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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06262012 - C.14PDF Return C. 14 To: Board of Supervisors From: Julia R. Bueren, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer Date: June 26, 2012 Contra Costa County Subject:APPROVE the West County Detention Center Solar Array Installation and Restoration Project, and make related findings under the California Environmenta APPROVE OTHER RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE Action of Board On: 06/26/2012 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER Clerks Notes: VOTE OF SUPERVISORS AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor Contact:H. HEARD, 925-313-2022 cc:Auditor Controller L. SUCGANG, PWD DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION A. VILLAR, PWD TRANS. ENG. I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: June 26, 2012 David Twa, BY:STACEY M. BOYD , Deputy RECOMMENDATION(S): APPROVE the West County Detention Center Solar Array Installation and Restoration Project [DCD-CP#112-10], Richmond area, Project No.: 0928/4265-8B0265, and FIND on the basis of the Initial Study and Negative Declaration and all comments and responses therein that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment, and RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D) ADOPT the Negative Declaration in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (the custodian of which is the Department of Conservation and Development Director who is located at 651 Pine Street, Martinez), and DIRECT the Director of Conservation and Development to file a Notice of Determination with the County Clerk, and AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to arrange for payment of a $25 fee to Conservation and Development for processing, a $50 fee to the County Clerk for filing the Notice of Determination, and payment of $2,176.50 for California Department of Fish and Game fees. FISCAL IMPACT: The $2,251.50 in fees are 100% Energy Efficiency Improvement funds. BACKGROUND: The purpose of this project is to install Solar Arrays at the West County Detention Center parking lot and restore the vacant parcel south of the parking lot with native trees and shrubs, in western Contra Costa County. Contra Costa County intends to install photovoltaic equipment at the West County Detention Center (WCDC). The photovoltaic equipment will be installed within the existing detention center parking lot which is approximately 2.8 acres. The equipment will consist of solar panels, brackets, wiring, electric meters and other associated equipment required to provide solar-electric energy to the facility. The equipment will be installed in six solar panel arrays of approximately 3,263 modules. The arrays are typical carport style, 9 feet high and will not require the removal of any parking stalls and will provide a shaded parking area. Limited removal of native and non-native landscaping trees and shrubs may be necessary to ensure the arrays are not shaded by vegetation. Landscaping will be installed around the perimeter of the parking lot farther from the proposed arrays to provide screening of the detention center without shading the arrays. Additionally, adjacent to the WCDC parking lot there is a vacant site where an eucalyptus grove that was retained as a buffer for the WCDC facility was removed in error during the summer of 2011. This site will be enhanced by installing appropriate vegetation to increase the habitat value, reduce fire risk, and provide an aesthetically pleasing entrance to the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. The restoration area is approximately 5 acres in size. The restoration area will provide a landscape buffer between the neighboring Point Pinole Regional Park (operated by the East Bay Regional Park District) and the WCDC. The restoration will consist of a design to plant the area with native vegetation and establish a buffer area between the park entrance and the WCDC. The site will be cleared and grubbed of woody debris. The restoration palette will consist of a mixture of shrubs and trees appropriate to the climate and site conditions with an emphasis on native species. An irrigation system will likely be installed and some minor drainage improvements such as minor site grading may be implemented. Bollards and/or fencing may be required to provide a barrier to the site from vehicles. Minor improvements to pedestrian pathways such as replenishment of decomposed granite or gravel may also be included as part of the project. Access to the shoreline will be maintained at all times. A conceptual landscape design plan has been drafted. Real Property transactions and utility relocations may be necessary in support of this project. CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION: Delay in approving the project will result in a delay of design and construction and the restoration of the vacant parcel. CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT: Not applicable. AgendaQuick©2005 - 2022 Destiny Software Inc., All Rights Reserved FnNNnN{oRE Cnuc, p.c. 3003 North C€ntral Avenue, Suite 2600 Phoenix, Arizona 85012-2913 (602) 9r 6-s000 William L. Thorpe Direct Phone: (602) 916-5350 Direct Fax: (602) 916-5550 wtho¡pe@fclaw. com Law Off¡ces Phoenrx (602) 916-5000 Tùcson (520) 879-6800 Nogales (520) 281-3480 Las Vegas (702) 692-8000 Denver (303) 291-3200 Ilur;,'e 19,2012 \TA E-MAIL - hhear@Þw.cccounfv.us Hillary Heard, Planner II Contra Costa County Public Works Department 255 Glacier Drive Marti¡ez, CA 94553 Re: West County Detention Center Solar Array Installation and Restoration Project, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond, CA. APN: 405-041-021 Dear Ms. Heard: This letter follows up on my May I8,2012 correspondence to you about BNSF Railway Company's C'BNSF') concems relating to the proposed photovoltaic solar power generation facility (the "Project") identified in the April 18,2012 Notice of Public Review and Intent to Adopt a Proposed Negative Declaration (the "Notice"), County File No. CP 12-10, as well as your responsive letter dated June 11,2012. BNSF has appreciated the County's assistance subsequent to my May 18, 2012letter in enabling BNSF to understand the design of the Project in greater detail. Based on the information BNSF has received, BNSF does not currently perceive any issues relating to the glint and glare concerns raised in my previous correspondence. BNSF reserves the right, however, to take whatever action it deems appropriate to protect BNSF's interests, facilities and employees in the event there are any unforeseen issues caused by the design or implementation of the Project that may impact the safety or well-being of BNSF employees or the public. Once again, let me express BNSF's appreciation for the cooperation it has received from the County in discussing the Project with BNSF. Please feel free to contact me in the event any issues a¡ise in the future. Very truly yours, , t- ( 4 l///@ Kqz//,tk-- William L. Thorpe / WLT/jah 7039200 Fo¡ the Firm