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Time Description 9:06 a.m. Meeting called to order at the Mariposa County Government Center, continued from May 22, 2007. Pledge of Allegiance Public Presentation: For Items within the Jurisdiction of the Board and not on Today’s Agenda. Kenneth Gosting, TIE (Transportation Involves Everyone), presented copies of the Fresno Bee and San Jose Mercury News with stories of the proposal to increase the entrance fees to National Parks, including Yosemite. He provided comments on their work with the media relative to the comment period for the scoping session by CalTrans for the permanent fix alternatives for the rockslide. He introduced Kenneth Mostern, Phd. who will be working with him with TIE issues. Kenneth Mostern, TIE, stated they have been extremely happy with CalTrans’ responsiveness on the rockslide and their commitment to the County on this matter, and the May 23rd scoping session. He also thanked CalTrans for working with the other agencies that have jurisdiction over the area to reduce the timeframes for the project. Ruth Sellers presented a copy of the San Francisco Chronicle with a story on Yosemite and the proposal to increase the entrance fees to National Parks. She commented on the rockslide and tourism and TIE’s mission. She stated she feels the rockslide situation needs to be accurately described and not be exaggerated. Presentation by CalTrans, Board Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding the Ferguson Rockslide and to Discuss Input Received at the May 23, 2007 Open House Held by CalTrans BOARD ACTION: The following were present for this matter: Congressman George Radanovich, Chris Valadez/field representative for Congressman Radanovich, Bob Wiedman/representing Senator Dave Cogdill, and Bob Phelan/representing Tom Berryhill. Kome Ajise, CalTrans District 10 Director, introduced the following members of his staff that were present: Julie Dunning, Christine Cox, Zellie Nogureira, Troy Bowers, and Lisa Balcom. Congressman Radanovich stated he is looking forward to the CalTrans presentation, including information on the temporary fix and the long-term fix and funding. Bob Wiedman read a statement from Senator Cogdill into the record offering his continued support with improving the temporary fix and with the long-term project. He requested input from the Board on improving the temporary fix to allow full vehicle access. Bob Phelan advised that the Assembly is in session so Berryhill was unable to be present for this meeting. He stated he feels that we need to focus on finding the best solution and move forward. Kome Ajise provided input on the CalTrans processes for emergency repairs and the recent emergency with the Highway 80/580 project; and he advised that the same process was used for the temporary bridges. He advised that the permanent fix is a more involved process because it involves changes in alignment of the highway and it is not a replacement of what existed before. He advised that the permanent restoration project requires documentation of the project and impacts, but they are moving at the fastest pace possible. They expect to have a draft Environmental Impact document this summer; and they will hold a public hearing, and up to two public meetings, on the document before it is adopted. The open house that was held on May 23rd was not required and was done to help in their process. He reviewed the alternatives for the permanent fix: Alternative E/slide removal; Alternative MARIPOSA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONFORMED AGENDA May 29, 2007 (Meeting Continued from May 22, 2007) ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 5-29-07 R/rock shed/tunnel; Alternative C/open-cut realignment; Alternative T/tunnel realignment; Alternative S/viaduct realignment; Alternative T-2/southern tunnel realignment; and the no build alternative. Discussion was held relative to the alternatives and timeframes for construction and whether the temporary bridges could be improved to provide full access prior to completion of the permanent fix. Kome Ajise advised that June 22nd is the deadline to provide comments on the alternatives; and he advised that there will be a subsequent comment period on the draft environmental document. Christine Cox provided input on the environmental review process and the timeframes, and she advised that they are working closely with the affected agencies. Rick Benson, County Administrative Officer, asked if there is another type of emergency process that is available to get a declaration of a different kind of emergency to move this process forward; whether there are any glaring negatives for Alternative S; whether the contractor can work in the winter; and whether the Board should provide a formal response/comment on its preferred alternative. Kome Ajise advised that the Emergency Relief Funding Program is being sought; they are not aware of any problems with Alternative S but will need to review the comments; there are limitations on working in the winter because of the Clean Water Act; and he feels it would be useful for the Board to provide comments. Congressman Radanovich advised that he will be working closely with the County and CalTrans on funding for the project. Input from the public was provided by the following: Kevin Cann, Deputy Superintendent for Yosemite National Park, thanked CalTrans; and he stated he would like to have more assurance that the funds will be available when the project is ready to bid. He stated he feels that we made a mistake with the temporary fix because of the length of time for a long-term fix. He feels it is important to have access for the 45-foot buses and RVs. He also expressed concern given the Park Service’s past experiences with the potential for challenges to the process for projects. Dick Hutchinson advised that the Chair of the Indian Council was present for the Open House on Wednesday; and he thanked CalTrans for their consideration of the impacts in this regard. He stated he agrees with Alternative S. Lisa Edelheit, representing SEIU, stated they represent workers in Yosemite and access is critical. They are concerned about access during construction so that there is minimal impact. Gary Walker asked for clarification of whether the scoping of the environmental impact study takes into account the no build alternative; and he was advised that it does. He expressed concern with the impacts of the buses going alternate routes, which results in going through higher elevations and higher emission impacts. He noted that there are other impacts, such as to the rafting. He asked about the status of the temporary bridges after the permanent fix is in place and whether the cost for removing the temporary bridges is included in the project. He was advised that the temporary bridges will be removed after the permanent fix is finished and the costs are included. Les Marsden asked if there is still a potential for the rockslide to create a dam. Kome Ajise stated they have a better understanding of how the slide might behave. Further discussion was held, including timeframes for filing of lawsuits against the project. Supervisor Aborn stated he feels it is important to look at modification to the temporary bridges to be able to gain access for vehicles longer than 28-feet, with being able to have access by 45-foot vehicles being preferable. Kome Ajise advised that the bridges could be modified to allow 35-foot access, but it would take new bridges to have 45-foot access; and both of these projects would be subject to challenge. He advised that there is consideration of possibly building a third temporary bridge for use for the construction project as the large construction vehicles can not access the lower bridge. He advised that CalTrans is committed to getting this project done as quickly as possible, and he will be back with status reports and better information on the timeframes. Supervisor Fritz urged the public to get involved in this process and to submit comments. Chair Bibby noted that the County Administrative Officer and Dick Hutchinson are working on compiling the input received from the March workshop and formulating a report relative to the impacts. Board members thanked CalTrans and the legislators and their representatives for this meeting. Supervisor Pickard asked that staff bring back a letter supporting Alternative S/viaduct realignment based on the information known at this time; ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 5-29-07 and the Board concurred. Julie Dunning asked for feedback on whether it would be beneficial for CalTrans to hold an open house in El Portal to get feedback from that community. Supervisor Aborn advised that he will look into this and coordinate with CalTrans. It was agreed that staff would bring the letter back to the Board after the El Portal open house. 11:03 a.m. (M)Fritz, (S)Aborn, the Board adjourned in memory of Elio Marchetti, John Alan Breece, and Michael William Fleming/Ayes: Unanimous. Respectfully submitted, MARGIE WILLIAMS Clerk of the Board