Item 16 - Additional Material posted 2-14-22M EMQRAN DLJ M City of Poway
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
(Agenda Related Writings/Documents provided to City Council or Staff after distribution of the
Agenda Packet for the February 15, 2022 Council Meeting)
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
CONTACT:
February 14, 2022
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Carrie Gallagher, City Clerk
(858) 668-4535 or cgallagher@poway.org
SUBJECT: Item 16 -Adobe Ridge, Silver Ridge, and Ted Williams Parkway Groves Workshop
Attached please find correspondence received after the agenda posting deadline.
Reviewed/Approved By:
Assistant City Manager
1 of 16
Reviewed By:
Alan Fenstermacher
City Attorney
ChriRa
City Manager
February 15, 2022, Item #16
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Karen Friend
Councilmembers; Carrie Gallagher
Notice of City Council Workshop -Future use of citrus groves
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 7:43:25 PM
Signed letter lemon groves.odf
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Hello,
Please find attached our response to the notification of the workshop to consider the potential
future use of the city's citrus groves.
Daniel & Karen Friend
14272 Silver Ridge Rd
Poway, CA 92064
Sent from Mail for Windows
2 of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
aniel & Karen Friend
4272 Silver Ridge Road
oway, CA 92064
ebruary 10th, 2022
arrie Gallagher, City Clerk
ity of Poway
3325 Civic Center Drive
oway, CA 92064
ear Ms. Gallagher,
e are writing in response to the Notice of City Council Workshop to consider the potential future use
f city-owned citrus groves at Silver Ridge Road as a way to reduce maintenance costs. We would like to
ormally submit our objection to any change in usage of the citrus grove located on Silver Ridge Road.
e have received and read the proposed agenda report provided to the Council members for the
ebruary 15th Council meeting. It is readily apparent from the information given in this report that these
roves have long been mismanaged. The figures provided indicate that average annual costs for these
rees for the last four years runs to approximately $100,000.00, while receiving an offsetting revenue of
ess than $1400.00. There are private entities that undertake fruit growing as a profitable enterprise.
hile it is not always easy, these would not exist if it was anywhere near typical for outlays to exceed
income by a factor of 80.
he report claims that the water expense, which comes to an amount a little more than half the total
utlay, is the result of running a drip or bubbler per tree for 2.5 hours a day, every day excepting those
ith significant rainfall. If true, this is perhaps excessive. As residents directly across the street from,
and facing, the Silver Ridge Grove, however, we are skeptical that this level of attention is given to the
matter. In any case, perhaps some further savings could be derived by adjusting these expectations.
We assume the rest of the costs are expenses paid to Sage View, Inc., the company that is contracted for
maintenance of the groves. In the report, it is stated that this contractor will provide "1) All equipment,
labor, and materials to keep the Groves in a healthy condition weekly; 2) Inspect, maintain, and repair
the irrigation weekly; 3) Provide weed control 4 times a year; and 4) Provide pruning and tree skirting
annually." Again, as residents directly within view of the majority of the Silver Ridge Grove, we can
affirm that minimally the weekly maintenance items are not followed with rigor. The only activity we
witness from official persons in the grove is the very occasional harvesting, which is not undertaken at
optimal times. Indeed, in at least one harvest 2-3 years ago, the entirety of the harvest was allowed to
fall from the trees and roll down the street. In most other instances, there is still significant fruit lost to
overripening. A more aggressive approach towards contracting with a maintenance company would
likely both reduce the costs by only paying for services actually rendered, as well as increase the
revenues by harvesting more fruit.
of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
hile our preference remains keeping the groves as is, we would like to at least request that any ofthe
ctions taken preserve the land as green space. Removing groves of trees from city property or allowing
he trees to die from lack of water not only creates a fire hazard or dust bowl in a residential area, but
as other significant quality of life and environmental impacts. Trees reduce the CO2 levels and
ollution levels in communities. Green space reduces heat islands and contributes to lower energy use.
hese groves are also habitats to wildlife and provide residents places to walk and commune with
ature improving mental health and reducing stress levels. The neighborhood children chase each other
n the grove and play. As the "city in the country", we deserve to keep our green spaces just that -
reen. The suggested options for re-adaptation of the groves such as "Re-landscape" and "Create a
eighborhood Mini-park" at least maintain these aspects of the property's current use. We strenuously
bject to other development of the land, whether done directly by the city or after sale to a third party
es, any changes to the citrus grove across the street from our house will impact property values, but
ow will it impact the overall quality of life in the surrounding neighborhoods? Can't we consider a
etter solution then tear out the groves?
aniel and Karen Friend
of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
~
Qtu1m
Agenda item 16, Silver Ridge
Thursday, February 10, 2022 9: 10:07 AM
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For upcoming meeting 2/15/22 Silver Ridge lemon grove, we would like to see the existing
grove remain in place. Option: Status Quo.
Thank you,
Colleen Kozlowski
David Kozlowski
14239 Silver Ridge Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S9. an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
5 of16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
From:
To:
Colleen & Ted Matthies
Carrie Gallagher
Subject:
Date:
Comments on Notice of City Council Workshop in consideration of potential future use of City owned groves.
Friday, February 11, 2022 10:34:02 AM
Attachments: Comments to City Relandscape Plan .pdf
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Ms. Gallagher,
I have attached my comments with regards to the City Council Workshop being held on 2/15/22 to
discuss the City owned groves. I live near the Silver Ridge Grove. Please let me know if I need to do
anything more than email this letter to you.
Thank you!
Colleen
858-335-4163
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's sou l remains unawakened." -Anatole France
6 of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
Date:
To:
From:
Subject:
MATTttl6S
1.3GOG 6L MAR.AV6NU6
POWAY, CA
February 20, 2022
City of Poway Mayor and City Council Members
Colleen & Ted Matthies
13606 El Mar Avenue
Poway, CA 92064
Written comments on City of Poway project for adaptive repurposing
of three citrus groves owned by the City of Poway
Specifically Silver Ridge Grove (APNs 323-461-25 & 323-460-36)
This letter is being written in response to the Notice of City Council Workshop
(Notice) delivered to my home (address listed above) regarding the Adobe Ridge
Silver Ridge, and Ted Williams Parkway Groves Workshop.
My house is located 1000 feet (as the crow flies) or 0.40 mile (via sidewalk or road)
from the Silver Ridge Grove located at O Sunset View Road and with APNs 323-460-
25 and 323-460-36 (erroneously identified as 323-46!-36 in Notice of City Council
Workshop) and therefore, my comments are limited to the Silver Ridge Grove.
As described by the City of Poway (City), in Item #16 of February 15, 2022 City
Council Meeting Agenda, the Silver Ridge Grove is zoned Rural Residential-A (RR-A)
and consists of two lots that are designated as Open Space. According to
Attachment F and County Assessor records the northern parcel is 6.770 acres and
the southern parcel is 6.395 or 6.40 acres (Assessor has larger size listed on public
records).
According to the Notice the City is considering 6 options for readapting the Silver
Ridge Grove site. These options are listed by the City as: Re-landscape, Transfer of
ownership or lease property, Create a neighborhood minipark, Residential
development, Status Quo, and Hybrid option
My comments on each option are as follows.
Re-landscape: Although this option would (according to the City calculations) "lead
to a significant reduction in maintenance and water costs" and incur one-time
expenses for tree removal, stump grinding, removal and capping of irrigation
system and hydroseeding of "native seed mix", it would create a high-risk fire
Page 1 of 3
7 of16
Matthies Written Comments
February 15, 2022, Item #16
hazard for the surrounding homes. In 2003 during the Cedar Fire, the northern
edge of the northern parcel grove caught fire. I believe that the grove acted as a
natural fire break. Had the northern grove and southern grove not been there, the
fire could have continued south and decimated the neighborhood. I do not believe
that re-landscaping the groves to native plants without any irrigation is safe for the
neighborhood. I also believe that this change will cause every property owner's
fire insurance in the neighborhood to increase.
Transfer of ownership or lease property: I believe that the only viable choice within
this option is for the City to lease the grove to another grove owner while
maintaining ownership of the land {without being fiscally responsible for the grove
production or expenses). I do not believe the City should transfer ownership of the
land to another entity because in the recent past the City has not acted in the best
interest of the community, but rather made inappropriate decisions regarding
redevelopment of commercial properties into mixed use commercial/residential
properties along Poway Road. I have no faith that the City will require a new owner
to maintain the underlying RR-A zoning.
Create a neighborhood minipark: I believe that this option is the best repurposing
option for the property and neighborhood, however I believe it should not be
limited to the immediate Silver Ridge neighborhood. If the property is irrigated
with recycled water {except for drinking fountains) the City should not be burdened
with the current high and projected higher costs of water.
Residential development: This is the worst possible option for the property. The
City has made a mockery of the "City in the Country" moniker by overcrowding
South Poway with apartments and condominiums along Poway Road and
developing the surrounding hillsides with ugly, concrete tilt-up industrial buildings
in plain view of most South Poway properties. As previously mentioned in my
comments on the transfer of ownership or lease property option, the City has not
acted in the past in the best interest of the community, but rather made
inappropriate decisions regarding redevelopment of properties into high density
properties. I have no faith that the City will require a new owner to maintain the
underlying RR-A zoning and any attempt to rezone this property from RR-A to any
other zoning or density will open the City up to expensive and lengthy legal
challenges from the surrounding property owners.
Status Quo: If the City is truly losing money each month and year, this option is not
a fiscally responsible choice without finding a grove manager that can bring the
expenses down and/or increase the revenue of the grove. If the City maintains
Page 2 of 3
8 of 16
Matthies Written Comments
February 15, 2022, Item #16
ownership of the grove and is able to break-even or produce a profit, this choice is
a viable option.
Hybrid option: A hybrid of a neighborhood minipark with a small perimeter of
either native mix plants or lemon trees could provide an aesthetically pleasing
alternative for the surrounding homes. This is provided that: 1) if chosen, the
native mix area is small enough as to not create a fire hazard or an increase in fire
insurance for the surrounding property owners; or 2} if chosen, the lemon trees are
few enough and managed correctly to generate a positive revenue stream for the
City.
I hope that the City chooses to proceed conservatively and cautiously with any
changes to the Silver Ridge Grove property and includes all the affected property
owners throughout the decision-making process. This is an great opportunity for
the City to improve its declining reputation with its citizens!
Thank you for your allowing input on this matter,
Colleen and Ted Matthies
Page 3 of 3
9 of 16
Matthies Written Comments
February 15, 2022, Item #16
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
rlrudiaer@netscaoe.net
~
mrudjaer@cox.net
Re: Agenda item 16
Thursday, February 10, 2022 7:47: 52 AM
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I too would like to see the existing grove remain in place.
-----Original Message-----
From: Mary Rudiger <mrudiger@cox.net>
To: Richard Rudiger <rlrudiger@netscape.net>
Sent: Wed. Feb 9. 2022 11 :45 am
Subject: Fwd: Agenda item 16
See below
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Mary Rudiger <mrudiger@cox.net>
Date: February 9. 2022 at 11 :38: 19 AM PST
To: cityclerk@poway.org
Subject: Agenda item 16
For upcoming meeting 2/15/22 re Silver Ridge lemon grove, I would like to see the existing
grove remain in place. Thank you.
Mary Rudiger
Sent from my iPhone
10 of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Cynthia Roach
Qty_Qm
Agenda Item 16 Silver Ridge Lemon Grove
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 2:20:38 PM
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EXTERNAL EMAIL
To Whom it may concern:
For upcoming meeting on
February 15, 2022 regarding
Silver Ridge Road Lemon Grove.
I would like to see the existing grove
remain in place.
Thank you,
Cynthia Roach
Resident of Silver Ridge Road
11 of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Marv Rudiger
Q1¥...Qfil
Agenda item 16
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 11:38:25 AM
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For upcoming meeting 2/15/22 re Silver Ridge lemon grove, I would like to see the existing grove remain in place.
Thank you.
Mary Rudiger
Sent from my iPhone
12 of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
E:XT -<'J i\ EM I
Joe st. Lucas
Scott Nespor
carrie Gallagher
Feb 15 Citrus Grove Workshop, Agenda Item 16
Monday, February 14, 2022 9:56:58 AM
I have a few questions after reading the staff report concerning the groves.
First, for the water used the report says 5.6 million gallons. Is the City able to participate in
the San Diego County Water Authority's Permanent Special Agricultural Water Rate program
that gives a $0.96/unit rebate for commercially sold products? That 5.6 million gallons is
about 7540 units and would yield $7238.40 if applicable.
Second, is the water rate for these groves based on "landscape irrigation" rates or residential
rates?
Third, do any of these groves receive money from any LMD, specifically the Ted Williams
and Adobe Ridge groves are in a LMD area.
Thank you,
Joe St. Lucas
14829 Sunrise Dr.
Poway, CA. 92064
8586798386
13 of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
From:
To:
John Whitson KB2GNC
Scott Nesoor
Subject:
Date:
Questions Re: Consideration of potential future use of City-owned citrus grove at Silver Ridge
Saturday, February 12, 2022 2:03:52 PM
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Dear Mr. Nespor,
Thank you for the opportunity to contact you about the Silver Ridge
lemon grove. I understand and respect the City's need for fiscal
responsibility, but I have a number of concerns/questions.
1. Why was the maintenance contract allowed to lapse? That would
imply that the current costs and projections were higher than necessary
for contract extensions and then month to month arrangements.
2. What would be the cost per year of a new four-year landscape
maintenance contract for only the Silver Ridge grove, assuming that the
grove use is not changed?
3. Verify the water use for established Lisbon Lemon trees with a
qualified arborist, and compare with the daily and seasonal consumption.
Determine what the minimum watering requirement is, and project the cost
based on that amount. The two and a half gallons per tree per day seems
very excessive. General internet searches indicate a deep watering every
week or so. The current watering rate should be revisited for correctness.
4. Residents, including ourselves, have observed that the fruit on
these trees is ready for harvesting more frequently than the current
schedule. Can we develop a more frequent harvesting plan?
5. Re-landscaping to a plant seed mix would result in another open
space area of dry, flammable chaparral growth. The open access to
everyone presents a greater risk of starting or worsening a fire,
whether intentionally or accidentally started. In these years of
drought, this option is simply not acceptable to residents, and should
never be acceptable to the City. What was the thinking behind this option?
6. Residential development and transferring ownership or lease of the
property may trigger the California Surplus Land Act requirements on the
development of affordable housing projects. What are those impacts and
mandates, and how do they apply here?
7. Creation of a mini-park would add increased cost for major
landscaping to level the ground, build retaining walls, provide paved
sidewalks, curbs, and parking facilities in addition to the amenities
for a park. Please refer to an elevation map for details. Other new
maintenance costs would include trash collection and additional law
enforcement surveillance. Please add these factors into the cost
estimates. I did compare the facilities at the Starridge Park, and their
developed space appears somewhat larger than Silver Ridge would be after
14 of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
required re-grading.
8. Silver Ridge Road and Sunset View Road are the only alternate
traffic route to overcome traffic between Poway Road and Garden Road for
the entire residential area north of Garden Road east of Poway Road.
On-street parking on Silver Ridge Road for a mini-park would create a
dangerous and hazardous situation for drivers and park-goers alike.
9. What could be the maximum occupancy of a mini-park there, and
would it be scheduled by the City for requests for group events? For
example, Starridge Park has around 50 parking spots.
Thank you for the opportunity to ask questions.
Sincerely,
John Whitson
14371 Silver Heights Rd
Poway, CA 92064
15 of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
John Whitson KB2GNC
~
City Council Meeting 15 FEB 2022 -Comments to Agenda Item 16
Saturday, February 12, 2022 3:52:27 PM
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City Clerk of the City of Poway
P.O. Box 789
Poway, CA 92074-0789
Subject: Comments for City Council Meeting 15 February 2022
Agenda Item 16
Greetings:
We are writing today to express our concern about the future of the
City-owned citrus groves at Silver Ridge in Poway. We believe that
decisions about the Silver Ridge grove plan going forward should be
based upon the input and needs of the local residents near Silver Ridge,
and any decisions should be made independently of the Adobe Ridge and
Ted Williams groves.
As residents in close proximity of the Silver Ridge grove, we support
the continued use of the Silver Ridge grove as a passive open space
lemon grove. Based upon the staff report for this Workshop, we believe
that there are several opportunities to reduce annual cost to the status
quo, including reducing water consumption, modernizing irrigation, and
re-evaluating the current maintenance contract.
We are against options that fundamentally change the use of the grove.
Re-landscaping with dry flammable native seed mixes is an unacceptable
fire risk to residents, and should be unacceptable to the City. We are
against options that worsen the already busy traffic pattern on Silver
Ridge Road and Sunset View Road. And finally, we cannot support a plan
that sells, leases, or re-zones the grove, without knowing what the
impacts are from the California Surplus Land Act mandates.
In summary, we want Poway and the Silver Ridge grove to remain part of
the "City in the Country" with a competitive and modernized operation
plan for the passive open space lemon grove.
Thank you for the opportunity to register our position on this topic.
Sincerely,
John and Patricia Whitson, Owners
14371 Silver Heights Rd
Poway, CA 92064
12 February 2022
16 of 16 February 15, 2022, Item #16