DISCUSS PUENTE STREET BRIDGE AT FULLERTON GOLF COURSE.
Staff reported that the proposed bridge goes through portions of Brea golf course and Fullerton Golf course, and crosses an Orange County Flood control channel. Approximately 2/3 of the bike route through this area is within the City of Brea. From the north side of the channel heading north to the beginning of Puente Street the grade is approximately 20%. As an example of how steep this area is, Craig Park has a 10% slope with intermittent 5% grades. Brea Golf course did not have any problem with the bridge as long as there was a fence to keep people out of the golf course.
The City of Brea will require a public hearing before it will approve the project
Staff has had discussions with Brea staff, and they are not interested in maintaining a trail within their City and the liability associated with the steep grades. Brea would require Fullerton to accept the liability associated with the trail that is in the City of Brea. Fullerton's Risk Management staff stated that assuming liability across a city boundary is a difficult issue and questioned the reasoning for accepting this condition. The steep slope does not meet current design standards and does not support the City assuming this liability.
Phil Lamontagne asked if mountain bikes can currently ride down this slope and staff responded that this area is fenced off.
Members questioned if it was possible to grade the slope to the west and add switchbacks. Staff responded that grading the west is not possible because the existing slope is extremely steep, and would require extensive grading to comply with the current grading ordinance; grading would encroach into the golf course and affect the existing course; and switchbacks would be extremely expensive.
Members then asked if the area north of the bridge and Puente Street could remain unpaved requiring bicyclists to walk their bikes down the slope. Staff responded that this also creates a liability issue and a maintenance problem. Maintenance would be responsible to repair erosion that occurs on steep slopes. Decomposed granite and aggregate base surfaces would experience the same erosion problems as the existing unpaved road.
Questions were asked if there were any other locations where cyclist could cross the golf course. Staff responded that the golf course is built in a gully and has steep slopes along its perimeter. Trying another access point is not possible due to existing fairways, greens, a natural stream, and vertical cliffs around golf course.
Staff stated that bikes are facing the same problems as cars in this area and that there is no direct route to the north part of the City; the recommended design slope should not exceed 10% grade; and suggested that members visit the site, possibly visualizing an idea that could work.
Member Lamontagne asked if the grade issue is resolved is the bridge a go. Staff responded that the only tentative approval is from the Orange County Flood Control District.
Member Shoemaker stated that a long-term solution is needed. Member. Lamontagne asked if adding barriers would work to slow down cyclist. Staff responded that this would open up the area to skate boarders using the area as a slalom course.
Member Bean stated that without the support of the Brea community, the project would not proceed, and inquired if the BUSC should seek Brea's support.
In summary, staff's opinion was that based on the existing topography, City liability associated with the steep grading, and lack of support from the City of Brea, this project is not feasible.
This item will be continued to the next meeting
DISCUSS GRANT APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL FUNDING AND PROPOSED PROJECT FOR SUBMISSION.
There is funding available for bike projects from the Transportation Enhancement Act, and $3 million is available over the next two years. The projects require a minimum of 25% City matching funds. The applications must be submitted by April 14, 2003.
Member Bean recommended that the class 1 bike route behind Saint Jude be submitted for funding. A discussion on the possibility of locating the bike route on the south side of Bastanchury was discussed.
Member Olmstead suggested the area around the transportation center could be looked at.
Member Lamontagne asked if these funds were to improve bike routes or could they be used for education. Staff responded that the funds are for bike route improvements, gap closures, lockers, travel stations, etc.
Member Olmsted stated that a laundry list of projects should be established by the BUSC.
Member Bean mentioned that someone has expressed interest in operating a bike station at the train depot. It was discussed that no public land was available for such a facility; no evidence to support such usage has been presented to the BUSC; and no funding was available to operate such a facility. Member Bean stated that Long Beach has a successful bike station; however, the City has a large commercial district in the downtown area, and the facility is city-subsidized.
Member Shoemaker asked when the City was notified about the available funding and if private money could be used. Staff received notification approximately one month earlier. Private funding can be used as part of the City's matching funds
Member Lamontagne asked about Chapman Avenue from Basque Avenue to Woods Avenue. This is a class 3 route with signing only. Member Olmsted mentioned the bridge across the 57 freeway.
A motion to submit application for funding for a class 1 bike route from Youth Way to Rolling Hills Drive was made and approved.
