HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 2021-04RESOLUTION NO. 2021-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND APPROVING THE CANYON LOOP TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. A. RECITALS 1. The proposed Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project calls for the following improvements along the Canyon Loop Trail within the Summit Ridge Park Trail System including: (a) widening the existing trail along most of the South Canyon Loop to approximately five (5) feet; (b) adding gabion retaining walls in five (5) areas along the South Canyon Loop to stabilize soils and reduce erosion; (c) providing stairs with handrails and cobblestone swales to facilitate ease of access and improve safety and drainage; (d) adding six (6) drainage crossings along South Canyon Loop to improve drainage and reduce erosion; (e) adding two (2) shade structures with benches and trash receptacles along the South Canyon Loop and one (1) shade structure with benches and trash receptacles along the North Canyon Loop at identified view points; (f) lodging pole fences with mounted "Trail Closed" signs in five (5) areas along the South Canyon Loop to restrict trail users from entering informal trail areas off the existing South Canyon Loop; (g) adding a perforated bench on the west end of the South Canyon Loop; (h) installing wayfinding signs on the eastern and western ends of the Canyon Loop Trail; (i) adding interpretive signage in various locations to promote awareness of sensitive biological habitat and species, including the California gnatcatcher and cactus wren, and to indicate that the trail was implemented in a manner to minimize biological resources impacts; and 0) providing long-term maintenance for these project components. 2. These improvements are collectively referred to herein as the "proposed project" or the "Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project;" Resolution No. 2021-04 3. The proposed project is subject to the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq. and California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et seq. ("CEQA"); 4. For CEQA purposes, the City of Diamond Bar is the lead agency for the proposed project, and the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar is the decision -making body for the proposed project; 5. The City of Diamond Bar prepared an initial study to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project, 6. The initial study concluded that, with the implementation of mitigation, all of the proposed project's potential environmental impacts can be reduced to a level of less than significant and a draft mitigated negative declaration was prepared accordingly; 7. On October 16, 2020, the City of Diamond Bar filed a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration with the Los Angeles County Clerk and the Office of Planning and Research (State Clearinghouse # 2020100291); 8. The Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was also provided to the public pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15072(b); 9. The initial study and draft mitigated negative declaration were made available for a 30-day public review and comment period from October 16, 2020 to November 16, 2020 in compliance with Sections 15072 and 15105 of the CEQA Guidelines; 10. The initial study and mitigated negative declaration were prepared and circulated in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines; 11. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15074(d), the City of Diamond Bar prepared a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project; 12. The City Council has considered the initial study and mitigated negative declaration together with information and testimony presented by City staff, the public, and other interested parties at a public hearing held on February 2, 2021; and 13. All other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred. B. RESOLUTION NOW, THEREFORE, it is found, determined and resolved by the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar as follows: 2 Resolution No. 2021-04 1. This City Council hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set forth in the Recitals, Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct; 2. On the basis of the whole record, including the initial study, mitigated negative declaration, and comments received, there is no substantial evidence that the proposed project will have a significant effect on the environment; 3. The initial study and mitigated negative declaration reflect the City of Diamond Bar's independent judgment and analysis pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21082.1(c)(3); 4. Therefore, the City Council hereby adopts the mitigated negative declaration for the proposed project; 5. The City Council hereby adopts the mitigation monitoring and reporting program for the proposed project which is located within the mitigated negative declaration; 6. The City Council hereby approves the Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project; 7. The City Council hereby delegates the authority to the City's Director of Parks and Recreation to file a Notice of Determination with the Los Angeles County Clerk pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15075(a); and 8. The record of proceedings on which the City's decision is based is located at the Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California, 91765. The custodian of the record of proceedings is the City Clerk of the City of Diamond Bar. PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 2"d day of February, 2021 by the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar. Nancy Lyons, Mayor 3 Resolution No. 2021-04 ATTEST: I, Kristina Santana, City Clerk of the City of Diamond Bar, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced, passed, approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 2nd day of February 2021, by the following vote to wit: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSTAINED: COUNCIL MEMBERS Chou, Liu, Tye, MPT/Low, M/Lyons None None None Kristina Santana, City Clerk 112