HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-20 Ukiah Creek Maintenance PolicyRESOLUTION NO. 2010- 20
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH APPROVING THE
CITY OF UKIAH CREEK MAINTENANCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, In 2008, the City of Ukiah Paths, Open Space and Creeks
Commission was approached by the Friends of Gibson Creek and a number of citizens,
who expressed concern about how the City was performing creek maintenance
activities; and
WHEREAS, while there was a general understanding about the need to balance
flood control measures with vegetation removal, concern was expressed regarding the
apparent practice of removing more vegetation that was required to adequately control
local flooding; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, the City Council directed the Paths, Open Space and
Creeks Commission to work with staff, interested groups, and citizens to prepare creek
maintenance policies and procedures; and
WHEREAS, The POSCC worked closely with the City Department of Public
Works, Department of Planning and Community Development, the Community Services
Department, and the Friends of Gibson Creek. Information was gathered about how the
work crews performed the vegetation removal, how they were supervised, what the
City's needs were for flood control, and what other communities were doing to manage
and maintain creeks. The POSCC members reviewed the City's General Plan, Creek
Master Plans, State Department of Fish and Game rules and regulations, and other
documents in an effort to understand the big picture in regard to local creeks. They also
toured one of the creeks with a lead crew member from the Department of Public Works
to understand how the crews operated and to learn more about the need to control flood
waters; and
WHEREAS, The Paths, Open Space and Creeks Commission prepared a draft
document entitled "City of Ukiah Creek Maintenance Policies and Procedures' and
distributed it for review and comment to all participating and interested groups,
organizations and citizens; and
WHEREAS, The Paths, Open Space and Creeks Commission worked with staff
and interested groups and citizens, modified language, added language, and prepared a
final draft version of the document; and
WHEREAS, The State Department of Fish and Game has reviewed the
document, has no suggestions for language modifications, and supports its approval.
WHEREAS, The Ukiah City Council has reviewed and discussed the proposed
Creek Maintenance Policies and Procedures, and received comments on the document
from the public.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Ukiah finds as follows:
The City of Ukiah Creek Maintenance Policies and Procedures document is
consistent with the goals and policies of the Ukiah General Plan because if fulfills
Goal OC-9: Conserve and enhance channels for creeks and waters flowing
through the Planning Area; and Policy OC-9.3: Creek restoration programs shall
not interfere with the existing and future floodwater carrying capacity of creek
channels.
2. The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the project because
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(3), it can be seen with certainty that
there is no possibility that the activity resulting from the document will have a
significant effect on the environment. This conclusion is reached because the
purpose of the document is to ensure the maintenance, restoration,
enhancement and protection of the City's creeks and riparian corridors.
3. The Creek Maintenance Policies and Procedures strikes a balance between the
public health and safety need to control flood waters and the community goal of
protecting and enhancing the local creeks and their riparian corridors.
4. The City of Ukiah Creek Maintenance Policies and Procedures document was
prepared via a successful partnership between the City and interested citizens
with the leadership of the City Paths, Open Space and Creeks Commission.
5. The City Council hereby approves the City of Ukiah Creek Maintenance Policies
and Procedures document.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of May, 2010, by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Landis, Crane, Rodin, Baldwin, and Mayor Thomas
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Anne C rrie, City Clerk
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Mayor Benj homas