Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - unsigned - 1988-09-09 City Council, Adjourned Regular Meeting City Hall Conference Room Redding, California September 9, 1988 The adjourned regular meeting of the City Council was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Vice Mayor Carter with the following Council Members present: Buffum, Dahl, and Fulton. Mayor Johannessen was absent. Also present were City Manager Christofferson, Assistant City Manager McMurry, City Attorney Hays, Electric Director Lindley, Resources Manager Coleman, Electric Utility Commissioner Barzin, Electric Utility Commissioner Gelonek, City Clerk Nichols, and Secretary to the City Council Moscatello. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME - Request to Place Gravel in Sacramento River (W-030-550-700) Vice Mayor Carter recalled that at the Council meeting of September 6, 1988, Council asked Gary Stacey to secure a commitment from Pete Bontadelli, Director of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), to not require the City of Redding to conduct any further studies for the hydropower project if Redding allowed DFG access at the mouth of Salt Creek to place and stockpile gravel. Gary Stacey, Department of Fish and Game, submitted a letter from Robert Fletcher, Deputy Director of DFG, stating that DFG will not ask the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to require the City to prepare additional studies as a result of the proposed gravel restoration project or for any future projects. Mr. Stacey conveyed DFG's opinion that the studies completed by the City and those to be finalized by October 1, 1988, are adequate for FERC. He indicated that DFG contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and USFWS and NMFS also stated their commitment to not require additional studies. Mr. Stacey did indicate that DFG will expect the City to mitigate fully for all impacts the hydro project will have on fish and wildlife, including any additional spawning and rearing habitat that may develop as a result of the gravel project. He conveyed that DFG has not seen the final studies, and this does not prevent them from reacting to the adequacy of those studies. Mr. Stacey stated that if the project is successful, DFG would like to continue placing gravel in the Sacramento River every year. Council Member Dahl noted that members of the Electric Utility Commission are present and this would be a good time for them to present their concerns. Electric Utility Commission Chairman Gelonek submitted a memo dated September 9, 1988, to Council concerning DFG's proposal to place gravel in the Sacramento River. Commissioner Gelonek expressed the Commission's desire for better relations with DFG. Commissioner Gelonek conveyed that Council acceptance of the gravel enhancement project should not be viewed as a precedent for future projects which may affect the City's environment. The EUC suggests that an environmental impact report be prepared for future projects of this nature. 9/9/88 Commissioner Gelonek pointed out that other agencies will be making studies as a result of DFG's gravel placement; and EUC is recommending that as a result of the City facilitating DFG's project, the City be able to access all of that data relating to the Lake Redding hydro project. He noted that DFG denied the request of the City's environmental consultant for access to recently collected data. Commissioner Gelonek pointed out that gravel enhancement will negate nearly all of the fishery studies done to date, and it is probable that additional studies will be required. Mr. Stacey conveyed that DFG's commitment to not require any additional studies is a positive step; and in terms of the existing studies done, there will not be any negation of those studies in relationship to the gravel enhancement project. DFG and NMFS feel the studies are adequate. Mr. Stacey noted that the in-stream flow study Chairman Gelonek referred to has been ongoing for approximately two years, and DFG will not release to the City consultant or any other consultant any information that is not complete. He conveyed that the data is raw, and as soon as the study is finalized, it will be released. Regarding the requirement for an environmental impact statement, Mr. Stacey noted that DFG's project cannot increase turbidity or impact the domestic water supply. The prescriptions by the Regional Water Quality Board must be followed. Mr. Stacey pointed out that CEQA provides a categorical exemption for enhancement. Chairman Gelonek noted that, as interested parties, the City has the right to review projects which affect the environment. He added that the EUC is not insisting that an EIR be prepared for this project. Mr. Stacey conveyed that USFWS will prepare a study on the effectiveness of this project, the project will be monitored, and the results will be made available to the City. Paul Caitlin, representing the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) stated that USBR is willing to let DFG place gravel in the Sacramento River below Keswick Dam. The permits are currently being processed. Electric Director Lindley stated that the EUC memo reiterates the Electric Departments position, and staff certainly wants Council to be aware of those concerns. Gravel placement will impact the river and if circumstances in the river change, there is an obligation to take those changes into account. Mr. Stacey stated that DFG cannot afford to wait until FERC makes a decision on this project. Because of the low number of salmon, DFG has to deal with the spawning habitat now. DFG has removed the City from any responsibility for additional studies and is trying to cooperate with the City. In response to City Attorney Hays question, Mr. Stacey stated that Robert Fletcher is the Deputy Director of the DFG, and Mr. Fletcher's signature represents Pete Bontadelli, the Director of DFG. He conveyed that he personally spoke with Mr. Bontadelli on Wednesday, and this letter represents Mr. Bontadelli's position and commitment. In response to Council Member Buffum's question, Mr. Stacey stated that DFG will make final data on the in-flow stream study available to the City as soon as it is finalized. He reiterated that it is not appropriate to give raw data to the consultant. 9/9/88 Council Member Buffum noted that Council does not have a written commitment from the other agencies involved. Council Member Fulton pointed out that DFG has met Council's requirement. Mr. Hays stated that the City should issue an encroachment permit to DFG because it is important that there be a bilateral agreement. MOTION: Made by Council Member Fulton, seconded by Council Member Dahl, to allow the Department of Fish and Game access to the Sacramento River at Salt Creek for the purpose of placing gravel into the Sacramento River, and issue the Department of Fish and Game an encroachment permit for same. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 5:52 p.m., Vice Mayor Carter, declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED: ________________________ Vice Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________________ City Clerk 9/9/88