �. •�..- ". EU'1'itiRE COAL47RUCfilON s M + I 2 aI waF.%r ua All, (. "Wei lit 'K = CONCRETE SLAB2n I 1 Ir k ., ""; ��, E _ FUTURE CONST I 9 v t w xapri Pa "PA gssr w,k pp rA1�/}.`f� d� •�=�.� _ M �: � ^�'Iasi \ � ,. . � — i r City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30,2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 27 5 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, as indicated by the checklist and corresponding discussion on the following pages. ❑ Aesthetics ❑ Agricultural Resources ❑ Air Quality ❑ Biological Resources ® Cultural Resources ❑ Geology/Soils Hazards & Hazardous ❑ Materials ❑ Hydrology/Water Quality El Land Use/Planning ❑ Mineral Resources ® Noise ❑ Population/Housing ❑ Public Services ❑ Recreation ❑ Transportation/ Traffic ❑ Utilities/Service Systems ® Mandatory Findings of Significance City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration ,�8 6 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION DETERMINATION: The City of Palm Springs Planning Department 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 revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1 J has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. ❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. L /" 1/30/15 Marcus L. Fuller, MPA, PE, PLS Date Assistant City Manager/ City Engineer City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mifigafed Negative Declaration 29 7 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION This Initial Study has been prepared consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15063, to determine if the project, as proposed, may have a significant effect upon the environment. Based upon the findings contained within this report, the Initial Study will be used in support of the preparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration. 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take into account the whole action involved, including offsite as well as onsite, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact' is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more 'Potentially Significant Impact' entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact' to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level mitigation measures from Section XVII,"Earlier Analyses,"may be cross-referenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures, which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 8 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 39 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impacts to less than significance. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 31 9 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic El ❑ ❑ vista? El b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock ❑ ❑ Eloutcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its ❑ ❑ ❑ El surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or ❑ ❑ ® ❑ nighttime views in the area? Setting The City of Palm Springs is located in the valley floor in the southwest corner of the Coachella Valley where Palm Canyon enters the valley from the south. The City is framed by views of the San Jacinto Mountains to the south and west; by open desert and the City of Cathedral City to the east; and the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north. These mountain ranges provide a dramatic backdrop that is visible from virtually any point in the City. Views in the area of the project site are primarily to the west, and focus on the San Jacinto Mountains. Views to the east, north and south are limited by existing development, and limited visual resources in those areas. a-d) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project occurs in an urbanized area of the City, and is generally surrounded by existing development and some vacant land. The proposed project includes construction of a new surface parking lot with perimeter landscaping and on-site lighting. The project site is located approximately 0.75 miles east of the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, which provide a significant scenic vista for the City. The existing site is vacant, however views of the San Jacinto Mountains directly across the site from Amado Road or Hermosa Drive are generally obstructed by the existing Convention Center building and adjacent Renaissance Hotel, but the peaks are visible above these buildings. Upon completion of the project, the existing views from adjacent properties will not be impacted by the proposed project. The proposed project does not occur on a site which contains significant trees, rock outcroppings or designated historic buildings. The site is located within the Section 14 Master Plan area and is vacant; overall, there are no identified aesthetic impacts associated with scenic resources associated with the project. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 10L DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION The visual character of the site and its surroundings is characterized as an urban environment consisting of tourist-oriented properties, including the Convention Center and hotels, as well as residential and commercial development. The proposed project will consist of a surface parking lot with perimeter landscaping, and will not overwhelm the area, and will maintain views across the site. As a result, there are no identified Impacts associated with the visual character of the site. All lighting proposed within the proposed project will be required to comply with the outdoor lighting standards established in the City Zoning Ordinance Section 93.21.00 to assure lighting is directed away from adjacent properties. These standards will assure that project light and glare impacts will be less than significant. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Studylki figated Negative Declaration 33 11 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and El El 0 Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use? Soils in the City are characterized as sandy and rocky. Due to their low organic content and dry, granular nature, most soils in the City are not well suited to support vegetation (Smith, Peroni and Fox, 1992). The project site is located in the City's urban core, within the Section 14 Specific Plan area, and is surrounded on three sides by development. No agricultural activities occur in the City. a-c) No Impact. The proposed project is located in an urban setting. No Prime, Unique or Important farmlands occur on or in the vicinity of the site. There are no Williamson Act contracts on or in the vicinity of the project. The City's General Plan and Zoning ordinance do not provide for agricultural uses, nor are agricultural uses present in the City. There will be no impact to agricultural resources as a result of the proposed project. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 34 12 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant Significant With Significant No Mitigation Impact Impact Incorporated Impact a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of El El Elthe applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air ❑ ❑ ® ❑ quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air ❑ ❑ ® ❑ quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial ❑ ❑ ® El concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a El El ® El number of people? The City of Palm Springs is located in the Coachella Valley, which is a desert environment characterized by low annual rainfall (2 to 6 inches per year) and low humidity, with temperatures ranging from 800 F to 108 ° F in July and 400 F to 570 F in January. The Coachella Valley is located within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB), which is under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). All development within the SSAB is subject to SCAQMD's 2012 Air Quality Management Plan (2012 AQMP) and the 2003 Coachella Valley PMIo State Implementation Plan (2003 CV PM10 SIP). The SCAQMD operates and maintains regional air quality monitoring stations at numerous locations throughout its jurisdiction. The proposed site is located within Source Receptor Area (SRA) 30, which includes monitoring stations in Palm Springs and Indio. The Indio site has been operational since 1985 and the Palm Springs site since 1987. Criteria air pollutants are contaminants for which the state and federal air quality standards have been established. Currently, the Coachella Valley is classified as being in non-attainment for both ozone (03) and PMio. State and federal ambient air quality standards are show in Table III-1 and described in detail below. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 35 13 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Table W- I State and Federal Ambient Air Qu lity Standards State Standards Federal Standards Pollutant Averaging Time Concentration Averaging Time Concentration Ozone 1 hour 0.09 ppm 1 hour --- 8 hour 0.07 ppm 8 hour 0.075 ppm Carbon 1 hour 20.0 ppm 1 hour 35.0 ppm Monoxide 8 hours 9.0 ppm 8 hours 9.0 ppm Nitrogen Dioxide 1 hour 0.18 ppm 1 hour 0.10 ppm (NO2) AAM 0.030 porn AAM 0.053 ppm Sulfur Dioxide 1 hour 0.25 ppm 1 hour 0.075ppm (S02) 24 hours 0.04 ppm 24 hours 0.14 ppm Particulate 24 hours 50 µg/m3 24 hours 150 µg/m3 Matter PMio AAM 20 r /m3 AAM --- Particulate AAM 12 µg/m3 AAM 12 µg/ms Matter PM25 24 hours --- 24 hours 35 /m3 Lead 30 day Avg. 1_5 /m3 3 month Avg. 0.15 /m3 Visibility No federal No federal Reducing 8 hour Standard Standard Particles Sulfates 24 hour 25µg/m3 No federal No federal Standard Standard Hydrogen Sulfide 1 hour 0.03 ppm No federal No federal Standard Standard Vinyl Chloride 24 hour 0.01 ppm No federal No federal Standard Standard Notes:ppm=parts per million;ppb=parts per billion;µg/m3=micrograms per cubic meter of air; AAM=Annual Arithmetic Mean; Source:California Air Resources Board,6/04/2013, is the most prevalent of a class of photochemical oxidants formed in the urban atmosphere. The creation of ozone is a result of complex chemical reactions between hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunshine. Unlike other pollutants, ozone is not released directly into the atmosphere from any sources. The major sources of oxides of nitrogen and reactive hydrocarbons, known as ozone precursors, are combustion sources such as factories and automobiles, and evaporation of solvents and fuels. The health effects of ozone are eye irritation and damage to lung tissues. is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas formed by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. CO concentrations are generally higher in the winter, when meteorological conditions favor the build-up of directly emitted contaminants. CO health warning and emergency episodes occur almost entirely during the winter. The most significant source of carbon monoxide is gasoline-powered automobiles, as a result of inefficient fuel usage in internal combustion engines. Various industrial processes also emit carbon monoxide. the primary receptors of ultraviolet light initiating the photochemical reactions to produce smog. Nitric oxide combines with oxygen in the presence of reactive hydrocarbons and sunlight to form nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Oxides of nitrogen are contributors to other air pollution problems including: high levels of fine particulate matter, poor visibility and acid deposition. results from the combustion of high sulfur content fuels. Fuel combustion is the major source of S02, while chemical plants, sulfur recovery plants, and metal processing are minor contributors. Sulfates result from a relation of sulfur dioxide and oxygen in the presence of City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mittgated Negative Declaration 14 36 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION sunlight. SO2 levels are generally higher in the winter than in the summer (when sunlight is plentiful and sulfate is more readily formed). Particulate Matter(PMio and PM2.$) consists of particles in the atmosphere as a by-product of fuel combustion, through abrasion such as fire wear, and through soil erosion by wind. Particulates can also be formed through photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. PMio refers to finely divided solids or liquids such as soot, dust, and aerosols which are 10 microns or less in diameter and can enter the lungs. Fine particles are those less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and are also referred to as PM2.s. Lead is found in old paints and coatings, plumbing and a variety of other materials. Once in the blood stream, lead can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, and other body systems. Children are most susceptible to the effects of lead. The South County Air Basin and riverside County portion of the Salton Sea Air Basin are in attainment for the federal and State standards for lead. a) No Impact. The project will be developed in accordance with all applicable air quality management plans. The subject property is located within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB), which is governed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). SCAQMD is responsible for monitoring criteria air pollutant concentrations and establishing management policies for the SSAB. All development within the Salton Sea Air Basin, including the proposed project, is subject to the current AQMP and SIP. The AQMP is a comprehensive plan that establishes control strategies and guidance on regional emission reductions for air pollutants. It was based, in part, on the land use plans of the jurisdictions in the region. The proposed project is consistent with, if not less intensive than, the City of Palm Springs land use designations assigned to the subject property. Therefore, the proposed project is consistent with the intent of the AQMP. No impacts associated with compliance with applicable management plans are expected. b-d) Less Than Significant Impact. Development of the proposed project will result in the release of criteria air pollutants. The California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) Version 2013.2.2 was used to determine air quality emissions that will be generated by construction and operation of the proposed project. Table III-2 summarizes the short-term construction-related emissions, and Table III-3 summarizes the ongoing emissions that will be generated at operation. Construction Emissions The construction period includes the grading and paving associated with the 906-space parking lot. For analysis purposes, it is assumed that construction will occur over a 1- month period extending from March 1, 2015 to April 1, 2015. The grading period includes hauling emissions associated with the projected 5,914 cubic yards of cut, and 312 cubic yards of fill. As shown in Table III-2, emissions generated by construction activities will not exceed SCAQMD thresholds of significance for criteria air pollutants. The data reflect average daily emissions over the 1-month construction period, including both summer and winter weather conditions. It should be mentioned that the Table below shows the projected unmitigated emissions. Implementation of minimization measures during construction will further reduce emission levels. Applicable minimization measures include, but are not limited to, the implementation of dust control practices in conformance with SCAQMD City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 37 15 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Rule 403, and proper maintenance and limited idling of heavy equipment. Impacts to air quality from construction of the proposed project for criteria pollutants, therefore, are expected to be less than significant. Table III-2 Construction-Related Emissions Summary (pounds per day) CO NOx ROG SO2 PM70 PM2.5 Construction Emissions' 66.64 77.48 6.90 0.13 14.08 7.08 SCAQMD Thresholds 550.00 100.00 75.00 150.00 150.00 55.00 Exceeds Threshold? NO NO NO NO NO NO Average of winter and summer emissions, unmitigated. Source: CaIEEMod model, version 2013.2.2. Operational Emissions Operational emissions are ongoing emissions that will occur over the life of the project. Typically, operational emissions include area source emissions, emissions from energy (electric and natural gas) demand, and mobile source (vehicle) emissions. However, the proposed parking lot with not actively or directly generate emissions through operation. Emissions associated with the parking lot will be limited to area source emissions. As shown in the table below, operational emissions will not exceed SCAQMD thresholds of significance for any criteria pollutants. Impacts will be less than significant. Table III-3 Operational Emissions Summary (pounds per day) CO NOx ROG SO2 PMio PM2.5 Operation Emissions' 0.90 0 7.83 0 0 0 SCAQMD Thresholds 550.00 100.00 75.00 150.00 150.00 55.00 Exceeds Threshold? NO NO NO NO NO NO Average of winter and summer emissions, unmitigated. Source:CaIEEMod model, version 2013.2.2. Non-Attainment Historically, the Coachella Valley, which includes the proposed project site, has been classified as a "non-attainment" area for PM10. The proposed project will contribute to an incremental increase in regional ozone and PM,o emissions. However, this impact is not expected to be cumulatively considerable. Project construction and operation emissions will not exceed SCAQMD thresholds for PM,o or ozone precursors, and appropriate minimization measures will be implemented that will further reduce emissions. The project will not conflict with any attainment plans and will result in less than significant impacts. e) Less than Significant Impact. To determine if the proposed project has the potential to generate significant adverse localized air quality impacts, the 5-acre mass rate LST Look- Up Table for SRA 30 (Coachella Valley) was utilized. The nearest sensitive receptor is a multi-family residential development (Sol Palm Springs) located 30 meters north of the project site boundary. Therefore, LSTs are summarized in the table below for sensitive receptors located approximately 25 meters from the emission source. Emission estimates reflect all phases of construction. As shown in Table III-4 below, LST thresholds will not be City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 38 16 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION exceeded during construction of the project. Impacts to sensitive receptors will be less than significant. III CO NO Project Emissions 66.64 77.48 8.95 4.90 LST 2,292 304 14 8 Exceeds Threshold? NO NO NO NO Source: CalEEMod Version 2013.2.2 Emissions shown are the maximum daily emission during all phases of construction, unmitigated,with the exception of PMio and PM2.5,which show emissions after enforcement of standard dust control measures. Less than Significant. The proposed project is not expected to generate objectionable odors at project buildout. The proposed project has the potential to result in short term odors associated with asphalt paving; however, any such odors would be quickly dispersed below detectable thresholds as distance from the construction site increases. Therefore, impacts from objectionable odors are expected to be less than significant. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Inifial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 39 17 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION IV. Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant Significant With Significant No Im act Mitigation gn act Impact p Incorporated p a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or ❑ ❑ ❑ regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional ❑ El Elplans, policies, or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not El ❑ ❑ limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or ❑ ❑ ❑ migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a ❑ ❑ ❑ tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other ❑ ❑ ❑ approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? The project site, although currently vacant, has been impacted by urban development through the construction of adjacent roadways, introduction of non-native plant species, construction of commercial and residential development immediately adjacent to the west, north and south sides of the site, and intermittent use of the site as an outdoor fair held annually during the White Party. The project site contains vegetation typical of the desert floor, dominated by creosote bush. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 40 18 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION - -01 The project site is also located within the Tribal Reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (the "Tribe"), which adopted its Habitat Conservation Plan in August 2010 (the "Tribal HCP"). Therefore, analysis of effects associated with construction of this project follows the guidelines established by the Tribe in its Habitat Conservation Plan. Pursuant to analysis completed by the Tribal HCP, the project is site is not located within the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep or other threatened or endangered species' habitat. The Tribal HCP identifies the project site within the Valley Floor Planning Area ("VFPA"), however, the project site is not located within any of the Target Acquisition Areas identified in the Tribal HCP. Construction of the project is considered a "Covered Activity" under the Tribal HCP, subject to the standards set forth in Section 4.9.3.4 of the Tribal HCP. As the project site itself is not located within any potential habitat areas of covered species, a pre-disturbance survey is not necessary. No Impact. The project site is vacant, and contains primarily creosote bush scrub, as is typical of vacant lands in the City. The site is surrounded on two sides by roadways, on one side by commercial development, and on the four side by vacant land. The site has been historically used as temporary parking for the Convention Center, as well as the site of an annual outdoor concert and amusement park / fair, and has been impacted by these activities. No sensitive or special status species are mapped for this area of the City. No impacts are expected to sensitive resources. There is no riparian habitat or other native community on the site. No wetlands occur on the property. The site is not within a migratory corridor, nor is it suitable for a wildlife corridor, as an isolated property. The proposed project will not interfere with any City policies regarding the preservation of plants or animals. No Impact. The project site is subject to the development standards and mitigation requirements identified in the Agua Caliente Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan, and is located within the Valley Floor Conservation Area. Pursuant to the Tribal HCP, the project will be considered a Covered Activity, and payment of the Tribal HCP Mitigation Fee will be required prior to construction. The Tribal HCP Mitigation Fee is currently $2,371 per acre, and the City will pay the equivalent of $21,339 in mitigation fees to the Tribe for permanent disturbance of 9 acres of land located in the Valley Floor Conservation Area. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 41 19 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION V. CULTURAL RESOURCES Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Impact Incorporated a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined ❑ ❑ ® ❑ in 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource ❑ ® ❑ ❑ pursuant to 15064.52 c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique ❑ ❑ ❑ geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those El El ® El outside of formal cemeteries? The City is located within the traditional territory of the Desert Cahuilla,with a history dating back to 1,000 BC, Evidence of Cahuilla occupation in the Coachella Valley dates to over 500 years ago, when the Tribe settled around ancient Lake Cahuilla, in the area of present day La Quinta and Indio. The canyons surrounding the City also have yielded evidence of use by the Tribe, which took advantage of water sources, food sources from plants and animals, and rock for tool-making. The City's modern history began in the early 1870s, when John Guthrie McCallum purchased land in the area, and later subdivided it. Rapid expansion in the area began in the 1920s, with the City's spreading reputation as a health resort, and the increased interest from the Hollywood movie community. Until the end of World War II, architecture in the town site consisted primarily of Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival structures. Development was centered around Palm Canyon Drive, as hotels and shops were constructed. The City occurs well outside the boundary of ancient Lake Cahuilla, an area where paleontological resources have occurred. Further, soils in the City are generally post-Pleistocene age alluvium from the surrounding mountains, too new in the context of paleontology to yield fossilized remains. No Impact. The project site is currently vacant, and has been impacted by surrounding development and parking of vehicles. There are no structures on the site. No impacts to historical resources are expected. Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The project site occurs within the boundaries of the Section 14 Master Plan. The EIR prepared for the Section 14 Specific Plan identified the potential for buried resources throughout the area, including the project site. This is identified as a potentially significant impact which required mitigation, as follows: City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 20 42 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Mi V-1 Should cultural resources be encountered during the construction of the proposed project, work shall immediately cease and a qualified archaeologist shall be contacted to evaluate the significance of the resource. Any significant findings shall be documented and presented to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the Tribe and the City, and resolved to their satisfaction. No Impact. The City and project site are outside the shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla. The site is underlain by alluvium which is not suitable for paleontological resources. No impact is expected to occur as a result of the proposed project. Less than Significant Impact. The project site is not known to have been used as a burial ground or cemetery in the past. It is not anticipated that any human remains will be encountered during construction of the proposed project. However, should any previously unidentified or unanticipated human remains be discovered during project construction, the proposed project would be subject to State law regarding the discovery and disturbance of human remains. This requires that law enforcement be notified, that the coroner determine the nature of the remains (historic or pre-historic, human or not), and that the coroner supervise the proper removal and potential re-burial of the remains. Therefore, impacts to human remains are expected to be less than significant. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 43 21 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area ❑ ❑ ❑ or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. it) Strong seismic ground shaking? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ III) Seismic-related ground failure, including ❑ El liquefaction? iv) Landslides? ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of ❑ ❑ Eltopsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in ❑ ❑ ❑ on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code ❑ ❑ ❑ (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative ❑ ❑ ❑ wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? The San Andreas Fault zone is the major fault in the Coachella Valley. Breaks associated with the Fault cover a generally northwest-southeast trending zone approximately 10 miles wide, north and east of the project site (Smith, Peroni & Fox, 1992). Soils in the City consist of alluvial deposits which originated in the surrounding mountains. Soils on the site consist of sands and sandy looms. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 22 44 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Di i) No Impact. The San Andreas Fault system is located approximately four miles northeast of the project site. The San Jacinto Fault System is approximately five miles south of the project site. The project site is not located within an Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. Therefore, active fault rupture is unlikely to occur at the project site. ii) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site will be subject to significant ground shaking during a significant earthquake on either the San Andreas or the San Jacinto fault. As a performance standard the project shall be designed and constructed to conform to the California Building Code (CBC) requirements for Seismic Zone 4. The implementation of these codes will assure that construction at the site mitigates potential impacts associated with groundshaking. The impacts associated with seismic ground motion are considered to be less than significant. ii) No Impact. Liquefaction results when soils combine with shallow groundwater in a seismic event, and lose their cohesiveness. The project site does not occur in an area of shallow groundwater, and is located on primarily alluvial soils. The potential for liquefaction on the site is therefore considered negligible. In addition, the City will require site specific geotechnical analysis in conjunction with the submittal of building permits for the proposed project. This analysis will include analysis for the potential for liquefaction on the site. Any recommendations made by the soils engineer will be required of the project construction. No impacts are expected to result from liquefaction on the site. iv) No Impact. The project site is flat, and is surrounded by lands which are equally flat.There is no potential for landslide hazards on the project site. Less than Significant Impact. The site will be subject to both water and wind soil erosion during grading and construction. As described in the Air Quality Section, above, the City will require that its contractor prepare a PM10 Management Plan to address the potential for wind erosion at the site, and to implement standard requirements for dust control during all construction activities. The City also enforces the requirements of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), as a co-permittee with Riverside County. NPDES requirements include the implementation of best management practices (BMP's) to assure that during construction, sediment displaced by rain storms is not transported off the site. The City will require its contractor to implement necessary best management practices on the project site during all construction activities. Impacts associated with soil erosion, therefore, are expected to be less than significant. No Impact. The potential for unstable soils at the site is negligible. The project site is flat and does not include any known fills or imports. The project involves construction of surface parking improvements, and the potential for failure of the improvements due to unstable soils is not anticipated. No Impact. The soils at the project site are not expansive. No impact is expected. No Impact The proposed project is limited to the construction of a surface parking lot, and does not involve any sanitary sewer facilities; therefore, there is no impact. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 45 23 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION III. EMISSIONS Potentially Less Than Less Than Significant Significant With Significant No Mitigation Impact Impact Incorporated Impact a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly of indirectly, that may have a ❑ ❑ ® ❑ significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of El El ® El the emissions of greenhouse gases? Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project will generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during both construction and operation. As mentioned in Section III.A (Construction Emissions), CalEEMod was used to quantify air quality emission projections, including greenhouse gas emissions. Construction related greenhouse gas emissions will be temporary and will end once the project is completed. Operation of the proposed project will create on-going greenhouse gases through area source emissions such as landscaping and off-gassing from the pavement. Table 9 provides projected short-term and annual GHG generation associated with the Indian Canyon Lofts. II Construction (1 month) 55.25 Operational 2015 (Annually) 91.63 Source: CalEEMod Version 2013.2.2. There are currently no adopted thresholds of significance for GHG emissions for construction or operation of projects of this nature. It is recognized that GHG impacts are intrinsically cumulative. As such, project construction will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with applicable rules and regulation pertaining to the release and generation of GHG's. The proposed project will have a less than significant impact on the environment from the emission of GHG's and will not conflict with any applicable GHG plans, policies or regulations. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/MlHgated Negative Declaration 24 46 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION VII. Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, ❑ ❑ ❑ 11 or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the ❑ ❑ ❑ release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or El ❑ ❑ waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or El proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as ❑ ❑ ❑ a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or ❑ ❑ Elpublic use airport, would the project result in a ID safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety ❑ ❑ Elhazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or ❑ ❑ ❑ emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to ❑ ❑ ❑ urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negofive Declaration 47 25 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Se The proposed project site is, and has been vacant. No known chemical or hazardous waste disposal has been known to occur on the site. There are no known underground tanks or buried materials in the area. No Impact. The project involves the construction of a surface parking lot; although vehicles in and of themselves use hazardous materials, including oils and gasoline, the nature of parking vehicles on the site does not represent the introduction of new hazards or hazardous materials not already present on the adjacent roadways. The long term operation of the project site is not expected to result in the transport, use or storage of significant hazardous materials. No Impact There are no schools located or planned within one quarter mile of the project site.There will be no impact to schools. No Impact The project site is not listed as a potential hazardous materials dump or leak site on the Department of Toxic Substances' (DTSC) Hazardous Waste and Substance Site List (Cortese List).The subject property is not known to previously have been a hazardous materials site, and therefore, the proposed project is not expected to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment. No Impact. The Palm Springs International Airport is located 1.5 miles east of the project site. The project site is not located within the boundaries of the airport's land use plan. There are no private airstrips in Palm Springs. No Impact. The proposed project occurs on General Plan roadways, which are part of the City's emergency response plans. The project will not interfere with traffic on those roadways, nor is it anticipated to significantly impact those roadways. Circulation within the site has been reviewed by the Fire Department, to assure that the internal drives are adequate for emergency vehicles. No impact is expected. No Impact. The site is not located within a wild land area. Lands surrounding the site are developed for urban uses, and no hillsides occur in the vicinity. The proposed project will not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wild land fires. Therefore, no impact is expected. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/MlHgated Negative Declaration 48 26 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Vlll. Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Violate any water quality standards or waste El ❑ Eldischarge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the ❑ ❑ ❑ production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or ❑ ❑ ® ❑ river,in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or El El ® ❑ river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or ❑ ❑ ® ❑ provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water El El Elquality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard El El ElBoundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? (Source: h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect ❑ ❑ ❑ 21 flood flows? City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 49 27 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Vill. Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, El El ❑ including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ The project site is located in Flood Zone C, which designates areas that are not subject to flooding. Groundwater has historically been the principal source of domestic water in the City. The project site will be served by Desert Water Agency (DWA), which supplies domestic water to the City. The DWA pumps water from a number of wells throughout the area for domestic use. DWA also recharges groundwater through recharge basins located in the northwestern portion of the City. No Impact. The site is currently vacant and does not utilize potable water. The proposed project involves the construction of a surface parking lot; the City will require that its contractor comply with all water quality standards and waste discharge requirements as otherwise identified in the City's National Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit regulating the construction of city projects. The project includes installation of new parkway landscaping, which will require irrigation; however, the landscaping has been designed with drought tolerant plant material that will utilize a drip irrigation system; therefore, impacts to groundwater supplies are not anticipated. Less Than Significant Impact. The project site is currently vacant, with topography that generally slopes from north to south at approximately 1%slope. Development of the site as a surface parking lot is anticipated to generate increased storm water runoff, however, the project includes the construction of surface detention basins at the southerly and easterly sides of the site to intercept and detain increased runoff. As previously stated, the project will be required to comply with the City's standards associated with surface water management. A Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) has been prepared to identify the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for pre- treating storm water runoff during the long term operation of the parking lot, in accordance with the requirements of the City's NPDES Permit. The City's standard requirements for the control of on and off site storm flows, both during construction and operation of the proposed project, will assure that impacts associated with storm water are reduced to less than significant levels. No Impact. The proposed project consists of the construction of a surface parking lot; no water quality issues are expected to result from implementation of the project. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 28 50 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION g No Impact. The project site is located in Flood Zone C, which designates areas that are not subject to flooding. The project does not include construction of housing or other structures, therefore there is no risk that housing will be located in an area subject to flooding. No Impact The project site is not in the vicinity of a levee or dam. The City is not located in the vicinity of a body of water which could be subject to either seiche or tsunami. The project site is not subject to hazards associated with mudflows. No impacts are expected. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 51 29 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION IX Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local ❑ ❑ ❑ coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community ❑ ❑ ❑ conservation plan? The project site is located in an area of the City that is mostly developed. The Section 14 Master Plan, which governs this area, includes a broad range of land uses designed to form a cohesive town center, and to provide for residential, resort, commercial and recreational opportunities, all within walking distance of each other. The project site is designated Resort Attraction (RA) in the Master Plan, and has a zoning designation of R-4. The project site is located within the Tribal Reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and is subject to the provisions of the Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan, as discussed above under Biological Resources. No Impact. The proposed project site is currently vacant, and will have no impact on an existing community. No Impact. The proposed project will provide a surface parking lot and will serve as parking for the resort facilities in the area, including the Convention Center, as envisioned by both the Section 14 Master Plan and the underlying zoning for the site. There will be no impact to land use plans as a result of the proposed project. No Impact. Construction of the project is consistent with the Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30,2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration so 52 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION X MINERAL RESOURCES Less Thon Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to ❑ ❑ ❑ 19 the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site ❑ ❑ Eldelineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? The California Division of Mines and Geology identifies portions of Palm Springs as a resource zone for aggregate/industrial minerals. The majority of the City is located in Mineral Resource Zone 3 MRZ-3 (an area containing mineral deposits the significance of which cannot be evaluated from available data). MRZ-2 areas are located in the northern portion of the City. MRZ-2 represents an area where adequate information has been established to indicate that significant mineral deposits are present, or where it has been judged that a high likelihood for such deposits exists. Minerals in the Palm Springs area are limited to sand and gravel for aggregate and/or decorative stone purposes and limestone (Smith, Peroni and Fox, 1992). a-b) No Impact. The subject property is currently vacant and is located within the City's urban core. No mining or mineral extraction occurs on or in the area surrounding the site. No designations for mining are provided in the City's General Plan. No impact is anticipated. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negafive Declaration 53 31 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION X NOISE Less Thar Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the ❑ ® El El general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or ❑ ❑ ❑ groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels ❑ ❑ ® ❑ existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity ❑ ® ❑ ❑ above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or,where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport El El Elor public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people El El Elresiding or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? The City of Palm Springs requires that the community noise equivalent level (CNEL) does not exceed 65 dB at the exterior living areas (rear yards) or 45 dB at the habitable interior living area for residential land uses. The project area is located in an area which currently experiences higher noise levels. Existing noise levels in the area of the project site currently range from 65 dBA CNEL to 70 dBA CNEL at a distance of 50 feet from the centerline of the streets. These noise levels are primarily caused by automobile traffic on surrounding streets. a, d) Less Than Significant impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The proposed project includes construction of a surface parking lot, and not any residential structures that would potentially expose persons to noise levels inconsistent with the General Plan. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 54 32 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Development of the site will also result in short term impacts associated with construction noise. The peak noise level for most of the equipment that would be used during construction ranges from 70 to 95 dBA at a distance of 50 feet. A reduction of 6 dBA can be expected at a distance of 50 feet, which would result in noise levels at the perimeter of the site of 61 to 86 dBA during construction activities adjacent to that site. Construction noise is, however, temporary, and is regulated by the Municpal Code to occur during the noisier day time hours, which helps to lower the potential impacts. Should heavy equipment be stored or maintained adjacent to either of these existing projects, however, the noise levels could potentially be sustained, which would result in a potentially significant impact which requires mitigation. Mi In order to assure that noise impacts are reduced to less than significant levels, the following mitigation measures shall be implemented. XI-1 Construction activities on-site shall occur only between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, as specified by the Palm Springs Noise Ordinance It 1.74.041). The Construction Site Regulations (Chapter 8.04220) also identify specific limits on hours of operation for construction equipment as not between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. if the noise produced is of such intensity or quality that it disturbs the peace and quiet of any other person of normal sensitivity. XI-2- All construction equipment, fixed or mobile, shall be equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers and the engines shall be equipped with shrouds. XI-3. All construction equipment shall be in proper working order and maintained in a proper state of tune to reduce backfires. XI-4. Stockpiling and vehicle staging areas shall be located as far as practical from the northern and eastern boundaries of the site. XI-5. Parking, refueling and servicing operations for all heavy equipment shall be located at the southeast corner of the site. XI-6. Stationary equipment shall be placed such that emitted noise is directed away from noise-sensitive receptors. XI-7. The final acoustical study for the proposed project shall include exterior noise analysis and recommendations for second and third floor balconies to assure that exterior noise levels do not exceed 65 dBA; and interior noise analysis and recommendations to assure that noise levels maintained at 45 dBA or better. No Impact. Temporary and period ground borne vibration may occur during construction of the project, particularly as heavy equipment grades the site. These vibrations would not be expected to be sustained and since grading equipment moves across a site, would be short term. No long term impacts associated with vibration are expected from the development of the residential units. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 55 33 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION c Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project's contribution to area noise levels will primarily be from vehicles accessing the site for parking. However, the project, in and of itself does not generate additional traffic, and it is expected that the contribution to area noise levels from the proposed project will be less than significant. No Impact. Palm Springs International Airport is located 1.5 miles east of the proposed project, and does not conduct flight operations over the proposed project. There are no private airstrips in Palm Springs. No impacts associated with aircraft operational noise levels are expected. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigoted Negative Declaration C e 34 J V DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION �( Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or ❑ ❑ ❑ indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of ❑ ❑ ❑ replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of ❑ ❑ ❑ replacement housing elsewhere? The City of Palm Springs population grew from 40,181 to 42,807 from 1990 to 2000. This represents a 6.5 increase over the ten year period. The 2010 Census identified 44,531 residents living in the City of Palm Springs, an increase of 1,724 residents, or 4%. The City has an average of 2.1 persons per household. No Impact. The proposed project will construct a surface parking lot, which will serve existing resort attraction uses, and is not anticipated to induce or otherwise increase the population either directly or indirectly. b-c) No Impact. The project site is currently vacant, and the project will neither displace housing nor people, and will not result in a need for housing elsewhere. No impact is anticipated. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 57 35 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION X Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated Substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services a) Fire protection? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ b) Police protection? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ c) Schools? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ d) Parks? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ e) Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ The Palm Springs Fire Department will provide service to the proposed project site. The Department currently operates five fire stations located throughout the city. The station closest to the project site is station #442, located at 300 N. El Cielo, 1.5 miles from the project site. The station houses one 85' aerial platform, one 1,800 gallon water tender, and one breathing support vehicle. The station is manned on a 24 hour basis with one Captain, one Engineer, and one Firefighter. Also available to serve the project site are station #441, located at 277 North Indian Canyon, about 2.5 miles from the project site, and station #443, located at 590 E. Racquet Club, about two miles from the project site. The City has established maximum fire response time at five minutes. The Department receives funding for operational and capital improvements through the City's General Fund (Smith, Peroni & Fox, 1992). The City of Palm Springs Police Department provides law enforcement services within the City Limits. The Department has a Services Division and an Operations Division. The Department does not have a standard ratio of officers to population, but does have a desired response time of 6 minutes for emergency calls and 20 minutes for non- emergency calls. The Department is funded from the City's General Fund (Smith, Peroni & Fox, 1992). The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) provides educational services for grades K-12 in the City of Palm Springs. Currently, there are 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school in the City. PSUSD receives funding from school facilities fees, state funding, and local funding. PSUSD is authorized to collect school facilities fees as provided for in Government Code Section 53080 et. seq. and 65995 et seq. in the amount of $2.35 per square foot of residential development. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 58 36 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION P The City of Palm Springs has seven parks located on approximately 140-acres within its boundaries. These include Desert Highland Park, Victoria Park, Ruth Hardy Park, Sunrise Park, Baristo Park, Demuth Park and Palm Springs dog park. The City has a standard park ratio of 5 acres of parkland for every 1,000 population as required by City Ordinance 1632. a-e) Less Than Significant Impact. The development of the project will increase the demand on public services. This increase, however, is not anticipated to be substantial, particularly since the project site occurs in a heavily developed urban environment. Fire Protection The Palm Springs Fire Department is responsible for fire protection in the City. The nearest fire station to the project site is located less than '/2 mile south of the site, at North Indian Canyon Drive and Amado Road. The City's other fire stations, including those located on Racquet Club and El Cielo Roads, will also be available to serve the site. Response time to the site will meet the City's targeted 5-minute limit. The project will marginally increase service calls, insofar as the site is currently vacant. However, the construction of a surface parking is not anticipated to impact fire department operations. Police Protection The Palm Springs Police Department is located at 200 S. Civic Drive, approximately 2 miles southeast of the project site. The project will occur in the City's urban core, in an area already served and patrolled by the Department. The project will marginally increase service calls, insofar as the site is currently vacant. However, the construction of a surface parking is not anticipated to impact police department operations. Schools Palm Springs Unified School District provides public education facilities and services in the City. The nearest school to the project site is Katherine Finchy Elementary school, which is located approximately ''/1 mile northeast of the project site. Development of the surface parking lot is not anticipated to impact schools. Parks The City's owns approximately 163.5 acres of public parks and 82.6 linear miles of trails. The project is not anticipated to increase the use of these facilities. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration C 9 37 J DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION X RECREATION Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of El El El E the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an 11 El El M adverse physical effect on the environment? In addition to the 140-acres of developed parkland and public and private golf courses which occur in the City, the City also includes the Whitewater Wilderness Study Area and the Murray, Andreas and Palm Canyon recreation areas which are operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (Smith, Fox & Peroni, 1992). a-b) No Impact. The development of a surface parking lot will not increase the use of local parks and recreational facilities, insofar as a transient population utilizing the parking facility associated with the Convention Center is unlikely to heavily use parks or facilities. The project will not generate the need for additional parks or recreational facilities. No impact is anticipated. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/MRigated Negative Declaration 60 38 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION X Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a ❑ ❑ Elsubstantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the ❑ ❑ ❑ county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a ❑ ❑ ❑ change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous Li ❑ ❑ intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ ❑ ❑ f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? ❑ ❑ ❑ g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation ❑ ❑ ❑ (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? The project involves the construction of a surface parking lot, intended to replace existing parking lots located in and around the Palm Springs Convention Center. As a parking facility, the project itself does not generate traffic, but serves to provide parking for existing land uses that already generate traffic that utilize the City's roadways and parking facilities. a - b) No Impact. The proposed project will not generate additional trips that will increase traffic in relation to trips already using the City's street system. All existing roadway segments or intersections will continue to operate at current levels of service given that the vehicles anticipated to use the new parking lot are currently generated by existing land uses, and are currently operating and using the City's street system. No impact is anticipated. c) No Impact. The Palm Springs International Airport is located approximately 2 miles east of the proposed project. None of the improvements proposed by the project will adversely impact air traffic patterns, airport functions, or safety. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 61 39 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION d) No Impact. The project does not propose any hazardous design features. The project will be required to provide improvements to project driveways consistent with City standards. e) No Impact. The proposed project will have access on both Avenida Caballeros and Amado Road, providing two points of access to the project site consistent with Fire and Police Department standard requirements for site access to assure public safety. No Impact. The purpose of this project is to maintain a sufficient source of surface parking facilities serving the resort tourist attractions located in the area, including the Convention Center. The project will construct a maximum total of 906 parking spaces to be constructed in phases. The first phase may include up to 655 parking spaces, including 12 accessible parking spaces, and4 electric vehicle designated spaces. A second phase may include the remaining 251 parking spaces. g) No Impact. Sunline Transit Agency provides public transit services in the Coachella Valley. Service is provided within the immediate vicinity of the project site, and will not impact transit policies. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 62 40 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION X UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than No Significant With Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control ❑ ❑ ❑ Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction ❑ ❑ ❑ of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of El ❑ ® El facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements El ❑ ® Eland resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to El ❑ Elserve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid ❑ ❑ ® ❑ waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes El El ® Eland regulations related to solid waste? The City owns a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located at 4375 Mesquite Way. The plant has a capacity of approximately 10.9 million gallons per day (mgd) and demands typically range from 6 to 7 mgd. Water service is provided by the Desert Water Agency (DWA). DWA obtains most of its water supply from groundwater. The City is located within two subbasins of the Coachella Valley Ground Water Basin: The Mission Creek subbasin; and the Garnet Hill and Palm Springs subareas of the Whitewater Subbasin. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 63 41 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Solid waste service is provided by Palm Springs Disposal Service. Solid waste generated in the City is collected and disposed of at one of three landfills: Lambs Canyon (remaining capacity 25,967,000 cubic yards); Badlands Landfill (remaining capacity 15,036,809 cubic yards); or El Sobrante Landfill (remaining capacity 184,930,000) (City of Palm Springs, 2005). a-b, e) No Impact. The project does not involve the construction of new sanitary sewer facilities, therefore, it has no potential to generate sanitary flows that require collection and treatment by the City's wastewater treatment plant. Less than Significant Impact. The project includes construction of on-site detention basins to accommodate any increase in storm water runoff generated by the proposed parking lot. The proposed on-site detention basins are not anticipated to cause significant environmental effects. Less than Significant Impact. The project includes installation of new parkway landscaping, which will require irrigation; however, the landscaping has been designed with drought tolerant plant material that will utilize a drip irrigation system; therefore, impacts to existing water supplies are expected to be less than significant. f-g) Less Than Significant Impact. Palm Springs Disposal Services (PSDS) provides solid waste collection and disposal services to the City and will serve the proposed project. However, the project does not involve the construction of new uses that are anticipated to generate solid waste, therefore, impacts attributed to the project are expected to be less than significant. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30,2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 42 64 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION X MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE NOTE: If there are significant environmental impacts which cannot be mitigated and no feasible project alternatives are available, then complete the mandatory findings of significance and attach to this initial study as an appendix. This is the first step for starting the environmental impact report (EIR) process. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact With Impact Mitigation Incorporated a) Have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially 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 ❑ ❑ ® El 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? b) Have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when ❑ ❑ ® ❑ viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c) Have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, ❑ ® ❑ ❑ either directly or indirectly? a) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project does not have the potential to significantly degrade the quality of the environment, substantially 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, because the site, although generally vacant, has been previously impacted and does not contain native habitats or species of concern. No historic or paleontological resources occur on the site. The project is required to undertake cultural resource analysis if buried resources are identified on the site, thereby reducing potential impacts to less than significant levels. b) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project is consistent with the Section 14 Master Plan, and the General Plan, insofar as it proposes construction of a surface parking lot to facilitate the resort attraction land uses within Section 14. The project is not developing residential or commercial land uses, therefore the proposed project is expected to result in lower cumulative impacts than those previously analyzed for the General Plan or the Section 14 Master Plan. City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 43 65 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION c) Less Than Significant Impacts with Mitigation Incorporated. The proposed project has the potential to result in significant impacts related to cultural resources and noise, without mitigation. All potential impacts have been identified and reduced to less than significant levels through the imposition of the mitigation measures as outlined in this Initial Study and the associated special studies. REFERENCES City of Palm Springs General Plan and General Plan EIR, 2007. City of Palm Springs Zoning Code. City of Palm Springs Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Sites and Historic Districts, revised December 2, 2013. "CEQA Air Quality Handbook," South Coast Air Quality Management District, 1993. "Final 2012 Air Quality Management Plan," South Coast Air Quality Management District, December 2012. "2003 Coachella Valley PMio State Implementation Plan," South Coast Air Quality Management District. "Special Report 159: Mineral Land Classification: Aggregate Materials in the Palm Springs Production-Consumption Region," California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, 1988. "Riverside County (West) Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas, as Recommended by CAL FIRE," California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, December 24, 2009. "Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, Volume 1, Policy Document," adopted by Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission, October 14, 2004. "Riverside County Important Farmland 2010 Map," sheet 2 of 3, California Department of Conservation, published January 2012. Envirostor Map Database, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, www.e nviros tor.dtsc.co.aov. 2010 U.S. Census. CaIEEMod Output Tables- Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot City of Palm Springs Convention Center Parking Lot January 30, 2015 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration c 44 (J ATTACHMENT 4 67 � -lThe Deaertsun Certificate of Publication 750 N Gene Autry Trail R E.CE I V E G Palm Springs,CA 92262 T t OF PALM S P P l l,:-. 760-77"578/Fax 760-7784731 2015 MAR 19 AM 11: 01 c, Jt,HL's IH0t9 bG )j State Of California Ss: CITY CLERK County of Riverside Advertiser: E CITY OF PALM SPRINGS/LEGALS PO BOX 2743 PALM SPRINGS CA 922632 2000545342 I am over the age of 18 years old, a Citizen of the United States and not a party to, or have interest in this matter. I hereby certify that the attached advertisement appeared in said newspaper (set in type not smaller than non portal) - in each and entire Issue of mid newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following dates,to wit: Nempaper. .The Desert Sun )iCe'y eW NMA N' r� U a9(PyW dJ xt 2/4/2D15 frr` MTNa J1L` `pr r x�i"if4rr, Paa j �a�FeJ;A.ss"k"iart . , nua°nay PR L 'Td souGAaelmnror'ol lanedonofdantr 4 0s waaABms.. I ackrameoge that I am a principal clerk of the printer of NafreroaNa aS070A38 printed and published week in the Crfy - PfioaE'df•rr,JpD81181P1roN ,�rRrp The Desert Sun, p p N egn�q�sal to id balm of Palm Springs, County of Riverside. State of Cardonis. t anew, P> ka�pBNC terms The Desert Sun was adjudicated a newspaper of general . r ynDy circulation on March 24, 1988 by Me Superior Court of the :saq i>r m to County of Riverside, State of California Case No. 191236. .h er9t6a,aauMabt'y�laareecriCve. ea aoN & I declare under penally of perjury that the foregoing is sue A''kM tp sad me ➢atesUlm walerrmbir pIIGr and correct. Fx on Is 41h day of February, 2015 in ,F,IIjO Asl�E7 plulN,f�7tbJf> Jie X Ira3 Palm Springs a1R edelamrnwo em how'. ..apajesslhgr Namr . - 'laepi ti SQro . ... To�r yylhyyl9V. .. 0 be ran Signature O�rdd aabl6 mdvlgw�tvsr aeaii rVea cil S vXa[,A¢ S t�S34trf61 �i� 68 ATTACHMENT fis February 25, 2015 63_004_>01s_o [VIA EMAIL TO:Marcus.Fuller@palmsprings-ca.gov] Palm Springs Marcus Fuller 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Re: Convention Center Parking Lot Improvement Dear Marcus Fuller, The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) appreciates your efforts to include the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) in the Convention Center Parking Lot project. A records check of the ACBCI cultural registry revealed that the project area is within the boundaries of the ACBCI Reservation. The ACBCI THPO requests the folllowing: *The presence of an approved Native American Cultural Resource Monitor(s) during any ground disturbing activities (including archaeological testing and surveys). Should buried cultural deposits be encountered, the Monitor may request that destructive construction halt and the Monitor shall notify a Qualified Archaeologist (Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines) to investigate and, if necessary, prepare a mitigation plan for submission to the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Agua Caliente Tribal Historic Preservation Office. Again, the Agua Caliente appreciates your interest in our cultural heritage. If you have questions or require additional information, please call me at(760)699-6907. You may also email me at acbci-thpo@aguaealiente.net. Cordially, TFL- Pattie Garcia Director Tribal Historic Preservation Office AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS 70 Marcus Fuller From: Eskew, Katherine (TRBL) <keskew@aguacaliente.net> Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 10:29 AM To: Marcus Fuller Subject: RE: Convention Center Parking Lot Improvement Hello, Please disregard the last email requesting a survey. We are only requesting Native American monitoring on this project. Thank you, Katie Eskew Archaeologist Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians 5401 Dinah Shore Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-699-6829 Office 760-413-6253 Cell 760-699-6924 Fax keskew@agLiacaliente.net -----Original Message----- From:THPO Consulting Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 10:28 AM To: 'Marcus.Fuller@palmsprings-ca.gov' Subject:Convention Center Parking Lot Improvement If you have any questions about the attached letter please feel free to contact me. Thank you, Katie Eskew Archaeologist Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians 5401 Dinah Shore Drive Palm Springs,CA 92264 760-699-6829 Office 760-413-6253 Cell 760-699-6924 Fax keskew@aguacaliente.net t 71 ATTACHMENT 72 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AND ORDERING THE FILING OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CONVENTION CENTER PARKING LOT, CITY PROJECT NO. 14-09 WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs ("City") proposes to construct a new surface parking lot with a maximum of 906 parking spaces, including perimeter landscaping improvements along Avenida Caballeros and Amado Road, and on-site lighting and electrical improvements, with on-site retention basins, all described as the Convention Center Parking Lot, City Project No. 14-09, (the 'Project'); and WHEREAS, the Project will provide additional parking lot facilities to support the City's Convention Center and other tourism based needs; and WHEREAS, the Project implements the goals and policies of the General Plan; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study was prepared pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), Division 13 of the Public Resources Code of the State of California, beginning with §21000 (hereinafter "Act'); and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 21152 of the Act, on February 4, 2015, a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Availability of Initial Study, was published in The Desert Sun; and WHEREAS, the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) was circulated for public comment from February 3 through February 23, 2015; and WHEREAS, by the close of the public comment period on February 23, 2015, there were no requests for a Public Hearing submitted in response to the IS/MND; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 15202 of the CEQA Guidelines, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Article 13 'Review and Evaluation of EIRs and Negative Declarations," of the California Code of Regulations, CEQA does not require formal hearings at any stage of the environmental review process, and public comments may be restricted to written communications; and WHEREAS, the IS/MND prepared for this project has concluded, and following public review, it has been determined that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment with the adoption of avoidance and mitigation measures identified in the MND; and 73 Resolution No. Page 2 WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the Project, including, but not limited to, the staff report, the IS/MND, and all written and oral testimony presented. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1 : The above recitals are all true and correct. Section 2: The City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, is hereby designated the custodian of the documents and other materials which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the City Council has based its decision. The custodian of the documents is located at 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California. Section 3: Pursuant to Section 15063 of the CEQA Guidelines, a Mitigated Negative Declaration ("MND") of environmental impact was prepared and circulated for a 20-day public review period ending on February 23, 2015. The Mitigated Negative Declaration adequately analyzes the general environmental setting of the Project, its potentially significant environmental impacts, and the alternatives and mitigation measures related to each potentially significant environmental impact for the Project, and has determined that there are no potentially significant impacts associated with the Project. Section 4: The Project implements the following goals and policies of the General Plan: Goal LU7: Maintain and enhance the City's status and image as a premier resort destination and cultural center in the Coachella Valley. Policy LU7.2: Ensure that visitor-serving uses such as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment uses that generate high levels of activity are developed in close proximity to the Palm Springs Convention Center. Section 5: The City Council has carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the Project, including, but not limited to, the staff report, the Initial Study and public comments received, the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration, the proposed Environmental Commitment Record (otherwise known as a "Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program"), and all written and oral testimony presented. The City Council further finds that on the basis of the entire Project record, there is no substantial evidence that the Project will have a significant effect on the environment and that the Mitigated Negative Declaration reflects the City's independent judgment and analysis. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the foregoing, and pursuant to Section 15074 of the CEQA Guidelines, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Article 6 "Negative Declaration Process," of the California Code of Regulations, the City Council adopts and orders the filing of a Mitigated Negative Declaration, and approves the 74 Resolution No. Page 3 Environmental Commitment Record (otherwise known as a "Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program"), for the Convention Center Parking Lot, City Project No. 14-09. ADOPTED this 20th day of May, 2015. David H. Ready, City Manager ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk CERTIFICATION STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ) I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that Resolution No. is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on May 20, 2015, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: James Thompson, City Clerk City of Palm Springs, California 75