Title
Consider adopting a Resolution to adopt the 2011 Transportation Agency for Monterey County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as it pertains to the unincorporated areas of Monterey County.
StaffReport
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a Resolution adopting the 2011 Transportation Agency for Monterey County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as it pertains to the unincorporated areas of Monterey County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Bikeway plans contain goals, policies, implementation measures and development standards. The purpose of a bikeway plan is to integrate bicycling and pedestrian elements into the transportation system and to enable safe and efficient bicycle travelling as an everyday means of transportation. Bikeway plans also include strategies for improving connections, increasing coordination and reducing traffic congestion.
The 2008 Monterey County General Bikeways Plan is scheduled to expire in October 2013. The California Department of Transportation (California Streets and Highway Code Section §891.2) requires that bikeway plans must be prepared pursuant to §891.2 and must be updated every five years to be eligible for grant funding. Bikeway plans are exempt from environmental review, according to §15378(b)(4) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, which provides an exemption for, The creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. CEQA review and approval will occur when a project is funded. Section 65401 of the Government Code requires that a determination of conformity with the adopted General Plan be made by a designated planning agency prior to recommending, preparing plans for, or constructing, major public works projects.
The County of Monterey Resource Management Agency - Planning (RMA-Planning) staff reviewed the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (Plan). RMA-Planning staff found the TAMC Plan to be in conformance with the adopted 2010 Monterey County General Plan; found that the document exhibits no conflicts with any policies; and found that the TAMC Plan emphasizes Policies C-4.3 and C-4.7. The 2010 Monterey County General Plan only applies to the Inland Areas of the County. Additionally, the RMA-Planning staff found the TAMC Plan consistent with the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and the 1982 General Plan that governs the Coastal Zone. The projects outlined in the TAMC document would need to be incompliance with those documents at the time of approval, and would also be subject to any forthcoming amendments to the Coastal Land Use Plans and future adopted polices implemented during the forthcoming LCP update at the time the individually listed projects come forward for approval.
On March 27, 2013, the Monterey County Planning Commission (Commission) reviewed the 2011 TAMC Plan as it pertains to the unincorporated areas of the County. The Commission directed staff to report to the Board of Supervisors that the TAMC Plan is in conformance with the adopted 2010 Monterey County General Plan and the Local Coastal Program, and found the TAMC Plan to be exempt from environmental review under section 15378(b) (4) of the CEQA. Planning Commission Resolution No. 13-011 is attached.
On April 25, 2013, the Agricultural Commission's Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) supported and recommended the Board of Supervisors adopt sections of the Plan, under the discretion and purview of the Board of Supervisors
with the caveat that the AAC will be consulted prior to circulation of the CEQA and/or NEPA documents for individual projects with the potential to affect any agricultural land. AAC Minutes of the April 25, 2013 meeting are attached.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Resource Management Agency - Public Works' staff worked closely with TAMC staff to develop the 2011 TAMC Plan. Additionally, TAMC staff and their consultant team worked closely with key stakeholders which included members from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and Technical Advisory Committee, representatives from each of the incorporated cities, bicycle community representatives, AAC, Monterey County Farm Bureau, and the public members at large. The Commission reviewed the TAMC Plan for conformance with the 2010 Monterey County General Plan and the Local Coastal Program. This report was reviewed by RMA - Planning, Long Range Planning, General Services Manager
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact to the General Fund by this action. Funds to implement the County projects in the TAMC Plan will come from Local, State, and Federal grant programs.
Prepared by: Patricia A. Lopez, Management Analyst III, (831) 755-8998
Approved by:
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Robert K. Murdoch, P.E., Director of Public Works
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Benny J. Young, RMA Director
Dated: July 5, 2013
Attachments: Resolution; Planning Commission Resolution No. 13-011; Agricultural Advisory Committee Minutes dated April 25, 2013; Transportation Agency for Monterey County BPMP August 2011 (Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board)