03 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ayes: Councilmembers Arkin, Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None Absent: None 28. Review the Meadowlark Trail Project, CIP No. 22797, and provide direction to staff on whether to proceed with construction Landscape Architect Matt Gruber provided an overview of the Meadowlark Trail and reviewed its history from the 2006 approval of the Meadowlark Housing Development which included construction of this trail as a Condition of Approval. Staff is requesting direction on whether the City should construct the trail per the Conditions of Approval and as approved by the Council on November 16, 2021, or to modify the Planned Unit Development (PUD) to remove the trail from the project. In response to Councilmember Narum, City Attorney Sodergren reported the City received a letter from the developer stating his preference is to have the condition removed. He advised the developer does not want the money back and is agreeable to the funds being used on a trail in an alternative location. In response to Councilmember Testa, Landscape Architect Gruber clarified the agreement between the developer and homeowners was to create a buffer from the open space to the houses and not necessarily from the trail. He confirmed the buffer is not specific to the trail. In response to Councilmember Balch, Landscape Architect Gruber reported a majority of the residents attending the March 2 meeting lived west of Foothill Road. He stated his understanding is the Courdet Trail was not under consideration at the time of the 2006 approval of the development. In response to Councilmember Arkin, Landscape Architect Gruber confirmed the development went through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process and there were no concerns associated with the trail. In response to Mayor Brown, Landscape Architect Gruber confirmed there is no proposed additional parking. He advised it is a short trail intended as an amenity for residents of the development and its immediate vicinity. He reported there are approximately 50 parking spaces associated with the Courdet Trail. He confirmed the Meadowlark Trail is a public trail on public open space and the City does not plan to limit its use to local residents. In response to Mayor Brown, City Attorney Sodergren stated the City generally would not be liable for a fire on the trail started by a discarded cigarette. He stated it would be the responsibility of the homeowners to have fire insurance. In response to Mayor Brown, Landscape Architect Gruber stated the Meadowlark Trail would not connect to the Castleridge Trail or any other trails without crossing a street. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. Larry Messa congratulated Interim City Manager Dolan on his retirement. He expressed his strong opposition to the Meadowlark Trail project as a neighboring resident. He noted issues of traffic, parking violations, and safety concerns have arisen since the Courdet Trail opened and advised the Courdet Trail more than fulfills any neighborhood hiking needs. He noted there would also be future maintenance fees for the City as well. Sandeep Duggal expressed concerns about fire risks on the Meadowlark Trail given the tall grasses and proximity to homes. He reported in 2005 the concept was first developed with acres to remain City Council Minutes Page 8 of 16 May 17, 2022