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RPVCCA_CC_SR_2015_05_05_02_Abalone_Cove_Parking_Fees_and_Automated_Pay_StationCITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PUBLIC HEARING (CONTINUED) Date: May 5, 2015 Subject: Abalone Cove Parking Fees Subject Property: Abalone Cove Shoreline Park 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South 1. Report of Notice Given: City Clerk Morreale will announce this Public Hearing was continued from April 21, 2015 2. Staff Report & Recommendation: Director of Recreation and Parks Linder 3. Public Testimony: Appellants: N/A Applicant: City of Rancho Palos Verdes 4. Council Questions: 5. Rebuttal: 6. Declare Hearing Closed: Mayor Knight 7. Council Deliberation: 8. Council Action: Public Hearing Cover Page CITYOF MEMORANDUM 1�iRANCHO PALOS VERDES TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: CORY LINDER, DIRECTOR, RECREATION AND PARKS 4x— DATE: MAY 5, 2015 SUBJECT: ABALONE COVE PARKING FEES AND AUTOMATED PAY STATION REVIEWED: DOUG WILLMORE, CITY MANAGER 01J Staff Coordinator: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst, Recreation and Parks RECOMMENDATION lU% 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2015 -XX, approving a Coastal Permit (ZON2015-00169) making certain findings relating to the proposed parking lot fee increase and automated parking pay machine at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park; and, 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2015 -XX, increasing the public parking fee structure at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park from the current $5 fee to the following fee structure: free for the first 30 minutes, $6 for 30 minutes to 2 hours, and $12 for more than 2 hours, no charge for senior and disabled visitors, and approving the use of an automated parking pay machine. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Parking fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park have not increased in over 20 years. The City has recently made a significant fiscal investment to improve the upper portion of the park. Attendance at Abalone Cove has increased dramatically in recent years as evidenced by a doubling of parking fee revenue since FY 11-12. On April 21, 2015 staff presented a recommendation to increase fees from the current $5 fee to free for the first 30 minutes, $5 for up to two hours, and $10 for over 2 hours with the elimination of senior and disabled subsidies. Based on feedback from the City Council's discussion, staff is proposing the following fee modification: 1 PARKING Current Fees Proposed New Fees Actual FY 11-12 First 30 minutes free ABALONE COVE $5 $6 30 min -2 hours PARKING — CAR FY 13-14 $117,734 Actual $12 >2 hours ABALONE COVE $15 $55 PARKING — BUS ABALONE COVE $5 NO CHARGE SENIORS -SUMMER ABALONE COVE FALL TO NO CHARGE NO CHARGE SPRING - SENIORS ABALONE COVE NO CHARGE NO CHARGE DISABLED RATE The proposed increase to $12 for a stay of over two hours would be slightly above the $11 average of surveyed parking fees. Since Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is located within the City's Coastal Zone, approval of a Coastal Permit is required for the proposed fee increase and automated pay station. The anticipated increase in parking fee revenue will partially off -set the on-going costs for staffing and maintenance of recent park improvements. The proposed new fee structure and the automated pay station would be subject to appeal to the Coastal Commission. Staff will research the logistics of an annual pass program that would potentially lower the overall cost of parking for frequent visitors. BACKGROUND Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a multi -use facility that is enjoyed by the public in a number of ways including picnicking, hiking, sight-seeing, and visiting the tide pools and beaches. Abalone Cove parking fees have not increased for over twenty years and parking lot revenue has increased steadily in recent years. FY 14-15 parking fee revenue is projected to be $98,000. Abalone Cove Parking Fee Revenue FY 10-11 $46,062 Actual FY 11-12 $59,451 Actual FY 12-13 $67,259 Actual FY 13-14 $117,734 Actual The Abalone Cove parking lot and portions of the park grounds were closed for the first few months of FY 14-15 due to construction and improvements related to the Abalone Cove Park Improvement Project and the improvements to the parking lot and staff building. An automated payment system has been recently installed which will allow visitors to pay at a pay station using cash or a credit card. Recreation staff conducted a survey of parking rates at other public beaches and nature/marine preserves and tide pools in California and RPV's parking fees are well below the average rates charged at those locations. The average fee for a car is $11.00. Among agencies that allowed busses or had a separate bus fee, the average fee for large buses was $59.67. For agencies with 2 an hourly rate, the dollar amounts for the various categories of vehicles / visitors represent the maximum daily charge that would be imposed. Parking Fee Survey Location Hourly Rate Car Bus Senior Disabled Bolsa Chica State Beach Flat Rate $15.00 $100.00 $14.00 $7.50 Cabrillo Beach $1.00/hr $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 Cabrillo National Monument Flat Rate $5.00 $100.00 $2.50 Free Coal Oil Point Flat Rate $8.00 na $8.00 $8.00 Corona Del Mar Flat Rate $15.00 na $15.00 $15.00 Crystal Cove Flat Rate $15.00 $30.00 $14.00 $7.50 Doheny Beach Flat Rate $15.00 na $14.00 $7.50 Fitzgerald Reserve Tidepools Flat Rate $6.00 $20.00 $6.00 $6.00 Gerstle Cove Tidepools Flat Rate $8.00 $100.00 $7.00 $3.50 Hermosa Beach $1.25/hr $10.00 na $10.00 $10.00 Huntington Beach $1.50/hr $12.00 $100.00 $12.00 $12.00 MacKerricher Tidepools Flat Rate $8.00 $14.00 $7.00 $4.00 Manhattan Beach $1.50/hr $12.00 na $12.00 $12.00 National Bridges Tidepools Flat Rate $10.00 na $9.00 $5.00 Point Lobos Marine Preserve Flat Rate $9.00 $100.00 $9.00 $5.00 Redondo Beach $1.50/hr $12.00 na $12.00 $12.00 San Onofre State Beach & Tide Pools Flat Rate $15.00 na $14.00 $7.50 Santa Monica - North Beach Flat Rate $8.00 $48.00 $8.00 $8.00 Santa Monica - Pier $3/hr $24.00 na $24.00 $24.00 Santa Monica - South Beach Flat Rate $12.00 $72.00 $12.00 $12.00 Santa Monica - Central Beach Flat Rate $8.00 $24.00 $8.00 $8.00 Torrance Beach Flat Rate $7.00 na $7.00 $7.00 Average Fees: $11.00 $59.67 $10.57 $9.02 Average Discount ---- ----- $0.39 $2.39 City of Rancho Palos Verdes $5.00 $15.00 $5.00 $0.00 Since Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is within the City's Coastal Zone, staff contacted the California Coastal Commission staff regarding the proposed parking fee increase and was informed that any increases to existing public parking fees in the Coastal Zone that exceed a 25% increase in one year or a 50% increase in 3 years requires the approval of a Coastal Permit. While the City has the ability to issue its own Coastal Permit for a parking fee increase, said City decision is appealable to the Coastal Commission since Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is located in the "Appealable Area" of the City's Coastal Zone. Raising the parking fees incrementally on an annual basis to avoid the need for a Coastal Permit would result in multiple rate changes which 3 could cause confusion and consternation to residents and regular park visitors. It would take six years and four separate rate increases to reach the above survey's $11.00 average fee. Coastal Commission Staff informed Community Development Director Joel Rojas and Deputy Director Ara Mihranian in December 2014 that the Coastal Commission typically looks more favorably on an hourly parking rate or lower-cost options for visitors who are only staying at a coastal location for a short period of time, rather than a flat rate. In response to this information, City staff followed-up with Coastal Commission staff on March 23, 2015 to further discuss these issues. Coastal Commission staff indicated that they had no objection to a parking fee increase as long as there was an accompanying lower -fee or no -fee option for shorter -duration visits. The parking fees proposal could be appealed either from the Coastal Commission or by any member of the public. DISCUSSION This item was on the April 21, 2015 City Council agenda with a recommendation to modify the fee structure accordingly: free for 30 minutes, $5 for up to two hours, and $10 for visits over two hours, with current subsidies for senior and disabled visitors removed. Following that meeting's discussion, Staff has modified its original recommendation. Recommended Approach Staff now recommends that the City Council approve a Coastal Permit to restructure parking fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park as shown in the followina table: PARKING Current Fees Proposed New Fees First 30 minutes free ABALONE COVE $5 $6 30 min -2 hours PARKING — CAR $12 >2 hours ABALONE COVE $15 $55 PARKING — BUS ABALONE COVE $5 NO CHARGE SENIORS -SUMMER ABALONE COVE FALL TO SPRING - SENIORS NO CHARGE NO CHARGE ABALONE COVE DISABLED RATE NO CHARGE NO CHARGE Seniors, who are currently charged during the summer, would now receive free admission year round. Disabled visitors would continue to receive free admission year round. Disabled parking spaces are available. With the approval of a Coastal Permit this evening, the fees would go into effect 60 days after resolution adoption, provided an appeal from the City Council's decision is not filed with the Coastal Commission. 11 Below are justifications for this proposed increase and standardization of fees. • First, as stated before, Abalone Cove parking fees have not been increased for over twenty years. • The current $5 automobile fee is only 45% of the parking survey average of $11. The proposed increase to $12 for a stay of over two hours would be in the top 40% of surveyed fees. Ten other agencies charge $12 or more for all day parking. • Bus fees would also be raised to over 90% of the average fee. • Free public parking lots are available within the City's coastal zone for senior or disabled visitors at Ocean Front Estates, Point Vicente Interpretive Center, Pelican Cove, Terranea Resort, and Trump National Golf Club. • Attendance at Abalone Cove has increased dramatically in recent years as evidenced by a doubling of parking fee revenue since FY 11-12. Increased awareness of the site, particularly through social media, has certainly been a factor in its attendance growth. It is not possible to accurately forecast the ongoing impact of social media or an increase in parking fees on future attendance. • Increased part-time recreation staff presence is planned to patrol Abalone Cove's ecological reserve and tide pool areas during the peak season of May -September to help educate the public and enforce rules at an estimated annual cost of $3,120.00 (240 part- time staff hours at $13/hr). • Due to Abalone Cove's increased attendance, staffing hours may need to be increased. Staff would be able to enforce park rules, provide deterrence to poachers, and would be able to assist motorists who have questions or are experiencing difficulties with the automated pay system. • The City has recently made a significant fiscal investment to improve the upper portion of the park, including new landscaping, shade structures, park furnishings, trails, signs, the public parking lot and the parking system, and other public amenities that enhance public access to and enjoyment of the park. The increase in parking fee revenue will partially off- set the on-going costs for maintenance of the new improvements to the parking lot and parking system. Coastal Permit Since Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is located within the City's Coastal Zone, approval of a Coastal Permit is required for the proposed fee increase and automated pay station. Considering an application for a Coastal Permit for appealable development, Section 17.72.090 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) requires the City Council, in this case, to make the two (2) following findings regarding the proposed parking fee increase and automated parking pay station (RPVDC language is boldface, followed by Staff's analysis in normal type): The proposed development is consistent with the Coastal Specific Plan. The project site lies within an appealable portion of Subregion 5 of the City's Coastal Specific Plan and the project site is designated as Recreation - Parkland. According to the Coastal Specific Plan, the property is identified as providing recreational opportunities revolving around the 5 terrestrial and marine environment. The proposed increase to the parking fee and the installation of an automated parking pay station is intended to off -set operational and maintenance costs at Abalone Cove for the public's benefit and enjoyment. The City recently completed specific improvements to an approximately 1 -acre portion of the park that was partially funded by the State grant awarded to the City through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Specifically, the improvements include new public trails and viewing areas around swathes of land that have been replanted with native plants. These improvements, along with a significant increase in park visitors requires the City to increase the upkeep of the park grounds which results in costs borne by the City. Moreover, the automated parking pay station will allow City Staff more time to canvas the park grounds rather than serving solely as a parking attendant providing the public access to City personnel during park hours. Based on the foregoing, Staff believes that the proposed project is consistent with the City's Coastal Specific Plan in that public access will be maintained for free for the first 30 minutes and modest fees for the time thereafter. 2. The proposed development, when located between the sea and the first public road, is consistent with applicable public access and recreation policies of the Coastal Act. The proposed parking fee increase and automated parking pay station will have no adverse impact to public access and recreational opportunities at Abalone Cove. This is because the proposed fee structure is designed to provide the public with free access to the park for the first 30 minutes (currently a $5 fee is charged). As previously noted, the new fees of $6 for up to 2 hours and $12 for the time spent at the park in excess of two hours is to offset City costs for operating and maintaining the park for the public's use. Based on the aforementioned, Staff believes that the proposed project remains consistent with the applicable public access and recreation policies of the Coastal Act. For all of the above-mentioned reasons, Staff believes that granting the required Coastal Permit is warranted. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • Hourly Rate • Exempting Volunteers • Automated Pay Parking Machine • California Environmental Quality Act • Resident subsidies This item was originally on the November 4, 2014 City Council agenda with a recommendation to increase the parking fee to a $10 all day rate. The item was continued and eventually included as part of the April 21, 2015 agenda. Late correspondence was received from Rancho Palos Verdes resident Eva Cicoria on November 4, 2014 inquiring about 1) Considering an hourly rate, rather than a flat fee; and 2) Exempting Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy volunteers from parking fees while they are performing approved work in the area, such as the Volunteer Trail Watch. Al • Hourly Rate Ms. Cicoria states in her email that she believes $10 for a day at the beach is not "excessive or unreasonable," but $10 for a 1 or 2 hour walk along the shoreline or hike along the bluffs is excessive." While staff does not have any quantifiable numbers on the average length of time that visitors stay at Abalone Cove, Ms. Cicoria is presumably correct that the length of stay does fluctuate significantly. The proposed 30 minutes free/$6/$12 fee structure is within the upper range of the survey results shown previously and is responsive to Ms. Cicoria's concern about a lower rate for short visits. Senior and disabled visitors would not be charged any fee, regardless of the length of their stay. Additionally, sixteen of the twenty-two sites surveyed charge a flat fee, instead of an hourly rate. It is also worth noting that all of the nature preserve/tide pool areas listed in the survey charge a flat rate. Exempting Volunteers From Fees Volunteers are currently not charged for parking at Abalone Cove when performing approved work or services. This applies to any volunteer or volunteer organization performing sanctioned work including Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docents and Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy volunteers and staff, and volunteers participating in "Clean -a -Beach" days. Volunteers perform a vital function in educating the public and maintaining the quality and vitality of Abalone Cove. Staff is not proposing any changes to this long-standing approach. Automated Pay Parking Machine Coastal Commission staff also opined that the automated pay parking machine, which was installed in late 2014, requires the approval of a coastal permit (it was not included in the Coastal Permit for the new Abalone Cove parking lot). Coastal Commission staff indicated that the machine could be included as part of the Coastal Permit for a proposed fee increase. An automated parking pay machine will allow customers to pay for parking at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park with cash or credit card. Staff would be able to play an enhanced role in enforcing rules and educating the public about the area's protected habitat and tide pools. Staff would still be able to assist motorists who have questions or are experiencing difficulties with the automated pay system. The machine would be configured to allow the public to utilize the proposed fee structure outlined above. California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to the provision of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), there is no evidence that the parking lot fee increase and automated parking pay station at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park would have a significant effect on the environment, and, therefore, the proposed project has been found to be Categorically Exempt (Class 23, Section 15323) because the project is related to the normal operation of the park grounds and the fees generated for parking will be used to offset costs for maintaining and operating the public park. In addition, the revision to the parking fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is exempt from the 7 California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Sections 21080 et seq.), pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8)(A). Resident Subsidies There was general discussion at the April 21, 2015 City Council Meeting about providing a subsidy for residents or eliminating resident parking fees altogether. Staff contacted Coastal Commission staff about this concept. Coastal Commission staff indicated that such an approach would almost certainly result in an appeal to the Coastal Commission. They noted that charging non-residents a higher parking fee than residents runs counter to the inclusive intent of the Coastal Act. Staff will follow-up with Coastal Commission staff and investigate possible options that may be of benefit to City residents. One possible option is an annual pass that would lower the overall financial burden for repeat visitors. This pass would be available to all interested individuals, resident or non-resident, but would likely be of greater interest to park visitors who live within a relatively short distance from the park. Details of administering this program, or other program that could potentially benefit residents, would need to be researched, developed and presented to Council at a later date. FEE ALTERNATIVES 1) No Change to Current Status: Maintain existing fee structure. FISCAL IMPACT The fiscal impact of the recommended approach and alternatives cannot be determined precisely. Calculating the financial impact is difficult due to the unknown effect on attendance of the recommended option or alternative two and how many visitors would stay for less than 30 minutes. Recommended Option: Increases the cost of visits over 2 hours to from $6 to $12, but offers a grace period of 30 minutes: Assuming that half of visitors stay under two hours, this option may also result in an 80% increase of parking fee revenue from the current budgeted $98,000 to $176,400, presuming there was no accompanying decrease in attendance. Alternative 1: No change to status quo: No financial impact. CONCLUSION Abalone Cove parking fees are below the norm for similar surveyed nature areas and beaches in California and have not increased in over 20 years. Attendance and revenue figures have increased dramatically in recent years and significant City resources have been expended at Abalone Cove to improve the public's experiences and enjoyment of the park. Attachments November 4, 2014 Eva Cicoria Email (page 10) Resolution No. 2015- Modifying parking rates charged at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (page 11) Resolution No. 2015- Approving a Coastal Permit to increase the parking lot fees and an automated parking pay machine at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (page 13) April 21, 2015 Lynn Swank email and staff response (page 17) 01 From: cicoriae@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2014 9:49 AM To: CC Subject: Abalone Cove parking fee Mayor Duhovic, Mayor Pro Tem Knight, and Councilmembers Brooks, Campbell, and Misetich, I support modifying the Abalone Cove parking fee structure, but I wonder if you would consider two suggestions 1) Change to an hourly rate, rather than a flat fee. This will enable more individuals to enjoy Abalone Cove for a shorter time. $10 for a day at this particularly special beach is not, in my view, excessive or unreasonable. $10 for a 1 or 2 hour walk along the shoreline or hike along the bluffs is excessive. With an automatic pay system, it should be relatively easy to manage an hourly fee structure. 2) Exempt PVPLC volunteers doing volunteer work, such as monitoring for the KEEPER program and patrolling for the Volunteer Trail Watch. This is particularly important if you implement at $10 daily rate. Paying $10 in order to volunteer to monitor or patrol this area is steep. Thank you for your consideration Eva Cicoria 10 RESOLUTION NO. 2015- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION 2010- 77 TO MODIFY PARKING RATES CHARGED AT ABALONE COVE SHORLINE PARK. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes ("City") currently has established parking fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, as set forth in Resolution 2010-77 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Master Schedule of fees and charges for City services; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to modify the parking lot fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park as follows; PARKING Current Fees Proposed New Fees First 30 minutes free ABALONE COVE $5 $6 30 min -2 hours PARKING — CAR $12 >2 hours ABALONE COVE $15 $55 PARKING — BUS ABALONE COVE $5 NO CHARGE SENIORS -SUMMER ABALONE COVE FALL TO NO CHARGE NO CHARGE SPRING - SENIORS ABALONE COVE NO CHARGE NO CHARGE DISABLED RATE WHEREAS, on April 21, 2015, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing concerning the proposed revision of the parking fees which was continued to May 5, 2015; and WHEREAS, the adoption of this Resolution approving the revision to the parking fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Sections 21080 et seq.), pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8)(A); and WHEREAS, all requirements of California Government Code Sections 66016 and 66018 are hereby found to have been satisfied; 11 NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes does hereby resolve as follows: Section 1. The facts set forth in the Recitals of this Resolution are true and correct and are hereby incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full. Section 2. The City Council hereby approves and adopts the revisions to the Parking Fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, as set forth above, and hereby amends the relevant provisions of Resolution 2010-77 to incorporate the revised Parking Fees. Section 3. The modified Parking Fees specified in this resolution shall become effective on July 4, 2015, provided that an appeal to the California Coastal Commission is not filed from the City Council's determination. Section 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage, approval, and adoption of this Resolution, and shall cause this Resolution and her certification to be entered in the Book of Resolutions of the City Council of the City. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 5th day of May 2015. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk State of California ) County of Los Angeles ) ss City of Rancho Palos Verdes ) I, Carla Morreale, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify that the above Resolution No. , was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on May 5, 2015. City Clerk 12 RESOLUTION NO. 2015 -XX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING A COASTAL PERMIT (ZON2015-00169) MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS TO INCREASE THE PARKING LOT FEE AND TO INSTALL AN AUTOMATED PARKING PAY MACHINE AT ABALONE COVE SHORELINE PARK. WHEREAS, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a multi -use City park facility that is enjoyed by the public in a number of ways including picnicking, hiking, sight- seeing, and provides public access to natural resources such as the tide pools and beaches. The parking fees currently in place have not increased in over twenty years and are based on the following rates for cars, busses, senior, and disabled parking, and: PARKING Current Fee ABALONE COVE PARKING — CAR $5 ABALONE COVE PARKING — BUS $15 ABALONE COVE PARKING $5 SUMMER — SENIORS ABALONE COVE PARKING FALL NO CHARGE TO SPRING - SENIORS ABALONE COVE PARKING NO CHARGE DISABLED RATE WHEREAS, Recreation staff conducted a survey of parking rates at other public beaches and nature/marine preserves and tide pools in California and found that the City's parking fees are below the rates charged at other locations in that the average parking fee for a car is $11.00 and the average parking fee for seniors is $10.57. Of the twenty-two surveyed agencies, six offered a reduction for seniors, with an overall average discount of $.39. While disabled fees were slightly lower, the fees followed the same pattern with by either remaining the same or reduced modestly in most instances. Several locations offered larger reductions for disabled visitors and only one location did not charge any fee. The average fee for disabled visitors was $9.02. Nine agencies offered a reduction for disabled visitors with an overall average discount of $2.39. Among agencies that allowed busses or had a separate bus fee, the average fee for large buses was $59.67; and, WHEREAS, the City held a public hearing on April 21, 2015 to consider modifying the parking fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park which was continued to May 5, 2015; and, 13 WHEREAS, the City proposes to increase its parking fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park as described in the following Table; and, PARKING Current Fees Proposed New Fees ABALONE COVE First 30 minutes free $5 $6 30 min -2 hours PARKING — CAR $12 >2 hours ABALONE COVE $15 $55 PARKING — BUS ABALONE COVE $5 NO CHARGE SENIORS -SUMMER ABALONE COVE FALL TO NO CHARGE NO CHARGE SPRING - SENIORS ABALONE COVE NO CHARGE NO CHARGE DISABLED RATE WHEREAS, in addition to increasing the parking fees, the City will install an automated parking pay station which will enable park Staff to increase their presence around the park grounds particularly by patrolling the natural resources, such as the tide pools and potential poachers, and enforcing park rules; and, WHEREAS, since Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is located within the City's Coastal Zone, approval of a Coastal Permit is required for the proposed fee increase and automated pay station based on Section 17.72.090 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) for property located in the appealable portion of the Coastal Zone; and, WHEREAS, on April 2 and 9, 2015, pursuant to the City's Municipal Code, a public notice was published in the Peninsula News and on April 2, 2015 a public notice was mailed to property owners within and adjacent to the City's Coastal Zone, and within a 500 -foot radius of the project site inviting public comments on the proposed parking fee increase and automated pay parking station; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to the provision of the California Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et.seq. ("CEQA"), the State's CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulation, Title 14, Section 15000 et.seq., the City's Local CEQA Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65962.5(F) (Hazardous Waste and Substances Statement), the City Council found no evidence that the parking lot fee increase and automated parking pay station at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park would have a significant effect on the environment, and, therefore, the proposed project has been found to be Categorically Exempt (Class 23, Section 15323) because the project is related to the normal operation of the park grounds and the fees generated for parking will be used to offset costs for maintaining and operating the public park. In addition, the revision to the parking fees at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Sections 21080 et seq.), pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(8)(A); and, 14 WHEREAS, on April 21, 2015, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to consider, among other things, the required Coastal Permit, which was continued to May 5, 2015; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The project site lies within an appealable portion of Subregion 5 of the City's Coastal Specific Plan and the project site is designated as Recreation - Parkland. According to the Coastal Specific Plan, the property is identified as providing recreational opportunities revolving around the terrestrial and marine environment. The proposed increase to the parking fee and the installation of an automated parking pay station is intended to off -set operational and maintenance costs at Abalone Cove for the public's benefit and enjoyment. The City recently completed specific improvements to approximately 1 -acre portion of the park that was partially funded by the State grant awarded to the City through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Specifically, the improvements include new public trails and viewing areas around swathes of land that have been replanted with native plants. These improvements, along with a significant increase in park visitors requires the City to increase the upkeep of the park grounds which results in costs borne by the City. Moreover, the automated parking pay station will allow City Staff to canvas the park grounds rather than serving as a parking attendant providing the public access to City personnel during park hours. Based on the foregoing, the City Council finds that the proposed project is consistent with the City's Coastal Specific Plan in that public access will be maintained for free for the first 30 minutes and a nominal fee for the time thereafter. Section 2. The proposed parking fee increase and automated parking pay station will have no adverse impact to public access and recreational opportunities at Abalone Cove. This is because the proposed fee structure is designed to provide the public with free access to the park for the first 30 minutes (currently a $5 fee is charged), and a parking fee of $6 for the time after the first 30 minutes up to two hours, and a parking fee of $12 for the time spent at the park in excess of two hours to offset City costs for operating and maintaining the park for the public's use. Senior and disabled visitors will receive free admission. Based on the aforementioned, the City Council finds that the proposed project remains consistent with the applicable public access and recreation policies of the Coastal Act. Section 3. The time within which judicial review of the decision reflected in this Resolution, if available, must be sought as governed by Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure and other applicable short periods of limitation. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 5th day of May 2015. 15 Mayor Attest: City Clerk State of California ) County of Los Angeles ) ss City of Rancho Palos Verdes ) I, Carla Morreale, the City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the above Resolution No. 2015 -XX was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on May 5, 2015. City Clerk 16 From: Matt Waters To: "inn Swank" Cc: CC; Cory Linder; Daniel Trautner Subject: FW: Abalone Cove Parking Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 3:08:00 PM Attachments: image001.png Hi Lynn, Thank you for your email. Responses to your questions are below. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions or concerns. Sincerely, Matt Waters Senior Administrative Analyst City of Rancho Palos Verdes Recreation and Parks Department 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 www.palosverdes.com/rpvv mattw&rpvca.gov - (310) 544-5218 p — (310) 544-5291 f WE ARE IN PROCESS OF SWITCHING TO A NEW WEB AND EMAIL DOMAIN. PLEASE NOTE MY NEW EMAIL AND IF I AM IN YOUR CONTACTS, SWITCH MY EMAIL FROM mattw(@rpv.com TO mattw(@rpvca.gov 0 From: Lynn Swank [mailto:lynn.swank(@cox.net] Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2015 8:09 PM To: CC Cc: Cory Linder; Matt Waters Subject: Abalone Cove Parking RPV City Council Members: I support the parking fee increases for Abalone Cove Shoreline Park if there is enforcement of the permit -parking only designation on Sea Cove Drive. I believe that the ramifications of this increase will affect residents and resurrect an old and continuing parking problem. Increased usage of the park is a good thing. Residents, staff and the city council worked very 17 hard these past years to make this a park that celebrated the natural setting of our coastline and allowed all visitors to experience the ocean front experience that our city offers. Nature is the best teacher and we do not need buildings to conduct nature education in this setting. An issue not discussed in the staff report is parking enforcement and the many problems experienced by adjacent residents due to overflow parking. - Will staff be a parking enforcer? Staff will not function as a parking enforcer. In addition to educating the public and enforcing park rules, they will be available to answer questions and assist with parking -related questions and problems. Like many automated lots, vehicles will not be able to exit until they pay the full amount of their parking fee. - Who will cite or tow cars if the time period expires in the parking lot? Patrons will pay any balance due when exiting the parking lot, so they will not be cited. For example, if a patron pre -pays the $5 rate but stays beyond the two-hour maximum, they can pay the additional $5 when they exit. - Who will cite permit -parking zone violators who park on Sea Cove Dr. or other streets adjacent to or near the park? Parking enforcement on private streets will remain the responsibility of the Lomita Sheriff's Department. - Has the Traffic and Safety Committee reviewed this proposal? No, they have not. The proposed changes are to parking fees, not access or traffic patterns. - Will staff absence impact prevent problems that occur at the park when an attendant is not there? The automated parking system is intended to allow for greater flexibility by Recreation staff to address problems both at the parking lot area and other parts of Abalone Cove when necessary. Currently, staff are limited in their mobility due to the need to be in the parking booth to take payments. We are looking to increase staffing presence at Abalone Cove, especially during busier parts of the year. As you are aware, overflow parking is a major issue in parts of our city and while the amenities provided to our residents and visitors are wonderful there has been a downside to our residents who live near these "experiences". I refer to Del Cerro and the Preserve, Marymount, and Abalone Cove. These are the most dramatic examples. I fear that the city has not carefully examined the impact that improvements such as these will have on nearby residents. In particular, PV Drive South has seen increased traffic due to the success of Terranea, Abalone Cove is a user friendly park, the Parks Master Plan is proposing an upgrade in experiences at PVIC and Lower Point Vicente Park, and Gateway Park may or may not offer more parking congestion. The City Council recently approved the Heritage Museum adjacent to Abalone Cove Park and concerns were raised about overflow parking for the museum at that time but assurances were made that this was not a concern. The California Coastal Trail will also wind its way through the park and will be a major rest point or drop off/pick-up for visitors statewide. Additionally, the residentially -zoned Point View area W• has an Event Garden and the Planning Commission has allowed them to hold an increased number of events and expanded agricultural uses on the property further adding congestion to PVDS. Since the 1960s parking for Abalone Cove has been an issue and the residents on Sea Cove have had to contend with visitor parking on this residential street. A parking lot was built and that seemed to alleviate the problem for a time. However, over the years, even with a parking lot, many visitors do not want to pay a parking fee ($5) and choose to park on Sea Cove. Even though this is a permit- parking only street there has been no enforcement. This past weekend, April 18 and 19, there have been Abalone Cove user cars on our street even though the parking lot has not been full. Even if the Sheriff is called, there still is no enforcement because this is a low priority item for them, and appropriately so. The City has a positive ongoing working relationship with the Lomita Sheriff's Department. Staff can certainly relay concerns about identifiable, ongoing parking violations on private streets. As I stated, I support a fee increase if there is enforcement of permit -only parking. Increased fees will further encourage visitors to seek free parking elsewhere. If $5 is too much to pay, an increased fee will be considered excessive by many more people. It is not fair to place such a burden on your residents if there are no plans to deal with the impact of this problem. Does the revenue from increased fees outweigh the problems those of us on adjacent streets must suffer? Impact on neighbors is always a significant concern. A certain number of people may be willing to park on private streets, even illegally, to avoid paying parking fees, regardless of the cost. The reasons for the proposed increase are outlined in the staff report, but they include a survey of other California beach and nature lots that show that the current $5 fee is well below average, the City has recently upgraded Abalone Cove at significant expense, and parking fees have not been raised in over 20 years. Will the City compensate residents for this intrusion on our private residential experience? Compensation for private residents is not included in this report. Will our concerns also be addressed simultaneously when this item is discussed at the City Council meeting April 21? The concerns you have raised as well as our responses will be included as Late Correspondence for the 4-21-15 meeting. Staff will also be ready to answer these concerns at the Council meeting. Lynn Swank RPV Resident 19