Ventura Commenter

Ventura City Council Meeting

March 21, 2011

Ventura City Hall - 501 Poli Street

 

The focus of the meeting was on the 2011 Bicycle Master Plan. A map was shown illustrating the bicycling paths and bikeways. Special grant money from VCTC, the Ventura County Transportation Commission, is available to Ventura. The city is fortunate to have a more extensive bikepath system than any city in the county. A further map showed the proposed creation of major routes. A green area of networks was shown where the attempt was to provide riders along the busiest transit lanes. The final overlay showed the completed map with class I and class II and class III “bicycle boulevards,” noting expenses involved in trying to pull a plan together. A five-year plan was suggested. The memo showed a five-year list along with a 20-year list.

Staff was seeking approval of $23M over the life of the project. Councilman Andrews wished to voice caution along with Deputy Mayor Tracy in the fact that it was more aggressive than may be practicable. According to Mr. Andrews, this plan calls for an 1100% increase in funding to projects of this type, noting further that this plan more than doubles the city's current outlay of $570 per rider per year, up to $1200 per rider from local sources alone, warning that we may fail thinking that this will be completed in five years.

To View a listing of the agenda items for this council meeting, go to www.cityofventura.net/meeting/city-council-meeting-6.

Mayor Fulton brought the meeting to order with the call of the roll -- all present. The Mayor asked that all guests and council members stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Closed Session Report -- Ventura Coast Keeper versus City of Ventura was discussed with no reportable action.

Council Communications -- Council Member Weir noted that one way to exercise is to take a trash bag along being ready to collect trash in the Ventura River area. The Surfer’s Point bikepath project is in the process of laying the foundation for the bikeway. Public safety personnel were thanked for helping at least 40 people and several animals from being stranded in the riverbed during the recent series of rainstorms that passed through the area.

Ralph Moses served on the Port Hueneme City Council for many years, but was laid to rest this past week. His family emigrated to this country in 1938 from Berlin, eventually becoming co-founders of Temple Beth Torah. It was stated that the meeting would be adjourned in Mr. Moses honor.

Regional Boards, Commissions and Committees -- Council Member Andrews wished to report back on his trip to Washington DC and his National League of Cities Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development meeting. The House of Representatives has voted to cut the CDBG Community Development Block Grant funds by 62-1/2 %. Their mission was to communicate the importance of CDBG funds to US Senators. The Councilman said those funds are vital importance to our city, especially on the Westside. The prospects are good, said the councilman, for reducing the cuts and yet the odds are that there will be cuts. The league has released a study of cities in the ways they are responding to pension compensation issues. 88% of the cities in the national survey are in active negotiations to cut benefits for their employees.

The Mayor suggested moving Agenda Item Nos. 9 and 10, ahead of 7 and 8. The Bike Master Plan was moved earlier in time so as to accommodate a sizeable number of public speakers.

City Manager's Report – Joe McDermott provided information on the city street maintenance program. The pavement crews were highlighted with the speaker saying that “this is what we do” with budgeted funds, not to include major installations that require separate capitalization.

The City’s Street Maintenance Crew, showing: 12 full-time employees, one of whom was Carl Valdez – also accompanying Joe before the council – where only nine employees on the pavement crew were pictured. There are several crews – including the pothole with three members, two more crews consisting of 3 to 4 that perform various duties. Joe Derzo, Bruce Robinson, Joe Salcido, Mark Nunez, Dan Nimoz, Mike Foot, Charles Barrios, Chuck Dean Dean Price, Danny Lopez, Armando Masias – current recipient of the Richard Ortega Public Service Award – Plus Carl. The department’s several temporary workers were not shown. They combine their 230 years worth of experience.

What They Do, showing: (1) Pothole Repairs – (2) Small Street Resurfacing/Overlays – (3) Patches at utility repairs – (4) Crack sealing/slurry preparation – (5) Other: Repair drainage ditches, alleys, parking lots, sidewalk ramping, bike path repairs, curb repairs, concrete work, cleaning, trash pickup

A map was presented showing where, in over 300 miles of city roadways, the areas of greatest focus are located, along with the fact that most correspond to areas where the city does not have the funding for overlay projects, many of which will be needed within the next 5 years.

Pothole Repairs, showing: (1) in 2010 – (1.1) 6500 pothole repairs – (1.2) 92 tons of AC – (1.3) Average of 125/wk -- $200,000 annually -- $31 ea.

In-House Street Resurfacing, showing: (1) Over 2000 tons of AC – (2) 42,000 ft.² – (3) $1.50 - $2 ft.² vs. $3 per ft.² – (4) 50% savings in-house vs. outsourcing. A paving machine owned by the city was pictured, with the speaker saying that the piece, which is owned by the city, is 10-years old and still in operation where comparable pieces of equipment are expected to remain serviceable for about three years. Experts have credited the city’s excellent maintenance of the machine as the major factor in keeping the equipment in service.

A map of in-house paving projects done in the last four years was shown, which it was claimed saved the city $500,000 by doing the work in-house while simultaneously increasing the rating of street conditions.

Norton Avenue, showing: Before and after – Some overlay work done by the crews

Foothill Road, showing: before and after – Some travel lanes are done allowing the maintenance work to be spread out before returning to do the final slurry seal.

Utility Patches, showing: (1) 425 separate repairs – (2) 356 tons of a C. Crews follow utility work around the city. Charges are billed to the utility department. By not having to bill the general fund, this saves the city hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, according to the speaker.

Crack Sealing and Slurry Preparation, showing: (1) 181 tons of material – (2) 2.7 million ft.² of streets – (3) 33% savings in-house vs. outsourced – Paid for with gas tax, not general fund

Other Repairs, showing: (1) Ditches, alleys, parking lots, sidewalks, bike paths, curb, gutters – (2) 750 tons of AC

Cost, showing: (1) $1.3 million general fund budget – (2) $600,000 materials, supplies and equipment – (3) $700,000 labor and benefits – (4) $0.03 per day per resident

The presentation ended with thanks from the Mayor on the dedicated work done by all the city street department employees.

Council Member Monahan spoke, praising in-house crews that work diligently and for their dedication to outstanding workmanship. Council Member Weir wanted to assist Staff by mentioning the pothole hotline service. The phone number 652-4590, which is painted on the side of the city's pothole truck. The councilwoman also asked for clarification on the quality of the asphalt that is used. Staff said that two sources are used, one in Oxnard and another in Santa Paula. High-performance asphalt may at times be imported from Fontana, but also at far greater expense.

Joe and Carl were thanked again by the Mayor.

CONSENT ITEMS – The minutes from February 28, Memoranda of Understanding with Service Employees International Union - Bargaining Units A, G, S, and Q, Ventura Police Management Association, Ventura Police Officers' Association and the Benefits Resolution for Unrepresented Employees; Resolutions of Support for Senate Bill 444 and Assembly Bill 579 Relating to Mobilehome Park Conversions and Rent Stabilization Litigation; Promenade Repair and Maintenance Project Phase I Substitution of Subcontractor; Fairview Drive Neighborhood Waterline Replacement Project Phase I Authorization to Advertise. With no items to be pulled but with one public speaker for Agenda Item No. 4 – Council’s support of the two State Assembly bills on the Consent Calendar – the mayor invited the speaker to take the podium.

Public communications – Craig Hall, President of Ventura Mobile Home Residents Council, wished to say that the public's support is necessary on these two bills. SB 444 is necessary along with AB 579 in order that we as citizens may help support the city’s to save on litigation charges. He wished to have his supporters stand and be recognized. He said the support of the city committees are here, he also hoped that the Council would vote yes.

The mayor moved to accept Consent Agenda Item Nos. 1 through 6. Council Member Morehouse expressed his support for the motion before seconding (Council Member Monahan) was achieved. With no further lights the city clerk was asked to call the roll. The city clerk reminded the mayor that Item No. had been included. It was then asked that with no speaker or pink cards, whether to include No. 7. Being so stated, the roll was called. Council Member Weir voted no on 3; yes on the others. Andrews voted no on 3; yes on the others. All items passed.



Community Development Director Jeff Lambert noted that representatives of the hotel operators as well as the Visitors Convention Bureau were present. Staff members and guests of the hotel Association began their presentation. Lorena Parker from Civitas presented the resolution requesting that the Tourism Improvement District move forward.

TBID, showing: (1) Presentation February 28 – (2) First marketing strategy session held March 10 – (3) Petitions circulated by participating hoteliers March 11 – (4) Petitions submitted March 14 – (5) Tri-City petitions = 72.17% of 2010 gross receipts equaling $92,813,935

TBID (more) showing: (Ventura) Hotels, Motels and RV Camping – (1) Ventura 68.61% – (2) $35,165,510 gross receipts (calendar year) with number of petitions circulated, showing: (2.1) Vagabond Inn, 82 – (2.2) Best Western Motel, 75 – (2.3) Country Inn, 120 – (2.4) Marriott Ventura Beach, 285 – (2.5) Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, 256 – (2.6) Viking Inn, 15 – (2.7) Sheraton Four Points Ventura Harbor 105 – (2.8) Holiday Inn Express Ventura Harbor, 69 – (2.9) Clocktower Inn, 50 – (2.10) Victorian Rose Bed and Breakfast, 5 – (2.11) Pierpont Inn, 71

TBID (more) showing: (Oxnard) Hotels, Motels and RV Camping – (1) Oxnard 71.68% (2) $40,799,364 gross receipts (calendar year) with number of petitions circulated, showing – (2.1) Marriott Courtyard, 166 – (2.2) Residence Inn, 252 – (2.3) Embassy Suites, Mandalay Beach, 248 – (2.4) Hampton In, 95 – (2.5) Grand Stay Residential Suites, 57

TBID (more), showing: (1) Partnerships – (1.1) Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau – (1.2) Oxnard Convention and Visitors Bureau – (1.3) Camarillo Chamber of Commerce – (1.4) Consultant – (1.4.1) Civitas

TBID Timeline, showing: (1) Formation schedule – (1.1) Oxnard city Council resolution, April 5 – (1.2) Ventura public meeting April 11 – (1.3) Camarillo city Council resolution, April 13 – (1.4) public hearing and resolution of formation, May 9 – (1.5) Assessments begin June

TBID (more) showing: (1) Destination marketing $1.2 million annually – (2) Five-year term – (3) Partner resources used for implementation – (3.1) No duplication of services – (3.2) Complement not complete

The mayor wished to clarify – the measure before the council this evening was to accept the petitions, adopt the resolutions creating the Ventura-Oxnard-Camarillo Tourism Improvement District (VOCTID), accept the Resolution of Intent (ROI) from both Oxnard and Camarillo for their consent to participate, and authorize the Revenue and Technology department to release revenue and expense appropriations as necessary.

Council Member Morehouse wondered why Ojai and another couple of cities including Port Hueneme did not seem to be included. The speaker said that Ojai showed little interest and that Port Hueneme came into the process very late in the game; both were invited to marketing meetings, along with Santa Paula, but officials there have never participated in meetings. The councilman said that Admin costs of $180,000 and the 15% of the 180,000 as part of the budget breakdown needed to be questioned, with the presenters saying that “we had to put something in there,” and we thought that those funds would be distributed to the bureaus and chambers who are incurring overhead costs.

There were no more Council questions but George Magdalena, as a public speaker, stepped forward. A Ventura resident recently out of Los Angeles, the speaker said he was involved in the business improvement district in LA. They pushed through the development of the new hotel next to the Staples Center. It was hoped that the LA Improvement District would be able to maintain convention business. The speaker said that Ventura is facing similar situations with its proximity to Santa Barbara and Santa Monica. It was his thinking that Ventura could bring in convention business from as far away as the Central Valley.

Council Member Andrews spoke, moving that the staff recommendations be adopted. Council Member Weir said that this was a great opportunity. It was her thought that when people get together and decide to tax themselves for the mutual benefit of all – this was refreshing to her. She said she was “completely for this.”

[Comment] A fiscal and social conservative has now uttered the unthinkable – taxing ourselves for the mutual benefit of all. The interesting part comes from the fact that this utterance is from the political right – taxes when raised to help business becomes a “great opportunity,” but taxes when raised to help police and fire personnel earn a decent middle-class living becomes an abomination. What you’ve just heard is what is very quickly catching up with us in this country, and f we don’t wake up to this pretty soon, we can all begin waving “bon voyage” to the great American middle class. The consequences of this development, however, seems not to be fully appreciated by a councilwoman who has attained the power to raise and lower taxes in ways that affect the great unwashed public, while judiciously avoiding those which would affect her as a private stakeholder wallowing in the realm of public affairs. [Ed.]

Council Member Monahan noted that Santa Barbara has already gone through many of these same processes.

The city clerk was asked to take the roll – all members voted yes.



2005 General Plan, showing: From GP, Sect. 4 – Accessible community goal ... provide residents with a more transportation choices by strengthening and balancing bicycle, pedestrian, and transit opportunities in the city – (4.12) Design roadway improvements to minimize potential for conflict between pedestrians bicycles and automobiles – (4.16) Install alternative transportation improvements along existing or planned multi-modal corridors, including primary bike and transit routes – (4.21) Require new development to provide pedestrian and bicycle access as appropriate – (4.22) Upgrade the general bikeway plan to encourage bicycle use as a viable transportation alternative – (4.23) Upgrade and add bicycle lanes when conducting roadway maintenance as feasible

2011 Bike Master Plan Controls, showing: (1) Facilitate commuter, recreational and utilitarian bicycle trips – (2) Provide support facilities to encourage increased utilization of the bikeway network – (3) Maintain bikeway system and bicycle support facilities – (4) Monitor bicycling conditions and use of bikeway system and prioritize appropriately improvement measurement recommendations – (5) Increase bicycling to promote health, recreation, tourism and as an alternative transportation mode through education and community outreach – (6) Institutionalize bicycle facility planning and bicycle safety practices in all aspects of the city

A map was shown illustrating the bicycling paths and bike ways. Special grant money from VCTC, the Ventura County Transportation Commission, is available to Ventura. The city is fortunate to have a more extensive bikepath system than any city in the county. A further map showed the proposed creation of major routes. A green area of networks was shown where the attempt was to provide riders along the busiest transit lanes. The final overlay showed the completed map with class I and class II and class III “bicycle boulevards,” noting expenses involved in trying to pull a plan together. A five-year plan was suggested. The memo showed a five-year list along with a 20-year list.

The priority bike plan was reviewed again.

Recommended Revisions, showing: (1) Implementation priorities – (2) Bike parking downtown – (3) Bicycle detection – (4) Highway 126 to US101 connection rerouting – (5) tables and maps.

State law requires that bicycle detection be implemented at all major intersections – this being required for both bicycles and motorcycles. The speaker again referenced the pictorial corridor plan where the VCTC is going to be asked for additional funding. The speaker said that tens of millions of dollars will be requested if feasible. Staff is proposing a discussion of the Rice Avenue dedication for crossing over the 101 and heading toward the 118 through the fields which needs to be designated as a vehicle connection point. Trucks would be rerouted away from Victoria via this plan. Cal-Trans will be asked to sanction the rerouting of traffic towards the 118.

Funded Projects in CIP, showing: (1) Main street resurfacing, Mills to Telephone – (2) Five Points intersection improvements – (3) Brown Barranca bikepath link – (4) Surfer’s Point improvements – (5) Highway 126 bikepath at Harmon Barranca – (6) Highway 126 bikepath phase 2 – (7) Bicycle amenities, racks and lockers – (8) Simpson Street connection to VRT – (9) Traffic signal infrastructure modernization – (10) Annual street resurfacing

Recommended Action, showing: Approve bicycle master plan including additional changes shown in the revision memorandum

Council members were asked for questions. Council Member Morehouse thanked Tom wishing to ask about the Admin report page 3, where the focus group was brought up. The focus group was invited to all meetings. Staff replied that over years of communications many were asked personally to become a participant. Council Member Morehouse continued, saying that the Victoria Avenue corridor was apparently at one point not to be restriped past the County Government Center. Staff said that the sidewalks are not wide enough and were not years ago to have the area sufficiently free of activity for public bike transportation, and although cyclists can ride on the sidewalks, it is not optimal from liability standpoint. Some of the pavement is being used for bike lanes on Victoria. The CIP list Council Member Morehouse continued, shows that the cost of $4 million was not just for the trail according to staff and that most of it was grant funding. Also the Southern California Association of Governments which is a funding source, according to Mr. Morehouse, who issued the reminder that their efforts were to continue pursuing the SAFETY-LU (predecessor to the safety bill now in Congress) with Congress now taking opportunities to reduce these funds, the question being, what does VCTC see as an alternative to funding. A letter was sent to Mr. Morehouse and the city, chastising them for spending $23 million on a small number of people, speaking of the bicycle plan obviously.

Tom said that $8.6 million is non-city money and is typically available only for bicycle and air-quality type projects. Ventura has been successful in projects such as safe route to school programs so the bike lanes began to reappear in critical areas near schools. $250,000 was obtained with no match requirement, along the 126 Phase 3 project alongside the mobile home park with no local match requirement. The federal government has changed its grant requirements over the past several years, many times in order to keep people working. The future for state and federal funding – the federal funding being the easier to deal with according to Staff.

Staff also said that there may be more money going to new construction than for transit purposes. Congressman Overstar from Minnesota failed in his reelection bid, who had been a former leader in this area. The state has a history of taking money from our gas tax and grant programs to fund non-transportation related projects. The state typically grants money that they actually have, whereas the federal grant monies are promises more than reality.

Cal-Trans, SCAG and VCTC are generally good partners, Staff said. Bicycle education is often a good factor. Alternative sources of funding will probably be pursued in the future. If Council desires these movements going forward we can do them but without the money we can't, Staff said. Council Member Morehouse agreed that just because of funding sources was important, but those who have the greatest concern over the issue and need to contact their representatives. They reach out to Elton Gallegly, Lois Capps and others.

The bill number wasn't on hand by Staff after being asked.

Council Member Andrews wished to get a sense of the $23 million. After going to section 7 of the plan he claimed to have come up with a lot more than $23 million. It was thought that street components were adding to the figure rather than just bicycle funding. $7.4 million is in the bank for the project just shown. What is the time frame, however, with would there be needed to complete projects already listed, and for which there is funding. Staff said that two of them will be done within a year. Another two will be done in within 18 months. A couple more will take three or four years along with Cal-Trans approval. So between six months and 3 to 4 years will be required through the life of this plan.

The councilman asked that of those that are funded now, the ratio is 1/5th being city money and the remainder being federal or state grant money. It was his desire to know if that was the anticipation from Staff. Staff said that if the pavement is already in, the painting will be the only necessity, which formally is done anyway. Where there are your new road construction projects there can be gas tax money used to do the new striping. Grant money has been typically around 80% with 20% matched at the local level. The 20% grant money local match is generally their greatest emphasis and expenditure.

Council Member Andrews continued saying that the 20% ratio would be pretty accurate.

Council Member Weir said she couldn't find the costs for Foothill Road. One of the best bike routes in town will be this area. The section from Agnes to Victoria about 1.2 million, will involve new construction. Section east of Victoria noted that if the width is there, there will be funding but if widening is necessary, additional state transportation grant money would probably be necessary also. The councilwoman said that when Foothill was repaved it was said that bicycle lane striping could be done but that there was no money. Generally there are grants for actual projects, but other issues like cutting bushes and potholes. It was wondered if we can get extra money from grants in order to maintain what we build.

From Victoria out to Petit is $1.2 million and another $1.4 million out to the county line. Staff said we would be asking the county to help fund those if possible. Staff also said that when maintenance crews have been out and where cleaning of the roadways is necessary, or for tree trimming along bike paths, these become issues for city planning and planning concerns. It could be asking the Ventura Parks division to assist in finding ways to help the bike path situation at no extra cost. Many times bicyclists ride the white line because that's the area that is most often the cleanest. The challenge becomes making use of resources that make the most use for all.

Council Member Monahan was concerned with the Cedar Street extension. He didn't see where it is extended from Kellogg through to De Anza St. Staff responded saying that a future class I is shown from Poli Street along the hillside section of the plan joining up with the Cameron Street extension. The councilman said that would mean passing through two homes in the area. Staff agreed saying that this was something that would need to be worked out.

Thompson Boulevard was questioned by the councilman, with Staff saying that Thompson is the flattest most direct route through to Midtown so it's always been a hope that Thompson would be kept open. The community councils will have to deal with this, according to Staff, which would mean that parking would be have to be removed and businesses know that this is bad for their bottom line. The councilman said, facetiously, that “if we put parking meters along the roadway no one will park,” as one way of solving the problem.

Public Communications – Andrew Story said he was a native of Ventura who was a commuter and the recreational bikers. Working at Patagonia, he rides to work everyday – claiming that over the past 10 years he had been struck by automobiles on two occasions. He was doored in front of Ventura High School. It was his claim that we need these improvements. It was also his claim that we need safe access to the streets, needing class one bike routes. He said that cyclists break laws and anger drivers. He encouraged passage of Staff’s recommendations.

Rachel Morris representing VC Cool in the Ventura bicycle union – Three years of work on the master plan didn't happen by those locking themselves away and coming out with ideas. The input came from every area within the city. It was her desire to see a show of those in support from the guests present. She said that bicycles were not recreational frills only but that they perform as legitimate transportation vehicles. She noted the fragile economy and the need for frugality in our daily forms of life including transportation.

Canyon Shannon stated her desire to use bicycling rather than the automobile locally and that she is not in favor of the parking meters downtown. Her claim was that the bike lane over Poli is on a small path and that at one and a half feet of width on a bike lane creates safety issues.

Trend Morris lives in East Ventura between Victoria and Campbell and has been a Ventura resident for approximately 40 years – a graduate of Ventura high school as well. The speaker went on to introduce the rest of his family including Isabella noting that he is a single father. He said it not for sympathy but that in suffering from economic depression they are looking for alternative ways to get around.The speaker showed a slide with several family-friendly bicycle configurations, with childhood trailers. According to the speaker, this draft of the bike plan is one of the best he's seen.

Leslie Ogden spoke as President of the Channel Islands Bike Club, stating that the bike plan was a good one. It was her feeling that the staff has worked diligently and the public has been responsive. Seven members of the bike club were on the drafting committee for this. Whether or not we have the funds to implement all segments in the given timeframe – her thought was that just having it in place with a sense of direction would help crystallize the plan. It was her notation also that their organization remains as one of the grantors. The plan should be implemented as effectively and as in timely and manner as possible, according to the speaker.

Bob Warnegaris, a resident for 40 years, said that they bike for transportation and fitness. It was his feeling that as a member of the bike union, and that along with his input as a consultant and a member of the Ventura County Civic Alliance serving on the working group, gave him a sense of pride as a citizen of Ventura.

Tanisha Smith said that she lives across from Ventura high school. She said that biking on Victoria is a scary experience. She bikes along Ventura Avenue and feels that allowing Westside families access to the beach is an important objective.

Sonya Sandomar said that more people would cycle if made to feel safer. It was her feeling that with gas prices rising bicycling lowers carbon emissions and reduces traffic. Her community in the Pierpont area would like to see bicycle fund attention. It was her contention that the Seaward area is not very good for biking.

Teresa Satterfield, a recreational and commuter cyclist and a member of the Channel Islands Bike Club for 20 years, is a past President and the current club Secretary. Theirs is a recreational club of over 300 members and is one of several clubs in Ventura. There are racing clubs and those informally organized. 300 to 400 people are avid cyclists according to the speaker. Many use bicycles to and from work or school. She is a member of the Westside Redevelopment Council. She is shocked when she sees that there are no bike lanes on Ventura Avenue. It was her wish to see the Ventura Master Bike Plan be approved by Council. It was also her belief that bicycling would bring more tourists to the city, noting further that Lance Armstrong has traveled our city. The cool breezes draws thousands of bicyclists to the city each year, she said.

Council Member Andrews noted that the Knights of Columbus cosponsors with Cool Breeze and that their annual rally would be on August 21 this year.

Gwendolyn Alley said that at times she wonders how safe they really are on the streets, feeling like a fool at times as she accompanies the Fools Ride, a yearly event in Ventura.

Council Member Morehouse asked staff about the concerns of an individual who frequently enters from the Rincon, bringing in the factor of coordinating with the county. If this plan gets approved there will be a merging of ideas from the county and from other cities including Oxnard. Staff also said that Cal-Trans is involved in the ways of coordinating throughout the state. Staff has noted access points from Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. The Emma Woods access is one is fairly difficult, according to Staff. The councilman stated that the 3-Foot Law may not have been passed in the state legislature, noting that this is a complicated issue. The legislation was not approved at the time but Staff was unaware of its present status.

Mr. Morehouse stated that the plan before him was excellent and “cutting edge.” The new livable places update including the share-roads idea was pretty interesting along with multimodal approaches. There is one negative letter that had been received by the council member. Many of these things are in a capital improvements program, according to the councilman. Was his desire to move forward with the approval, with a second then being received. Council Member Brennan spoke saying that bicycling is becoming part of everyday life in this country. Staff said mentioned e-mails, with Mr. Brennan asking about the Ventura High School corridor along Main Street. Staff said that not just in front of Ventura High School but when changes were made six or seven years ago the section east of there between Seaward and five points represents a trade-off as to how we maintain a mandated level of cars along with bicycling.

[Comment] “Cutting edge,” said the councilman. We assume he meant cutting edge from the standpoint of safety. So how, then, does a council member vote in favor of closing down a fire station and reducing what is already fair and just compensation for our first-line defenders? Was this done in the name of advancing public safety? Of course not. Folks like those we elect to represent us in resolving our most important issues can’t seem to go far enough toward satisfying business interests – like the establishment of a Tourism Board Improvement District (TBID) which another council member this evening seemed to think was “cutting edge.” But then, this is how people in “gray and grainy politics” get elected. Would any one of us out here stand a chance of winning a local election? ANS: Only if we would be willing to give up the principle of “greatest good for the greatest number.” Because you see, it is necessary to throw the poor public a dog bone now and then, and this bicycle measure is one of those. [Ed.]

Staff said there are opportunities – a development project required additional parking at one time but has never come to fruition. The former allotment of parking for this project will be reassigned to bicycling, Tom said. East of Seaward is difficult because of the jump in volume along with getting bike lanes without removing parking is almost impossible. Businesses are not in favor of most of such plans. Following the lead of other cities, a 4 foot wide green stripe perhaps down and beyond the parking space area or “share the road” with markings was a stated alternative. If were going to call these class III Mr. Brennan said we will have to assure safety. Sharing the road will mean that people will have to “get better,” according to the councilman. The councilman said that the Avenue area will always be a challenge because of the layout.

[Comment] And so it becomes time to finally notice the elephant in the room – “Share the Road,” as though Council could simply put up signs and be done with it. Safety … remember? People who would even consider “share the road” as an answer to the issue of bicycle safety have never driven an oversize vehicle like a motor home or even a dually pickup truck. (Duallies qualify as “oversize” in the City of Ventura, for those who are not aware.) It wouldn’t surprise us either to find that this council doesn’t see the problem. Here’s the problem: You’re driving a motorhome and you come upon a cyclist in your lane. You’re supposed to allow no less than a 3-foot perimeter around the cyclist, realizing that to pass would put you into the lane of oncoming traffic. The cyclist, of course, is not helping. He’s completely uncaring of the situation – even at its worst – which is just as the cycle lane ends and the “share the road” section begins. In your motorhome you may have been traveling the speed limit, which might be anything from 20 mph to 65. But suddenly you need to make a snap decision – “brush” the cyclist or run head-on into oncoming traffic. This can happen anywhere, and does, with regularity. Put yourself in this situation if you can, and try to figure out who will lose. You might say it’s the driver who goes to jail. We say it’s the cyclist . . .who of course is standing dead upon his rights. [Ed.]

“It's important to get class ones from the east to west,” according to Mr. Brennan. Progress on the pedestrian/bicycle overpass over the 126 has not moved forward “for a least five mayors,” as it was said. Mr. Brennan admitted that he does not go to meetings and is not your average bicyclist. Mr. Brennan then asked Council Member Morehouse whether he wanted to amend the motion to have more information brought back to Council as a “touchstone” every 12 months. The maker of the motion agreed.

Deputy Mayor Tracy, being given permission to speak to the motion on the floor, said that it's important to have a plan for bicycles and cars along with capital improvements, saying he could support the plan in order to have some vision for the future but it's important to face the reality. It was the deputy mayor's desire to note that we have many “year-out” plans – not just the five-year bikepath – all needing attention and funds. We’re asking for $7.4 million and wondering if any of these things could be done with funds “floating” into the coffers. Some of what is being anticipated may be tested by reality, according to the Councilman.

Council Member Weir stated that “3.2” was about maintenance and one of her favorite things. One of the things we can do is to work with the public works department on maintenance. Her pet peeve while cycling is junk in the lanes. Another was in that paving edges often occur in the center of the bike lane. Potholes in the middle of the bike lane bother her, she said. The bike lane ending is a typical problem. Something else not addressed was the “roundabouts”. The Mayor asked how this speaks to the motion. The councilwoman spoke in testy terms back to the mayor as to how this applies to the motion. In the plan we have ways to approve the improvement by using roundabouts. It was her question to consider the planning method as to the impact of roundabouts on the future of cycling.

[Comment] Here’s an example of the public official who is committed to safety. First on her list of “peeves” is junk in the lanes – followed by “paving edges,” followed by “potholes.” Finally – as an afterthought, apparently – comes the issue of the “bike lane ending.” The question must be asked – If bike lanes “ending” isn’t the primary concern over safety (something greater than debris) then why have bike lanes at all? Maybe we’re spending way too much money on a problem that doesn’t exist. Okay – fine. It’s just sarcasm on our part. Or is it. . .really? [Ed.]

The Mayor said “speak to the motion” as Staff began explaining its view. Roundabouts and bicycles with automobiles exist where the design is done correctly, it was said. Staff also said there are traffic circles that work for bicycles but others do not. Long Beach has been putting in roundabouts as a way of slowing down traffic, making it easier for bicycles – “bicycle boulevards” being the transformative feature. The community will have to decide, according to staff. The other side of the traffic circle issue is to put them in for traffic congestion reasons. Our Five Points proposals may work better for traffic than for bicycles. Staff did agree that there are examples of bicycle or traffic circle plans that do not peacefully coexist very well.

[Comment] These are the voyages of “The Bicycle Wars,” – It’s Five-Year Mission – To boldly go where no traffic congestion problem has gone before (as though automobile traffic is suddenly going to drop off the edge of the Earth). Would anyone care to guess what the traffic congestion problem is going to be like in 5 years without the implementation of plans that focus on the needs of vehicular traffic as the main priority – like wider streets – fewer stoplights – pothole “management” and the “dodgem” mentality that seems to grip the operators of two-wheelers? Perhaps city planners are of the opinion that the human race is somewhere on the verge of giving up their cars in favor of “alternate” means of transportation – like walking. Who knows. . .perhaps gridlock has actually been thought of as one means toward that end, bubbling up from somewhere in the dark cauldron of a bureaucrat’s mind. We’re sorry, Mr. Mayor. We’d also like to speak to the motion, but with an exponential increase in population along with the acquisition of a personal vehicle for each and every one of them, the motion does not speak to greater safety, either for the driver or the cyclist, and has recreational value only. [Ed.]

Council Member Andrews wished to thank those who worked toward the development of the plan, thinking that it was a good plan. He wished to voice caution along with Mr. Tracy in the fact that it was more aggressive than may be practicable. This plan calls for an 1100% increase in funding to projects of this type, he said. In the past 15 years we've been devoting $570 per rider per year, from all sources, federal, state and local and about $113 per year from the city. This plan requires $1200 per rider from local sources alone in this proposal. This is a very large number and we may fail thinking that this will be completed in five years.

Council Member Monahan noted that within the oldest community, Ventura Avenue, the extension of Cedar Street should be a priority keeping kids off of the Avenue on their way to school. The most dangerous freeway crossing at Seaward causes problems going East and West. The councilman indicated support for the motion. There must be a plan in order to qualify for federal assistance, so that this helps obtain funds from places other than our general fund, he said.

The Mayor spoke saying that he agreed we would not build everything in this plan in the given timeframe, but it's necessary to be prepared – remembering also that the Eastside class I bike way system was built by developers. We run into the “long skinny town with an elbow problem,” according to the mayor. This makes planning difficult. About 40% of persons within Ventura of driving age don't own cars. They then need an alternative method for getting around. After his residence in East Ventura for 16 years there is a patchy bike ride system along the barrancas.

[Comment] In the “given timeframe,” Mr. Mayor, the problem will be “x-times” greater than it is now. By the time 2016 rolls around, very little of what has been thought of today will even be relevant, if we read anything like the truth into Mr. Andrews last comment, let alone the issue of whether or not the city will have the funds necessary to implement. We sympathize with those who are avid bicyclists. We just think that as recreationalists, in the main, they should be able to focus along with non-cyclists on the transportation problems that beset us all – not just those that are the most self-serving. [Ed.]

The Mayor asked the city clerk to call the roll – all members voted yes.

The Mayor asked whether a break would be in order, it having been determined afterward that there would be a short recess.



Council Member Weir said there is a conflict with an issue near her house. Council Member Monahan owns a property on North Ventura Avenue. The city attorney advised that mayoral duties be switched the mayor and Deputy Mayor Tracy.

Public Works Director Ric Raives spoke from Staff's location, saying that there were five approval resolutions, with the city attorney then stating that there were six, not five. The deputy mayor would lead a discussion on the redevelopment agency issues along with the resolutions (two) on the board of the redevelopment agency adopting project number 99 885. Resolution of the council approving CIP projects 71010. 71054 72056 75026 on which the mayor has his conflict. The RDA (page 13 of the packet) resolution 99885 (B) with the second being project 71010 and others (page 25) was taken up. If there are no public speakers the city attorney said that Council may entertain motions for resolution B and resolution E. With no speaker cards for public hearing, the public hearing session was then closed.

Comments from the council resulted in a movement with the identification of B and E. The roll was called with all 5 members present voting yes. The mayor was brought back into chambers. Adoption of resolution D. went forward, on which Council Member Weir had a conflict. Council Member Morehouse proposed the attachment D resolution be approved on 73042. The public hearing was opened and closed. With the roll being taken, all 5 members present voted yes.

The resolution on the Avenue was entertained. With no public speakers, public comment was opened and closed. The motion to approve 75030 was seconded. The roll was taken with all 5 members present voting yes. Council Member Monahan rejoined the council. The Mayor advanced to the remainder of the Capital Improvement Plan Redevelopment Items with the exception 99 885 followed by all those not decided upon earlier. There were no public speakers, and with Mr. Morehouse motioning that they adopt the remainder of the CIP along with staff recommendations, a second was obtained. There being no further council discussion, the roll was taken with all 5 members present voting yes.



Council Member Weir asked whether there would be a carryover from unused travel funds. The item had not been addressed but perhaps could be addressed under this additional protocol. Council Member Morehouse said that where there are remainders in individual allotments, another council member may volunteer discretionary sums to those accounts. Again Mr. Andrews requested the protocol include the forwarding of unused funds from other council members. These however would be protocols for the 2011 – 12 fiscal year.

Deputy Mayor Tracy said that he wished to be assured that if he had used his allotment he may come to the council requesting additional funds where others have funds to yield. Mr. Andrews said he generally supports the principles forward by the Mayor, but that we have unduly restrictive on the travel budget. It should be no less than $35,000 per year meaning an allocation of $5000 per council member. The council member thought it was difficult to be put in the situation where additional funds must be identified, including that which may come from additional council members. It was his belief that if additional expenditures are required the first place they would look would be the Council Contingency fund.

The Mayor said that this is currently done but this is how the Council Contingency fund has been forced to go smaller. Council Member Monahan asked for a seventh point to be included which would state that a carryover balance be forwarded at an individual council member’s discretion.

Council Member Morehouse wished to know whether those would be additional funds as though there were unlimited funds or whether there were be aid borrowing from future funds. The mayor said you would borrow from future funds in successive years. The mayor said that all money comes from somewhere.

Council Member Andrews spoke once more to the issue, saying that another concern also is where council members receive extra reimbursement. The council member thought that the idea should be carried forward.

The mayor said he would direct the city clerk to incorporate changes a long with an item number seven where council members may carry forward a balance from prior years at their own discretion. There were no public speakers and no further council discussion. The clerk took the roll with all members voting yes with the exception of Council Member Andrews, who voted no.

Public Communications – Patti Thomas spoke wishing to ask about the warming shelter in Oxnard. Where is the Ventura warming shelter be located and how does the Oxnard shelter operate? Also it was wondered if the shelter operation was to be extended for one more month in Oxnard. She needed guidance for the gathering of data so that bringing the information to Ventura’s Council and the Oxnard Council as well. Some of these people will have nowhere to go in this additional month. Another issue included the libraries. When we have meetings on the libraries she wished to have guidance concerning the property tax revenue, wanting to be sure that the property tax revenue is brought in directly for the libraries and not for other purposes. What would a city-run library tax system support in the way of a city-run library was the question.

It was said that Ventura never did become a part of the county library system, with the county system being a hired agent only

The city manager addressed the winter warming shelter issue, saying that it's a joint project between the Ventura City and Oxnard City Councils. The Community Development Block Grant funds are generally used. CBGD funds are all spoken for in Ventura, which may mean finding funds from somewhere else. An earlier start date or a later ending date is a question that could be answered by Peter Brown, as was suggested by Mr. Cole.

One and a half million dollars is generated inside the city of Ventura as well as another $500,000 generated around the outside area. The 1.5 million would come to us to spend on libraries no matter how it is operated whether from LSSI or the city. On the second question it was suggested that an e-mail be sent to the mayor.

The final speaker said that a bike route she uses is lacking in trash cans, and taken away by the Police Department due to the fact that people drinking in public tend to use the trash cans as hiding places. She wished to have the trash cans returned and that she would “buy them.”

The trash cans were taken up as part of our budget cuts, according to the city manager, noting that it isn't the cans that costs money but the daily servicing of them. We would love to have trash pickup but it is not often affordable. Even so, the mayor and city manager seemed eager to take the speaker up on her offer of financial support.

The Mayor adjourned the meeting in the memory of Ralph Moses.