HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-25 Item 3 - Revised Staff Report and ResoCity of Chula Vista
Staff Report
File#:17-0142, Item#: 3.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE
SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY THROUGH URBAN CORPS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOR
THE URBAN GREENING PROGRAM GRANT FUNDED BY CALIFORNIA CLIMATE
INVESTMENTS
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Council adopt the resolution.
SUMMARY
Climate change poses a challenge to Chula Vista and the greater San Diego region and expected
local impacts include escalating temperatures and heat waves,changing precipitation patterns,
rising sea levels,and increasing extreme natural events.To help better prepare local communities,
the California Natural Resources Agency has released a request for grant proposals to help execute
green infrastructure projects that reduce GHG emissions and provide multiple benefits.In response,
City’s Public Works and Development Services staff members are working with community partners
to develop one proposal for submission.The proposal aligns with the City’s current climate action
strategies and will contribute to reducing future climate change-related risks and costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
The activity is not a “Project”as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality
Act State Guidelines;therefore,pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3)no environmental
review is required.In addition,notwithstanding the foregoing,the “Project”also qualifies for an
Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3)of the California Environmental Quality Act State
Guidelines.
Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)and has determined that the activity is not a “Project”as
defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because the activity consists of an
administrative action involving the submittal of grant applications which will not result in adverse
physical impact to the environment;therefore,pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3)of the State CEQA
Guidelines,the activity is not subject to CEQA.In addition,notwithstanding the foregoing,the
Director of Development Services has also determined that the “Project”qualifies for an Exemption
pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3)of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.Thus,
no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
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Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
Climate change poses a challenge to Chula Vista and the greater San Diego region.In 2011,the
City of Chula Vista was the first jurisdiction in southern California to develop comprehensive
strategies to reduce the future risk and associated costs from local climate change impacts.
Expected local impacts include escalating temperatures and heat waves,changing precipitation
patterns,rising sea levels,and increasing extreme natural events.The State of California has been
addressing these challenges through various programs ensuing from Assembly Bills and Senate
Bills.
Signed into law in 2006,Assembly Bill (AB)32,also known as the California Global Warming
Solutions Act of 2006 required a sharp reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions to 1990 levels
by 2020.AB 32 was the first program to take a comprehensive,long-term approach to addressing
climate change to improve the environment and natural resources while maintaining a robust
economy.Recently signed into law,Senate Bill (SB)32 confirms the State’s continued commitment
to reducing GHG emissions by directing emissions reductions to meet a target of 40%below 1990
levels by 2030.
Signed into law on September 14,2016,SB 859 (Chapter 368,Statutes of 2016)authorized the
expenditure of $1.2 billion in Cap and Trade revenues,also known as the Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Fund (GGRF),for projects aimed to reduce GHG emissions.The California Natural
Resources Agency was allocated $80 million to its Urban Greening Program specifically for green
infrastructure projects that reduce GHG emissions and provide multiple benefits.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds have separate governing statutes:AB 1532 (Pérez,Chapter 807,
Statutes of 2012),SB 535 (De León,Chapter 830,Statutes of 2012),and SB 1018 (Budget and
Fiscal Review Committee,Chapter 39,Statutes of 2012)provide the framework for how the GGRF
must be appropriated and expended.All GGRF expenditures must achieve reductions of
greenhouse gas emissions.In addition to greenhouse gas emissions reduction,goals derived from
AB 1532,established for the investment of auction proceeds,and SB 535,requirements for
allocating funds to benefit disadvantaged communities, are presented below:
·Maximize economic, environmental, and public health benefits to the State;
·Foster job creation by promoting in-State greenhouse gas emission reduction projects carried
out by California workers and businesses;
·Complement efforts to improve air quality;
·Direct investment toward the most disadvantaged communities and households in the State;
·Provide opportunities for businesses,public agencies,nonprofits,and other community
institutions to participate in and benefit from statewide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions;
·Lessen the impacts and effects of climate change on the State’s communities,economy,and
environment;
·Allocate at least 25%of the available proceeds to projects that provide benefits to
disadvantaged communities; and
·Allocate at least 10%of the available proceeds to projects located within disadvantaged
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communities.
In March 2017,the California Natural Resources Agency released a request for proposals for a new
Urban Greening Program grant.City staff is working with Urban Corps of San Diego County,a
regional non-profit organization,to develop one grant proposal for submission.This proposal aligns
with the City of Chula Vista’s current climate action strategies.
The Proposal is due to the California Natural Resources Agency by May 1st,with funding
announcements expected in October 2017.
F STREET PROMENADE PROJECT
The F Street Promenade Project is being proposed for funding with the Urban Greening Program
grant.
Background
Through a Call for Projects by The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG),the City of
Chula Vista (“City”)applied for and was successful in its bid to receive Active Transportation Funding
for planning projects that support local efforts to increase walking,biking,and transit usage
throughout the region.
The City was awarded funding through the TransNet Active Transportation Grant Program (ATGP)
for the preparation of the F Street Promenade Streetscape Master Plan (“Project”).The City entered
into an Agreement with SANDAG and received a notice to proceed in August 2015.
Project Objectives
On September 20,2016,the City Council approved a two-party agreement with Moore,Iacofano,
and Goltsman (MIG),Inc.to prepare a Streetscape Master Plan and 30%Design Development
construction documents in accordance with the objectives contained within the Urban Core Specific
Plan, as well as the City’s Street Design and Construction Standards.
The Master Plan’s primary objectives are to develop a streetscape using the principles of “Complete
Streets”and to establish a theme and identity for F Street between Third Avenue and the future
Bayfront.The Plan identifies focal points,pedestrian connections to various land uses,and multi-
modal access (via walking,biking,and transit)to nearby community amenities and facilities such as
parks,schools,City Hall,Civic Center,Library,office buildings,restaurants,and local and regional
shopping centers.
Some of the street improvements being analyzed as part of the development are undergrounding of
utilities,addition of bike lanes,extended curb returns at intersections,enhanced paving,pedestrian-
scale lighting,way-finding,site furnishings,and a unified planting scheme with street trees and
shrubs.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council members and has found no property
holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the properties which are the subject of this action.
Consequently,this item does not present a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of
interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2,section 18702.2(a)(11),for purposes of theCity of Chula Vista Printed on 4/21/2017Page 3 of 4
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interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2,section 18702.2(a)(11),for purposes of the
Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §87100,et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware,and has not been informed by any City Council member,of any
other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals:Operational Excellence,Economic Vitality,Healthy
Community,Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community.The grant proposals
support the Healthy Community goal as they seek to improve the community’s resilience to climate
change impacts.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
If funded,the proposed project would have no net fiscal impact to the General Fund:one-time
project expenditures would be offset by one-time grant revenues.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
If funded,the proposed project would be a one-time activity,so there would be no significant
ongoing fiscal impact associated with it.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Urban Greening Program Grant Guidelines
Staff Contacts: Sam Oludunfe, City Forester;
Patricia Fermán, Principal Landscape Architect
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RESOLUTION NO. __________
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA
VISTA APPROVING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR
GRANT FUNDS TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA NATURAL
RESOURCES AGENCY THROUGH URBAN CORPS OF SAN DIEGO
COUNTY FOR THE URBAN GREENING PROGRAM GRANT
FUNDED BY CALIFORNIA CLIMATE INVESTMENTS
WHEREAS, climate change poses a challenge and the City of Chula Vista (“City”) was the first
jurisdiction in southern California to develop comprehensive strategies to reduce the future risk and
associated costs from local climate change impacts; and
WHEREAS, expected local impacts include escalating temperatures and heat waves, changing
precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, and increasing extreme natural events; and
WHEREAS, the California Natural Resources Agency released a request for proposals for a new Urban
Greening Program (the “Program”) grant to help local governments and public agencies implement
plans and projects that address local climate change impacts; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature and Governor of the State of California have provided funds for the
Program; and
WHEREAS, the California Natural Resources Agency has been delegated the responsibility for the
administration of the Program, establishing necessary procedures; and
WHEREAS, City’s Public Works and Development Services staff members are working with Urban
Corps of San Diego County, a regional non-profit organization, to develop for submission a grant
proposal which aligns with the City’s current climate action strategies; and
WHEREAS the F Street Promenade Project is being proposed for funding with the Urban Greening
Program grant; and
WHEREAS, the procedures established by the California Natural Resources Agency require a resolution
certifying the approval of application(s) by the City Council board before submission of the application
to the State; and
WHEREAS, the City, if selected, will enter into an agreement with the State of California to carry out
the Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista, that it:
1. Approves the filing of an application for California Climate Investments’ Urban Greening
Program, with any grant funds received to be used for the F Street Promenade Project; and
2. Certifies that the City understands the assurances and certification in the application; and
3. Certifies that the City will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the Project consistent with
the land tenure requirements, or will secure the resources to do so; and
4. Certifies that the City will comply with the provisions of Section 1771.5 of the State Labor Code; and
5. If applicable, certifies that the Project will comply with any laws and regulations including, but not
limited to, legal requirements for building codes, health and safety codes, disabled access laws,
environmental laws and, that prior to commencement of construction, all applicable permits will have
been obtained, and
6. Certifies that the City will work towards the Governor’s State Planning Priorities intended to promote
equity, strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and promote public health and safety as
included in Government Code Section 65041.1, and
7. Appoints the Director of Public Works, or designee, as agent to conduct all negotiations, execute and
submit all documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, payment requests and so on,
which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned Project.
Jointly Presented by --------------------------------- Richard A. Hopkins
Public Works Director
Approved as to form by
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
Kelly Broughton Glen R. Googins
Development Services Director City Attorney