CV Link and the Environment, part 2 noise

Noise

CV Link construction will expose people to excessive ground vibration or groundborne noise levels. Construction activities will occur between the permitted hours of each local jurisdiction’s Municipal Code. Large bulldozers within 100 feet of residences, schools, and similar sensitive areas will be minimized and avoided if possible. Residences, schools, and other sensitive land uses within 400 feet of planned pile driving will be notified of the construction in writing. Two alternatives to pile driving will be employed:

• Impact pile driving devices and Cast-In-Drilled-Hole (CIDH) piling methods will be used within 76 feet near the Thunderbird Channel and Deep Canyon Channel Bridge. Alternative piling methods such as Tubex piles, which can produce lower vibration levels (0.05 in/sec PPV at 25 feet), or other alternatives with equal or lower vibration levels are acceptable.
• CIDH piling methods or alternatives with equal or lower vibration levels will be used for five bridge locations: Highway 111 overcrossing, West Magnesia Canyon Channel Bridge at Highway 111, West Magnesia Canyon Channel Bridge at Library, Cook Street overcrossing,  and La Quinta Channel Bridge.

CV Link construction will result in a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient
noise levels. Construction activities will only occur during permitted hours of each jurisdiction’s Municipal Code. All construction equipment, fixed or mobile, will have properly operating and maintained mufflers. All stationary construction equipment will be position to emit noise away from the noise-sensitive receivers nearest the project site. Equipment staging areas will be located at the greatest distance between noise sources and noise-sensitive receivers nearest the project site. (Already 61 staging areas have been determined, as shown in the Alignments Map Book. The closest distance between a sensitive receptor to a staging area will be 30 feet.) Large bulldozer use within 100 feet of nearby residences and schools will be avoided if possible. Truck deliveries will be limited to the same hours specified for construction equipment by each local jurisdiction’s Municipal Code.

Indian Wells candidates' answer about CV Link

Updated 2016.11.09

The ballot Measure H was enacted with a majority vote of  68% (1118 votes of 1642 total). The measure text was:

Section 2.08.180 be added to the Indian Wells Municipal Code to prohibit the City Council from taking any action to approve the establishment, development or installation of all or any part of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ “CV Link” Project within the City, unless approved by a majority of City voters?

 
The editorial board of the Desert Sun asked this question of all candidates for City Council:

"The city is asking voters if they would approve of Indian Wells being part of the proposed CV Link. What is your opinion of the CV Link? Explain."

Here are the candidate responses:

• Doug Hanson, not a winner 2016 with 21%: "The reason we put CV Link on the ballot was to find out how our residents feel about CV Link. The issue for Indian Wells is not what you think about CV Link but how does the link traverse the city. We clearly could not put it in the middle of the golf course. That would present a humongous hazard to the people on the link and create havoc with our golfers. In addition, the use of Highway 111 is not a viable route because of a previous ballot measure and the inability to widen the roadway."
  
  Hanson is clear that his objections are focused on the exact routing of CV Link. We can work with that, as long as it is not merely a bait-and-switch tactic to obstruct the corridor, as was practiced by Hobart and Rancho Mirage.
  
  
• Ted Mertens, winner 2016 with 28%: "The CV Link project is a major and costly undertaking. I proposed the ballot measure (Measure H) to give residents a voice. I have not seen adequate evidence to support the claims relating to the benefits of this project. Initial construction costs estimated at $100M, will probably exceed that amount when completed. On-going maintenance costs are unknown. Cities will be expected to pay for these costs. The proposed routing through the IWGR or along Highway 111 is simply unacceptable. When approved, Measure H will prevent any future council from taking action without first obtaining the approval of a majority of voters."
  
  At least Mertens states clearly that he has his reasons for rejecting CV Link, even if the objections sound suspiciously like the obstructions from Hobart and Rancho Mirage.
  
  
• Kimberly Muzik, winner 2016 with 24%: "This has been such a controversial item! I am glad it is going before our residents for their vote November 8th. Personally, do we really want the CV link to go through our beautiful IW Golf Resort?  What about costs of future maintenance and safety?"
  
  I see Muzik's gambit: don't answer the question by posing other questions. However, the very phrasing of her questions reveals her belief that CV Link is not for her.
  
  
• Ty Peabody, winner 2016 with 27%: "I am adamantly opposed to CV Link as it is being presented:
  
  • Our residents voted to not allow widening of Highway 111 without a majority vote.
  • Building the Link as an elevated road adjacent to our golf course would be detrimental to golfers and spoil our views.
  • Our city would be required to build access roads or bridges connecting the Link to the clubhouse area.
  • Our city does not have capital to cover O&M costs.
  • There are serious potential liability issues related to the Link.
  • There is attempt by CVAG to use dedicated funds from Measure A for repair of existing roads and bridges for CV Link."
  
  Peabody has bought the Hobart Boondoggle, hook, line, and stinker. He clearly has not read the "Conceptual Master Plan" for the project, and he misunderstands the many alternatives floated for funding O&M costs.
  
  

Of course, there were other questions. See more at the Desert Sun Election Questionnaire. 

Palm Desert candidates' answer about CV Link

updated 2016.11.09
The editorial board of the Desert Sun asked this question of all candidates for City Council:

"Are you in favor of Palm Desert being part of the CV Link? Why or why not?"

Here are the council candidate responses:

• Kathleen Kelly, winner 2016 with 23%: "As the question suggests, CV Link will happen because of numerous cities supporting it and funding that cannot be used for anything else. It would not be to Palm Desert’s advantage to resist participation. The proposed route uses existing roadways along Magnesia Falls, and could feed visitors to the proposed “city center” on San Pablo. I will work for implementation to be as advantageous to Palm Desert as possible, guarding funds intended for other uses."
  
  I endorse Kelly's support of CV Link and an implied opposition to the isolationist attitudes of neighboring cities. Her reasons for support exhibit appreciation of how CV Link can build on and build up other development projects in the city.
  
• Jerry Martin, not winner 2016 with 10%: "The CV Link is an exciting opportunity for our city. It is a long process and I believe that it will be a benefit for our city’s residence and visitors."
  
  Martin expresses support for CV Link, but I think his short statement reveals that the topic is low on his priorities.
  
  

• Gina Nestande, winner 2016 with 26%: "As a former Professional Ironman Triathlete, I understand the health benefits of physical activity. The CV Link can benefit many in our community, provide a venue to hold sporting events, give the tourism industry another marketing tool thereby bringing more tourists to our area – even in the summer months. My support ultimately depends upon evaluating the final environmental and financial documents when made available within the next several months."
  
  Nestande evidences the greatest support of CV Link and the broadest understanding of its positive impact. In addition, she expresses a fiscal reserve that might be eased by reading Section 8 of the CV Link Conceptual Master Plan, which itemizes the expected services that provide O&M and which offers over 20 sources to combine for funding O&M costs.
  
  
• Van Tanner, not winner 2016 with 19%: "In the very near future there is going to be an Environmental Impact Study Report showing what the potential impact CV link will have on our valley cities.  My thoughts are that the link will bring the East Valley together with the West Valley and everything in between.  In doing this the public needs to know the benefits and the costs involved.  This study will go a long way in telling me what the overall impact will be.  At this time I am favorable to the idea but reserve final opinion until after the report is completed."
  
  Turner expresses an overarching understanding that CV Link is a transportation corridor, and not merely a recreational amenity. A bit concerning is his apparent reliance on the Environmental Impact Study to reveal CV Link impacts on the cities. (I understand the EIS might be limited to the impacts on the natural environment and habitats of native flora and fauna. Perhaps I'm wrong in this assumption.) 
  
  
• Susan Marie Weber, winner 2016 with 22%: "Throughout all my campaigns, I have commented on having a cross-valley method of transportation. I spoke to SunLine representatives, thinking a bus line would help solve the problem. "As an accountant, I look at the costs, not just the design/construction, but long-term maintenance and operational costs, such as lighting, trash, loitering, and vandalism.
  When the long-term costs are more fully defined, I think we will all be able to make a more educated decision on the value of the CV Link."
  
  Weber, like Tanner, understands the transportation advantages of CV Link—a positive sign. I must advise her to reread the project document (CV Link Conceptual Master Plan, Section 8) to be reminded of over 20 sources of funding for O&M costs, which are estimated to be about $10K to 30K per mile annually. These O&M costs include regular maintenance, safety patrols and security measures, marketing and events, insurance and risk management, and general management.
  
  

Of course, there were other questions. See more at the Desert Sun Election Questionnaire. 

Mary Jane Felice

Council Statements Regarding CV Link

In citing text from the meeting minutes, others' comment is not often included, and no ellipses are provided.

7 May 2015

The City Council met in regular session.

• "12. Consideration of Prohibition of the Route of CV Link Over Any Portion of Highway 111 or Bob Hope Drive, in the City of Rancho Mirage
• Public Comment
• "Mary Jane Filice, a resident in Thunderbird Cover, requested that the City Council does not allow the CV Link in the City of Rancho Mirage. She commented that good planning does not
  mix high speed, high volume traffic with pedestrian traffic. Ms. Filice encouraged the City Council to not let the pressure of their sister cities impact their decision on this issue.
• "Councilmember Smotrich commented that far beyond the financial aspects of the CV Link are the safety issues. When motor vehicles are put together with runners, walkers and bicycles, she stated this presents a major safety hazard and is a catastrophe waiting to happen. Councilmember Smotrich will be addressing this issue at her CVAG meeting next week.
• "MOVED/ SECONDED BY HOBART/ KITE TO PROHIBIT THE ROUTE OF THE CV LINK TO EXTEND OVER ANY PORTION OF HIGHWAY 111 OR BOB HOPE DRIVE WITHIN THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE. MOTION CARRIED 5/ 0."
  

COMMMENTARY

Randal Bynder

Council Statements Regarding CV Link

In citing text from the meeting minutes, others' comment is not often included, and no ellipses are provided.

7 May 2015

The City Council met in regular session.

• "12. Consideration of Prohibition of the Route of CV Link Over Any Portion of Highway 111 or Bob Hope Drive, in the City of Rancho Mirage
• "City Manager Randal Bynder stated that the City of Rancho Mirage, led by Mayor Hobart and Councilmember Kite ( CV Link Subcommittee), with the support of key staff members including Finance Director Isaiah Hagerman and Public Works Director Bruce Harry, have raised significant questions regarding the operation and maintenance ( 0&M) scheme of the CV Link project. Mr. Bynder added that the 0&M issue was addressed in detail in Mayor Hobart' s memo to the CVAG Executive Committee on April 27, 2015. The questions of long- term 0&M and how it will be funded and who will pay for it are ongoing and have not been resolved as far as the City of Rancho Mirage is concerned. Mr. Bynder noted that, if not for the important objections raised by Mayor Pro Tem Ted Weill at his CVAG Transportation Subcommittee on May 4, 2015, the Master Plan and the maintenance scheme may have been approved and potentially forced upon the City. Mr. Bynder further commented that 0&M is one important issue that must be resolved as part of the CV Link; however, the other issue is the physical location of the CV Link. 
• "Mr. Bynder indicated that this item would build upon the City Council' s decision at the April 16, 2015 meeting, which prohibited the CV Link from destroying the character of the Butler -Abrams Trail and to disallow the CV Link from disrupting the Rancho Mirage Library grounds and using the City' s land in displacing the very location of the Observatory project. Mr. Bynder requested that the City Council take this matter a step further and prohibit the route of the CV Link to extend along or across any portion of Highway 111 or Bob Hope Drive within the City of Rancho Mirage.
• "In response to a question from Councilmember Kite, Mayor Hobart clarified the length of the proposed restriction would be the boundaries of the City for both Highway 111 and Bob Hope Drive. 
• "MOVED/ SECONDED BY HOBART/ KITE TO PROHIBIT THE ROUTE OF THE CV LINK TO EXTEND OVER ANY PORTION OF HIGHWAY 111 OR BOB HOPE DRIVE WITHIN THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE. MOTION CARRIED 5/ 0."
  

COMMMENTARY

15 October 2015

The City Council met in regular session.

• "12. Consideration of Resolutions, Ordinance and Ballot Measures to Protect the City of Rancho Mirage's Local Control of its Streets and Traffic and to Allow Rancho Mirage Residents to Voice their Opinions on Substantive Issues Pertaining to CVAG's Proposed CV Link Project and it's Cost to the Taxpayers.

1. "A. Adopt Resolution No. 2015- 107, that: ( a) prohibits neighborhood electric vehicles in certain areas and on certain streets within the jurisdiction of the City of Rancho Mirage; ( b) prohibits a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Plan from including any area within the iurisdiction of the City of Rancho Mirage unless the area is approved first by an ordinance of the City of Rancho Mirage; and ( c) prohibits any portion of CV Link or similar pathway from including any area within the jurisdiction of the City of Rancho Mirage:
2. "B. Introduce Ordinance No. 1099, 1st Reading, that: ( a) prohibits neighborhood electric vehicles in certain areas and on certain streets within the iurisdiction of the City of Rancho Mirage: ( b) prohibits a Neiqhborhood Electric Vehicle Plan from including any area within the
3. iurisdiction of the City of Rancho Mirage unless the area is approved first by an ordinance of the City of Rancho Mirage; and ( c) prohibits any portion of CV Link or similar pathway from including any area within the jurisdiction of the City of Rancho Mirage:
4. "C. Adopt Resolution No. 2015- 108, that calls and notices the holding of an advisory election on the same date of the City's General Municipal Election, set for April 12, 2016, for the purpose of submitting to the City's qualified voters five advisory measures concerning the proposed CV Link proiect, which is a paved pathway proposed by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments ( CVAG) that will be approximately 50 miles long, accommodate pedestrians, bicycles and neighborhood vehicles that can travel up to 25 miles per hour;
5. "D. Adopt Resolution No. 2015- 109, placing a measure on the ballot of the City's General Municipal Election asking the voters: " Shall the voters of Rancho Mirage require that any amendment or repeal of Ordinance No. 1099 that prohibits Neighborhood Electric Vehicles ( NEVs) in certain areas and on certain streets within the iurisdiction of the City of Rancho Mirage require prior voter approval?"; and
6. "E. Designate the Mayor or his designee or designees on the Rancho Mirage City Council to prepare the Arguments in " Favor" of Measure 6 and the Arguments " Against Approval" of Advisory Measures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, on behalf of the Rancho Mirage City Council.

• "Mayor Hobart noted slight language modifications made to the proposed ordinance and resolutions following agenda distribution.
• "City Attorney Quintanilla explained NEV regulations and read the ballot measures, including revisions.
• "City Manager Bynder presented the staff report.
• "Public Comment
• "Erica Felci, CVAG, said CVAG staff spent years working with Rancho Mirage and other members on the CV Link plan and appreciated the City's support along the way. CVAG staff is aware of Council' s concerns regarding proposed routes and long term costs. They tried to provide answers through public meetings, correspondence, and responses to public records requests. They also attempted to find compromises that worked for Council. On October 13, 2015, CVAG' s Executive Director sent a letter to City Manager Bynder pledging CVAG's full support if the Mayor and Council reconsidered an option proposed in June to create a modified version of CV Link in Rancho Mirage which did not allow for NEVs. She requested that Council reconsider the ballot measures and continue to work through the regional planning process. She further requested that, if Council decides to move forward with the proposed ballot measures, that they do so in a way that does not mislead the public.
• "Mayor Hobart said that CVAG should have presented their proposals over the past several days, as waiting until this time makes them virtually undoable.
• "Councilmember Kite asked if Council should consider adding Butler Abrams Trail to Advisory Measure 5.
• "Michael Fontana said that on a personal level he had no objection to adding Butler Abrams Trail to Measure 5.
• "Mayor Hobart suggested revising the list of prohibited streets included in Items A and B by striking Ramon Road and adding Magnesia Falls Drive and Joshua Road.
• "A discussion ensued regarding the use of Ramon Road.
• "MOVED/SECONDED BY HOBART/WEILL TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015- 107, PROHIBITING LOW -SPEED VEHICLES AND NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN CERTAIN AREAS AND ON CERTAIN STREETS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE, AND REVISING THE LIST OF PROHIBITED STREETS BY STRIKING RAMON ROAD AND ADDING MAGNESIA FALLS DRIVE AND JOSHUA ROAD. MOTION CARRIED 5/0.
• "MOVED/SECONDED BY HOBART/WEILL TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 1099, 1ST READING, PROHIBITING LOW -SPEED VEHICLES AND NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN CERTAIN AREAS AND ON CERTAIN STREETS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE, AND REVISING THE LIST OF PROHIBITED STREETS BY STRIKING RAMON ROAD AND ADDING MAGNESIA FALLS DRIVE AND JOSHUA ROAD. MOTION CARRIED 5/ 0.
• "MOVED/SECONDED BY HOBART/SMOTRICH TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015- 108, CALLING AND NOTICING THE HOLDING OF AN ADVISORY ELECTION ON THE SAME DATE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING THE VOTERS OF RANCHO MIRAGE TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS ON CERTAIN SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES PERTAINING TO CV LINK, INCLUDING STATED LANGUAGE MODIFICATIONS AND THE ADDITION OF BUTLER ABRAMS TRAIL TO ADVISORY MEASURE 5. MOTION CARRIED 5/ 0.
• "MOVED/SECONDED BY HOBART/TOWNSEND TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-109, PLACING A MEASURE ON THE BALLOT OF THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ASKING THE VOTERS: " SHALL THE VOTERS OF RANCHO MIRAGE REQUIRE THAT ANY AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 1099 THAT PROHIBITS NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLES (NEVs) IN CERTAIN AREAS AND ON CERTAIN STREETS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE REQUIRE PRIOR VOTER APPROVAL?" MOTION CARRIED 5/ 0.
• "MOVED/SECONDED BY HOBART/SMOTRICH TO DESIGNATE THE MAYOR OR HIS DESIGNEE OR DESIGNEES ON THE RANCHO MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL TO PREPARE THE ARGUMENTS IN " FAVOR" OF MEASURE 6 AND THE ARGUMENTS " AGAINST APPROVAL" OF ADVISORY MEASURES 1, 2, 3, 4 AND 5, ON BEHALF OF THE RANCHO MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL. MOTION CARRIED 5/ 0."
  

COMMMENTARY

Bruce Harry

Official Biography

Bruce Harry retired in July 2015 from his post as Director of Public Works for the City of Rancho Mirage. Any previously posted biographical material is no longer available on the Rancho Mirage website.

Council Statements Regarding CV Link

In citing text from the meeting minutes, others' comment is not often included, and no ellipses are provided.

18 June 2015

The City Council met in regular session, and Bruce Harry's report was included. [Others' comment is not included, and no ellipses are provided.]

• "12. Oppose the alternative CV Link route alignment along Gerald Ford Drive within the City of Rancho Mirage.
• "Public Works Director Bruce Harry presented the staff report. On June 1st, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments ( CVAG) Executive Committee reviewed three alternate CV Link alignments, which were suggested by CVAG staff and intended to address elimination of the use of Highway 111 and Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage. The approved alternate alignments will be made part of the environmental review, along with the alignments proposed in the March 2015 CV Link Master Plan. Option No. 1 is to not have CV Link go through the City of Rancho Mirage, which was approved by the Executive Committee. Option No. 2, which was also approved, is an on -street alignment on Date Palm Drive, Gerald Ford Drive, and Monterey Avenue. Option No. 3, which was not approved, was to prohibit electric vehicles from the Butler - Abrams Trail segment of the CV Link.
• "Mr. Harry reported that staff reviewed all three alternatives and found Option No. 2 to be problematic. The area is mostly developed with adjacent residential communities, lush and efficient landscaping, and a behind -curb meandering bicycle path. Gerald Ford Drive is built to ultimate General Plan standards, with four travel lanes, raised landscape median islands, and a bicycle lane. There are only two different ways to install Option No. 2. One option is to locate the route behind the curb and gutter within the approved landscape parkways of numerous residential developments. This would require the removal of virtually all existing parkway landscaping improvements and would negatively impact vehicle ingress and egress out of residential communities and commercial driveways. The second option is to locate the route in the roadway, thereby eliminating two of four existing vehicle travel lanes, in direct conflict with the City' s General Plan, and impacting the current and future level of service of the roadway. Staff recommends that Council oppose Option No. 2 to align the CV Link along Gerald Ford Drive.

Public Information Online

Palm Springs address

Retirement July 2, 2015

Total pay & benefits in 2013

email bruceh@ci.rancho-mirage.ca.us (Bruce Harry's e-mail)

Contact Information, Total pay and base pay in 2011

Refuses sidewalk to wheelchairs

Recommends location for dog park

Contact info as director of public works

Rejects CV Link on Gerald Ford

Describes Community Park Expansion

Palm Springs contact info

Thinks accidents happen from inattention

• Rancho Mirage traffic officials ranked the city’s intersections with the most crashes and collisions since December 2010.
• 1: Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra drives: 18
• 2: Bob Hope and Dinah Shore drives: 16
• 3: Bob Hope and Country Club drives: 11
• 4: Highway 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive: 10
• 5: Highway 111 and Indian Trail Road: 9
• 6: Dinah Shore Drive and Monterey Avenue: 8
• 7: Frank Sinatra Drive and Monterey Avenue: 8
• 8: Gerald Ford Drive and Monterey Avenue: 8
• 9: Highway 111 and Magnesia Falls Drive: 8
• 10: Country Club Drive and Vista Dunes Road: 7
• 11: Highway 111 and Bob Hope Drive: 7
• 12: Monterey Avenue and Marketplace Way: 7

Large homes have higher electric bills
 
Rancho Mirage City Council adopts budgets, votes down CV Link path recommended by CVAG

Expansion of Whitewater Park at $4.3 million, Ritz-Carlton update on incentive loan up to $20 million 

Dog park as designed would cost about $647,000 to build and $30,000 a year to maintain 

Comment

As a representative of "staff" of the City of Rancho Mirage, Bruce Harry is the point man who effectively advised against all three proposed routings of CV Link through Rancho Mirage.

• Option No. 1 is to not have CV Link go through the City of Rancho Mirage, which was approved by the Executive Committee (a committee of city staff). 
•  Option No. 2 is an on -street alignment on Date Palm Drive, Gerald Ford Drive, and Monterey Avenue, which was also approved by the Executive Committee but recommended to be opposed by the city council.
•  Option No. 3 is to prohibit electric vehicles from the Butler-Abrams Trail segment of the CV Link, which was not approved by the Executive Committee.

The city council took staff advice—as if it were needed—and voted unanimously against Option No. 2. The staff advice became one of the primary reasons for prohibiting CV Link through the city.

Likely Harry's ex-parte advice contributed to the decision to prohibit NEV operation on major streets and arterials in the city.