LAFCo Hearing on Harbor District July 15

San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) will hold a public hearing on Consideration of the Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere Update for the San Mateo County Harbor District:

July 15, 2015, 1:30 PM, 400 County Center, Redwood City.

Supporting documents: see Agenda Item 5.
Staff cover memo includes summary, response to comments, and the recommendation that the MSR provide a framework for the Harbor District, San Mateo County, and South San Francisco to further study improvements in the areas of finance, accountability, and transparency as well as governance alternatives, including dissolution.

News article: Options emerge to spare Harbor District, Daily Journal 7/7/15.
More info on Harbor District history and issues on MCC Harbor Page.

UPDATE:  
On July 15 LAFCo reaffirmed the long-standing zero sphere of influence of the Harbor District which indicates that the District should be dissolved and San Mateo County should be the long-term successor agency. 

It remains to be seen whether the County Board of Supervisors will actually initiate dissolution, as recommended by the 2014 Civil Grand Jury.  County Supervisor Don Horsley, who is also on the LAFCo Board, suggested that the District be given 18 months to correct its course before the County considers moving to dissolve and absorb the District.

News articles: Daily Journal – HMB Review

Course Correction for Connect the Coastside

The County is slowing down and adding some steps to the project to develop a Comprehensive Transportation Management Plan (CTMP) to address cumulative traffic impacts of Midcoast development.  On the July 7, 2015, Board of Supervisors agenda is a contract amendment with project consultants DKS Associates to extend the project term through December 2016 and increase the amount by $90,000 in order to allow for additional analysis, report revisions, and public outreach (staff report).

Widespread public concern was expressed at the April 15, 2015, public workshop. Here is a summary of comments:

  • Provide more opportunity for public discussion of project proposals.
  • Provide information for review at least a week in advance of TAC meetings and public workshops.
  • Incorporate the significant outreach and design work of the Highway 1 Safety and Mobility Study in the final plan recommendations and designs.
  • Recognize and preserve the natural, scenic and semi‐rural character of Highway 1 and SR 92. Pursue context-sensitive design.
  • Pursue land use policy concepts to limit growth to less than full buildout of all existing parcels, recognizing other constraints such as water and sewer capacity.  Do not jeopardize the unique character of the area with transportation improvements just to accommodate full buildout.
  • Reconsider the level-of-service standards used to motivate some of the elements of the transportation alternatives, particularly the LOS of road segments and stop-controlled intersections.
  • Develop recommendations that will shift travel to bus, shuttle, school bus, bicycling, or walking to reduce roadway traffic. 

Public Workshop April 15 - comments - group statement
MCC page on Connect the Coastside

New Granada Fire Station Public Workshop July 16

A combined Pre-Application Public Workshop and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Scoping Meeting for El Granada Fire Station 41 Replacement Project will be held:

Thursday, July 16, 2015, from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
El Granada Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room, 400 Santiago St.

The County’s informational Pre-Application Workshop invites early public involvement and input on a proposal to construct a new 10,000 s/f single-story fire station on Obispo Rd at Coronado to replace the existing Station 41 at Obispo/Portola.  The project would include access via Obispo with on-site parking for staff and public, new sidewalk along Obispo, emergency generator and above-ground fuel tank in secured areas, native drought-tolerant landscaping, and grading/retaining walls.  After a formal development application is submitted, the County review process would include formal review by the Midcoast Community Council, and public hearing before the Planning Commission. Project planner is Summer Burlison, 650-363-1815, sburlison@smcgov.org.

Coastside Fire Protection District (CFPD) is soliciting comments on scope and content of the EIR, which will address environmental impacts associated with the project.  Send comments to Paul Cole, Assistant Chief, 1191 Main St, HMB 94019, or email to paulcole@fire.ca.gov with ‘Granada Station 41 Replacement Project EIR’ as the subject.

Project Webpage

UPDATE:  6/30/15 CCC staff comments
9/2/15 HMB Review article on tsunami issue
9/10/15 Summary of comments from July Pre-Application Workshop