HomeMy WebLinkAbout101519 - Minutes - Study SessionCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
OCTOBER 15, 2019
STUDY SESSION: MPT/Tye called the Study Session to order at 5:30 p.m.
in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government Center,
21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Chou, Low, Lyons, MPT/Tye
Absent: M/Herrera was excused.
Staff Present: Dan Fox, City Manager; Ryan McLean, Assistant City Manager; Dave
DeBerry, City Attorney; David Liu, Public Works Director; Anthony Jordan, Parks
Maintenance Supervisor; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Amy Haug,
Human Resources and Christy Murphy, Parks and Recreation Superintendent; Marsha
Roa, Public Information Coordinator; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator; and,
Kristina Santana, City Clerk.
Also Present: Consultant Richard Fisher, Richard Fisher Associates.
► CANYON LOOP TRAIL CONCEPTUAL DESIGN:
PRD/Wright presented the Canyon Loop Trail Conceptual design rehabilitation
project to update the existing trail and stated there is funding of about $485,000
from multiple funding sources for construction. Staff provided this information to
the Parks and Recreation Commission in September for their input and feedback.
The Canyon Loop Trail is located within the center of the Summitridge Park Trail
system between the Ridge Route Trail to the north and the Grand View Trail to the
south which is comprised of nearly five miles of trail adjacent to the Diamond Bar
Center. This system currently consists of five trails and three trailheads. There is
access available from Steep Canyon with additional access points along Winwood
Drive and Peak Court.
The plan includes three benches with shade structures, stairs with handrails and
drainage crossings to prevent runoff and soil erosion along the trail. There are a
couple of areas for retaining walls where necessary and wayfinding signs where
appropriate, along with signage about flora and fauna as well as, the views and
vistas. In some areas the trail will be widened to provide a five-foot wide trail to
accommodate at least two people walking side-by-side and improve safety.
Staff continues to work with Richard Fisher Associates to determine the final plans
and specifications, address necessary CEQA requirements, look at exact locations
onsite to lessen any impact to the environment to the extent possible, and work on
the wayfinding and directional signs.
MPT/Tye asked for confirmation that CEQA would have to provide guidance on this
project and PRD/Wright responded that if this project impacts the environment,
species of animals, plants, oaks, cactus and others, it is a process that must be
considered.
OCTOBER 15, 2019 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
C/Lyons asked if the $485,000 covers the entire project and PRD/Wright confirmed
that it does.
C/Lyons asked if the trail near the auxiliary parking on the left of the Diamond Bar
Center was part of the Canyon Loop and PRD/Wright said no, that it was the
Grandview Trail. It will connect to the Canyon Loop Trail at the rest area.
C/Lyons asked if there was a drinking fountain at the parking lot and PRD/Wrighi
said he did not believe there was. C/Lyons felt staff should look at putting one in.
PRD/Wright said that locating a drinking fountain in that area would likely be
significantly expensive and many hikers return to the Diamond Bar Center where
there is parking and other amenities available.
C/Chou said he has taken the trail a few times. He pointed to an area on the map
where there is a very steep hill where the north and south connect and said it would
be helpful to have steps in that area.
PRD/Wright concluded stating that staff plans to bring this matter back to the City
Council in February for consideration of bidding the project and continue with the
work during the summer.
MPT/Tye asked why it would take four months to get back to the City Council and
PRD/Wright explained that staff needs to create the construction documents,
specifications, CEQA review and specify where each of the amenities will be
placed. CM/Fox added that the bid process takes time as well.
C/Lyons asked if the funding came from grant money and PRD/Wright responded
yes, from Measure A, Measure W, Land Conservation Fund, Park Development
Fund with the largest being the Habitat Conservation Grant of $285,000 from the
State of California.
Public Comments: None
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City Council,
MPT/Tye recessed the Study Session at 5:43 p.m. to the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristina Santana
City Clerk
OCTOBER 15, 2019 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 5'" day of November, 2019.
Carol Herrera
Mayor