HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/14/2005 - STAFF REPORTS (6) �OFPALM S.0
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441FORN� City Council Staff Report
CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 14, 2005
CONSENT CALENDAR
Subject: Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements; 2005
Transportation Enhancement (TE) Grant Application
From: David H. Ready, City Manager
Initiated by: Public Works and Engineering Department
SUMMARY
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) issued a call for projects to
Riverside County agencies, with funding made possible through the Transportation
E=nhancement (TE) program. The Public Works and Engineering Department submitted
two applications, and after a competitive review process of applications submitted to
RCTC by various agencies, the RCTC Technical Advisory Committee recommended
approval to the RCTC Executive Board of 18 projects, including one submitted by the
City of Palm Springs. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide RCTC and Caltrans a
formal Resolution from the City Council to show support of and commitment of funds for
the project submitted by the Public Works and Engineering Department on behalf of the
City of Palm Springs.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE NOMINATION
OF THE GENE AUTRY TRAIL GATEWAY LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS
FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES FUNDING'.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
On June 8, 2005, the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) released a
Call for Projects using federal funds made available through the Transportation
Enhancement (TE) Program. The TE Program provides federal funds for transportation
related projects that enhance the quality of life, in or around transportation facilities. TE
funds are apportioned to the State and are included in the State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP). On September 29, 2005, RCTC adopted the STIP Fund
Estimate, which indicated a TE target amount of $18.8 million available for TE
ITEM NO. 2.C.
City Council Staff Report
December 14, 2005 - Page 2
2005 TE Grant
programming in the STIP. However, three previously approved TE funded projects
totaling $1.2 million will be funded with the new STIP funding, leaving $17.6 million
available in RCTC's first call for TE funded projects since October 1999.
The Public Works and Engineering Department realized the value of the TE funds, as
the TE Program provides funding for transportation improvements that would be difficult
to otherwise fund with gas tax, Measure A, or other local funding. The Department
previously applied for and received TE funds for the Gene Autry Trail and Ramon Road
median landscaping project, which was completed in 2004. Similarly, Department staff
reviewed opportunities for other landscaping or "transportation enhancement"
improvements, and prepared two project applications: Indian Canyon Drive
Landscaped Median Improvements, and Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping
Improvements. The first project application was for TE funding of a new landscaped
median on Indian Canyon Drive from Granvia Valmonte to Vista Chino; and the second
project application was for TE funding of landscaping the new median to be constructed
on Gene Autry Trail between Vista Chino and Via Escuela (as part of the Gene Autry
Trail widening project), including the adjacent parkways, as well as creating a
"Gateway" entry monument sign and landscaped area at the southwest corner of Vista
Chino and Gene Autry Trail.
RCTC established project criteria and guidelines, allowing agencies within Riverside
County to submit a maximum of three projects with a minimum TE request per project of
$325,000 and a maximum of $1.5 million. On August 29, RCTC received 32 project
applications requesting $32 million in TE funds — $14.4 million over the TE funds
available. On October 3, 2005, the RCTC Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) met to
evaluate all of the submitted project applications. At the TAC meeting, representatives
of each agency presented their projects, and all projects were evaluated using the
RCTC evaluation criteria, with final scoring approved by the TAC on a consensus basis.
After an exhaustive and competitive process at the TAC meeting, following final scoring
of the submitted project applications, a recommendation was made for TE funding of 18
project applications, including the Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping
Improvements, submitted by the City of Palm Springs (see Attachment 1).
In order to fund the 18 selected projects, a 5.58% reduction to proposed TE funding was
made to all 18 projects. On November 9, 2005, RCTC formally approved the listing of
2005 TE projects, as recommended by the RCTC TAC. Following RCTC's approval,
the City's application for TE funding to create a new "Gateway" at Gene Autry Trail and
Vista Chino will be submitted to Caltrans for inclusion into the STIP and funding
authorization by the California Transportation Commission (CTC).
The proposed project has been estimated to cost $2,220,000 (including design,
construction administration and contingencies). The approved TE funding was
established at $1,374,755 requiring a City "local match" of $845,245. However,
$400,000 of this amount has been conservatively estimated as the cost to acquire the
vacant parcel at the southwest corner of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino. This parcel,
identified by Assessor's Parcel Number 677-220-016 (included in Attachment 1), is
City Council Staff Report
December 14, 2005 - Page 3
2005 TE Grant
irregular in shape and size, and is zoned as "P", or Professional Zone. However, due to
its proximity to the adjacent residential neighborhood and two major arterials, required
setbacks render this parcel relatively useless. In light of the General Plan Policy 5.25.2
(e), which states "Establish and/or maintain, as feasible, primary entry improvements at
Gene Autry Trail @ Vista Chino", the 2005 TE Program funding is a key opportunity to
implement the Policy to provide an aesthetic entry into Palm Springs on Gene Autry
Trail.
It is proposed that the acquisition of the parcel be funded entirely with local funds, using
Quimby Act park fees, as the parcel would be acquired for use as a landscaped pocket
park, with provisions for a future entry monument sign. Following issuance of bonds
associated with Community Facilities District 2005-2 (Escena), estimated to occur by
June 2006, approximately $2.8 million in Quimby Act park fees will be made available to
the City. Due to this parcel's proximity to Escena, it is recommended that the necessary
funds to acquire this parcel (estimated at $400,000) be budgeted from future funds
generated by the issuance of bonds in Community Facilities District 2005-2 (Escena).
The remaining $445,245 of the City's "local match" for the project will be budgeted from
fixture gas tax revenues. As it is not expected that design work will commence until the
2'006/2007 fiscal year, with an estimated construction date of June 2008, appropriate
funds will be budgeted during the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 fiscal years for the
remaining "local match".
Following Caltrans and CTC guidelines associated with the TE Program, it is
recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed Resolution formally authorizing
the nomination of the Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements for 2005
TE Program funding, including all understandings and assurances required by the TE
Program, committing future local funds to the transportation enhancement activity, and
identifying the Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant City Engineer as the official
representative of the City with regard to the transportation enhancement activity.
FISCAL IMPACT: Finance Director Review: --%,
Adoption of the Resolution and formal nomination of the ne Autry Trail Gateway
Landscaping Improvements for Transportation Enhancement funding will commit the
City to funding of the future "local match" of $845,245. It will be necessary to budget
funds from future gax tax and other local funds (i.e. Quimby Act park fees) in the
2006/2007 and 2g07/2008 fiscal years to comply with this commitment.
David J. Barakian Thomas J. W Ion
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Assistant City Manager
David H. Ready, City M�R� r
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Project Application, 2. Resolution
Appendix A
2005 Transportation Enhancement (TE) Call for Projects
Project Nomination Form R,- .Ic�.,"y
• ' • � -
Lead City of Palm Springs
A enc ;
Project Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements
Title:
Project Gene Autry Trail, between Vista Chino and Via Escuela, is a major thoroughfare in
Description the City of Palm Springs, currently consisting of two undivided traffic lanes.
(Describe the existing However, this segment of Gene Autry Trail is currently planned for widening to a 6
conditions,the problem, lane divided major thoroughfare, consistent with the traffic corridor along Gene
and proposed
improvements. Autry Trail south of Vista Chino. The widening project is scheduled to commence in
April 2006 Gene Autry Trail serves as one of three primary arteries into and out of
the City from Interstate 10, and currently carries an Average Daily Traffic of over
23,000 vehicles. A master-planned community has been approved and is under
construction along Gene Autry Trail, which will create 1,200 residential units
surrounded by a golf course; a hotel is proposed to be located immediately at the
southeast corner of this intersection. Located at the southwest corner of this
intersection is a vacant parcel of land which is rendered undevelopable due to its
irregular shape and size, and has remained a vacant, overgrown lot with no
development opportunities envisioned in the future. The intent of this project is to
create a vibrant "Gateway" entry to the City of Palm Springs via Gene Autry Trail.
The proposed project would install landscaping within the new raised median
between Vista Chino and Via Escuela, extend a decorative masonry block wall at
the northwest corner, replace existing deficient perimeter fencing and walls with a
decorative masonry block wall at the southwest corner, as well as install
landscaping along each side within the parkways, and further, landscape the vacant
parcel at the southwest corner of the intersection to provide a location for a future
City entry monument sign, creating a significant "Gateway' to the City, which will
su lement the im rovements and develo ment current) occurringin the area.
Project Gene Autry Trail, between Vista Chino and Via Escuela, including the vacant parcel
Limits located at the southwest corner.
Route &Post Route',' -` PM.Be in PM-End Distance
Mile Limits
(For projects on the-
State Highway System)
Section 2: Environmental Document and Project Schedule
Environmental Document: EA/IS leading to FONSI/MND
Will project complete CEQA NEPA or both?
Anticipated CEQA„Environmental,Documernt Type: Mitigated Negative Declaration
w Findingof No Significant Impact
NEPA wilalebe eo plied`theINEPA environmental�dooamentetn e wildbetentered as the environmental document m he RTIP., and
1
Prod&t'"Schedule" Pio6oe the' eit pp _.
IP..
Schedule— _ start and end date estimates far the a licable project phases stated below
Project Start Ehd Estimated Env Doc
Phase month/ ear month/ ear Sign-Off Date
PA&ED March 2006 June 2006 January 1, 2008
PS&E Januar 2008 June 2008
R/IN Januar 2008 June 2008
Construction June 2008 December 2008
PAED:Project Approvals and Environmental Document.PA&ED End Date=The date the PES,package is submitted to Caltrans,
PS&E:Plans,Specifications,and Estimates -
RAN:Right-or-way(including utility relocation) -
Construction:Construction phase
Appendix A:2005 TE Call for Projects—Project Nomination Form 1
Appendix
2005 Transportation Enhancement(TE) Call for Projects
Section 3: Project Funding
Notes:Funds are programmed based on the federal fiscal year(e.g.FY 04/05=10/1/04 to 9/30/05)
Identify by each fund type(e.g.CMAQ,STPL, Local City,TUMF,etc.)the funding amount(in thousands of dollars)in the year and
applicable phase.If TUMF is part of the local funds being programmed,please identify how much of the local funds are TUMF.
TE&local matching funds requirement:
a.The minimum local match requirement is 11.47%of the total project cost(not 11 47%of the TE funds requested).
e.g.If Total Project Cost=100%,then 88.53%of the total can be TE as long as 11.47%of the total is the local match
b.There are no project phase restrictions where the TE funds can be applied.TE can be applied to PA&ED, PS&E, RNV,and/or
construction.)
c.However,the local match must be included in the same phase and year as the TE funds.
Fund Type#1 Fiscal Year PA&ED PS&E R/W Construction Year Totals
TE 2006/07 112 112
Transportation 2007/08 112 0 112
Enhancement 2008/09 1232 1232
Phase Totals (OOOs): 1456
Fund Typo#2 Fiscal Year PA&ED PS&E R/W Construction Year Totals
Local 2006107 28 28
(Measure A) 2007/08 28 0 28
2008/09 308 308
Phase Totals (OOOs): 364
Fund Type#3 Fiscal Year PA&ED PS&E R/W Construction Year Totals
Local 20061% 0 0
(Quimby Fees) 2007/08 0 400 400
2008/09 0 0
Phase Totals (OOOs): 400
Fund Type#4 Fiscal Year PA&ED PS&E RIW Construction Year Totals
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
Phase Totals OOOs):
Fund Type#5 Fiscal Year PA&ED I PS&E R/W Construction I Year Totals
2006/07
?2008/09
Phase Totals (000s):
Phase Total-All Funds (OOOs): $140 1 $140 1 $400 1 $1540 $2220
Appendix A:2005 TE Call for Projects—Project Nomination Form 2
Appendix A
2005 Transportation Enhancement(TE) Call for Projects
Project Nomination Form Tm..Pon„Ra;,c
Project . Submission Authorization
Pro e$t Contact:_ "'7F
Name: Marcus L. Fuller
Titles Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant City Engineer
Tele honer; 760 323-8253, ext. 8744 Fa$: 760 323-8325
E,mail:° marcusf@ci.palm-springs.ca.us
Person Authorized to Submit:RTIP New Project for for RTIP:'Inclusion
Ma be'same as pOint4cquitaict above
Name` ' - Marcus L. Fuller
Title Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant City Engineer
Tele hone:.. 760 323-8253, ext. 8744 F.ax'', 760 323-8325
Email marcusf ci. alm-s rin s.ca us
skinature:
Date:
If sending electronics ,you c mjust retype the name approv6d to s06mit with,, "signed"a(territ
e. ."AuthorizedNane-si ned"`asthe,authorizationsi nature
Included Support Documentation with this application:
1. Project Location Map
2. Project Improvement Exhibit Detail/Diagram
Appendix A:2005 TE Call for Projects-Project Nomination Form 3
GENE AUTRY TRAIL GATEWAY LANDSCAPING
ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
Item Item Description Total Quantity Unit Unit Price Total Amount
No.1 Mobilization 1 LS $90,000.00 $90,000.00
2 Traffic Control 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00
3 Construct Block Wall 1,800 LF $60.00 $108,000.0o
7 Install Landscaping 150,000 SF $3.50 $525,000.00
8 Install Irrigation System 1 LS $420,000.00 $420,000.0o
9 90-Day Maintenance Period 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00
Subtotal: $1,163,000.00
20% Contingency: $232,600.o0
Construction Total: $1,395,600.00
PE Phase(Environmental/PS&E)20% $279,120,00
Construction Administration Phase 10% $139,560.00
Project Total: $1,814,280.00
Land Acquisition:
APN 677-220-016
1.72 acres = 74,923.5 sf 74923.5 SF $5.00 $374,617.50
Appraisal, Attorney & Land Acquisition Services 1 LS $25,000 $25,000.00
Land Acquisition Total: $399,617.50
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
Appendix B: 2005 TE Project Call Evaluation Criteria Discussion
Proiect Evaluation and Scoring Criteria
Once projects are submitted, they will be evaluated in two Tiers. Tier I
establishes a "Project Screening" to ensure that the project is eligible for TE
funds. If any of the applicable screening criteria are not met, the proposal will not
be ranked or evaluated any further. RCTC staff will conduct the project
screening and notify the agencies if their project proposal(s) does not meet the
Tier 1 criteria.
Directions to complete the Evaluation Criteria Discussion
Provide an appropriate response in the text-box for the Tier 1 Project Screening
items. Under Tier II — Project Evaluation/Scoring Criteria, select the Division that
fits the majority of the project and complete items 1 through 4. Then answer the
two questions under the selected Division.
Tier I - Project Screening:
Project proposals must address the following:
1) Describe the project's direct relationship to transportation system
Gene Autry Trail, between Vista Chino and Via Escuela, is a major thoroughfare in the
City of Palm Springs, consists of two undivided traffic lanes. However, this segment of
Gene Autry Trail is planned for widening to a 6 lane divided major thoroughfare,
consistent with the traffic corridor along Gene Autry Trail south of Vista Chino. The
widening project is scheduled to commence in April 2006, and is funded through
Regional Measure A funds.
Gene Autry Trail serves as one of three primary arteries into and out of the City from
Interstate 10, and currently carries an Average Daily Traffic of over 23,000 vehicles. A
master-planned community, "Escena Palm Springs), being developed by Lennar Homes
of California, Inc., has been approved and is under construction south of Vista Chino
along Gene Autry Trail, which will construct 1,200 residential units surrounded by a golf
course. The development proposes a hotel site located immediately at the southeast
corner of the intersection of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino.
Located at the southwest corner of this intersection is a vacant parcel of land which is
rendered undevelopable due to its irregular shape and size, and has remained a vacant,
overgrown lot with no development opportunities envisioned in the future. The intent of
this project is to create a vibrant "Gateway" entry to the City of Palm Springs at Gene
Autry Trail and Vista Chino, consistent with the Objectives and Polices of the 1992
Update to the City of Palm Springs General Plan. The proposed project would install
landscaping within the new raised median between Vista Chino and Via Escuela, extend
a decorative masonry block wall at the northwest corner, replace existing deficient
perimeter fencing and walls with a decorative masonry block wall at the southwest
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion t
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
E
ll as install landscaping along each side within the parkways, and further,
e vacant parcel at the southwest corner of the intersection to provide a
a future City entry monument sign, creating a regionally significant
to the City, which will supplement the improvements and development
rring in the surrounding area.
2) Describe how proposed project is over and above a normal project
(for environmental mitigation projects, proposed project must not be
in lieu of standard mitigation requirement)
Fresidenti'al
proect is considered over and above a normal project in that its purpose is to install
caping within a future planned median, but more importantly, to install landscaping
vements along the existing parkways adjacent to Gene Autry Trail. The existing
subdivision located to the northwest of the Gene Autry Trail/Vista Chino
intersection was constructed by Riverside County as a low income housing project in the
early 1980's, prior to its annexation into the City of Palm Springs. At that time, Riverside
County did not require or plan for perimeter landscaping along this residential
subdivision, and this parkway has been left vacant and unimproved. Likewise, Riverside
County did not require any parkway landscaping improvements along the east side of
Gene Autry Trail, north of Vista Chino, and this area has also remained vacant and
unimproved. The purpose of this project falls within the specific guidelines of the
Transportation Enhancement Activities Program, and is solely proposed to provide
landscaping and scenic beautification along an existing traffic corridor within an
urbanized area of Palm Springs which lacks any significant improvements that currently
enhance the driving experience. Further, the project will serve the public at large, will be
accessed by the general public, including not only the immediate adjacent properties,
but local residents, commuters, and tourists that visit the City of Palm Springs and travel
along this arterial to their destinations in Palm Springs or elsewhere in the Coachella
Valley.
3) Describe how the project is consistent with federal, state, regional or
local land use and regional transportation plans, goals, and policies
Providing transportation enhancement, and beautifying the City's major arterials is
founded in the 1992 Update to the City of Palm Springs General Plan. Although the
General Plan envisioned the use of raised medians for improving access control along
major arterials, the General Plan also recognized the dual use of these facilities and the
park-like setting they can create by beautifying the traffic corridors within which they are
I
Currently, the City has landscaped medians along Tahquitz Canyon Way (an
architecturally significant element to the City's downtown core), South Palm Canyon
Drive, Ramon Road, Gene Autry Trail, Vista Chino, and on a small segment of Indian
Canyon Drive (Alejo Road to Granvia Valmonte). Future landscaped medians are
proposed to be constructed along these routes in conjunction with economic
development; however, the segment of Gene Autry Trail between Vista Chino and Via
Escuela (within which is planned a raised median) is mostly developed. A vacant parcel
exists at the northwest corner of the intersection, however, this parcel is under Tribal
Trust designation, and no interest in development activity has occurred to date for this
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 2
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
[parcel. Further, there is no future ability for the City to impose obligations or
"entitlements" to property owners for construction of landscaped parkways adjacent to
the developed parcels in that area.
The Final Environmental Impact Report adopted for the 1992 Update to the City of Palm
Springs General Plan (State Clearinghouse #91082048) identifies the use of raised,
landscaped medians within the City's major arterials. A variety of General Plan
Objectives and Policies relate to the enhancement of the environment along the City's
streets through use of landscaping, (See Attachment A for citations from the City's
General Plan). This project would be consistent with the City's General Plan, and
implements its policies with regard to improving the character of streets and
neighborhoods. Further, it would allow the City to continue to enhance its major arterials
with landscaped medians, creating a driving experience similar of other cities within the
Coachella Valley which, having master-planned their communities upon incorporation
(many incorporated in the 1970's or later), now have landscaped medians along most, if
not all of their major arterials. The City of Palm Springs, having been incorporated in
1938, and being substantially developed in its downtown area, missed the opportunity
for master-planned landscaped medians along its major arterials.
More importantly, this project would allow the City to implement Objective 5.24b of the
General Plan: "Clear and powerful connections and connectors, through the
development of grand boulevards or parkways that link all of the major activity areas
together;" and Objective 5.25 of the General Plan: "Clearly identifiable entries to the City
from adjacent jurisdictions and major highway entrances which announce the arrival to
Palm Springs". Specific to this objective, Policy 5.25.2 (e) states: "Establish and/or
maintain, as feasible, primary entry improvements at Gene Autry Trail at Vista Chino".
The purpose of this project is to provide the "Gateway" to Palm Springs on Gene Autry
Trail from Interstate 10 that is currently missing.
This Transportation Enhancement Activity grant gives the City the opportunity to add
scenic and aesthetic resources to this segment of a major arterial, and to implement the
objectives and policies of the General Plan.
4) Describe the financial viability of the project - are the funds
committed in the agency budget? If not, what will the process be for
committing local funds?
The City is proposing a 20% local match for this project, or $364,000 over the three
fiscal year period scheduled for this project. As a point of clarification, no TE funds
are proposed for funding of acquisition of the vacant parcel proposed as a "mini park"
and location of a future City of Palm Springs "Gateway" Entry Sign; it is anticipated
that Quimby Act Fees collected from various developments in the surrounding area
will provide the necessary funding to acquire the vacant parcel. For the 2005/2006
fiscal year, the City budgeted $1,870,000 for capital projects funded by Local Measure
A funds. Although no funds are committed to this project currently, if approved, the
appropriate local match will be budgeted from the City's future Local Measure A funds
in the 2006/2007 through 2008/2009 fiscal years. If this application is approved, the
City will forward a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, attesting
to its commitment to budget the local match for this project from future Local Measure
A funds, as well as the funds necessary to acquire the "Gateway" parcel.
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 3
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
5) Proposed project must be well-defined, well-justified, and ready-to-
go in the year proposed. Describe 1) the need or problem to be
addressed by the project; 2) steps that may involve coordination with
other agencies, businesses, interest groups, that will be affected by
the project; and 3) current project status —work to date.
Finstallation
roposed project is well-defined: installation of landscaping within a future planned
n along the segment of Gene Autry Trail, between Vista Chino and Via Escuela;
of landscaping along existing parkways adjacent to Gene Autry Trail;
sion of decorative masonry block wall at the northwest corner of the intersection,
as well as replacement of existing deficient perimeter fencing and walls with a decorative
masonry block wall at the southwest corner; and finally, landscaping of the vacant parcel
which is rendered undevelopable given its irregular shape and size, and its current land
use designation (Professional Zone). The project, as defined, is consistent with the
Objectives and Polices of the City of Palm Springs General Plan.
The need that is addressed by the proposed project is the fact that this area is a primary
entry into the City of Palm Springs from Interstate 10. The segment of Gene Autry Trail
from Vista Chino to Via Escuela, and the vacant parcel at the southwest corner of the
intersection, are unimproved, deficient in landscaping enhancement or a scenic
beautification element that provides the general public with similar experience found on
the City's other major arterials. This project would allow the City to complete landscaping
of the future planned median along Gene Autry Trail, which will continue the existing
scenic beautification element that exists with the landscaped medians along Gene Autry
Trail south of Vista Chino (which were installed with the last Riverside County
Transportation Commission call for Transportation Enhancement Activities [TEA]
Program projects in 1999). This project will complete the traffic corridor that will be
constructed in 2006, by installing landscaping improvements that will enhance the traffic
corridor and to help blend this major thoroughfare into the adjacent urban development
that surrounds it.
More importantly, this project would address the undesirable condition of the vacant
parcel at the southwest corner of the Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino intersection; and
allow the City to create the important City of Palm Springs "Gateway' that is timely, given
the large amount of economic development occurring in the surrounding area.
Coordination with adjacent property owners will be vital in the preparation of final plans,
which will be one of the first and primary factors the City will coordinate. Further
coordination with Desert Water Agency (DWA), the City's provider of domestic water
supply, will occur throughout the project, to ensure water efficient landscaping is
installed and water supply is made available to serve the landscaped median, parkways,
and City of Palm Springs "Gateway" parcel.
The City of Palm Springs is currently processing Plans, Specifications and Estimates
(PS&E) for the widening of Gene Autry Trail between Vista Chino and the Union Pacific
Railroad (through the Whitewater River). Specifically, this project will widen Gene Autry
Trail to a 6-lane divided roadway between Vista Chino and Via Escuela, providing a
raised median that would be landscaped by this proposed project, (See Attachment B for
current 65% PS&E). The City prepared an Initial Study for the project, identified as Case
No. 5.0929, and adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration on February 16, 2005, which
was filed with Riverside County, file no. 200500176, See Attachment C .
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 4
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
A project to address the vacant, undevelopable parcel and to create a new City of Palm
Springs "Gateway" has been envisioned by the City for many years, however, budget
shortfalls and prior commitment of revenues to other capital projects have restricted the
City from pursuing this project. This project is consistent with the Objectives and Policies
of the City of Palm Springs General Plan, which was certified by an adopted
Environmental Impact Report. However, if this grant application were approved, this
project would be subject to environmental analysis pursuant to NEPA guidelines, and an
Environmental Assessment (EA) would be required to determine any impacts to the
environment as a result of the project. Although it is anticipated that this project would
have impacts solely related to short-term impacts during construction, our experience
with federally funded projects is that closer and more detailed analysis of any federally
funded project is occurring with Caltrans District 8 environmental staff, as well as FHWA
staff. Our project schedule has conservatively assumed an 18 month process to obtain
FHWA environmental approval, despite our expectation that an Environmental
Assessment (EA) will potentially lead to a Categorical Exclusion, or at most, a Finding of
No Significant Impact (FONSI). Given Caltrans staffing shortages, changes in
personnel, and other factors that we have experienced on the City's other federally
funded projects, we believe 18 months is a realistic time frame in which to obtain FHWA
environmental clearance on this project. Once obtained, the design of the landscaping
and irrigation plans can quickly occur, as the improvements do not require any other
agency's permits or authorization. (This is assuming that Caltrans does not assume
permitting authority over the parkway landscaping improvements proposed at the
southwest corner of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino, given that the route for State
Highway 111 extends westerly along Vista Chino to Gene Autry Trail, then southerly
along Gene Autry Trail. Caltrans permitting authority does not extend along Gene Autry
Trail north of Vista Chino). We eagerly anticipate approval of this application, and the
ability to deliver the landscaping improvements by December 2008.
6) If the project requires on-going maintenance, the maintenance
program must be described.
The City currently has an on-going contract services agreement for landscape
maintenance of its existing landscaped medians, parkways, parks and open spaces.
This contract is competitively bid, and provides the City with an ability to obtain market-
rate services at the lowest cost. If this application were approved, the finished
landscaped median, parkways, and "Gateway' parcel would be added to the inventory of
areas to be is
by the City's landscape maintenance contractor, which is funded
through the use of General Funds. Although the City of Palm Springs lacks a City-wide
Landscape Assessment District, it is expected that increased revenues from sales tax
and property tax (generated by recently approved large commercial and residential
projects, resulting from the high rate of economic development occurring within the City
of Palm Springs), as well as the continued increase of tourism in the City of Palm
Springs, resulting in increasing revenue generated by the transient occupancy tax
(TOT), will more than offset the incremental increased cost of maintenance for the
proposed landscaping.
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 5
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
7) Describe air quality impact, if applicable.
As with any public works project, during construction there will be short-term air quality
impacts due to the use of construction equipment. However, the benefit of installing
additional landscaping, especially within a roadway, is the ability of the landscaping to do
what it is intended to do: convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Landscaped medians and
parkways, in effect, can act as a permanent air filter, helping to alleviate the impacts to
air quality generated by vehicles, while at the same time serving to enhance the general
public's experience along the roadway, and provide scenic beautification along the traffic
corridor.
If projects pass the above screening criteria, Tier II will be applied. The Tier II
criteria will be applied by the Technical Advisory Committee/Evaluation
Committee.
Tier II — Project Evaluation/Scoring Criteria
Directions to complete Tier II: Provide an appropriate response in the text-box
that follows each Tier II question below (the text box will expand to accommodate
extra space if needed).
All project submittals must answer questions #1 through #4:
#1. Describe how the project improves overall quality of life, community
and/or environment and the nexus with the transportation system
(mode(s) of transportation).
(0 — 5 points)
Landscaping and other scenic beautification significantly improves the overall quality of
life by adding a natural element to an unnatural setting: the urbanized community. The
City of Palm Springs, as well as many communities, enact rules and regulations
governing community development such that landscaping improvements are installed
along their circulation system as a way to add a natural element to the urbanized setting.
Any ability to add scenic beautification within the City, adjacent to and within urbanized
areas, is the best opportunity to alleviate the overall impacts due to increased traffic and
population that are a result of the continued economic growth of the City.
Specifically, landscaped medians address the important objective of the City's General
Plan, which is to provide "a high quality environment throughout residential
neighborhoods and commercial areas, with character which is unique to Palm Springs".
Gene Autry Trail, between Vista Chino and Via Escuela will have a raised median,
however, Regional Measure A funding did not provide for median landscaping.
Additionally, the parkways lack any significant landscaping enhancement or scenic
beautification. This area is predominantly developed with commercial and residential
uses, and lacks landscaped parkways that would help improve the environment and
Appendix 6:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
- -- ------------------
provide scenic beautification. Approval of this application, allowing the City to pursue
installation of a landscaped median and parkways along Gene Autry Trail, will fulfill an
important objective of the City's General Plan, which directly relates to improving the
general public's overall quality of life, enhancing the community as a whole, and
improving the environment.
Landscaped medians and parkways are a good method used in traffic calming
measures, and provides an ability for soothing and calming the high volume of traffic
along major arterials. Installing vertical elements such as canopy trees, palm trees, and
other landscaping helps to provide shading of the roadway, which in the desert climate
of Palm Springs, has a significant impact on the driving experience.
Clearly, the landscaped median and parkways have a direct nexus to the transportation
system, as it is within the existing roadway. This type of project (project type 5
"Landscaping and Other Scenic Beautification") is a common and good example of the
use of Transportation Enhancement funds for local urbanized agencies, such as cities
similar to Palm Springs with major arterials lacking any significant transportation
enhancements or scenic beautification.
More importantly, this project will allow the City to improve a parcel of land, which is
rendered undevelopable leaving it vacant and unimproved, as a City of Palm Springs
"Gateway" from Interstate 10. This type of project (project type 3 "Acquisition of scenic
easements and scenic or historic sites") is a perfect fit for the City's needs in
implementing its Objectives and Policies of the General Plan, and to create an
identifying "Gateway' location, which will serve to provide the surface transportation
network with a signature entry into the City of Palm Springs similar to the architecturally
significant Palm Springs Gateway on Highway 111 (North Palm Canyon Drive) at the old
Tramway Gas Station (now the Palm Springs Visitor's Center).
#2 Describe the degree of regional and/or community support for the
project. Provide supporting documentation. (0 — 5 points)
In answer to this question, we refer to the citations from the 1992 Update to the City's
General Plan, a process that necessitated and legally required public participation from
the community. The Final Environmental Impact Report adopted for the 1992 Update to
the City of Palm Springs General Plan (State Clearinghouse #91082048) identifies the
use of raised, landscaped medians within the City's major arterials. A variety of General
Plan Objectives and Policies relate to the enhancement of the environment along the
City's streets through use of landscaping, (See Attachment A for citations from the City's
General Plan). This project would be consistent with the City's General Plan, and
implements its policies with regard to improving the character of streets and
neighborhoods. Further, it would allow the City to continue to enhance its major arterials
with landscaped medians, creating a driving experience similar of other cities within the
Coachella Valley which, having master-planned their communities upon incorporation
(many incorporated in the 1970's or later), now have landscaped medians along most, if
not all of their major arterials. The City of Palm Springs, having been incorporated in
1938, and being substantially developed in its downtown area, missed the opportunity
for master-planned landscaped medians along its major arterials.
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 7
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
More importantly, this project addresses the need for the creation of a City of Palm l
Springs "Gateway" on Gene Autry Trail from Interstate 10; and the project provides the
City with the ability to improve a vacant parcel of land that is rendered undevelopable
given its irregular shape and size, and its current land use designation.
#3 What percent of the total project cost is the local match?
Match Points
15 — 19% = 1
20 — 29% = 2
30 — 39% = 3
40 - 49% = 4
50% and up = 5
20 %
#4 Describe the level of project readiness and provide supporting
documentation. In addition, include the level of coordination
required with affected agencies. (0 — 5 points)
Level of Readiness Points
Council or Board Resolution supporting roject 1
Demonstration of work in progress (env. doc., PSR/PSRE) 2
State/Federal Approval of the environmental document: 3
CEQA/NEPA
State/Federal Approval of CEQA/NEPA and PS&E documents 4
Right of way certified, ready for construction 5
If this application is approved, the City will forward a Resolution of the City Council of the
City of Palm Springs, attesting to its commitment to this project. The City of Palm
Springs has a proven track record of successfully implementing and completing this type
of project, as it had with the last Riverside County Transportation Commission call for
Transportation Enhancement Activities (TEA) Program projects. Our application at that
time allowed the City to landscape approximately 3 miles of existing medians along
Gene Autry Trail and Ramon Road, using $552,000 in TE funds. As with that project,
the City will fully support the proposed project, and has the capability of moving it
forward to successful completion.
In accordance with CEQA, this project would be considered as analyzed as part of the
Final Environmental Impact Report for the 1992 Update to the City of Palm Springs
General Plan (State Clearinghouse #91082048), which identifies the use of raised,
landscaped medians within the City's major arterials, and specifically plans for "Scenic
Corridors" (of which Gene Autry Trail is identified), and to create a "clearly identifiable
entry to the City". Additionally, the City's current project to widen Gene Autry Trail and
construct a raised median between Vista Chino and Via Escuela has been approved b
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 8
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
the City Council, and the project is certified by a Mitigated Negative Declaration. In that
regard, the CEQA process is complete and unnecessary for implementing this project.
However, if this application were approved, the project would require environmental
assessment in compliance with NEPA guidelines, which has not occurred due to the fact
that no federal funds have been budgeted for this project.
The City's consultant has prepared 65% Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) for
the Gene Autry Trail widening, with construction anticipated to commence by April 2006.
A landscape palette exists in the landscaped medians within Gene Autry Trail south of
Vista Chino, which could serve as a theme to carry forward with the additional
landscaped median extending north of Vista Chino.
As the RCTC call for TE funded projects has initiated this request and identified this
project for federal funding, there has been no reason for the City of Palm Springs to seek
prior state or federal CEQA/NEPA approvals for this project, nor approval of Plans,
Specifications and Estimates (PS&E), as no federal funding has yet been budgeted for it.
The proposed project occurs within the existing Gene Autry Trail right-of-way
(landscaped medians and parkways), and does not require additional right-of-way or
temporary construction easements. However, the proposed project does include
acquisition of the vacant parcel located at the southwest corner of Gene Autry Trail and
Vista Chino. This parcel (identified as Assessor's Parcel No. 677-220-016) is irregular in
shape and size, and is designated with a land use designation of P ("Professional
Zone"), (See Attachment D). In accordance with the development standards for this
Zone, setbacks to the adjacent residential neighborhood, as well as to the adjacent
major arterials, essentially render this parcel undevelopable as currently zoned. For this
reason, the parcel has remained vacant, and represents an unsightly element located at
a major intersection in the City of Palm Springs.
Following environmental approvals, the City would aggressively move forward with the
process to appraise the parcel and present an offer to the current owners to acquire the
property, in accordance with all applicable regulations for right-of-way acquisition.
However, it is not intended that any Transportation Enhancement funds be used in this
acquisition, and that the acquisition be made through the City's own local funds.
Division Questions
The following four (4) Divisions encompass the twelve (12) project eligibility
types. Projects must apply under one Division. If a project proposal is a
combination of more than one Division, the Division that fits the majority of the
project should be selected.
Division A: Bicycle, Pedestrian, Abandoned Rail Right-of-Way
Division B: Historic/Archaeological
Division C: Transportation Aesthetics and Scenic Values
Division D: Environmental Mitigation
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 9
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
-- —[ --------
Select the Division the project is being submitted:
DIVISION C
Answer the two (2) questions that correspond to the Division the project is
applying under.
Division A: Bicycle (Class 1), Pedestrian, Abandoned Rail Right-of-Way
Projects
1) What is the need for the proposed facilities or programs and is it
consistent with local plans? (0 — 5 points)
Not applicable to this project.
2) Describe the regional significance of the project and its connectivity
with regional pedestrian and bike trails/transportation system.
(0 — 5 points)
Not applicable to this project.
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 10
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
Division B: Historic/Archeological Projects
1) Specify the current recognition of historical or archeological
significance. Please indicate whether the recognition is federal,
state, local or other measure of significance. (0 — 5 points)
Recognition ID No. (if Points
applicable
Local Landmarks Program 1
Regional Archaeological 2
Information Ctr.
California Register of Historical 3
Resources
State Points of Historical Interest 3
State Historical Landmark 4
National Register of Historic 5
Places
Note: Projects will receive points from one recognition category only.
Not applicable to this project.
2) Will the project enhance, preserve, or protect a historic archaelogical
resource and what agencies are impacted or involved? (0 — 5 points)
Not applicable to this project.
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion ]t
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
Division C: Transportation Aesthetics and Scenic Values Projects
1) How are the scenic or aesthetic resources rare, unique, or regionally
significant, or how does the potential exist for landscaping or scenic
beautification improvements? (0 — 5 points)
Gene Autry Trail, between Vista Chino and Via Escuela, is a major thoroughfare in the
City of Palm Springs, consisting of two undivided traffic lanes. However, this segment of
Gene Autry Trail is planned for widening to a 6 lane divided major thoroughfare,
consistent with the traffic corridor along Gene Autry Trail south of Vista Chino. The I
widening project is scheduled to commence in April 2006, and is funded through
Regional Measure A funds.
Gene Autry Trail serves as one of three primary arteries into and out of the City from
Interstate 10, and currently carries an Average Daily Traffic of over 23,000 vehicles. A
master-planned community, "Escena Palm Springs", being developed by Lennar Homes
of California, Inc., has been approved and is under construction south of Vista Chino
along Gene Autry Trail, which will construct 1,200 residential units surrounded by a golf
course. The development proposes a hotel site located immediately at the southeast
corner of the intersection of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino.
Located at the southwest corner of this intersection is a vacant parcel of land which is
rendered undevelopable due to its irregular shape and size, and has remained a vacant,
overgrown lot with no development opportunities envisioned in the future. The intent of
this project is to create a City of Palm Springs "Gateway" at Gene Autry Trail and Vista I
Chino, consistent with the Objectives and Polices of the 1992 Update to the City of Palm
Springs General Plan. The proposed project would install landscaping within the new
raised median between Vista Chino and Via Escuela, extend a decorative masonry block
wall at the northwest corner, replace existing deficient perimeter fencing and walls with a
decorative masonry block wall at the southwest corner, as well as install landscaping
along each side within the parkways, and further, landscape the vacant parcel at the
southwest corner of the intersection to provide a location for a future City entry
monument sign, creating a significant "Gateway" into the City, which will supplement the
improvements and development occurring in the surrounding area.
The City of Palm Springs General Plan has already identified the Gene Autry Trail/Vista
Chino intersection as a regionally significant, unique scenic location. As previously
stated, a specific Objective and Policy of the General Plan is to create a City of Palm
Springs "Gateway" at this location. The fact that Riverside County did not require
perimeter landscaping along the developed properties along either side of Gene Autry
Trail north of Vista Chino (an area which was annexed into the City of Palm Springs in
the 1990's) creates the potential for improving these vacant parkways with landscaping
and scenic beautification along this traffic corridor.
Finally, the vacant parcel described above (identified as Assessor's Parcel No. 677-220-
016) is irregular in shape, and is designated with a land use designation of P
("Professional Zone"), (See Attachment D). In accordance with the development
standards for this Zone, setbacks to the adjacent residential neighborhood, as well as to
the adjacent major arterials, essentially render this parcel undevelopable as currently
zoned. For this reason, the parcel has remained vacant, and represents an unsightly
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 12
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
-- -- ---- -- — -- —---------- ------- ------ -- — --- ------ - -- - of located at a major intersection into the City of Palm Springs. Approval of this
application will make it possible to implement a regionally significant transportation
enhancement project along a traffic corridor which is truly a "Gateway" into the City of
Palm Springs.
2) How does the project preserve, rehabilitate, or develop scenic or
aesthetic resources? (0 — 5 points)
This project clearly has the ability to develop a scenic traffic corridor and to create a
regionally significant aesthetic resource at the southwest corner of Gene Autry Trail and
Vista Chino. The existing project area consists of unimproved parkways (north of Vista
Chino), a future raised median, and the vacant, undevelopable parcel at the southwest
corner of the intersection. The Transportation Enhancement Program provides the City
with a viable opportunity to rehabilitate and develop a scenic and regionally significant
aesthetic resource: a City of Palm Springs "Gateway" on Gene Autry Trail.
Appendix B,2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 13
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
Division D: Environmental Mitigation
1) What is the regional significance of the environmental problem(s)
associated with the transportation project? (0 — 5 points)
Not applicable to this project.
2) How does the proposal solve the problem and how is it over and
above standard mitigation requirements? (0 — 5 points)
Not applicable to this project.
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 14
2005 Transportation Enhancements Call for Projects
TE Call for Proiects Schedule
The schedule for the call for projects is as follows:
P
nt Timeline
C Releases TE Call for Proiects June 29, 2005
ect Submittals due 5:00pm - Au ust 29, 2005
ect Evaluations September 13, 2005
C Approval October 12, 2005
Lead Agencies Submit Local Match December 14, 2005
Commitment (if not included in project
submission
STIP and FTIP Amendment Approvals Janua -February, 2006
Projects approved for TE funds will be programmed in fiscal years 2006/07
through 2008/09. The program year will be based on the availability of funds for
each year and the timeframe in which the project can reasonably be expected to
be delivered.
Accessing the TE funds requires a 2-step process: 1) Lead agencies will
prepare and submit Allocation Fund Requests to the California Transportation
Commission (CTC) for their respective project; and 2) Lead agencies will
prepare and submit to Caltrans Local Assistance the federal obligation package
for their respective project (this is the same process used in obligating all federal
funds).
Appendix B:2005 TE Call for Projects Evaluation Criteria Discussion 15
PALM SPRINGS GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
STREET SYSTEM ELEMENT REPORT
Prepared for
City of Palm Springs
Prepared by
jh k & Associates
1650 Iowa Avenue, Suite 100
Riverside, CA 92507
June 2, 1992
FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
FOR THE
PALM SPRINGS GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
DECEMBER 1992
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE #91082048
Prepared For:
City of Patin Springs
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Post Office Box 2743
Patin Springs, California 92262
(619)323-8245
Prepared By:
Smith, Peroni & Fox, Planning Consultants, Inc.
960 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 103
Palm Springs, California 92262
(619)322-0900
months of the year. For approximately three quarters of the year, the levels of service are
likely to be D or better on these sections.
In lieu of the remaining unmitigated sections, another alternative is exercising
greater control of access on the facilities in question. Limiting driveways, turning
movements and traffic signals all contribute to increases in traffic-carrying capacity of a
roadway. Even if the level of service is not a problem, exercising good access control is a
prudent planning and engineering technique to protect the investment in the highway
system. However, these corridors tend to be the more desirable locations for commercial
development, given the high exposure to the public, and some compromises are typically
necessary. Some of the specific access control techniques that should be considered along
major thoroughfares in Palm Springs include:
• Consolidating driveway locations to reduce friction.
• Providing raised medians with limited median openings and ample turn storage
areas and tapers.
• Limiting the types of use along these critical stretches to lower traffic generation
uses and developing access from other facilities, where possible.
• If a raised median is not possible, provide a center left turn lane. Having no
provisions for left turn lanes is an unacceptable engineering practice for both
operations and safety reasons.
• Exclusive right turn lanes at approaches to intersections and major developments.
• Limiting the number of traffic signals installed on the constrained sections.
Additional traffic signals directly influence the level of service. However, good
signal coordination can alleviate some of this impact. Future segments to consider
for coordinated signal systems are East Palm Canyon Drive in the vicinity of Gene
Autry Trail, Ramon Road and Vista Chino.
If access control can be exercised to the degree that a parkway-like situation is
created (but without grade separations), this could likely mitigate all the LOS E sections to
D, in the City of Palm Springs. The City should develop or enhance existing street design
standards to include criteria for median openings, right turn channelization and signal
spacing.
Another dimension of the mitigation efforts to consider is the phasing of both land
use and transportation facilities. There are uncertainties as to how soon and in what exact
form the City will be built out. At current rates, the residential land uses could be built out
within 20 years. However, the non-residential land will take much longer to build out. At
the north end of the City, many decades must pass before the volumes even begin to
approach those predicted by the model at buildout. To say that certain roadways will, in
6-7
PALM SPRINGS GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
this roadway is 35 mph on the one way portions and 40 mph on the two-way portions of
the roadway. Palm Canyon Drive serves as the CBD and major tourist transportation
facility for Palm Springs. Palm Canyon Drive between Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail
was formerly also SR 111. SR 111 was re-routed to Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail
in 1990. ADT on this roadway is 14,000 vpd south of Vista Chino and 13,000 south of
Baristo.
South Palm Canyon Drive is both a two and four lane undivided north-south oriented
secondary arterial. Between East Palm Canyon Drive and Murray Canyon this roadway
is a four lane roadway, reverting to a two lane undivided roadway south of Murray
Canyon Drive. The posted speed limit is 40 mph. This roadway currently shares
responsibility with a number of other secondary thoroughfares for providing access to
south Palm Springs. Approved but as of yet undeveloped projects in this area will
increase the importance of this roadway in the future. Current ADT on this roadway is
approximately 6,400 vpd.
East Palm Canyon Drive is a four lane undivided roadway between South Palm Canyon
Drive and Cathedral City to the east. This major north-south thoroughfare serves as the
primary tink between the City of Palm Springs and the down valley cities, and provides
access to much of the southern portion of the City. This historic route of SR 111 includes
a bridge over Palm Canyon Wash. The posted speed limit along this facility is 40 mph.
Current ADT volumes on East Palm Canyon Drive are 26,000 vpd east of Sunrise Way
and 32,000 vpd east of El Cielo.
Dillon Road is a two lane major east-west oriented thoroughfare in the unincorporated
portion of the project area north of Interstate 10. This undivided roadway serves as the
primary east-west circulation link north of Interstate 10 and provides direct access to SR
62 and Desert Hot Springs by Palm Springs residents. This roadway continues east of the
project area to Indio. Major roads intersecting Dillon Road from Palm Springs include
Indian Avenue and Gene Autry Trail/Palm Drive. The posted speed limit along this
facility is 40 mph. ADT volumes on Dillon Road are 1,800 vpd west of Indian Avenue,
7,800 vpd between Indian Avenue and Little Morongo Road, and 4,500 vpd east of Little
Morongo.
Varner Road (Garnet Avenue) is a two lane major east-west thoroughfare located in the
unincorporated portion of the project area both north and south of Interstate 10. This
undivided roadway begins at the intersection of Interstate 10 and SR 62 and runs
southeastward across Indian Avenue to Garnet Hill and Interstate 10 where it dead-ends.
This portion of the roadway is Garnet Avenue. The roadway then resumes north of the
freeway, intersects Palm Drive, and continues east and south to Thousand Palms. The
current ADT volumes on this roadway is 100 vpd.
Indian Canyon Drive/Indian Avenue is a major north-south undivided thoroughfare
which enters the project area from the north and ends at Camino Parocela in incorporated
Palm Springs to the south. This roadway is a two lane facility from its intersection with
SR 62 north of the project area to San Rafael Drive, a four lane facility between San
Rafael and Granvia Valmonte, and then a four lane northbound only facility southward
5.1M
PALM SPRINGS GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
from Granvia Valmonte. This roadway serves as the most direct route from Interstate 10
to Palm Springs and serves as one of two conveyors of traffic in the Central Business
District. Indian Avenue includes a highway interchange at Interstate 10 and a bridge at
the Southern Pacific Railroad. This roadway also serves as a heavy truck route. The
posted speed limit on this roadway is 55 mph north of Las Vegas, 45 mph between Las
Vegas and San Rafael Drive, 40 mph between San Rafael and Vista Chino, and 35 mph
southward from Vista Chino. Indian Canyon Drive may revert to a two-way roadway in
the future. Current ADT volumes on this roadway is 13,400 vpd north of Interstate 10,
12,000 vpd between Interstate 10 and Vista Chino, 17,000 vpd south of Vista Chino, and
14,000 at Ramon Road
Sunrise Way is a north-south oriented major undivided thoroughfare which extends from
San Rafael Drive to East Palm Canyon Drive. This roadway is a two lane facility
between San Rafael and Vista Chino and a four lane facility south of Vista Chino. The
posted speed limit is 40 mph. Sunrise Way serves as the primary route of north or south
bound traffic within incorporated Palm Springs outside of the CBD, and is the centroid
of the City with regard to neighborhood commercial activities. ADT volumes on Sunrise
Way range from 14,000 vpd north of Tachevah to 21,000 south of Baristo Road
Farrell Drive is a north-south oriented secondary thoroughfare which extends from
Francis Drive in the northern part of incorporated Palm Springs to East Palm Canyon
Drive in the south. This facility is composed of two lanes north of Verona Road, four
lanes between Verona and Vista Chino, two lanes from Vista Chino to Tamarisk Road,
and four lanes south to East Palm Canyon. This roadway serves primarily local residents.
The posted speed along this facility is 45 mph north of Tamarisk and 35 mph south of
Tamarisk. Current ADT volumes on this roadway are 8,600 and 12,000 north and south
of Vista Chino and 15,000 north of Ramon Road.
Gene Autry TraiUPalm Drive is a north-south oriented major thoroughfare located at the
eastern edge of the project area. This roadway enters the project area from Desert Hot
Springs to the north and continues southward to East Palm Canyon Drive. Gene Autry
Trail is a two lane undivided roadway north of Interstate 10 (named Palm Drive), a four
lane undivided roadway between Interstate 10 and Vista Chino, a six lane divided
roadway from Vista Chino southward to Ramon Road, and a four lane divided facility
from Ramon to East Palm Canyon. This road includes a highway interchange with
Interstate 10, a bridge over the Southern Pacific Railroad, and a dip crossing at the Palm
Springs Municipal Golf Course. This roadway functions as an under-utilized purveyor
of north-south traffic for the City and the most direct route to the City of Desert Hot
Springs. The posted speed limit on this roadway is 45 mph. Current ADT on this
roadway are 12,000 vpd north of Interstate 10, and go from 13,000 south of Interstate 10
down to 11,000 vpd at East Palm Canyon Drive.
Roadway Capacities and Level of Service
The desired average daily trips (ADT) volume thresholds which indicate different levels
of service (LOS) conditions for each classification of roadway are shown in Table 5.9,
]Recommended Street Capacity and Level of Service Standards. The basis for the
s•ru
Character of Streets & Neighborhoods
t
Obieclive
5.16. A high quality environment throughout residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, with character
which is unique to Palm Springs.
Policies
5.16.1. Streets should be oriented wherever possible to maximize the view of open space and parks.
5.16.2. Entrances to neighborhoods should be formalized to provide some distinctive character.
5.16.3. Require new residential and commercial structures to be set back consistent with existing buildings and that
such setbacks be adequately landscaped and maintained.
5.16.4. Consistent architectural styles may be required in certain neighborhoods or districts where historically
appropriate
5 16 5 Mercury vapor or high-intensity lamps shall be prohibited in public areas and discouraged in private areas,
unless there are no practical and cost-effective alternatives to maintain the public safely.
5.10.6 public improvement requirements (for curbs, gutters, sidewalks, etc.) may be modified, where a
neighborhood plan has been developed to provide adequate alternatives, to provide for the maintenance of
neighborhood character.
Obieclive
5.17 A high-qualny visual and functional environment along the City's streets to stimulate pedestrian activity.
policies
5 17 1 Soecl Immure may be installed where it does not impede pedeslrum activity or physical and visual acc'ce�
I+, buildings , and which i.a oosthelicslly pleasing, consislow in design and color, functional, comfortable,
durable and is conducive to pedestrian activity, including such elements as bus and pedestrian benches,
(rash receptacles, newspaper racks, bicycle racks, public telephones, landscape planters, and drinking
Iountains.
5 17 2. Crosswalks shall be clearly marked, maintained and replaced where they are appropriate and necessary to
safely accommodate pedestrian activity.
5 17.3. Consider the development of sidewalk "pull-outs" at intersections where they do not adversely impact
traffic flow or safely by extending the sidewalk to the depth of a parking stall to accommodate landscaping
and street furniture and reduce the width of the crosswalk.
3/3/93 II - 40
5.17.4. Pull-out areas for private vehicle and public transit passenger drop-offs shall be required in large-scale
development projects and these shall be located so that they do not impede traffic How or parking access.
i
5.17.5. All sidewalks, crosswalks, street furniture and other open space amenities shall be designed to
accommodate the physically-impaired.
I
5.17.6. Residential and commercial uses shall provide direct and convenient pedestrian access to abutting sidewalks.
5.17.7. Residents should be provided access to neighborhood convenience centers, transit facilities and schools via
neighborhood collector streets and pedestrian access.
5.17.8. Pavement width for new local residential streets may be reduced to discourage through traffic and to
stimulate pedestrian activity.Such reductions shall be made as part of a neighborhood plan which provides
for adequate visitor and resident parking.
Landscape
Extreme climatic conditions experienced during the summer months
and the associated exodus of a substantial number of residents at
this time presents numerous problems to the City of Palm Springs as
relates to the adoption of a standard or normal street tree program
for residential areas . Residential area landscape planting should
be a voluntary one, through neighborhood improvement associations,
possibly with the assistance of Desert Beautiful or other similar
organizations . Special care should be taken in the selection of the
species and size of trees, and the planting, care, and removal of
landscape in public streets, parkways and other public areas of the
City. The City' s neighborhoods, especially those which are
historic, should also have master landscape programs . As is the
case with Las Palmas/Merito Vista, the Movie Colony and the South
Riverside Drive area, appropriate landscaping can add a sense of
privacy or the allure of mystery.
(Jbjectivc
5. 18. Ile consistent use of public landscape along all sidewalks and property frontages.
Pohcres
5.18. 1 Provide for the consistent use of public landscape to identify City streets, residential neighborhoods,
commercial districts and entry points to the City while considering and respecting the natural environment
and the species and character of the existing landscape.
5. 18.2. Selected plant species should (a) enhance the pedestrian character of and convey a distioctive and high
quality visual image for the City's streets, (b) be drought-tolerant and fire and pest-resistant, (c) require
low maintenance and no pesticides, and (d) complement existing landscape.
5.18,3 I-andscape plans should provide for a hierarchy for street trees which shall cultivate the full potential of
street trees as providers of shade and designators of key design corridors and which shall include:
3/3/93 II - 41
(a) Major Accent Tree-These trees should be located at key entry locations, intersections and activity
centers. Species should be of a grand scale to differentiate their key locations (such as palms).
Palm trees in linear plantings which are 50 (fifty) feet or greater in height within established
parkway plantings shall be considered to be heritage trees and, as such, native. Maintain the City
policy of non-trimming of palm tree frond "skirts" in the public right-of-way plantings.
(b) Street Trees The selected species should be the common tree for the street frontages. A single
species may be selected for all residential neighborhoods and commercial districts or different
species selected to distinguish one neighborhood, district or street from another. In residential
neighborhoods, trees should be full, to provide shade and color. In commercial districts, trees
would be more transparent to promote views of storefronts and visual interaction of pedestrians.
Street trees should only be located in sidewalks where adequate passage remains.
(c) Ornamental or Special Plantings - At special areas along the street frontages, such as linkages to
pedestrian walkways and plazas and outdoor dining areas, ornamental trees providing shade and
color should be utilized. These should be emphasized by the special trees focusing attention on
those special places.
(d) Eighty percent (80%) of street trees shall be 24-inch-box or larger in size when planted.
(e) Tree trimming and pruning regimes shall respect this hierarchy.
5.18.4. All new development shall provide for the installation of public landscape in accordance with an approved
landscape plan.
5 18 5 Community groups should be encouraged to participate in planting new public landscape where it does not
exist.
5.18.6. Public landscape shall be adequately maintained by the adjacent property owner, unless such area is
governed by a maintenance district or other similar vehicle, and replaced if removed due to damage or
health.
5 18.7. All street landscape shall incorporate an irrigation system to provide proper watering to avoid damage to
other right-of-way improvements such as sidewalks, curbs and gutters
5 18.8 Retain and maintain the quality and health of existing landscape in the public open spaces (parks, civic and
cultural facilities, and schools) and replace vegetation which is unhealthy or dead.
OI jcilwe
5 19 High level of landscape quality on private properties throughout the City
policies
5 19.1. Property owners shall maintain existing natural vegetation on developed sites and require the replacement
of unhealthy or dead landscape.
5 19.2. Developers should incorporate mature and specimen trees and other significant vegetation which may exist
on a site into the design of a development project for that site. All new landscape programs should include
native and/or drought-tolerant plantings.
1/1/91 II - 42
5.19.3. One-half of the new trees placed on site shall be 24-inch-box or greater in size when planted.
5.19:4. Landscape design should provide for individual and public safety by enhancing "defensible space" concepts
and addressing appropriate fire safety concerns (especially in hillside areas).
}
Lighting
Although it is necessary to provide limited night lighting for
safety reasons, the community desires to maintain its position in
keeping ambient lighting levels as low as possible in order to
enhance the City' s village character. Area lighting should provide
good visibility, minimum glare, good uniformity and minimum
spillage onto other properties or into the sky.
In addition Palomar Observatory, located in northern San Diego
County, was placed into service in 1948 . The future of the
Observatory is threatened by the expansion of the southern
California urban areas which emits increasing levels of light
pollution, brightening, and effectively blocking the view of , the
night sky. One of the purposes of the following policies is to
mitigate the effects of light pollution by establishing certain
controls on the use of new outdoor lighting which have a
detrimental effect on astronomical observation and research.
Objective
5.20. Low lighting levels to emphasize the "village" character of the community.
Policies
5 20. 1 Outdoor light fixtures, used for flood lighting,general illumination or advertisement, shall be fully-shielded
and properly-focused to minimize glare and spill light into the night sky and onto adjacent properties.
5.20.2 Illumination levels should be appropriate to the activity level or the size of an area.
ti 20 '1 Outdoor lighting, other than that used for security, should be oft'when the area or business or aclivily 1ti
not open to the public or otherwise in use.
5 20.4. Strect lighting shall be limited to safely lighting at intersections of streets designated collectors or grater
The intensity of light should be related to the street classification, surrounding land uses and traffic
volumes.
3/3/93 II - 43
Street Treatment Alternatives
Street Layout - Street treatment is affected to a substantial
degree by the basic physical layout of the roadway improvements.
The design depends on street type, whether it be major thoroughfare
or collector, and the land uses through which it is routed. The
number of traffic lanes, the width of the lanes, and the amount of
on-street parking allowed can affect not only the traffic volumes
and safety of motorists, but also the immediate environment of the
surrounding land uses. Restriction of on-street parking, the use of
median island landscape panels and parkway landscape panels can
mitigate the unsightly effects of roadways to those persons living
and working in adjacent areas . The , provision of alternative
transportation modes, such as bikeways, bus lanes, and pedestrian
corridors, can provide not only an alternative means of movement
for the traveler, but also visual relief for the resident living
adjacent to the streetscape. Other scenic treatments which can be
incorporated into the street layouts are linear and corner parks
which create diversity in the streets' spatial configuration,
especially at major intersections where a "character" can be
established for the entire length of the street . The use of grade
separations can also be an effective tool in giving the street an
aesthetic quality. Major structures along the roadway, such as
bridges, can also provide an interesting architectural asset to the
roadway. Each alternative design scheme should be carefully,
analyzed when the City develops or renovates any portion of its
Scenic Corridor System.
LandscaQina - The use of landscaping is very important in the
development of a scenic character for a Scenic Corridor, The City,
being located in a desert environment, offers a unique choice of
landscape treatment alternatives . The city can utilize either
native or non-native landscaping in the development of its Scenic
Corridors . Native landscaping can best be defined as plant
materials which are indigenous to the desert environment . Non-
native landscaping consists of plant materials which are foreign to
the desert . The choice of a landscape type to be used along a given
corridor is determined by the landscaping treatment characteristic
of the existing development and the overall character of the area.
3/3/93 11 50
Careful consideration should be given to assure that a street' s
landscape pattern does not conflict with that of existing
development. In undeveloped areas where a scenic corridor treatment
is proposed, new development should be encouraged to landscape with
plant materials which complement and maintain the continuity of the
street treatment .
The focal point of most landscape treatment is the choice of trees .
Trees are the most dominant aspect of the scenic corridor landscape
treatment . Initial acquisition costs and maintenance costs
notwithstanding, careful consideration should be given to the
proposed use of trees. Trees should be chosen on the basis of the
purpose for which they are intended, i .e. , shade trees, ornamental
trees, flowering trees, trees for windbreaks, each having its place
in a logical landscape scheme.
Palm Springs is famous for its native palm trees (Washingtonia
filif era) . It has adopted the palm tree as its primary street tree .
This is illustrated in the treatment of Palm Canyon Drive, Indian
Canyon Drive, and Tahquitz Canyon Way. It_ is undoubtedly desirable
to carry the "Palm Tree Theme" throughout most of the City, whether
the palm tree is the primary tree or is placed in prominent
locations along the Scenic Corridors . Its proper use will depend on
the character of the surrounding environment .
Street Fixtures and Ornamentation - The scenic amenities and
environmental character (residential or commercial) of a Scenic
Corridor can be greatly affected by subtle details within the
street right-of-way. Undergrounding power and telephone lines
greatly improves the appearance of the streetscape. Treatment of
above-ground vaults, signal control boxes, meters, valves,
hydrants, etc. , can be easily incorporated into the scenic street
treatment through utilization of architectural details similar to
the architectural theme of the surrounding land uses . The design of
street signs, signals, and directional and regulatory signs can, in
a sense, mold these fixtures into the Scenic Corridor as an
integral part of the street treatment .
The Scenic Corridor section will serve a coordinative role within
the City, linking existing policies for scenic preservation and
making the City' s circulation system pleasant and enjoyable for
residents and visitors in the community. Further, this section will
serve a coordinative role for action within the region by
encouraging the cities, county, CVAG, and the State to work
together in preserving the scenic quality of the Valley.
Definitions (See Scenic Corridors map. )
Official Scenic Highways (Scenic Routes) - Highways which are
designated by the State as Official State Scenic Highways or
Official County Scenic Highways and are signed as such. The State
reviews eligible highways on the basis of the "complete highway, "
3/3/93 II - 51
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SPRINGS GENERAL PLAN
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which is a highway which incorporates not only safety, utility, and
economy, but also beauty. The State also establishes standards
requiring that pleasing appearance be a consideration in the
planning and design process and requires that local governmental
agencies have taken such action as may be necessary to protect the
scenic appearance of the scenic corridor - - the band of land
generally adjacent to the highway right-of-way, including but not
limited to (1) regulation of land use and intensity (density) of
development, (2) detailed land and site planning, (3) control of
outdoor advertising, (4) careful attention to and control of
earthmoving and landscaping, and (5) the design and appearance of
structures and equipment.
Scenic Corridors - As used in this element, this title applies to
those streets and highways within the City of Palm Springs that are
designated by the City for scenic treatment and street
beautification. The designation of Scenic Corridors by this section
is within the bounds of State Law relevant to the allowance of
local agencies to develop and adopt local scenic routes .
The proposed treatment of major streets has been determined based
on scenic qualities which enhance their right-of-way, their distant
scenic views, and their importance as links between the proposed
open space land recreation uses throughout the City.
These streets will be designed so as to take the fullest possible
advantage of their scenic qualities by such methods as providing
greater setbacks from the street, and by providing landscaping to
accent vistas and mask unsightly views .
These streets will serve as a basis for "links " incorporating a
multiplicity of functions, e.g. , open space, bike paths, pedestrian
walks and linear parks . They will relate both to recreational
centers and other linkage systems, e .g. , other streets,
watercourses .
Objective
5.24a Enhancement of the visual amenities of local and regional highway travel which exude the unique ambience
of Palm Springs' civility and sense of style.
5 241). Clear and powerful connections and connectors, through the development of grand boulevards or parkway>
that link all of the major activity areas together. These connections include walkways and bikeways, as well
as connections from 1-10 and the proposed Mid-Valley parkway to the Downtown.
Policies
5.24 I. I is preservation of scenic vistas should be an integral factor in all land development decisions.
3/3/93 II - 52
5.24.2. Encourage coordination between City, County and State levels of government and the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments concerning scenic highway programs. The City shall encourage the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments to support and/or sponsor appropriate State Legislation which will aid
in the development of Scenic routes.
5.24.3. Seek to preserve and maintain, through acquisition or regulation, those areas or sites which are found to
have exceptional scenic value. Designate scenic corridors where components of the system relate to
significant aspects of the natural or man-made environment.
524.4. Scenic corridors shall be utilized, wherever possible, as links (equestrian and bike trails) between scenic.
open space, and recreation areas.
5.24.5. Specific plans for scenic corridors should be prepared, as feasible, which will include typical cross sections,
landscaping and facility improvements along their routes. Such plans shall include viewshed analysis to
assure the preservation and enhancement of natural scenic resources both inside developments and on their
surrounding roadways; areas of special concern include, but are not limited to, parkways, building
setbacks, pad elevations and building height. Special design requirements may be developed where
appropriate.
5.24.6. Encourage jurisdictions which abut the City to support the City's Scenic Corridor Program (particularly
billboard abatement and landscaping) along Highway I11, Ramon Road, Vista Chino, Indian Canyon
Drive/Indian Avenue, Palm Drive, and any other proposed scenic corridor which extends beyond the City
limits.
5.24.7. All major thoroughfares and freeway/expressways are designated as scenic corridors; other routes may be
designated as appropriate, and which further the purposes of the general plan. Viewsheds along these routes
should be analyzed and reviewed, where feasible, at or prior to the time of development to assure their
preservation. Where feasible, scenic corridors should be designed to accommodate landscaped medians.
5.24.8. Electric and communications lines shall be placed underground, and electrical substations and telephone
switching facilities shall be sited and designed to minimize impacts to scenic roadway corridors.
5.24.9. Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) shall be setback the following distances to preserve the scenic
vistas and the view of focal points from scenic corridors:
a. Interstate 10 - 500 feet (1/4 mile in the vicinity of Whitewater Grade)
b. Highway 111 - 2/3 mile
c. Indian Canyon Dr./Indian Ave. - 1/4 mile
.5.24.10. Design and site plan review of all development along scenic highways and/or corridors and for
all commercial and industrial development on a case-by-case basis shall be required prior to
project approval. Design review shall ensure high-quality development that is compatible with the
surrounding environment.
313193 11 - 53
Identifiable Entries to the City
Ob'eci tive
.5.25. Clearly identifiable entries to the City from adjacent jurisdictions and major highway entrances which
announce the arrival to Palm Springs.
Policies
.5.25.1. Public and private improvements along principal streets at the City boundary shall clearly distinguish these
streets as major entries to the City, using elements such as signage, landscape clusters, public art,
monuments, walls, water features, and/or other distinctive treatment.
5.25 2. Ustablish and/or maintain, as feasible, primary entry improvements at:
(a) Palm Canyon Drive at Whitewater Expressway
(b) Indian Canyon Drive, at Whitewater Expressway
(c) Ramon Road, east of Gene Autry Trail
(d) E. Palm Canyon Drive, near Gene Autry Trail.
(e) Gene Autry Trail ® Vista Chino
(f) Access points from the Whitewater Expressway and Mid-Valley Parkway.
5.25.7. Establish secondary entry improvements, as feasible, at both ends of Business Route 111 to encourage
tourist travel into the Downtown. The southerly entry may be combined with the primary city entry for E.
Palm Canyon Drive.
5.25.4. Develop the entrance corridor along Highway I I I from 1-10 to Tram Way with indigenous plantings and
artificial cultivation of native wildflowers to guarantee seasonal display. The width of this corridor shall
be an average of 500 feet.
lit/v.l II 54
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CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERINGPARCEL EXHIBIT
DEPARTMENT
:GAL DESCRIPTION: DESIGN BY: SCALE: FILE NO.:
NOT APPLICABLE 1" = 200' N/A
CHECKED BY: W.O. 8 SHEET NO.:
1 OF 1
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE
NOMINATION OF THE GENE AUTRY TRAIL GATEWAY
LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS FOR
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES
FUNDING
WHEREAS, the Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program provides federal funds for
transportation related projects that enhance the quality of life, in or around
transportation facilities; and
WHEREAS, on June 8, 2005, the Riverside County Transportation Commission
("RCTC") approved evaluation criteria and authorized the release for a "Call for
Projects" for 2005 TE Program funds; and
WHEREAS, City of Palm Springs General Plan Objective 5.25 states: "Clearly
identifiable entries to the City from adjacent jurisdictions and major highway entrances
which announce the arrival to Palm Springs;" and
WHEREAS, City of Palm Springs General Plan Policy 5.25.2 (e) states: "Establish
and/or maintain, as feasible, primary entry improvements at Gene Autry Trail @ Vista
Chino;" and
WHEREAS, a clearly identifiable entry into Palm Springs exists on North Palm Canyon
Drive (Highway 111) near Tramway Road, and on Indian Canyon Drive at Tramview
Road, but none exists at Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino; and
WHEREAS, Gene Autry Trail is one of three major arterials from Palm Springs to
Interstate 10, currently carrying approximately 23,000 vehicles per day; and
WHEREAS, the City adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration on February 16, 2005,
for Case No. 5.0929, for the Gene Autry Trail Widening Project (City Project 02-03) to
widen Gene Autry Trail from two to six lanes, including a new raised median, between
Vista Chino and Via Escuela; and
WHEREAS, the Public Works and Engineering Department prepared a Project
Nomination Form for the Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements in
response to the RCTC "Call for Projects" for 2005 TE Program funds; and
WHEREAS, the Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements is classified as
"Division C — Transportation Aesthetics and Scenic Values Projects", in accordance with
the TE Program, and includes: new landscaping of the raised median in Gene Autry
Trail from Vista Chino to Via Escuela, new landscaping along both parkways of Gene
Autry Trail from Vista Chino to Via Escuela, new decorative masonry block walls along
Resolution No.
Page 2
the west side of Gene Autry Trail, and landscaping of the vacant parcel located at the
southwest corner of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino to create a new City of Palm
Springs entry Gateway; and
WHEREAS, the Project Nomination Form estimates a total project cost of $2,220,000
including $400,000 for acquisition of the vacant parcel located at the southwest corner
of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino; and
WHEREAS, the RCTC received 32 project applications requesting $32,000,000 in
federal TE funds in response to the RCTC "Call for Projects" for 2005 TE Program
funds; and
WHEREAS, the RCTC Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) reviewed the 32 project
applications and recommended approval for TE Program funding of 18 projects,
including $1,374,755 for the Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements,
and;
WHEREAS, on November 9, 2005, RCTC formally approved the list of projects for TE
Program funding, recommended by the RCTC TAC; and
WHEREAS, the Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements, if officially
approved by Caltrans and listed in the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP),
and is authorized for funding by the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to
implement the transportation enhancement project, a local match of $845,245 from the
City of Palm Springs will be required; and
WHEREAS, the formal. TE Application to be submitted to Caltrans requires
"Assurances" that the Project Implementing Agency possesses legal authority to
nominate the transportation enhancement and to finance, acquire and construct the
project; and that the Project Implementing Agency authorizes the nomination of the
transportation enhancement, including all understanding and assurances contained
therein, and authorizes the person identified as the official representative of the
Implementing Agency to act in connection with the nomination and to provide such
additional information as may be required.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council, having full legal authority, does hereby nominate the Gene
Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements as a transportation enhancement,
including all understanding and assurances contained therein; and hereby agrees to
finance, acquire, and construct the proposed project.
Section 2. The Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant City Engineer is hereby
identified as the official representative of the City with regard to the transportation
enhancement activity.
Resolution No.
Page 2
Section 3. The City of Palm Springs will maintain and operate the property acquired,
developed, rehabilitated, or restored for the life of the resultant facility or activity,
consisting of the Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements.
Section 4. The City Council agrees to budget in subsequent fiscal years, as may be
submitted by the City Manager, and in consultation with the Director of Public
Works/City Engineer and the Director of Finance/City Treasurer, local funding in the
amount of$845,245.
Section 5. The Director of Finance/City Treasurer is hereby authorized to establish
funds for use by the Director of Public Works/City Engineer from unallocated general
funds approved by the City Manager for use in the services necessary to identify,
appraise, and acquire the 1.72 acre vacant parcel of land located at the southwest
corner of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino, identified by Assessor's Parcel Number
677-220-016; and the Director of Public Works/City Engineer shall commence with the
process to acquire said parcel of land as necessary to implement the transportation
enhancement project.
ADOPTED THIS 14th day of December, 2005.
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 December 14, 2005, by the
following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
0
James Thompson, City Clerk
City of Palm Springs, California