Title
Adopt a resolution to establish the Big Sur Byway Organization as part of implementing the Big Sur Coast Highway Management Plan
Project File: REF190018- Establishment of the Big Sur Byway Organization
Location: Big Sur Land Use Plan, State Route (Highway) 1
Proposed CEQA Action: Not Applicable - Not a Project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Adopt a resolution to establish the Big Sur Byway Organization as part of implementing the Big sur Coast Highway Management Plan (Exhibit A);
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Big Sur Coast Highway Management Plan (BSCHMP) was completed in March 2004 and was the culmination of a multi-year effort to reach consensus among residents and agencies responsible for planning and maintenance along Highway 1. The BSCHMP created a management framework for the continued safe and efficient operation of Highway 1. Through the process, the myriad of local, state and federal interests were represented by a 19 member steering committee that was led by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) with funding from the Federal Highway Administration. This funding was available because the plan was formally incorporated as part of the National Scenic Byways Program and designated an All American Highway in 1996.
As part of the approved BSCHMP that came from this steering committee, Chapter 6 (Exhibit B) provides direction regarding implementation of the plan and directs the formation of the Big Sur Byway Organization in order to implement a program of actions to carry out goals and policies within the plan. The Big Sur Byway Organization (Organization) is meant to represent and interpret the Big Sur Coast Highway Management Plan while concurrently providing an opportunity for all stakeholders to be heard and have meaningful input in a public forum. The Organization, which would meet publicly no less than once every six months, would consist of the following representatives:
• 5 Resident Representatives (1 each from: Big Sur Highlands; Mid Coast; Big Sur Proper; South Coast; 1 at large)
• 1 Business Representative (1 from the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce)
• 3 Public Agency Representatives (1 each from: U.S. Forest Service; California Department of Parks and Recreation; California Department of Transportation)
The Resident Representatives would be nominated by the Fifth District Supervisor, and appointed by a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors.
Although there are no County Staff who will participate in the Organization, the Board is being asked to consider this resolution because the Organization represents a diverse number of Monetery County stakeholders who will work closely with the community and involve the public in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration to implement the CHMP. Additionally, as noted above, the Board would appoint representatives. Board adoption of the attached resolution recommending formation of the Byway Organization will be the first step in providing a framework to carry out this process. In addition, formation of the Byway Organization provides the potential opportunity to receive outside funding for implementation actions identified by the group.
This item was originally brought before the Board of Supervisors on August 15, 2006. Ultimately, the item was pulled from the agenda on behalf of CalTrans. According to the minutes from that hearing, it was pulled for “additional issues to be worked through”, and the item was not voted on. Based on correspondences, one of the main issues needing to be resolved was the availability of staff resources to properly administer the Organization. Resolution of the issues was never reached, and the item did not return to the Board for decision. A recent offer by the Monterey Convention and Visitors Bureau to provide some level of administrative support has revitalized the conversation surrounding the formation of the Organization in coordination with local leaders in the Big Sur area.
CEQA - Not Applicable:
Formation of the Big Sur Byway Organization does not constitute a project under CEQA. Per CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) “projects” do not include “Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment”.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Office of County Counsel has reviewed the resolution as to form.
FINANCING:
Funding for staff time associated with bringing this resolution to the Board is included in the FY2018-19 Adopted Budget for RMA-Planning. No additional financial impacts are expected. The Big Sur Byway Organization is not staffed by County Employees, and the Organization only serves to recommend priorities within the overall Coast Highway Management Plan (CHMP), clarify issues, provide a forum for all stakeholders to be heard, and to represent and interpret the CHMP to the public. Any future County projects, or modifications of existing procedures to implement the overall CHMP pursuant to section 6.3 of Exhibit B, will still need to be brought forward for consideration by the County. This analysis would include all project specific fiscal impacts at the time.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This action represents establishment of an organization that will implement the Big Sur Coast Highway Management Plan to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of Highway 1 in a manner that preserves, protects, and restores the scenic, natural, and cultural character and qualities of the Highway corridor. This action benefits the economic vitality of businesses, and well-being of residents in the Big Sur area while also protecting users of Highway 1 through thoughtful management of the infrastructure in accordance with adopted regulations.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
X Economic Development
X Administration
Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Brandon Swanson, Interim RMA Chief of Planning
Approved by: John M. Dugan, FAICP, RMA Deputy Director of Land Use and Community Development
The following attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Exhibit A - Draft Resolution Establishing the Big Sur Byway Organization
Exhibit B - Chapter 6 of the Big Sur Coast Highway Management Plan (BSCHMP)
cc: Front Counter Copy; California Coastal Commission; The Open Monterey Project (Molly Erickson); LandWatch (Executive Director); John H. Farrow; Janet Brennan; Project File REF190018