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Home My WebLink About32 - 04BA-069 - C-3684 - Newport Coast Elementary School Loop Road0 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT COUNCIL A EN A Na � ��'i Agenda item No. 29 June 8, 2004 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Public Works Department William Patapoff, P.E. 949 - 644 -3311 bpatapoff@city.newport-beach.ca.us SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE NEWPORT -MESA SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE NEWPORT COAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOOP ROAD - CONTRACT NO. 3684 RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Newport Beach and the Newport-Mesa Unified School District for the Newport Coast Elementary School Loop Road. 2. Approve a budget amendment authorizing the transfer of excess Bonita Canyon Bond funds from the City Improvement Account to the School Improvement Account for the total anticipated project cost of $508,889. Additionally, this budget amendment will appropriate $460,007 in the Contributions Fund and $25,259 in the General Fund for anticipated project costs not yet appropriated. Finally, this budget amendment will also increase revenue estimates in the Contributions fund by $460,007 and General Fund revenue by $47,883 to reflect the reimbursement from the School District Improvement account. DISCUSSION: When the Newport Coast Elementary School opened in 2001, a little more than 300 students were enrolled. During the 2004 -05 school year, that enrollment figure is estimated to double. With the increased enrollment, the amount of traffic congestion has increased due to the additional vehicles dropping off and picking up students at the school. Currently, the vehicles enter the school parking area from Ridge Park Road to drop off and pick up the students. This area becomes very congested and backs up onto the public street causing safety concerns along the roadway. The existing area cannot accommodate the amount of school traffic, therefore a plan has been designed to . alleviate this condition. SUBJECT: Approval oi'the Memorandum of Understanding with Newport-Mesa School District for Newport Coast Elementary Loop Road Contract No. 3684 June 8, 2004 Page 2 Exhibit A of the MOU depicts a loop road on school property that takes access from a right turn lane off of Newport Coast Drive. The road follows the school property line around the north and east boundaries of the school and connects to the existing parking lot and then exits onto Ridge Park Road. This route provides a much improved drop off zone with a much longer stacking area for the vehicles. A Community Facilities District (CFD) was established in 1998 to finance public facilities and the CFD subsequently issued bonds to finance certain School District (NMUSD) and City improvements. Both the City and School District are representatives of the CFD and maintain separate Improvement Accounts. The City has surplus bond funds available in its account and pending the approval of the MOU, would transfer a portion of the surplus funds to the School Improvement account for the construction (and other related costs) of the loop road. In accordance with the language in the Bonita Canyon bond indenture, the surplus funds are required to be transferred from City Improvement Account to the School District Improvement account even though the City will manage and advance the cost of the project. The City has designed and would administer the construction of the loop road. Per the MOU, the School District will reimburse the City from the School Improvement Account. A 5% administrative fee based on construction costs will be invoiced to the School District to cover the costs associated with inspection, permits, construction administration, surveying, accounting and legal issues. Construction bids were received on May 25, 2004, and staff is recommending award as a separate item on tonight's Council agenda. In addition, the School Board approved the MOU and Reimbursement Agreement at their May 25, 2004 meeting. If approved by the City Council, City staff would use its best efforts to administer the construction so that the loop road is substantially complete before the start of school in September, 2004. Prepared by: � /9 �.l1. pEf William 5 City Engineer Attachment: Memorandum of Understanding Budget Amendment Submitted by: (n G. Badum Works Director 0 0 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH AND NEWPORT MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this day of , 2004 by and between the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, a Municipal Corporation ( "City "), and the NEWPORT -MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, a California school district ( "District'), and is made with reference to the following: RECITALS A. City is a municipal corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of California with the power to carry on its business as it is now being conducted under the statures of the State of California and the Charter of City. B. District is a school district duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of California and is currently operating Newport Coast Elementary School (grades K -6), at 6655 Ridge Park Road, Newport Coast, CA 92657, and said elementary school is located within the City limits. C. Newport Coast Elementary School was opened in February 2001 with an enrollment of 312 students. Enrollment for the current school (2003 -2004) year is 570 students and is estimated to increase by 85 -100 students in 2004 -05. D. The larger than anticipated increase in enrollment has led to a severe traffic congestion problem in the mornings and afternoons, as the existing school parking lot cannot accommodate the large number of vehicles dropping off and picking up students. E. City and District are both desirous to reach an agreement on a solution to the problem. F. City has surplus funds available from a CFD bond issue for the construction of Bonita Canyon Sports Park among other improvements, and City has determined that these surplus funds, or a portion thereof, can be used for construction of improvements at Newport Coast Elementary School, to alleviate the traffic congestion problem. CJ NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the undersigned parties as follows: 1. District and City agree that a portion of the surplus bond issue funds shall be made available for construction of an access road at Newport Coast Elementary School to alleviate the traffic congestion. 2. City will design and administer the construction of a paved access road off Newport Coast Road, as shown on a conceptual plan attached hereto as Exhibit A. The project shall be known as the Newport Coast Elementary School Loop Road ( "Project "). 3. City will provide District with copies of the Project plans and specifications for District's review and input. 4. City will use its best efforts to award a construction contract for Project in a timely (June 2004) manner to allow construction to start after the current (2003 -04) school year has ended and to be substantially completed prior to start of the next school year (September 2004), so that the access road will be available for District's use. 5. City agrees that all construction will be done in accordance with City codes, ordinances, and current industry practices. 0 6. City agrees to name District as an additional insured on all required construction contract insurance policies. 7. District agrees to allow City and its contractor sufficient access to District's property to construct Project. 8. City agrees to repair any and all damage to District's property as a result of construction operations and to restore District's property to its pre - construction condition following completion of the Project. 9. District agrees that upon completion of Project to City's and District's satisfaction, District shall assume full and permanent maintenance and operation responsibilities for the "Project Improvements'. 10. City shall indemnify, defend and hold District, its officers, agents and employees harmless from any expense, liability, or claim for death, injury, loss, damage or expense to persons or property which may arise or is claimed to have arisen during construction of the Project, as a result of any work or action performed by City or on behalf of City, except where such expense, liability or claim is proximately caused in whole or in part by any act, omission, or negligence of District, its officers, agents or employees or by any act or omission for which District, its officers, agents or employees are liable without fault. OA 0 11. District shall indemnify, defend and hold City, its officers, agents and employees harmless from any expense, liability, or claim for death, injury, loss, damage or expense to persons or property which may arise or is claimed to have arisen either (i) as a result of any act performed by District, its officers, agents or employees, with respect to the Project; or (ii) following District acceptance of the Project with respect to the maintenance and operation of the Project Improvements, except where such expense, liability or claim is proximately caused in whole or in part by any act, omission, or negligence of City, its officers, agents or employees, or by any act or omission for which City, its officers, agents or employees are liable without fault. 12.This Agreement shall be binding upon and insure to the benefit of the successor and assigns of City and District. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between City and District and supercedes all prior understandings and agreements between the parties with respect to the subjects hereof. This Agreement may only be modified in writing and signed by both parties hereto. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Memorandum of Understanding and Indemnification Agreement to be executed on the day and year first written above. APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Attorney for the City of Newport Beach CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH a Municipal Corporation 0 Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk for the City of Newport Beach f:\ users \pbw\shared\ agreements - outside \nmusd - mou.doc 3 District Counsel for Newport Mesa Unified School District NEWPORT MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT a California School District 0 President, Board of Education :iL � OAS• � _ wN � . r - r�o f !'' s .:' • t oz 'may. iw� u Va Vii: ..J Y ®"'!�' � .e..rt�1T...n 1 � �.�. :�.�.• V V. !i iii jut x co X64'. '6 !i° � J +C i.. (� ii .� 1; �� :: e%S: c: :,.}�•.•� �', '� .y.. } w � .'.�� 'tit:., •�• :��k.• �� o ` •` ` ��`' ; .: > `I f' ��. �p DUO .lv �. 0 0 u City of Newport Beach NO. BA- 04BA -069 BUDGET AMENDMENT 2003 -04 AMOUNT: Ssos,sss.a2 FECT ON BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE: Increase Revenue Estimates Increase in Budgetary Fund Balance X Increase Expenditure Appropriations AND Decrease in Budgetary Fund Balance Transfer Budget Appropriations No effect on Budgetary Fund Balance SOURCE: from existing budget appropriations X from additional estimated revenues from unappropriated fund balance EXPLANATION: This budget amendment is requested to provide for the following: To increase revenue estimates and expenditures appropriations for the Newport Coast Elementary School Loop road ACCOUNTING ENTRY: BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE Fund Account Description 010 3605 General Fund Fund Balance 400 3605 Bonita Canyon Fund Fund Balance Amount Debit Credit $22,624.39 $508,889.42 WENUE ESTIMATES (3601) Fund /Division Account Description 250 4849 Contributions - School Contribution $460,006.50 9010 5132 General Fund - City Staff Service Fee $47,882.92 EXPENDITURE APPROPRIATIONS (3603) Division Number Account Number Signed: �Y� /li�� /–• ��irt� —� ✓c "�l�`Df/ Financial Approval: Administra'.ve Services Director Date Oed: (j p Administrative Ap oval: City Manager DSte Signed: City Council Approval: City Clerk Date Description Division Number 5100 Public Works - Engineering Account Number 7020 Salaries - Part -Time $24,010.00 Account Number 7425 Medicare - Fringe $348.15 Account Number 7460 Retirement - Part -time $900.38 Division Number 7251 Contributions Fund Account Number C5100745 Npt Coast Elementary Loop Road $460,006.50 Division Number 7441 Bonita Canyon Development Fund Account Number C5100758 Transfer toNMUSD $508,889.42 Division Number Account Number Signed: �Y� /li�� /–• ��irt� —� ✓c "�l�`Df/ Financial Approval: Administra'.ve Services Director Date Oed: (j p Administrative Ap oval: City Manager DSte Signed: City Council Approval: City Clerk Date Newport Coast Elementary Proposed "Loop" Road Newport Coast Community Meeting Newport Coast Elementary School Monday, June 21, 2004 What We'll Cover • Introductions • Why we're here — what's the problem? • What did we review and why weren't they selected" • The Preferred alternative • How it should work in Real Time (Operational Aspects) • Communication steps • Facts about the City's steps (CEQ,1 et al) • Q &r1 • What's next • How to fmd out more 1 ✓cq Why We're Here • It's about safety. The current situation is not as safe as it should be for children and parents because of: • Drop -offs on all parts of Ridge Park Road • Ridge Park is an arterial residential collector street with posted .speeds at 45 mph and a steep grade. • Queuing in undesirable spots — like by the NC Fire Station • Construction trucks on Ridge Park Road • And more... • Unfortunately, more queuing space is a necessity. • NC Elementary is going to grow: • New students nest year and • District has plans for just °_ pick -up times nest year (100+ and 300+ students!) NC Elementary Video 2 The Options We Reviewed • Signal at Ridge Park Road and school entrance. • Drop -off location on N/B Newport Coast Drive, near the steps. • Prohibition on Left Turn from E/B (uphill) Ridge Park into school grounds. • additional queuing along W/B (downhill) Ridge Park up hill towards Tesoro's entrance. • Crossing Guard on Ridge Park at school entrance. • Operational changes on school grounds. r 'Ar i 'Vl. - t. it .. i•f ,^,!` /i:� if I arc 3 Why weren't they selected? • Traffic Signal at Ridge Park and school entrance. • Too close to signal at NC Drive and Ridge Park. • Doesn't add any queuing space — queue would go into the NC Drive intersection (as it can today). • Drop -off location on N/B Newport Coast Drive, near the steps. • Not accessible to persons with disabilities • Dangerous location to pull over, park, and drop off students • Queuing limited and will back up into NC Drive /Ridge Park intersection. Why weren't they selected? (cont'd) ■ Prohibition on Left Turn from Ridge Park into school grounds. • Alone this action doesn't add to queuing space. • Would force drivers up the hill to Tesoro to turn around, cause a bottleneck up there. ■ Additional queuing along W/B Ridge Park up hill towards Tesoro entrance. • Would need an extra lane and must purchase land from private property, owners. • Doesn't help solve the problem at Ridge Park and school entrance. 0 Why weren't they selected? (cont'd) Crossing Guard at Ridge Park at school entrance. • Volume does not meet warrants for guard. • unsafe condition for guard and students (45 mph & steep grade). • Doesn't address need for more queuing space — problem would still exist. Operational Changes on school grounds. • Changes that rely upon peoples' behavior don't always last. • Parents in a hurry can ruin the system. There's always at least one parent in a hurry. • Queuing space still would be a problem. • School can't stagger the release times enough to even out the numbers of pick -ups and drop -offs • Process complicates matter for parents with students in multiple grades • Bus .sy-stem cannot accommodate the changes The Preferred Alternative A 1,100' Loop Road • Road would start with a right men off of N/B Newport Coast Drive onto school grounds past the platting fields and ending at the parking lot. • Road would be 20' wide with • :1 S stdttvalk along h-IU free nF ehe I,bIU fGOL long cord; and • A frnce along the an s d a child leld side — thds rnough space Fur a car eu puk, x cat to p:us, ro walk afcfdlt'. • Road would have a >,,ate so that it is oniv open during school hours on school days (5 -4, N1 -F, dosed during vacations). • No buses ■ Scnsnr activated egress gate will prevent someone from being "trapped' on road. Benefits to queuing & drop -off space: • Today's drop -off space is 400 feet — with Loup Road, go" to 1,040 feet (drop -off — am-wltcre where sidewalk is adjacent to a curb). • 'Iodads yucuing space is 450 fret, goes to 1,1 i0 feet. �- The Preferred Alternative (cont'd) ■ During drop off (7;30 -9:00 a.m.) and pick -up (3:00 -4:00 p.m.) hours: • All school ingress from Loop Road • AD school egress onto Ridge Park Road • Left and Right Tum Only lanes provided at egress point • Only buses can use Left Turn lane from E/B (uphill) Ridge Park Road • No parking on W/B (downhill) Ridge Park Road • \o right turn into school "entrance" from W/B (downhill) Ridge Park • No drop -off on %X' /B (downhill) Ridge Park Road ■ During all weekdays: • No parking or stopping on L: /B (uphill) Ridge Park Road. • No Commercial Vehicles on Ridge Park Road. A The Preferred Alternative (cont'd) ■ Adjust signals (Left Turn, NC Drive onto Ridge Park and Left Turn, Ridge Park onto NC Drive) to allow more cars to go through the intersection at left arrow. ■ Operational Improvements on the school site. There are starting pointy for us — aspects may have to he modified or fine - tuned once ue see it in operation. Aspects of Operational Improvements • During summer, school officials will send a letter to all parents explaining the procedure, which is: • The Loop Road is the only way to get in the school. • No right turn in off of W/B (downhill) Ridge Park • No left turn in off of E/B (uphill) Ridge Park (buses excepted) • Drop -offs are OK all along the Loop Road sidewalk. • Reiterated at the "Friday- Before- Labor -Day" meeting with Ms. Van. • Staff at school "entrance" with cones to allow buses in and to wave parents on to the Loop Road. • PD will actively enforce all restrictions for as long as it takes to gain voluntary compliance. 7 .1 - I Communication So Far • Concepts reviewed over several months with: • Newport Beach PD, Public Works, City Manager • Newport -Mesa Unified School District • NC Elementary PTA • Extensive on -site visits from: ■ New-port Beach PD, Traffic Engineering, City Manager's Office, School Superintendent and other District Staff • All -Hands visit Friday June 181h at drop -off time • NCAC Mecting ■ Tonight's Community Meeting Facts about City's Steps ■ Financing: • A $450,000 project consisting of: • Roughly $350,000 contract to construct the road • Another $100,000 for design, management, gate, more • From the Bonita Canyon Community Facilities District (CFD or "Mello- Roos ") ■ CEQA ■ Categorical Exemption. Notice of Exemption ( "NOE ") filed on May 10, 2004, Category = 515314 0 Facts about City's Steps (cont'd) ■ Memorandum of Understanding and Reimbursement Agreement (MOU /RA) • Executed by Newport -Mesa USD on May 25, 2004. • Delayed from June 8, 2004 City Council meeting until this meeting. • Possible City Council approval tomorrow night. ■ Contract to Complete the Work Prepared for Council approval tomorrow night along with MOU /RA. Bonita Canyon Bond Indenture Page 2 or Section 3.04(b) specifies how the City's portion of the Improvement Account can be used and what we can do if there are surplus proceeds at the end of the project. Also specifies that the City- may transfer all or a portion of the City's remaining balance in the City Improvement Account to the School's Improvement Account. Page 3 (or Eilubit B) of the indenture defines the Citv and the School's eligible project uses. The School Project: ■ ...cmtrutr of /beanie? uem tautnrttion, modernijZatios, re%,ulion and interim Jadlities. and related ,osl to sere . tndeutrdeneruted hp derelopmenl within the Community Faalilies Distia ... aedl or enhunting iV eu�+ort COad� Elemntlaq• S� i�ool or CDAI Hegh Sdwsl 10 What's Next ■ Consideration of NIO A/R and Construction Contract • Council's agenda tomorrow night. • Council meets at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 3300 Newport Boulevard ■ If approved by City Council: • Start work in july (if not, another year will pass without relief and continued safety concerns for students and parents). • Complete work by Labor Day 11 How to Find out More ■ Contact Information: • Steve Badum, Director of Public Works ■ sbadum@cit-v.nem:120rt-beach.ca.us or 949 -644 -3311 • Rich Edmonston, Traffic Engineer ■ Redmonstonr city newport -beach ca us or 949 -644 -3311 • Homer Bludau, City Manager ■ hbludauCalcita nemT.Q beach ca us or 949 -644 -3000 • Council Members Heffernan and Nichols ■ jhff(a�aol com and raneng @inetworld.net How to Find out More ■ Contact Information: • Paul Recd, NMUSD ■ preed(ammusd edu • Lt. Andy Gonis, NBPD ■ agonis(alnbpd otg ■ Web Site (for City Council agendas /info) ■ www city newport -b each. ca us 12 -,.� �:&�w' . D :: tN'i �.r�. /� 1 � Wi Y. � � f .,,Y �1w.h � S•t��t �i y. ,�,+ � S �' v � �, r � �� ,. we .. `� City of Newport Bead NO. EA- 04BA -069 -43-�- BUDGET AMENDMENT 2003 -04 EFFECT ON BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE: Increase Revenue Estimates X Increase Expenditure Appropriations AND Transfer Budget Appropriations SOURCE: from existing budget appropriations X from additional estimated revenues from unappropriated fund balance EXPLANATION: This budget amendment is requested to provide for the following: AMOUNT: $508,889.42 Increase in Budgetary Fund Balance Decrease in Budgetary Fund Balance No effect on Budgetary Fund Balance To increase revenue estimates and expenditures appropriations for the Newport Coast Elementary School Loop road ACCOUNTING ENTRY: BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE Fund Account Description 010 3605 General Fund Fund Balance 400 3605 Bonita Canyon Fund Fund Balance Amount Debit Credit $22,624.39 $508,889.42 REVENUE ESTIMATES (3601) Fund /Division Account Description 250 4849 Contributions - School Contribution $460,006.50 9010 5132 General Fund - City Staff Service Fee $47,882.92 EXPENDITURE APPROPRIATIONS (3603) Division Number Account Number Signed: Signed Signed: Approval: Administra(jve Services Director I: City Manager City Council Approval: City Clerk $24,010.00 $348.15 $900.38 $460,006.50 $508,889.42 Date E/ S 't atp 4,�/ o� Date Description Division Number 5100 Public Works - Engineering Account Number 7020 Salaries - Part -Time Account Number 7425 Medicare - Fringe Account Number 7460 Retirement - Part -time Division Number 7251 Contributions Fund Account Number C5100745 Npt Coast Elementary Loop Road Division Number 7441 Bonita Canyon Development Fund Account Number C5100758 Transfer to NMUSD Division Number Account Number Signed: Signed Signed: Approval: Administra(jve Services Director I: City Manager City Council Approval: City Clerk $24,010.00 $348.15 $900.38 $460,006.50 $508,889.42 Date E/ S 't atp 4,�/ o� Date Jun 22 04 07:33a "RECEIVED AF E AGENDA r'RI 1TED:" -4 32 June 22, 2004 Dear Councilman Heffeman, I am a parent of Newport Coast Elementary School. I am requesting that you give strong consideration to the Loop Road being proposed at tonight's City Council meeting. The safety of our children is my main concern. We have too many cars /students for the school site at this time. Something MUST be done immediately to resolve our traffic solution before a child is seriously hurt. I realize the community located above the site is opposed to this project. Many of these residents arc angry about the lack of information given to them on such short notice. While I agree that the city may have done a poor job in communicating this project, it is not enough reason to disapprove this very important solution. I also feel the argument that property values would be adversely affected is unfounded. If a potential homeowner is looking at that property, it is above a school site and anyone considering these lots would know that they cannot control the operations of the school and some of the aesthetics that come with it. I have been an active member on the PTA board. I have been part of the committee that requested the City of Newport Beach get involved. I applaud their response and hope that you, the representative of Newport Coast, properly represent our voice. It is for the safety of the children. Thank you h�f �for yoouur consideration. ! bk(/�iili /� 8 Montreaux Newport Coast, CA 92657 p.2 ti n 22 04 07:32a June 22, 2004 Dear Councilman Nichols, I am a parent of Newport Coast Elementary School. I am requesting that you give strong consideration to the Loop Road being proposed at tonight's City Council meeting. The safety of our children is my main concern. We have too many cars /students for the school site at this time. Something MUST be done immediately to resolve our traffic solution before a child is seriously hurt. I realize the community located above the site is opposed to this project. Many of these residents are angry about the lack of information given to them on such short notice. W'11ile I agree that the city may Have done a poorjob in communicating this project, it is not enough reason to disapprove this very important solution. I also feel the argument that property values would be adversely affected is unfounded. If a potential homeowner is looking at that property, it is above a school site and anyone considering these lots would know that they cannot control the operations of the school and some of the aesthetics that come with it. I have been an active member on the PTA board. I have been part of the committee that requested the City of Newport Beach get involved. I applaud their response and hope that you, the representative of Newport Coast, properly represent our voice. It is for the safety of the children. Thank you for your consideration. Chris Luebke S Montreaux Newport Coast, CA 92657 p.1 BY DANA SCHONWIT; June 21, 2004 9494942617; JUN -21 -04 11:09PM; PAGE 1 Dana Schonwit 4 Andiamo Newport Coast, California 92657 City Council Members CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Re: Proposed loop road at Newport Coast Elementary School Dear City Council Members: As you will be deciding the fate of our children's safety during your session tomorrow evening, I besiege you to consider the following information when making your decision. I have been a resident of Newport Coast since its inception over nine years ago and currently reside in the Campobello community, which is above the Tesoro community off of Ridge Park Road. I have had three children attend Newport Coast Elementary (NCE) over the past four years. Furthermore, as co -PTA President over three years, I have played an active role in working with the community, staff, County and City in addressing traffic conditions at our school site. Having said that, 1 want to assure You that we have made numerable attempts to mitigate the problems that our school's geographic conditions have provided us. When we belonged to the County, we met with the Orange County Traffic Commission, Board of Education members and District personnel to discuss an array of issues including speeds on Newport Coast Drive and Ridge Park Road; signage; crossing guards at major intersections; signal timing; possibility of a pedestrian bridge over Newport Coast Drive; and a crosswalk from the school's entrance /exit across Ridge Park Road. Unfortunately, the County offered little support in the area of safety for our children. They set speed limits in accordance with the flow of traffic on those respective roads and put up signs indicating "school zone." The pedestrian bridge was squelched as Cal-Trans prohibits pedestrian bridges in such close proximity to signals: (In addition, the Board of Education did not want to encourage school kids to exit the school via a retail center.) The crosswalk for Ridge Park Road, located at our school's entrance, was also now allowed by Cal -Trans as a result of it being too close to a major intersection (Newport Coast Drive). In addition, the Traffic Commission did not want to encourage pedestrian traffic at this location, which was already congested. SENT BV: DANA SCHONWIT; 9494942617; JUN -21 -04 11:1OPM; PAGE 2/3 City Council Members June 21, 2004 Page 2 of 3 Although our school did not qualify for busing given the proximity of residences to the school, we requested the District to provide it. They willingly did. We put a plan into place whereby parents were to line up on Ridge Park Road and only turn right into the school so that congestion would not occur at our school's entrance. This system failed as people would let their kids out on Ridge Park Road and then pull out into traffic. Furthermore, the Tesoro residents were not happy about parents turning around at their gate /entrance. It also proved dangerous as people would make u -turns in all areas of Ridge Park Road. We have modified our dismissal times to accommodate the increase in congestion. Unfortunately, people still line up before each dismissal time so that they can get their children to appointments, sports, etc. after school. Those with multiple children must follow the carpool route at least two to three times to pick up their children. Aside from these traffic issues, traffic conditions also exist as a result of parents parking on Ridge Park (both sides) and walking or crossing Ridge Park to get their children to school. That, coupled with the construction traffic, just adds to the mayhem and danger. We approached the City as soon as we were annexed to literally beg for assistance in making it safer for our children to attend school. They agreed with the poor conditions and agreed to have their traffic consultants /engineers review the problem and come up with the best solution possible given current conditions and the new 300+ homes being built above Ridge Park Road. We believe that they have done so. With a few minor modifications, we concur with their recommendations. As you are aware by now, they have proposed: a. A loop road which would allow a substantial amount of cars to be lined up on the school grounds, which is much safer than cars lined up on Ridge Park Road; b. Red curbing the south side of Ridge Park Road and limiting the parking on the north side of the street to after drop -off and before pick -up; C. Providing a new driveway restricted only to buses and gating off the bus area so that busing moves safely and quickly; d. Limiting confusion and danger by having the entrance and exit of the school as one way, respectively, and, e. Enforcement of these new traffic conditions by the police department. 49, SENT BY DANA SCHONWIT; 9494942617; JUN -21 -04 11:10PM; PAGE 313 City Council Members June 21, 2004 Page 3 of 3 Some Tesoro residents are angry at how the proposed road was presented to them. I cannot argue with that. However, the argument that their home values will depreciate as a result of this road appears to be secondary to the safety of any Newport Coast resident -- especially that of a child. For them to argue that not enough has been done to investigate alternative remedies also rings false to my ears, Plenty has been done as I have just described. Furthermore, comments that other schools seem to make it work doesn't really compare as our school's site is unique. Not one school in our district sits on a major arterial highway bisected by another major road with a 45 m.p.h. average speed. Obviously, walking to school is not exactly possible for much of the residents in our community given the same geography. There will be approximately 640 students and approximately 10.15 residents impacted by your vote tomorrow. If you really want to represent your constituents then perhaps you should look at the quantity of those impacted on both sides of the argument. More importantly, should a child get hit (which is just a matter of time), you will have to live with the consequence of your decision. Which lawsuit would be worse? Thank you for giving me the forum to state my opinion. I will be attending -" tomorrow night's session should you have further questions or I can be reached at (949) 494 -4617 if you would like clarification on the history of our traffic situation. Si erely, lA,_ Dana Schonwit H"{ai City of Newport Beach City Council Members 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA. Fax #949 - 644 -3020 Re: Proposed Newport Coast Elementary School loop road After attending or being informed of the public meeting on June 21, 2004 regarding the proposed changes to the Newport Coast Elementary School access road we the undersigned residents of Newport Coast strongly support the proposed plan. Other options were investigated but for the safety of the children and residents of the community who commute on Ridge Park Road this proposal is the most acceptable to accomplish the desired goal, which is SAFETY. We realize homeowners in the immediate vicinity of the school were concerned with exhaust and noise. If we could increase the flow of traffic, as this plan should accomplish we should see less fumes and traffic noise. The current situation is intolerable with a line of idling cars on Ridge Park Road waiting to make a left turn into the school backing up traffic into the intersection. In addition there are j walking parents with their children, cars making left turns in front of on coming traffic, cars making illegal u turns in blind spot areas; it is only a matter of time until someone's car hits a child. We the undersigned strongly urge you to enact the plan as it has been proposed without delay. Thank you for your consideration. c �`c 06 -22 -04 02:29pm From -ISTA Pharmaceuticals ■ June 22, 2004 Councilman John Heffernan City of Newport Beach District 7 .Honorable Councilman Heffernan: 9497897744 T -088 P.01 /01 F -199 "RECEIVED A7ER AGENDA uMNTED:" Z a (D 112104- As a resident of Newport Ridge and a concerned parent of two children at Newport Coast Elementary School in Newport Coast, I am appealing to you for your support of the proposed Newport Coast Loop Road. Traffic issues have plagued out school since its opening in 2001. These issues have accelerated this year as the student population has grown. During the past two school years, I have been involved in one traffic accident during school drop off. Fortunately, no one was injured. Recently, I had a very upsetting "near miss" that I would wish upon no one. My vehicle was next in line to turn left into the school during morning drop off as a child started to run across Ridge Road. I slammed on the brakes. I looked up to see a cement mixer coming down the hill at what appeared to be a high speed. He honked his horn, and he appeared to hit his brakes but he did not skid into the line of cars I was in. The child made it across, and no one was injured, but it was just too close for comfort. Something needs to be done. There are no perfect solutions. I truly believe that the proposed Newport Coast Loop Road would greatly alleviate the traffic that gets stacked up on Ridge Park and help to keep traffic in and around the school mote manageable. I hope you vote tonight in favor of this project. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, i • Lauren Silvernail 10 Hertford Street Newport Coast 06/22/2009 19:12 FAX 999 718 9895 KOAIAR Z 002/004 June 22, 2004 Councilman John Heffernan City of Newport Beach District 7 Honorable Councilman Heffernan: As a concerned parent of two children at Newport Coast Elementary School in Newport Coast, I am appealing to you for your support of the proposed Newport Coast Loop Road. Traffic issues have plagued our school since its opening in 2001 when I served on the Traffic Committee at school and we mulled over many of the same issues we still face today. Despite repeated reminders from Ms. Van, out principal, parents still continue to put their children and others at risk by crossing Ridge Park by foot at the driveway. This happens in all types of weather including foggy, wet days when large tractor trailers are coming down the hill from the new home construction sites at the top of Ridge Park Road. This is just one of the few problems with traffic, but one of the more obvious. I do believe the proposed Newport Coast Loop Road would greatly alleviate the traffic that gets stacked up on Ridge Park and help to keep traffic in and around the school more manageable. I hope you vote tonight in favor of this project. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, e Fupta 22 Menton Newport Coast 06/22/2004 14:12 FAX 949 718 4845 KOMAR 2004/004 June 22, 2004 Councilman Richard Nichols City of Newport Beach Honorable Councilman Nichols: As a concerned parent of two children at Newport Coast Elementary School in Newport Coast, I am appealing to you for your support of the proposed Newport Coast Loop Road. Traffic issues have plagued our school since its opening in 2001 when I served on the Traffic Committee at school and we mulled over many of the same issues we still face today. Despitc repeated reminders from Ms. Van, our principal, parents still continue to put their children and others at risk by grossing Ridge Park by foot at the driveway. This happens in all types of weather including foggy, wet days when large tractor trailers are corning down the hill from the new home construction sites at the top of Ridge Park Road. This is just one of the few problems with traffic, but one of the more obvious. I do believe the proposed Newport Coast .Loop Road would greatly alleviate the traffic that gets stacked up on Ridge Park and help to keep traffic in and around the school more manageable. I hope you vote tonight in favor of this project. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, ulie Fujita 22 Menton Newport Coast 6/22/04 14:53 FAX 310 320 2739 June 22, 2004 TOKYU TRAVEL AMERICA SB Mark and Julie Fujita 22 Menton Newport Coast. CA 92657 Councillman Richard Nichols City of Newport Beach Honorable Councilman Nichols: As a concerned parent of two children at Newport Coast Iilementary Sck ool in Newport Coast, I am appealing to you for your support of the proposed Newport Coast Loop Road. Traffic issues have plagued our school since its opening in 2001 when m) wife served on the Traffic Committee at school and the committee mulled over mangy of the same issues we still face today_ Despite repeated reminders from Ms. Van, our principal, parents still continue to put their children and others at risk by crossing Ridge Park by foot at the driveway. This happens in all types of weather including foggy, wet days when large tractor trailers are coming down the hill from tht= new home construction sites at the top of Ridge Park Road_ This is joist one of the i-,ew problems with traffic, but one of the more obvious. I do believe the proposed Newport Coast Loop Road would greatly alleviate the traffic that gets stacked up on Ridge Park and help to keep, traffic in and around the school more manageable. I hope you vote tonight in favor of this project. T1-tank yogi for your time. Sincerely, Mark Fujita 22 Menton Newport Coast a 001 00/22/04 14:53 FAX 310 320 2730 TOKYU TRAVEL AMERICA SB Z002 Mark and Julie Fujita 22 Menton Newport Coast CA 922657 June 22, 2004 Councilman John Heffernan City of Newport Beach District 7 Honorable Councilman Heffeman. As a concerned parent of two children at Newport Coast Elementary School in Newport Coast, I am appealing to you for your support of the proposed'�lewport Coast Loop Road_ Traffic issues have plagued our school since its opening in .2001'when my wife served on the Traffic Committee at school and the committee mulled over many of the same issues we still face today. Despite repeated reminders from Ms. Van, our principal, parents still continue to put their children and others at risk; by crossing Ridge Park by foot at the driveway_ This happens in all types of weather including foggy, wet days when large tractor trailers are corning down the hill from the new 11cme constractian sites at the top of Ridge .Park Road. This is just one of the few problems with traffic, but one of the more obvious. I do believe the proposed Newport Coast Loop Road would greatly alleviate the traffic that gets stacked up on Ridge Park and help to keep traffic in and 2 round the school more manageable I hope you vote tonight in favor of this project. Think you for your time_ Sincerely, Mark Fujita 22 Menton Newport Coast n 22 04 06:42p D. ANDERSON 949- 494 -0065 p -1 LCZC�G �- vy� 1 of 1 Donna Anderson From: "Donna Anderson" adany2ca @cox.net> To: <jhff @aol.com> Cc: <raneng@inetworld. net> Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2004 6:39 PM Attach: Donna Anderson.vcf Subject: Newport Coast Loop Road I am writing in response to the proposal ofthe loop road at Newport Coast Elementary school. I %eel that this road iv the only viable reme yfor a homfecpmblem a! NCT'. I have been at this school since itr inception. The tra,#ic a onllygettirrg worse. 1 haveperfonall witncs-sed so many near mirses involvingpedestrianr and care. My heart has been in my threat and I was so stre -r.red by the time I left my daughter at school, 1 derided it was not worth taking my child to school anymore. She taker the bus against her wishes. 1 he people in I esom have been part of a grnup ofparents who have companied about the trac but when asked hey out all of a sudden they are too bury. ,Asfarar the road impacting theirprvperty values, the values havegone up more than threefold. Howgreedy can weget ?? Any newpeople moving in will never even know that the road has not always been there. This has not been a secret as _came people have said This mad was always a possibility, as other solutious were sought - 7 he police cannot be at our school every school day to monitor trayJic this is just not /ecuible. In closing- I believe that 450K is pennies compared to the lawsuit the district and the oily mould incur if a child is killed because o_fthis.,ituation. Respectfully, Donna Anderson 1 Date n Copies Sent To: Mayor Uouncil Member r.ager 4 i�0(Co� 6/22/2004 8/22/09 TUE 18:03 FAX 999715299 Kevin Griffith June 22, 2004 Fax: 949.644.3020 To: Newport Beach City Council Councilman Heffernan Councilman Nichols Fr: Kevin Griffith 58 Renata Newport Coast, CA 92657 Re: Proposed Newport Coast Elementary Loop Road Safety is of course the main issue. We know about trucks careening down the hill toward what we always see as a chaotic entry/exit scenario. I envision that one time that someone is stuck, just like on railroad tracks with nowhere to go. How can construction traffic still be allowed on this route in the first place? We do need a solution, but the approach is flawed. If the $450,000 sum was magically allocated for the best alternative, why were there not earlier more digestible sums created to manage the behavior problem that couldn't be mandated on the existing NCE staff? Is it their refusal to volunteer for additional pay that keeps us from being like all other schools with staffed drop -off zones? Bad behavior will still occur way out in a jammed corner pocket of the field, causing backups out to Newport Coast Drive. And will these people not be angry enough to buck the line for some drop off near Ridge Park or at Pavilions altogether? Does the $450.000 cover ongoing traffic management costs? I may also be incorrect on this next assumption, but if these funds. are coming from a Bonita Canyon source that impacts Newport residents whose kids attend Anderson, I would be pissed if I were one of those folks who didn't also know about this. Didn't we ourselves suffer on the Aliso Viejo library allocation by the County? I'm not convinced this is the best short-term use of my tax dollars. There's still too much to explore and to voice to the community to have this thing jammed through an ill - communicated effort. Kevin Griffith V oa }e k I L3 I C ^pies Sent To: yor mSil Member 2001