HomeMy WebLinkAbout _ 4.11(f) - Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project � � �' � � �
� � � ' � �' � � ' � ` CITY OF REDDING
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: December 17, 2024 FROM: Michael Webb, Public Works
ITEIVI NO. 4.11(� Director
***APPROVED BY***
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mwebb@cityofredding.org btippin@cityofredding.org
SUBJECT: 4.11(f�--Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring
Pro am; and A rove the Victor and C ress Avenues Active Trans ortation Pro'ect
Recommendation
Approve and autharize the following actions relative to the Victor and Cypress Avenues Active
Transportation Project:
(1) Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring and
Environmental Commitment Program; and
(2) Approve the Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project as described,
thereby, satisfying the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
Guidelines §15074.
Fiscal Impact
Approval of the Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project (Project) alang wi�h
adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and the Mitigation Monitoring and
Environmental Commitment Program (MMP) allows the project to move toward the final design
and construction phases. There is no fiscal impact as a direct result of adopting the NIND, MMP,
and approving the project.
The total project cost is estimated at $10,408,754 with $7,822,000 funded by the Active
Transportation Program, $1,448,775 funded by the Federal Highway Improvement Program, and
the remaining $1,137,979 wi11 be locally funded by the Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF)
Program.
Alte�native Action
The City Council (Council) may choose not to adopt the MND and the MMP, and not approve
the project as described. Without approval, the project would not be able to proeeed as a City of
Redding (City) project, as it would not comply with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA).
Report to Redding City Council December 12,2024
Re: 4.12(f) - Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project Page 2
Background/Analysis
The purpose of the project is to safely accommodate active transportation, including people that
walk, bike and ro11. The project is needed because the roadway and trail segments included in the
project area have discontinuous pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and for some sections, no
facilities. Pedestrians and bicyclists are required to share roadways with motor vehicles, take
circuitous detours, or use unimproved paths.
The project includes: shared use pathways; sidewalk improvements; ADA compliant curb,
gutter, and ramps; crosswalks, raised concrete pedestrian medians, and rapid flashing beacons;
buffered bicycle lanes; lighting improvements; protected intersection improvements; a round-
about intersection; wayfmding signage; and a pedestrian bridge. Construction work will consist
of earthwork, trenching, vegetation removal, utility relocation, drainage installation and
modification, tree planting, installation of irrigation, paving, striping, and sign
replacement/installation. Utilities will be relocated as needed to implement the ADA comp]iant
improveinents. Drainage improvements include the installation, modification, removal, or
replacement of the City storm drain utility infrastructure to ensure positive drainage of the non-
motorized improvements. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025 and continue through
2026.
An Initial Study (IS) was prepared to satisfy the CEQA requirements. It describes why the
project is being proposed and the potential impacts to the existing environment. The IS shows
that the proposed project could have a signifieant effect on biological resources, but with
implementation of mitigation measures, those impacts will be reduced to a level considered less
than significant. The mitigation measures and conservation measures to be implemented are
common practices and include, but are not limited to, biological pre-construction surveys, in-
water work windows, water quality monitoring, impact minimization, exclusionary fencing, and
erosion control.
Based on the conclusions made in the IS, an MND was prepared, The MND describes the
project, including mitigation measures, and makes the determination that there will be no
significant effect on the environment provided that the defined mitigation measures are
implemented as part of the project. In addition, an MMP has been written and incorporated into
the MND (CEQA Section 21081.6). The MMP will be used by City staff, contractors, agencies,
and monitoring personnel during and after the project to ensure effective implementation of the
adopted mitigation measures outlined in the MND.
The ISIMN�D/1VIMP documents were sent to the State Clearinghouse far a 30-day public review
period and distribution to pertinent state agencies. They were sent to local resource agencies, the
Shasta County Clerk, and posted on the Public Works Department website. A public notice was
also sent to landowners in the vicinity of the project and posted in the local newspaper. Two
comment letters were received during the public review period.
Environmental Review
The City is the lead agency for the project pursuant to CEQA. As the lead CEQA agency, the
Council is authorized to adopt the MND per Redding Municipal Code Section §18.24.070.E and
state 1aw. Upon adoption of the MND and approval of the project by the Council, a Notice of
Determination will be filed with the Shasta County Clerk's Office and the State Clearinghouse
completing the environmental review process. The IS/MND is available in the Public Works
Department and is currently available online at:
Report to Redding City Council December 12,2024
Re: 4.12(f) - Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project Page 3
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The California Department of Transportation will conduct an independent review of the project
as it applies to the National Environmental Policy Act. No further action is required.
Council P�^iority/City ManageN Goals
This agenda item is a routine operational item.
Attachments
^Location Map
^Fina1 MND VCAT
^Fina1 MMP VCAT
^Response to Comments VCAT
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I AT N A IV CLA TI N
�ICTOR AND CYPRESS AVENUES ACTIVE TRANSP4RTATI(JN PROJECT
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE N4. 2024110090
SUSJECT
Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
T1�e City of Redding(City) proposes to construct tl�e Victar and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation
Praject (project). The purpose of the project is to safety accommodate active transportation, including
people that walk,bike and ro11. The project is needed because the roadway and trail se�nents included in.
the projeet area 11ave discontinuous pedestrian and bicyele facilities, and for same sections, no faeilities.
Pedestrians and bicyc�ists are required to share roadways with mator vehicies, take circuitous detours or
use unimproved (dirt surface) paths. Under existzng coi�ditions, some disabled pedestrzans do not have a
choice and inust find alternative modes af transportation or share the vehicuiar traveied way,
The projeet ineludes; shared use pathways; sidewalk improvements; ADA com�pliant curb, gutter, and
ramps; crosswalks,raised coi�crete pedestrian medians, and rapid flashing beacons;buffered bicycle lanes;
lighting improvements; protected interseetion improvements; a round-about intersection; wayfinding
signage; and a pedestrian bridge. Construction work will consist of earthwork, trenching, vegetation
removal, utility relocation, drainage installation and modi�eation, tree planting, installation of irrigation,
paving, striping, and sign replacelnentlinatallation. Utilities will be relocated as needed to implement the
ADA eompliant improvements. Drainage improvements include the installation,madification,removal,or
replacement of the City storm drain utility infrastructure to ensure positive drainage of thc non-motorized
impravements. The improvements wi11 be constructed the City right of way and within easement areas.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025 and continue through 2026.
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The approximately 28.74-aere project area largely eonsists of existing urban road carridars and adjaining City
right-of=way. Adjacent development includes private and commercial businesses, affices, and single and
multiple-fam�ly residences. A private schoal and a cemetery are near the westernmost end of the Cypress
Avenue segment,while the southernlnost extent of the Victar Avenue segment ends at its crossing over Churn
Creek. A large undeveloped, but previously dist�urbed private parcel is at the northeast corner of the
CypressNictor intersection, The City designates East Cypress Avenue, Vietor Avenue, and Hartn�ll Avenue
as Minor Arterials; while the side streets that intersect these larger roads, inciuding Alfreda Way, are
designated as Local Roads with much lower traffic volumes.
Vegetation in the project area is mainly landscape ornamentals, intermixed with areas dominated by native
oa1{s and pines. The southerrs extent of the Victor Avenue segment ends in the designated 4pen Space on the
north side of Churn Creek, The ereek, itself,is just outside of the project area,
Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project Page 1
Dccelnber 2024
City of Redding
Public Works Department,Engineering Division Mitigated Negative Declaration
FINDINGS AND DETERMINATION
The City of Redding conducted an Initial Study(attached)that determined that the proposed project could
have significant environmental effects on biological resources, Impl��nentation of specific z�aitigation
measures identified below will avoid or mitigate the potentially significant enviranmental effeets identified,
and the preparation of an environmental impact report will not be required.If there are substantiai changes
that alter the charaeter or impacts of the proposed project,another environmental impact determinatian will
be necessary.
Prior to approval of the project,the lead agency may conclude, at a publie hearing,that certain znitigation.
measures identified in the Mitigated Negative Declaration are infeasible or undesirable.In accordance with
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 150'74.1, the lead ageney may delete those
mitigation measures and substitute other measures that it deternunes are equivalent ar�nore effective. The
leac�ageney would adopt writteil findings that the new measure(s) is(are) equivaient or more effective in
mitigating or avoiding potential significant effeets and that it wotzld not cause any potentially significant
effect on the ezlvironznent.
1) Based on the whole record(including the Initial Study and any supparting doeumentation} and the
mitigation measures incorporated inta the project,the City of Redding has determined that there is no
substantial evic�ence that the prajeet will have a significant effect on the enviraz�nent,
2} The Mitigated Negative Declaration,with its supporting documentatian,refleets the independent
judgment and analysis af the lead ageney,whieh is the City of Redding.
DOCUMENTATION
The attached Initial Study dacuments the reasons to support the above determination.
MITIGATION MEASURES
The fallowing mitigation measures will be incorporated into the project to minimize patentiat effects on
biological resources:
MM-1 Removal of large trees(10-inch db11 or greater}with cavities,crevices,or snags shall oecur before
maternity cotonies form{i,e.,prior to March 1)or after young are volant(i.e,, after August 15}. If
construetion(inel�ding the removal of large trees) occurs during the non-volant season(March 1
through August 15), a qualified biologist shall conduct a pre-canstructian survey of'the project
area to locate maternity colonies and identify measures to protect the colonies frozn disturbance.
The preconstruetion survey will be performed i10 more than seven days prior to the ilnplementation
of construetion aetivities. Tf a lapse in eonstruction activities for seven days or longer oecurs
between those dates, another pre-consh-uetion survey will be perforined, If a maternity colony is
fount3 a qualified biologis� {in consuitatian with the CDFW) will determine the extent of a
construction-free buffer zone �o be established around the nest. If practicable, removal of large
trees with cavities vviil occur before maternity colonies form(i.e.,prior to March 1)or after young
are capable of flying(i.e., after August 1 S).
1VIM-2 If constructian is to oecur during the nesting season for birds (February 1 through August 31} or
raptors(Novelnber 1 through July 15)a qualified biologist will conduct a pre-construction survey
Pagc 2 Victor and Cypress Avenucs Active Transportation Project
Deceinber 2024
City of Redding
Mitigated Negative Declaration Public Works Department,Engineering Division
to locate active nests. The pre-construction survey will be cond�cted no more than seven(7)days
prior to the initiation af construction activities, If a�apse in construction activities occurs for 7
days or longer, another pre-constructio�� survey will be perfornzed. If an active nest is found, a
qualified biologist(in consultation with the CDFW)will detennine the extent of a buffer zone to
be established around the nest. The pre-construetion survey may be eonducted eoneurrently with
pre-construction surveys for other special-status species.
PUszic R.�v1Ew DrsTulBu�r�oN
Draft copies or notice of this M�tigated Negative Declaration werc distr�ibuted to:
■ State Clearinghouse
■ Shasta County Clerk
■ Califori�ia Department of Transportation District 2
■ California Department of Fish and Wildlife District l.
■ Central Va11ey Regional Water Quality Control Board
■ California Hzghway Patrol.
■ Native Alnerican Heritage Coznmission.
■ State 4ffiee of Historic Preservation
■ All property owners within 300 feet of the project area boundary
PUBLIC REVIEW
(X) Draft document refei�red for colmnents 11/4/2024-12/3/2024
Date
O No comments were received during the public review period.
( } Comments were received but did not address the draft Mitigated Negative Declaxation findings or
the aeeuraey/eompleteness of the Initial Study. No response is neeessary. The letters are attached.
(x) Co�nments addressing the finc�ings of the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration andlor accuracy or
completeness of the Initial Study were received during the publie review periad. The letters and
responses follow(see Attachment D,Response to Comments).
Victor and Cypress Avcnues Active Transportation Project Pagc 3
Dccembcr 2024
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MITIGATION MONITORING AND
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT PROGRAM
VICTOR AND CYPRESS AVENUES ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO. 2024110090
MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM CONTENTS
This document is the Mitigation Monitoring and Environmental Commitment Program(MMP/ECP)for
the Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project(project). The M1VIP/ECP includes a brief
discussion of the legal basis for, and the purpose of,the program, discussion, ancl direction regarding
complaints about noncompliance; a key to understanding the monitoring matrix; and the monitoring
matrix.
LEGAL BASIS OF AND PURPOSE FOR THE MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM
California Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 requires public agencies to adopt mitigation
monitoring or reporting programs whenever certifying an environmental ilnpact report(EIR) or a
mitigated negative declaration(MND). This requirement facilitates im�plementation of all mitigation
measures adopted through the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)process.
The 1VIMP contained herein is intended to satisfy the requireinents of CEQA as they relate to the Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the project. It is intended to be used by City of
Redding(City) staff,participating agencies,project contractors,and mitigation monitoring personnel.
during implementation of the project.
Mitigation is defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15370 as a measure that does any of the following:
■ Avoids impacts altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.
■ Minimizes impacts by limiting the degree or Inagnitude of the action and its implementation.
■ Rectifies impacts by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the impacted environment.
■ Reduces or eliminates impacts over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life
of the project.
■ Compensates for impacts by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments.
The intent of the MMP is to provide for the effective implementation and enforcement of adopted
mitigation measures and permit conditions. The MMP will provide for monitoring of construction
activities as necessary, onsite identification and resolution of environmental problems, and proper
reporting to City stafF.
In addition to meeting the CEQA MMP requirements,this document incorporates environmental
commitments, standard practices,conservation ineasures, and best management practices(BMPs). The
environmentai commitments may be part of the project design, standard contract specifications, City
requirements, or conservation measures. These commitments are part of the project,but they do not
Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project Pa�;c 1
November 2024
Ciry of Reddin�
Public Warks Department,Engineering Division Mitigation Monitoring Progam
constitute mitigation under CEQA as they have not been incorporated to reduce a potentially significant
impact.
MITIGATION MONITORING/ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT PROGRAM TABLE
The 1VIMP/ECP Table identifies the mitigation measures and cominitments proposed for the project. The
tables have the following columns:
■ Mitigation Measure: Lists the mitigation measures identified within the Initial Study for a specifc
potentially significant impact, along with the nuinber for each measure as enumerated in the Initial
Study.
■ Environmental Commitment: Lists the commitrnents identi�ed within the project that are not
related to a potentially significant CEQA impact,but further provide for environmental resource
protection.
■ Timing: Identifies at what point in time,review process, or phase the mitigation measure wi11 be
completed.
■ Agency/Department Consultation: References the City department or any other public agency with
which coardination is required to satisfy the identified mitigation measure.
■ Verification: Spaces to be initialed and dated by the individual designated to verify aclherence to a
specific mitigation measure.
NONCOMPLIANCE COMPLAINTS
Any person or agency may file a complaint asserting noncompliance with the mitigation measures and
commitments associated with the project. The com�plaint sha11 be directed to the City in written form,
providing specific information on the asserted violation. The City shall investigate and determine the
validity of the complaint. If noncompliance with a mitigation measure has occurred, the City shall take
appropriate action to remedy any violation. The compliant shall receive written confirmation indicating
the results of the investigation or the final action corresponding to the particular noncompliance issue.
Pa�;e 2 Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project
November 2024
MITIGATION MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT PROGRAM TABLE
FOR THE VICTOR AND CYPRESS AVENUES ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT
MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO. 2024110090
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS
The following environmental commitments will be incorporated into the project to further protect environmental and biological resources:
Timing! Enforcementf �erification
B�st Managernent Practices Irnplernentatia�n Monitaring (llate and Initials}
Air,Qaality(AQ)
AQ-1.Nontoxic soil stabilizers will be applied accarding to manufacturer's specification to all Construction Construction
inactive construction areas. Management
AQ-2.Al1 grading operations wi11 be suspended when winds(as instantaneous�usts)exceed Construction Construction
20 miles per hour. Managelnent
AQ-3.Water a11 stock�iles,access roads,and disturbed or exposed areas,as necessary,to prevent Construction Construction
airborne dust. Management
AQ-4.Pursuant to the California Vehicle Code(Section 23]14(e)(�))(California Legislative Construction Construction
Information 2016),all trucks hauling soil and other loose material to and from the construction Mana�ement
siYe will be covered or will maintain at least 6 inches of freeboard(i.e.,minimum vertical
distance between top of load and the�railer).
AQ-5.All public roadways used by the project contractor will be maintained free from dust,dirt, Construction Construction
and debris caused by construction activities. Streets will be swept at the end of the day if visible Management
soil materials are carried onto adjacent public paved roads.
Biological Resources(BIO)
BIO-1.As required by the City of Redding Stormwater Quality Management and Discharge Preconstruction/ � City/�Construction ��
Control Ordinance,an erosion and sediment control plan(ESCP)or will be prepared to Construction ivlanagement
address BMPs that will be used to prevent erosion and sediment loss.The ESCP must also
address dust control,spill control,pollution control,waste management,equipment
maintenance and fueling,and materials storage within the project site.
BIO-2.Appropriate erosion and sediment control measures(e.g.,silt fences,straw wattles) Construction Construction
shall be in place prior to the onset of construction activities near jurisdictional waters and in Management
project areas where there is a potential for surface runoff to drain into jurisdictional waters. The
measures sha11 be monitored and maintained until construetion activities have ceased.
Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project Pa�c 3
November 2024
Ciry of Reddin�
Public Warks Department,Engineering Division Mitigation Monitoring Progam
' Tirningl Enforc�mentl Veri�cation
Best Management Practices Irnplementation Monitoring '{Date an�l Initiais);
BIO-3.High visibility fencing,flagging,or markers will be installed along the edges of the Construction Construetion
work zone near avoided waters and riparian areas.In addition,equipment entry and exit Management
points;and staging,storage,and stoekpile areas must be clearly marked prior to the entry of
mechanized e ui ment or vehicles into the construction area.
Cuiturai Itesources(CR};
CR-1.If previously unidentified cultural materials are unearthed during construction,it is Construction City/Construction
City/Caltrans policy that work be halted in that area until a qualified archaeologist can assess the 1Nlanagement
significance of the find.Additional archaeological surveys will be needed if the proposed project
undertaking limits are exYended beyond the present survey APE limits.
CR-2.If huinan remains are discovered during project activities,all activities in the vicinity of Construction City/NAHC/
the fmd will be stopped and the Shasta County Sheriff-Coroner's Office shall be notified.If the County Coroner
coroner determines that the remains may be those of a Native Ameriean,the coroner will contact
the Native American Heritage Commission(NAHC).Trea�nent of the remains sha11 be
eonducted in accordance with further direction of the County Coroner or the NAHC,as
appropriate.
Hazards and Hazardous Materiais(HAZ)
HA�1.Hazardous materials,ineluding fuels,oils,cement,and solvents will be stored and Construction City/Construction
contained in an area proteeted froln direet runoff and away from areas where they eould enter Management
waters of the United States.
HAZ-2.Construction equipinent will be inspected daily for leaks. Leaking fluids will be Construetion City/Construction
contained upon detection,and equipment repairs will be made as soon as practicable,or the Management
leaking equipinent will be inoved offsite.
HAZ-3. Secondary containment such as drip pans or absorbent materials will be used to catch Construction City/Construction
spills or leaks when removing or changing fluids. Secondary containment will be used for 1Nlanagement
storage of all hazardous materials.
HAZ-4. Spill containment and clean-up materials will be kept onsite at all times for use in the Construction City1 Construction
event of an accidental spilL Manageinent
HAZ-5.Absorbent materials will be used on small spills rather than hosing down or burying the Construction City/Construction
spi1L The absorbent material will be promptly removed and disposed of properly. Management
Pa�c 4 Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project
November 2024
Ciry of Reddin�
Mitigation Monitoring Program Public Works Department,Engineering Division
' Tirningl Enforc�mentl Veri�cation
Best Management Practices Irnplementation Monitoring '{Date an�l Initiais);
Wildfire(WF)
WF-1.Per the requirements of the California Public Resources Code(PRC)Section 4442, Preconstruction/ City/Construction
theCity contract specifications will include a provision that internai combustion engines wi11 be Construction Management
equipped with an operational spark arrester,or the engine must be equipped for the prevention of
fire.
Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project Pa�c 5
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Ciry of Reddin�
Public Warks Department,Engineering Division Mitigation Monitoring Progam
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT MITIGATION MEASURES
Resource-specific mitigation measures that will be used during project implementation include the following:
Timfng! Enforc�mentl Verific�tioin
Mitigatic�n Measure(MM) Implementation ' Manitcrring (1)ate and Initi�is)
Biological Resources(BItJ)
MM-1.Removal of large trees(10-inch dbh or greater)with cavities,crevices,or snags shall Preconstruction/ Cityl Construction
occur before maternity colonies fonn(i.e.,prior to March 1)or after youn�are volant(i.e.,after Construction/ Management
August 15). If construction(including the removal of large trees)occurs during the non-volant Post-Construction
season(March 1 through August 15),a qualified biologist shall conduct a pre-construction
survey of the project area to locate maternity colonies and identify measures to protect the
colonies from disturbance. The preconstruction survey will be performed no more than seven
days prior to the implementation of construction activities.If a lapse in construction activities
for seven days or longer occurs between those dates,another pre-construction survey will be
performed.If a maternity colony is found a qualified biologist(in consuitation with the CDFW)
will determine the extent of a construction-free buffer zone to be established around the nest.If
practicable,removal of large trees with cavities will oceur before maternity eolonies form(i.e.,
prior to March 1)or after young are capable of flying(i.e.,after August 15).
MM-2.If construction is to occur durin�;the nesting season for birds(February 1 through August Preconstruction/ City/Construction
31)or raptors(November 1 through July 15)a qualified biologist will conduct a pre-construction Construction Management
survey to locate active nests.The pre-construetion survey wi11 be conducted no more than seven
(7)days prior to the initiation of construction activities.If a lapse in construction activities occurs
for 7 days or longer,another pre-construction survey will be performed.If an active nest is
found,a qualified biologist(in consultation with the CDFW)will determine the extent of a buffer
zone to be established around the nest.The pre-construction survey may be conducted
concurrently with pre-construction surveys for other special-status species.
Pa�e 6 Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project
November 2024
Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project
Response to Public Comments Received on CEQA Initial StudylMitigated Negative
Declaration, State Clearinghouse#2024110090
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA), an Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration(IS/MND)for the Victor and Cypress Avenues Active Transportation Project
was made available to the public and interested agencies for a minimum 30-day review period.
The agency review period was managed by the State Clearinghouse and closed on December 3,
2024. The public review period was managed by staff and also closed on December 3, 2024. A11
written comments received during the public and agency review period are attached, along with
written responses to environmental issues raised by commenters on the IS/MND. Comments
received on the public draf't IS/NIND do not identify new significant impacts or significant new
information that would require recirculation of the draft IS/MND pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Section 15073.5. This technical memorand�um is being used to summarize comments and support
adoption of the public draft IS/MND.
Response to Comments
A total of two comment letters were received regarding the IS/MND. The letters are attached to
this technical memorandum in the order indicated:
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Letter A): Letter A was submitted by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and incl�udes 8 comments related to the IS/MND.
Comment A1. Natural Envi�onment Study (NES)
Response: A NES was prepared for the project, and as indicated on page 8 of the Initial
Study the technical studies prepared for the project are on file at the City of Redding Public
Works — Engineering Division. Consistent with current and former practice, CDFW may
request a copy of the NES from the Engineering Division. Pursuant to CEQA Section
15063(a)(3), "An initial st�udy may rely upon expert opinion supported by facts, technical
studies or other substantial evidence to document its findings. However, an initial study is
neither intended nor required to include the level of detail included in an EIR." The
information from the NES was summarized in the IS/MND. Unlike an EIR, there is no
requirement for the technical study to be attached and re-circulation of the IS/MND is
unnecessary.
Comment A2. Cr�otch's Bunzble Bee
Response: California Department of Fish and Wildlife has mapped the current and historic
ranges of the four Candidate bumble bee species. Map review shows that the only one of
the four species that could be present in the project area is Crotch bumble bee, which is a
Candidate for listing as Endangered. Crotch bumble bees occur in California, southwestern
N�evada, and Baja California.The bees inhabit open grassland and scrub habitats.Important
food plants include Asclepias, Chaenactis, Lupinus, Phacelia, and Salvia. Colonies are
annual; only mated queens overwinter. Queens emerge from hibernation in early spring,
begin foraging, and search for a nest site.Nesting occurs underground. The queen provides
all care for the colony until the first workers emerge and assist with these duties. The flight
period for queens is from late February to late October, peaking in early April, with a
second pulse in July. The flight period for workers and males is from late March through
September,peaking in early July. The project site is within Crotch's bumble bee's current
habitat range (California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2023).
The species was historically common throughout much of the southern two-thirds of
California, but now appears to be absent from most of it. California Natural Diversity
Database,Bumble Bee Watch,and iNaturalist indicate that no records of the Crotch bumble
bee have been found within a five-mile-radius of the project area. Further, the project site
consists primarily of urban habitat (roadway, sidewalk, parking lots) and a small area of
oak woodland with an annual grassland understory. The site does not offer an abundance
of floral resources(nor does it include the important food plants listed above),thus making
it unlikely that bumble bees would depend on the proj ect site as faraging habitat.Therefore,
it is unlikely that Crotch's bumble bee would be present on the project site or adversely
affected by project implementation.
Comment A3. Bats
Response: The IS/MND does include a pre-construction survey to identify suitable habitat
and the presence of bats. Avoidance and minimization measure MM-1 is sufficient to
adequately avoid project related impacts to bats.
CoJnJnent A4. Impacts to Wate�s
Response: As indicated on page 17 of the IS/MND the project will have a less than.
significant impact on jurisdictional aquatic resources; therefore, CEQA mitigation is not
required. Should CDFW determine that "compensatory" mitigation is required during the
permitting process the City will comply with those conditions.
It should be noted that there are no available mitigation banks within the project's service
area for compensatory mitigation, and CDFW does not accept the in-lieu fee program
administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation(NFWF)as the other permitting
agencies do. CDFW's rejection of the in-lieu fee program unjustly requires those in rural
areas to pay twice as much in mitigation costs for the same resource impact. The City
respectfully requests that CDFW coordinate with the State Water Resources Control Board
to jointly accept NFWF's In-Lieu Fee Program.
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Comment AS. Lighting
The majority of the project area is within urban habitat and along existing roadways, with
the exception of one undeveloped parcel. This parcel will require pedestrian and bicycle
safety lighting. Consistent with other projects in undeveloped or open space areas,the City
installs lighting that is shielded, 1.0 lux or less, and low intensity warmer-colored.
Comment A6. Native T�e et�; ation
The City will explore native species for revegetation;however,infrastructure protection is
critical for public health and safety. The City must consider how the root systems of tree
species may cause damage to roadways, sidewalks, pathways, electrical equipment, water
lines, and wastewater lines.
Comment A7.Lake and Streambed Alte�ation Ag�^eement
The City will obtain a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement.
Comment A8. Submitting Data
Comment noted. The Contractor supplied biologist will submit data accordingly.
Comment A9. Promoting Collabo�ation
The City appreciates the partnership and collaborative relationship it has with CDFW.
Ms. Neal (Letter B): Letter B was submitted by an area resident and generally includes two
comments. One comment is in relation to the proposed round-about at the Victor Avenue and
Cypress Avenue intersection (and round-abouts in general), and the second comment is related to
the maintenance of surplus property along Victor Avenue.
None of the comments received address the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration �ndings or the
accuracy/completeness of the Initial Study and therefore do not require written responses.
Comments that are unrelated to the CEQA document have been routed to the appropriate
department ar division, and the commenter has been contacted directly by staff.
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