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Home My WebLink AboutCD SMART Merrydale ROWC/TY OF Agenda Item No: 7.a n4 Meeting Date: May 2, 2016 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Department: Community Development Prepared by: Paul A. Jensen, City Manager Approval: Community Development Director TOPIC: Merrydale Road Right -of -Way Drainage Channel — Riparian Restoration SUBJECT: RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE SONOMA MARIN AREA RAIL TRANSIT (SMART) AGENCY TO UTILIZE A PORTION OF THE MERRYDALE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY (ADJACENT TO 380 MERRYDALE ROAD) FOR RIPARIAN RESTORATION RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution BACKGROUND: History In 2006, the voters of Marin and Sonoma County passed the Measure Q sales tax funding the development of the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) commuter rail service along the former Northwestern Pacific Railroad right-of-way (NWP Mainline ROW, now SMART ROW). Based on available funding, the construction of SMART has been planned in phases. Phase 1 (referred to as the "Initial Operating Segment"), which covers the rail service from Sonoma County Airport to Downtown San Rafael is currently under construction and is expected to be completed and operating this year. All SMART construction work is required to follow certain federal and state protocols and regulations, including compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In 2006, SMART certified the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR). The FEIR assessed, among many other topic areas, impacts to biological resources. The FEIR concluded that the SMART development and operations would result in the loss or alteration of riparian vegetation (FEIR Impact BR -7). To mitigate this impact, FEIR Mitigation Measure BR -6 requires riparian vegetation replanting and replacement followed by three (3) years of monitoring. Impacts to riparian vegetation have been identified for the Civic Center SMART station development, so SMART is required to identify local areas of replanting for mitigation. FOR CITY CLERK ONLY File No.: 245 Council Meeting: 05/02/2016 Disposition: Resolution 14113 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2 Project Description For SMART project impacts to riparian vegetation within the Gallinas Creek Watershed, SMART commissioned Blue Point Conservation Science to prepare the Las Gallinas Creek Watershed Riparian Enhancement Plan (September 17, 2015). A copy of this plan is provided as an attachment to this report (Attachment 3). The riparian enhancement plan focuses on the enhancement of two open drainage channels that are tributary to the Las Gallinas Creek. Specifically, these two areas are: 1) the south -to -north flowing channel along the west side of the Merrydale Road right-of-way located west of the Public Storage facility (380 Merrydale Road) referred to as Zone A; and 2) the west -to -east flowing channel between the Public Storage facility and the Marin Ventures property referred to as Zone B (see Attachment 2 for Vicinity/Location Map). Being within the Merrydale Road right-of-way, Zone A is owned by the City of San Rafael. Therefore, City authorization is required to permit SMART to use this area for mitigation. This portion of the 66 - foot -wide, Merrydale Road right-of-way is undeveloped and has an unimproved road. The open channel runs parallel to the western boundary of the right-of-way (adjacent to San Rafael Meadows residences). Eastward of the channel bank, the remaining portion of the right-of-way is level and includes a defined but un -delineated path that provides an informal pedestrian path commencing from the terminus of Merrydale Road (south of the Public Storage facility) eastward through the SMART right-of-way to Civic Center Drive. The enhancement plan details for Zone A are summarized as follows: v The planting area encompasses a 233 -foot long and 10 -foot wide strip extending from the dirt road to the toe or break of the slope. Total planting area is approximately 0.05 acres and is limited to the east side of the channel. y The current vegetation, which for the most part is non-native (rye grasses, English ivy) would be mowed and cleared. No herbicides or pesticides would be used for this work. y Native grass seed would be broadcast over the cleared area and woody plants would be installed. One -half-inch of compost would be sprinkled over the top of this area. ➢ A split -rail wood fence would be installed eastward of the planting zone, which will minimize pedestrian access to the area. Educational signage would be installed defining the project. ➢ The area will be weeded and watered through the duration of the monitoring period (3-5 years). Blue Point Conservation administers the Students and Teachers Restoring a Watershed Program (STRAW). The STRAW program, which is currently working on a similar restoration project along Miller Creek, would lead the program for this SMART restoration work. The enhancement work for both channels is subject to an Environmental and Design Review Permit, which has been filed by SMART (ED16-024). Further, the enhancement work for Zone A is subject to a City encroachment permit/license agreement. In working with SMART and the residents of the area on this project, the residents expressed the importance of maintaining pedestrian access through this portion of the Merrydale Road right-of-way and continuing this access along the SMART right-of-way to Civic Center Drive. Typically, SMART will install a six-foot tall cyclone wire fence at the edge of the SMART right-of-way for safety and to deter public access to the rail track area. In this case, placing the security fence at the right-of-way line would cut-off this historic pedestrian access. As part of this enhancement project, SMART has agreed to shift this fence northwestward for a distance of 20 -feet, which will allow for continued, informal SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3 pedestrian access between the Public Storage facility and the SMART fence commencing at the Merrydale Road right-of-way and terminating at Civic Center Drive (see Attachment 4 for ground photographs of area and SMART fencing plan). ANALYSIS: The enhancement plan has been reviewed for consistency with the San Rafael General Plan 2020. Overall, the project is consistent with the pertinent policies and programs of the General Plan. Specifically, the project would be consistent with Conservation Element Policies CON -1 (Protection of Environmental Resources) and CON -8 (Enhancement of Creeks and Drainageways), and Program CON -8a (Creek Restoration). Approval and implementation of the enhancement plan would be consistent with the Vision North San Rafael 2010 (Vision). Improving the riparian vegetation along the two channels is listed as at top priority action in the Vision. Approval and implementation of the enhancement plan (more specifically the Zone A improvements), would be consistent and not conflict with the goals and direction recommended in the San Rafael Civic Center Station Area Plan (Station Area Plan, amended 2013). Specific recommendations and actions of the Station Area Plan that are pertinent to this project are summarized as follows: Section 3.7 Vehicular Access and Circulation • 1. Provide complete streets treatment such as wider sidewalks, improve bicycle facilities, calmed traffic and improve streetscaping on all streets within the study area, but specifically on Merrydale Road (both north and south side of the railroad tracks)... • 5. Construct a new pedestrian crossing at the west end of the Civic Center Station (connecting Merrydale Road)... • 6. Class 1/11 Bikeways- Merrydale Road north of SMART tracks to Merrydale Road, south of SMART tracks, including a new at -grade crossing on west side of SMART station (Class 1). • 9. Construct vehicular turnaround areas at the ends of Merrydale Road north and south of the railroad tracks. The enhancement plan would not compromise or impact the ability to achieve these recommendations, which are more long-range in their intent and implementation. The proposal for SMART to maintain informal pedestrian access from Merrydale Road to Civic Center Drive (shifting of security fence along the SMART right-of-way) would provide a short-term solution for a pedestrian connection to the SMART station and the Civic Center. The recommendation to "finish -out" Merrydale Road as a complete street with a vehicular turnaround would not occur until the Public Storage site is redeveloped. The open channel would remain under this long-range plan. Section 5. 1.1 Natural Environment Actions • Restore and enhance the natural environment by improving and protecting creeks, wetlands and hillsides as provided in the General Plan and zoning provisions. "Gallinas Creek is day lit along a portion of Merrydale Road and can be restored to provide an attractive amenity for the neighborhood." The enhancement plan would provide restoration of the bank and upland portions of this channel. SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4 Lastly, the approval and implementation of the enhancement plan would be consistent with the mission and effort of the Gallinas Creek Watershed Program. COMMUNITY OUTREACH: SMART and City staff have been working on this project in coordination with representatives from several groups including representatives from the Gallinas Creek Watershed Council, San Rafael Meadows Improvement Association and the County of Marin Department of Public Works. All groups are in support of this restoration effort. For the San Rafael Meadows residents, their primary interest is maintaining informal pedestrian access from Merrydale Road to Civic Center Drive until a more formal pedestrian/bicycle path is developed consistent with the Civic Center Station Area Plan. As discussed above, SMART has agreed to adjustments in their security fence to ensure that this informal access is maintained. FISCAL IMPACT: This project has no fiscal impact on the City of San Rafael. This portion of the Merrydale Road right-of- way is unimproved and the capital and maintenance costs associated with the restoration improvements would be borne by SMART. The City's authorization to SMART for use of the right-of- way would require a City encroachment permit/license agreement. OPTIONS: The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter: 1. Adopt the resolution (Attachment 1) as proposed; 2. Reject the request by SMART; or 3. Direct staff to return with more information. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt resolution (Attachment 1) authorizing SMART to utilize a portion of the Merrydale Road right-of- way (west of 380 Merrydale Road) for riparian restoration work. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution 2. Vicinity/Location Map 3. Las Gallinas Creek Watershed Riparian Enhancement Plan, prepared by Point Blue Conservation Science; September 17, 2015 4. Ground Photographs and Fencing Plan along SMART ROW RESOLUTION NO. 14113 RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE SONOMA MARIN AREA RAIL TRANSIT (SMART) AGENCY TO UTILIZE A PORTION OF THE MERRYDALE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY (ADJACENT TO 380 MERRYDALE ROAD) FOR RIPARIAN RESTORATION The City Council of the City of San Rafael finds and determines that: WHEREAS, in 2006, the Marin and Sonoma voters passed Measure Q, establishing a sales tax funding for the development of SMART. Phase 1 of SMART, the Initial Operating System (IOS) is under construction and is scheduled to be completed in 2016; and WHEREAS, the SMART project is subject to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. In 2006, SMART certified the Sonoma Marin Area Transit Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), which assessed the environmental impacts associated with constructing and operating the commuter rail services. The FEIR assessed, among many other topic areas, development and operational impacts to biological resources. Specifically, the FEIR identified potential construction impacts on riparian vegetation. To offset this impact, the FEIR recommended Mitigation Measure BR -6, which requires replanting and replacing riparian vegetation followed by three (3) years of monitoring; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that the construction of the SMART improvements in and around the Civic Center SMART station will have direct impacts to riparian vegetation. In response, SMART commissioned Point Blue Conservation Science to prepare the Las Gallinas Creek Watershed Riparian Enhancement Plan (September 17, 2015). This plan recommends riparian vegetation enhancement along two, open drainage channels that are upstream of Gallinas Creek. One of the two open drainage channels (referred to as Zone A in the enhancement plan) is within a portion of the City -owned Merrydale Road right-of-way, which is located adjacent to 380 Merrydale Road (Public Storage facility); and WHEREAS, SMART is seeking City authorization to utilize a portion of the City -owned Merrydale Road right-of-way (Zone A) to implement the enhancement plan; and WHEREAS, as required by SRMC Chapter 14.25, SMART has filed an Environmental and Design Review Permit (ED16-024), which is subject to administrative action by City staff. In order to process this Environmental and Design Review Permit application, property owners authorization is required; and WHEREAS, in processing of ED16-024, City and SMART staff consulted with neighborhood residents and considered the recommended actions set forth in the Civic Center Station Area Plan vision document (amended 2013). The Station Area Plan recommends, among others, improvements to the open drainage channels within the Plan area and a pedestrian connection from Merrydale Road South to the Civic Center SMART station; and WHEREAS, the proposed restoration work and implementation of the enhancement plan are not subject to environmental review and are covered by a categorical exemption under Section 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines; and WHEREAS, on May 2, 2016, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to review and consider the request by SMART to utilize a portion of the Merrydale Road public right-of-way for riparian restoration, considered all oral and written public testimony and the written report of the Community Development Department; and WHEREAS, the custodian of documents, which constitute the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based, is the City Clerk. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes SMART to utilize a portion of the City -owned Merrydale Road public right-of-way to implement the Las Gallinas Creek Watershed Riparian Enhancement Plan (September 17, 2015) based on the following findings and conditions: FINDINGS Authorization to permit SMART use of the City -owned road right-of-way for riparian restoration would be consistent with the San Rafael General Plan 2020. The riparian restoration work along the open drainage change would promote General Plan Conservation Element Policies CON -1 and CON -8, as well as Program CON -8a by protecting and enhancing/restoring an environmental resource (drainage way). Further, this project is listed as a `top priority' measure in the Vision North San Rafael 2010. 2. Authorization to permit SMART use of the City -owned road right-of-way for riparian restoration would be consistent with the Civic Center Station Area Plan vision document (amended 2013). Consistent with the recommended actions of this vision document, the project proposes to restore the area around an open drainage channel and maintain an informal pedestrian connection from Merrydale Road through the southern edge of the SMART right-of-way to Civic Center Drive. 3. Authorization to permit SMART use of the City -owned road right-of-way would promote implementation of and would be consistent with the mission and effort of the Gallinas Creek Watershed Program. CONDITIONS OF AUTHORIZATION Use of the City -owned Merrydale Road right-of-way adjacent to 380 Merrydale Road (Public Storage facility) for riparian restoration along the open drainage channel is authorized by the City. This authorization is subject to the approval of an Environmental and Design Review Permit (ED16-024)and an Encroachment Permit/License Agreement. Environmental and Design Review Permit ED 16-024 shall be conditioned to require that the riparian restoration project be monitored for a period of five (5) years following installation (maximum monitoring period recommended by the (Las Gallinas Creek Watershed Riparian Enhancement Plan). 2. Authorization for SMART to utilize the City -owned right-of-way is conditioned upon SMART's commitment to permit informal pedestrian access along the southern edge of the SMART right-of-way from the Merrydale Road right-of-way to Civic Center Drive. City staff shall diligently work with SMART staff to develop a connection from the subject Merrydale Road right-of-way to Civic Center Drive that provides maximum, feasible path/trail access. N I, ESTHER C. BEIRNE, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 14113 was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of said City held on Monday, the 2nd day of May, 2016, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Gamblin, McCullough & Vice -Mayor Colin 1010116 �OIGII ►IQINu111u10D1'X m►rssiia ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Phillips A--.a&W ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk 3 ATTACHMENT 2 MERRYDALE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY WEST OF 380 MERRYDALE ROAD VICINITY/LOCATION MAP 4+ t i A , d l7 ptSNS MOT Gs,t%�Y h ,may 4 U. v� 1107 so 1 ` h u gra �I \ ATTACHMENT 3 LAS GALLINAS CREEK WATESHED RIPARIAN ENHANCEMENT PLAN POINT BLUE CONSERVATION SCIENCE SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 Point Blue Conservation Science ®r-- PRUNUSKE CHATHAM, INC. Las Gallinas Creek Watershed Riparian Enhancement Plan DATE = 17 SEP 15 Prepared for: Sonoma -Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) 5401 Old Redwood Highway, Petaluma, CA 94954 Contact: Bill Gamlen, Chief Engineer (707) 794-3330 Prepared by: Point Blue Conservation Science 3820 Cypress Drive #11, Petaluma, CA 94954 Contact: John Parodi, STRAW Project Manager (707) 781-2555 ext 361 And Prunuske Chatham, Inc. (PCI) 400 Morris Street, Suite G, Sebastopol, CA 95472 Contact: Harold C. Appleton, RPF, CPESC Phone (707) 824-4600 Page I 1 Las Gallinas Creek Watershed Riparian Enhancement Plan Version 20 OCT 15 Point Blue Conservation Science and Prunuske Chatham, Inc. Authors Point Blue Conservation Science — Point Blue's 140 staff and seasonal scientists conserve birds, other wildlife and their ecosystems through scientific research and outreach. At the core of our work is ecosystem science, studying birds and other indicators of nature's health. Visit Point Blue on the web wwwpointblue.ora. Page 12 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 MITIGATION SITE LOCATION AND SUMMARY --------------------------------------------------3 CURRENT CONDITIONS AND ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITY--------------------------- 3 SCHEDULING---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 MONITORING METHODS ANDF PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ------------------------------ 10 ATTACHMENTS A —FIGURE 1. LOCATION MAP---------------------------------------------------=----------------- 12 B — FIGURE 2. TIER 1 INVASIVE SPECIES--------------------------------------------------------- 13 C — FIGURE 3. TYPICAL SPECIFICATION: ACORN PLANTING DETAIL ------------------ 14 D — FIGURE 4. TYPICAL SPECIFICATION: CAGE AND MULCH ---------------------------- 15 Page 13 NTRODUCTION This Riparian Enhancement Plan provides an approach and specifications for implementing riparian enhancement along two channels that are tributary to Las Gallinas Creek in San Rafael, California. Successful implementation of this plan will provide compensatory mitigation for riparian habitat impacts incurred by Sonoma - Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) projects. Point Blue Conservation Science's Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed Program (STRAW) will implement and maintain the mitigation project as per STRAW's standard revegetation procedures. MITIGATION SITE LOCATION AND SUMMARY The following are observations and recommendations for riparian mitigation plantings along the Gallinas Creek channel and the adjacent connecting drainage channel located near 380 Merrydale Road, San Rafael, GPS midpoint location: 37.999595° - 122.538019° (Attachment A, Figure 1). The mitigation site was chosen for its proximity to SMART project work and mitigates for impacts to the Gallinas Watershed. This site is a priority location for the Gallinas Watershed Council, a localenvironmental organization, as mitigation efforts will restore degraded wetland/riparian areas. Furthermore, the site has been verbally approved by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board), the City of San Rafael, and the Marin County Flood Control Division. It is located within County Flood Control easements and is within the City of San Rafael's right of way. STRAW is currently working with the City of San Rafael to finalize plans for assessing impacts to hydraulic function within the channels as well as ensure that the channels are protected in perpetuity. CURRENT CONDITIONS AND ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITY The banks along the channels consist of mostly non-native vegetation that provides minimal shade to the waterways. Additional site descriptions are included below. The ecological functions to be enhanced include providing improved water quality (shading and erosion control), wildlife habitat (native plant species diversity), air quality (carbon sequestration and net oxygen production), as well as aesthetics. The planting area has been divided into two zones. Zone A is the drainage channel along Merrydale Rd and Zone B is Gallinas Creek channel from Merrydale to 101 (Figure 1). Together these sites will provide at least 0.12 acre and 565 linear feet of riparian enhancement. . Page 14 Zone A: Merrydale Road Drainage Channel (Left Bank) This portion of the proposed mitigation area is along the left (east) bank of the channel only (see Figure 1, Zone A). The area is approximately 233 feet long and 10 feet wide From the edge of the dirt road to the toe or break of the slope for a total of .approximately 0.05 acres. Soils are of mixed quality and are composed of fill, disturbed, or side -cast soil. Current vegetation is mostly exotic annual grasses (Italian rye grass and others), English ivy, and Himalayan blackberry with occasional native Coast Live Oak and Valley Oak seedlings (Attachment B, Figure 2). On the opposite side of the channel, a patch of invasive bamboo exists and is beginning to send runners across the channel in one area. The mitigation project will be responsible for controlling the Tier 1 invasive plant species on the left bank only. Underground utilities exist in the area. The Underground Service Alert system (USA) must be contacted to delineate such utilities before any planting or earth -moving proceeds. In addition, the overhead power lines will limit the planting palette to low - growing species (i.e., grasses and shrubs). Other issues that are of concern to the.long-term establishment and perpetuation of native vegetation include potential vandalism and the interface with construction and channel maintenance. Outreach to individual landowners and businesses adjacent to the mitigation site is necessary. All mitigation and revegetation efforts will need to be approved by and coordinated with the appropriate Marin County and City of San Rafael departments and agents. Reveoetation procedure outline: 1. Delineate exact work area with appropriate authorities, stake -holders, landowners, creek maintenance crews, and contact USA. 2. Mark existing native plants to be protected prior to site preparation with pink flagging or tee -posts. 3. Mow all non-native vegetation from top of bank down to channel edge and remove thatch. 4. Incorporate (rototill) one to two inches of clean, screened, certified compost into the top -of -bank area to within +/- two feet of the channel bottom or as demarcated by erosion control specialist. 5. Broadcast seed the area with a native grass seed mix (see Table 1) and roll in seed with a hand -pushed (half - empty) lawn roller 6. Lightly sprinkle �/2 inch of compost on top. Page 1 5 7. Install 110 native woody plants (see Table 1). Exact locations will be color -coded pin -flagged by the revegetation specialist prior to planting. For direct seed planting, see Attachment C, Figure 3. 8. Install mulch around plantings, protection as needed, and drip irrigation (see Attachment D, Figure 4). 9. Irnmediately after installing woody plants, over -seed the area with 1/2 the original seed mix and lightly sprinkle 1/2 inch compost cover on top. 10. Weed and water plantings for the duration of the establishment period (typically 3 to 5 years) as needed. 11.A split -rail fence along the length of the project or similar low -impact aesthetic barrier or demarcation will be necessary to reduce accidental trespass and 'trampling. 12. Install educational signage explaining the project. Page 16 Table 1. Plant Palette for the Merrydale Road Drainage Channel, Gallinas Creek Zone A Leymus triticoides Common Name `Scientific Name Plant Size Protector Number Woody Plants Stipa pulchra 2 lbs. Blackberry (CA) Rubus ursinus Dee+ small 15 Blue elderberry Sambucus nigra ssp. Cerulea Tree+ large 10 Buckeye(CA) Aesculus californica Direct seed large 10 Coffeeberry Frangula californica Dee+ small 15 Coyote -Brush Baccharis pilularis Dee+ small 15 Rose (CA) Rosa californica Dee+ small 15 Sagebrush (CA) Artemisia californica Dee+ small 15 Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia Dee+ small 15 Total to be planted 110 Seed Creeping wildrye Leymus triticoides 2 lbs. Molate Red Fescue Festuca rubra (Molate). 2 lbs. Purple Needle Grass Stipa pulchra 2 lbs. Total seeds to be sowed 6 lbs. Dee+ = Deepot size or larger Tree+ = Treepot size or larger Protector (small) = chicken wire (1 " mesh, 20 gauge) supported with 3 bamboo posts Protector (large) = welded wire (1 1/4" mesh, 16 gauge) supported with 2 U -posts Page 17 Zone B: Gallinas Creek Channel from Merrydale Rd to 101 (Left Bank) The proposed mitigation area is along the left (north) bank only (see Figure 1, Zone B). The area is approximately 330 feet long and 10 feet wide from the edge of the fence to the toe of the slope for a total of 0.07 acres. At the toe of the slope, vegetation -is dominated by salt grass which grades into exotic annuals and shrubs immediately upslope (see Figure 2). A number of Coast Live Oak, Valley Oak, and Black Walnut seedlings can be found in the area, many of which have been broken or girdled by channel maintenance activities (notably weed -whips). The mitigation project will be . responsible for controlling the Tier 1 invasive plant species on the left bank only. Underground utilities exist in the,area. The Underground Service Alert system (USA) must be contacted to delineate such utilities before any planting or earth -moving proceeds. Reveaetation procedure outline: 1. Delineate exact work area with appropriate authorities, stake -holders, landowners, creek maintenance crews, and contact USA. 2. With pink flagging or tee -posts, mark,existing native plants to be protected prior to site, preparation 3. Remove broom and exotic landscape shrubs (check with adjacent landowners — currently some of the exotics function as a visual screen. It may be necessary to phase shrub removal overtime or just hedge/prune some.) 4. Install 30 salt -tolerant native forbs on' the lower bank (see Table 2); and 5. 107 native trees and shrubs on the upper bank (see Table 2). Exact locations will be color -coded pin -flagged by the revegetation specialist the morning of planting. For direct seed planting, see 'Typical Specification: Acorn Planting Detail' attached. 6. Install mulch, protection and drip irrigation around the 107 plantings on the upper banks only (see Typical Specification: Cage and Mulch). 7. Immediately after installing woody plants, seed areas of bare soil on the upper bank with the seed mix (see Table 2), rake in on contour, and broadcast a light (1/2 -inch) screened compost cover. 8. Weed and water plantings for the duration of the -establishment period (typically 3 to 5 years) as needed. . 9. Install educational signage explaining the project. Table 2. Plant Palette for Main Channel, Gallinas Creek Zone B Common Name Scientific Name Plant Size Upper Bank Blue Elderberry Sambucus nigra ssp. Cerulea Tree+ Buckeye(CA) Aesculus californica Direct seed Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia Direct seed Coffeeberry Frangula californica Dee+ Coyote Brush Baccharis pilularis Dee+ Rose (CA) Rosa californica Dee+ Sagebrush (CA) Artemisia californica Dee+ Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia Dee+ Valley Oak Quercus lobata Direct seed Lower Bank Page 18 Protector Number large 10 large 2 large small small small none small large Marsh Baccharis Baccharis glutmosa Dee+ none Mugwort Artemisia douglasiana Dee+ none Total to be planted Seed Creeping'Wildrye Leymus triticoides Molate Red Fescue Festuca rubra (Molate) Purple Needle Grass Stipa pulch'ra Total seeds to be sowed Dee+ = Deepot size or larger Tree+ = Treepot size or larger Protector (small) = chicken wire (1" mesh, 20 gauge); supported with 3 bamboo posts Protector (large) = welded wire (1 1/a" mesh, 16 gauge); supported with 2 U -posts 10 15 15 15 15 15 10 Page 19 SCHEDULING Proper timing is essential for the success of native plant establishment — both direct seeding and for container planting. This is especially critical given the stringent success criteria required by the project regulators. Should circumstances beyond the control of STRAW require a change in scheduling, STRAW'should reserve the right to delay the performance requirements by at least one year. The following is the general schedule required for success: Year 1 - the year of installation • Upon approval of mitigation plan, review mitigation plan with Marin County Flood Control agents in regards to creek easement, maintenance and road development plans. • July — November 2015 — inform neighboring landowners and businesses of the upcoming activity related to the implementation of the mitigation plan. • November 2015 — January 2016 — site preparation • December 2015 —first grass seed application • February 2016 — 4 restoration days'with students. Plant installation and second grass seed application. Some supplemental watering may be needed if drought conditions persist. • February.28th to April 1st, 2016 — install irrigation system • April 1st 2016 — begin watering and weeding, depending on conditions • October 1st 2016 (or as weather dictates) —terminate irrigation for the year and secure drip hose and infrastructure for the winter • October — November 2016 - perform canopy cover measurements, replant as needed Year 2 and 3 — one and two vears after installation • October -November — perform canopy cover measurements, replant as needed • December — submit monitoring report to agencies • Restart plant maintenance and irrigation (see above, Year 1) in April Years 4, 5, 7 and 10 • October— November— perform canopy cover measurements, adjust project as needed • December— subrriit monitoring report to agencies Page 1 10 MONITORING METHODS AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA In the fall of each monitoring year, STRAW will measure plant cover based on the line intercept methods described by Harris, et al 2005.' Measurements will be taken along two parallel lines within the 10 -foot wide planting strips, running parallel to the creek. The first tape -measure line will be placed 3 feet in from the upper bank edge of the project. The second tape -measure line will be placed 7 feet in from the upper bank edge of the project for the length of the project. Native grass, shrub, and tree species will be recorded as well as non-native Tier One invasive species as they intercept with the sampling lines. The length of the lines will be determined to provide representative samples of the vegetation in the mitigation project area. Should the following targets not be met, adjustments (more planting, more weeding, etc.) will be made. If activities are required. beyond the approved scope of work to achieve mitigation goals, Point.Blue will require additional funding from SMART. STRAW shall not be held responsible for adjustments required due to vandalism, fire, or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control. No in -stream structures are present therefore hydraulic functioning will not be measured. Cover targets are as follows: • Year 1: at feast 20% native riparian cover, no more than 5% cover of. Tier 1 invasive species • Year 2: at least 40% native riparian cover, no more than 5% cover of Tier 1 invasive species • Year 3: at least 50% native riparian cover, no more than 5% cover of Tier 1 invasive species 1, . • Year 4: at least 60% native riparian cover, no more than 10% cover of Tier 1 invasive species • Year 5: at least 70% native riparian cover, no more than'10% cover of Tier 1 invasive species • Year 7: at least 75% native riparian cover, no more than 15% cover of Tier 1 invasive species • Year 10: at least 80% native riparian cover, no more than 15% cover of Tier 1 invasive species 1 Harris, R.R., S.D. Kocher, J.M.. Gerstein and C, Olson. 2005. Monitoring the Effectiveness of Riparian Vegetation Restoration. University of California, Center for Forestry, Berkeley, CA. 33 pp. P a 'g e 1 11. ATTACHMENTS: • A — Figure 1. Location Map • B.— Figure 2. Tier 1 Invasive Species • C — Figure 3. Typical Specification: Acorn Planting Detail • D — Figure 4. Typical Specification: Cage and Mulch Page 112 Figure 1. Location of Las Gallinas Creek rnitigation sites.'Planting areas are indicated by Zones A and B. Page 113 Figare 2. Tier 1 Invasive Species identified and mapped. • ,Tp . mp frslmho-91 -lik"AFe f-Rdl40 ff-FER Lo = I o6e r XF-Im"T'm Mreg,L WA~, A 3i I 14it V K-11 CHATRA, CHECKED. ON. f f < WIS" D IRIECT-SEED, - ACOR Nki P L A-IN-11"INdOETAIL LL �'i2sAs 0 COLLAR SCREEN DETAIL NTS Page 1 .15 15FOF ON 7A lh� tvN 9.VP '. 6OMPf---TEP ORBMV,, MU -M WTQWLhAMWVW OY '-.ft-VWErATMF�Ki --v ST: I� xa �-Na-E!5 AWAY F=� OF PLAN -r, MU -611 PEFTH 0-16" W- I TO "W4VS, F�Z�TiM t�� tS A lr)�NET�R TO �pprjVd,M�r PE 6kZ W. -I. A-O� 'N& TW- Ori. PLANT -mu-41M OP4-1-- Wfl�k� 15-��---QHNat NOR 16 r --ALM WZAV 'Wr-WMAVE 04-Y 4N 15ME.6C5 PEFAWAT5? N TI -E RBWUATM, K -W 5,gCLkgz-*. affl-ti, 'A 1'V r 0 %-m :RM TREE & SHR Al ?J,A.L4TfN'ODETML SEBASTOPOL, CA. 9LA72QvIS & MULCK -A JR0WITU 1 1 141*- Figure 4. Typical Specification: Cage and Mulch. ATTACHMENT 4 GROUND PHOTOGRAPHS .lm FENCING PLAN ALONG SMART RIGHT-OF-WAY iw MERRYDALE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY- OPEN DRAINAGE CHANNEL (LEFT) AND UNPAVED PATH SMART RIGHT-OF-WAY NORTH OF PUBLIC STORAGE (380 MERRYDALE ROAD) - MAINTAIN INFORMAL PEDESTRIAN PATH FROM MERRYDALE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY TO CIVIC CENTER DRIVE MERRYDALE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY- OPEN DRAINAGE CHANNEL (LEFT) AND UNPAVED PATH SMART RIGHT-OF-WAY NORTH OF PUBLIC STORAGE (380 MERRYDALE ROAD) - MAINTAIN INFORMAL PEDESTRIAN PATH FROM MERRYDALE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY TO CIVIC CENTER DRIVE ROUTING SLIP / APPROVAL FORM INSTRUCTIONS: Use this cover sheet with each submittal of a staff report before approval by the City Council. Save staff report (including this cover sheet) along with all related attachments in the Team Drive (T:) --> CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS 4 AGENDA ITEM APPROVAL PROCESS 4 [DEPT - AGENDA TOPIC] Agenda Item # Date of Meeting: Click here to enter a date. From: Paul Jensen Department: Community Development Date: 4/20/2016 Topic: Merrydale Road Right -of -Way Drainage Channel - Riparian Restoration Subject: Authorization for SMART to Utilize a Portion of the Merrydale Road Right -of -Way for Riparian Restoration Improvements, west of 380 Merrydale Road (Public Storage Facility). Type: ® Resolution ❑ Ordinance ❑ Professional Services Agreement ❑ Other: APPROVALS ® Finance Director Remarks: approved - 4/21 ® City Attorney Remarks: LG -Approved 4/21/16 with minor changes. ® Author, review and accept City Attorney / Finance changes Remarks: PJ- edits accepted. Report attachments 2-4 contained in a separate .pd£ ® City Manager Remarks: SMART RIPARIAN RESTORATION MERRYDALE ROAD MAY 2, 2016 BACKGROUND • SMART construction/operation subject to CEQA review • SMART Final EIR adopted in 2005 • Construction impacts to wetlands and riparian vegetation identified in EIR • EIR Mitigation Measure BR -7 requires riparian vegetation replanting followed by three years of monitoring RIPARIAN RESTORATION MERRYDALE RD ROW • SMART riparian vegetation impacts to Gallinas Creek Watershed • Enhancement Plan developed by Blue Point Conservation Science • Recommended restoration area in Plan = Merrydale Road right-of-way south of SMART right-of-way, west of 380 Merrydale Road (Public Storage) + Channel south of 380 Merrydale (Flood Control) 0 I j 1 ZONE A 4SS tt No selection. 1: 910.8496 1012.00 x 737.68 (ft) v � �Os-BuiNO r fioen° _--- �; J 0 I j 1 ZONE A 4SS tt No selection. 1: 910.8496 1012.00 x 737.68 (ft) L 4r • r r - Jf� J ' ' r AP r" I&L "I&L FIL'•• �� - - �' 2. 4L L F � . �• •� r r - � j F -Z ti ti- ti 1 �•• � � 16 r OF 1 , LAS GALLINAS CREEK WATERSHED Riparian Enhancement Plan • "STRAW" education program • Restoration., replanting of Zone A • 233 -long and 10 -foot wide strip • Removal current, non-native vegetation • Broadcast native grass seed + install plantings • Install split -rail fence eastward of planting a re a • Monitor for 3-5 years CITY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED • City (property owner) authorization to utilize public right-of-way • Requires Environmental and Design Review Permit • Requires City Encroachment Permit/License Agreement INPUT FROM RESIDENTS & INTERESTED GROUPS Consulted with Gallinas Creek Watershed Council reps + County staff • Coordinated review by residents (San Rafael Meadows) • Support for enhancement work • Worked with SMART to maintain informal pedestrian access from Merrydale Rd (south) to Civic Center Drive Civic T. rrydale/Galinas Creek Area Fencing Plan April 19, 2016 $ P to nk�� • ��3 SEL' � i - a _ � �1 �,, a . Viiia^..' .. A i eT: . 7=7 T-TOM111111111 1 -TAM • .• r � — `• i r % r n: r eh;= ��,A 200ft L op ' � r �4 4f 4. •�� L , r P. r r• CONSISTENT WITH CITY PLANS • Consistent with SR General Plan conservation policies (creek enhancement) • Listed as a "top priority" action in Vision North San Rafael • Would not conflict with recommended actions of the Civic Center Station Area Plan - New Pedestrian Entry NORTHGATE ONE "Alee" of Trees SHOPPING CENTER at Vehicular Entry , New Signalized Intersection I Freitas parxway East Portal LAGOON AT � � a 0000 p 00 NORTHGATE THREE 9m CIVIC CENTER a � 00��sp000C Q0 6apce SHOPPING CENTER PARK QOR0 0 A mp0p`aQ♦i � �1 �••� •i• 00 . oQl�:oQ f'r •i • i b i i¢•` 0p 0000 is� po06000 •o 0 a. / a/ «`�i•• • �OS -10 n jam :• t �1•*f-*z • � ` - •••� C0 41�1, 00 %01, UMO i #i• •• • Rite-Aid N • oil" . �• INFORMAL PEDESTRIAN EDESTRIAN Plaza NORTHGATE :0 Mt. Olivet : 1 • •r• Cemetery :� 1CONNECTION •�� Railroad` • • : ; Undercrossing • • Guide .. •.. s i a:`�i <0 Dogs for ��!`fRRVpq�ERoq _ . •; the Blind o i•s•' •iii ,cr s �; • • ;•i�,°��o RIPARIAN RESTORATION AREA d ••••i a tit •+n%16 Y, � + Urmm:rf J .J QUESTIONS F wor ,OL;