CITY COUNCIL: Resolution Authorizing the Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club to Implement a Habitat Restoration Landscape Plan for a Portion of the North Dunes of Carmel Beach

Meeting Date: November 1, 2011
Prepared by: Sean Conroy, Plng & Bldg Services Manager

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club to implement a habitat restoration landscape plan for a portion of the North Dunes of Carmel Beach near the northwest corner of Ocean and San Antonio Avenues.

Description: The Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club is proposing to remove invasive species and replant native dune species for a 10,000-square-foot portion of the North Dunes of Carmel Beach. The Garden Club also is proposing a small viewing area with benches and interpretive signage.

Overall Cost:
City Funds: N/A

Staff Recommendation: Approve the Resolution.

Important Considerations: On January 14, 2010, the California Coastal Commission certified the Del Mar Master Plan that was prepared by the City. The Master Plan addresses issues related to parking, circulation, aesthetics, environmental resources and pedestrian access for the Del Mar parking area and adjacent dunes. The Garden Club’s project will assist in implementing the Plan and will improve the aesthetics and environmental resources of the dunes.

Decision Record: On October 12, 2011 the Planning Commission issued Design Review and Coastal Development permits for this project.

Reviewed by:


__________________________ _________________
Jason Stilwell, City Administrator Date

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR MCCLOUD & MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SEAN CONROY, PLANNING & BUILDING SERVICES
MANAGER
THROUGH: JASON STILWELL, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: 1 NOVEMBER 2011
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA GARDEN CLUB TO IMPLEMENT A HABITAT RESTORATION LANDSCAPE PLAN FOR A PORTION OF THE NORTH DUNES OF CARMEL BEACH LOCATED NEAR THE NORTHWEST
CORNER OF OCEAN AND SAN ANTONIO AVENUES

BACKGROUND
The North Dunes of Carmel Beach are part of the last remaining undeveloped dunes
within the City limits. The North Dunes are located on the north end of the beach
adjacent to the Del Mar parking area at the foot of Ocean Avenue, and is a four to fivc
acre tract of substantially disturbed dunes. Special status species found in the area
include the Tidestrom’s lupine, the Central Dune Scrub, and the Black Legless Lizard.
In accordance with General Plan Goal 4-2, the City adopted the Del Mar Master Plan
(DMMP) in 2009. The DMMP addresses issues related to parking, circulation, public
access, aesthetics and environmental resources of the parking area and adjacent dunes. A
portion of the DMMP was implemented through a joint effort between the City and the
Pebble Beach Company that included the installation of a pedestrian path from the Pebble
Beach Gate to Fourth Avenue, a beach access staircase at the north end of the beach, and
a boardwalk connecting Fourth Avenue with the beach staircase.
The City recently approved a bid for the construction of the Del Mar parking area
improvements and the City has applied for various grants to assist in implementing the
remaining elements of the DMMP.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club is proposing a habitat restoration project for a
10,000-square- foot portion of the North Dunes located near the intersection of Ocean
and San Antonio Avenues. The project would be part of the Garden Club of America’s
Centennial event that promotes projects throughout the country.
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MP 11-9 (Garden Club)
1 November 2011
Staff Report
Page 2
The proposed project includes:
• The removal of invasive plant species;
• The planting of native dune habitat species;
• The installation of a small sand-set paver viewing area with three wood benches;
• The installation of public education signage describing the project and the habitat;
• The installation of an 18” Carmel stone wall around the viewing area; and
• The installation of temporary I-rods and cable fencing to protect the restoration
areas.
This project also is located in the Coastal Commission Appeal Jurisdiction. This allows
the Coastal Commission staff or a private citizen to appeal the Planning Commission’s
decision to the Coastal Commission if so desired.
The Forest and Beach Commission reviewed this proposal on October 6, 2011 and the
Planning Commission issued Design Review and Coastal Development permits for this
project on October 12, 2011.
EVALUATION
CEQA: As part of the DMMP, the City adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration
(MND). The MND identified several mitigations to ensure the construction and
restoration efforts in the dunes avoided any negative environmental impacts. These
conditions were incorporated into the permit issued by the Planning Commission.
Dune Restoration: The DMMP highlights several policies of the General Plan/Local
Coastal Plan regarding dune restoration efforts. These policies encourage the removal of
invasive species, the protection of the fragile dune environment, restoration of the native
dune habitat, and the installation of educational/interpretive signage. The proposed
project is consistent with these policies.
The DMMP identified three primary dune habitat restoration areas (see attached). The
proposed project will encompass a large portion of habitat restoration area #3 and will
serve as a model project for future restoration efforts. The proposed landscape plan
includes several of the species encouraged in the DMMP such as the Sand Dune Sage,
Beach Primrose and Verbena.
Viewing Area: The viewing area is proposed as a way to allow pedestrians to step off of
the narrow sidewalk that runs parallel to Ocean Avenue and to enjoy views of the habitat
restoration area. The Planning Commission was concerned that the viewing area
appeared too formal. The Commission also was concerned that the location and design
of the viewing area may conflict with the City’s future plans to install a pedestrian path
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MP 11-9 (Garden Club)
1 November 2011
Staff Report
Page 3
from Ocean Avenue to Fourth Avenue as part of the implementation of the remaining
elements of DMMP.
The Commission approved the restoration work but required that the Garden Club revise
its plans for the viewing area after the City has developed the plans for the San Antonio
pathway. On November 10, 2011, the State Coastal Conservancy will vote on a grant
that would allow the City to develop the plans for the pathway.
SUMMARY
The Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club should be commended for its generosity in pursuing
this project. The City recognizes that this is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to
the community the benefits of dune habitat restoration, and also recognizes that it is being
accomplished without the need for City funding.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the attached Resolution.
42
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION 2011-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
AUTHORIZING THE CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA GARDEN CLUB TO IMPLEMENT A
HABITAT RESTORATION LANDSCAPE PLAN FOR A PORTION OF THE NORTH
DUNES OF CARMEL BEACH LOCATED NEAR THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF OCEAN
AND SAN ANTONIO AVENUES
WHEREAS, The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is a unique coastal community that prides itself in
its beach and community character; and
WHEREAS, General Plan Goal G4-2 encourages the City to develop a Master Plan for the Del
Mar and North Dunes area; and
WHEREAS, the City adopted the Del Mar Master Plan (DMMP) on 1 September 2009; and
WHEREAS, the California Coastal Commission certified the DMMP on 14 January 2010, and
WHEREAS, the Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club is proposing a habitat restoration landscape
plan for a 10,000 square foot portion of the North Dunes of Carmel Beach; and
WHEREAS, the habitat restoration plan is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of
the DMMP and the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission approved Design Review and Coastal Development
permits for this project with special conditions on 12 October 2011.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA does hereby:
Authorize the Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club to implement the attached dune habitat
restoration landscape plan in the North Dunes of Carmel Beach.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BYTHE-
SEA this first day of November 2011 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ATTEST: SIGNED,
____________________ ________________________
Heidi Burch, City Clerk SUE McCLOUD, MAYOR