The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2010/05/25 Item 6 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT ~\~ CITY OF "~CHULA VISTA 5/25/10, Item~ SUBMITTED BY: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR NATURE EDUCATION FACILITY PROGRAM FUNDS (SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COAST AL PROTECTI~~ND ACT OF 200,~) DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS ~ CITY MANAGER ASSISTANT CITY ANAGER c:::::,-r- ITEM TITLE: REVIEWED BY: 4/5THS VOTE: YES D NO [2<J SUMMARY The State Office of Grants and Locals Services (OGALS) released the application guide for the Nature Education Facilities (NEF) Program on March I, 2010. The NEF funds projects for development of nature education facilities, buildings, structures and exhibit galleries that present collections to inspire and educate the public and for marine wildlife conservation research equipment and facilities. The City is required to certify by resolution the approval of the grant application before submission of said application to the State. The City proposes to apply for Nature Education Facility Program grant funding and has identified the Rice Canyon Interpretive Area as a project. If approved, the City will enter into a contract with the State of California to complete the grant scope project at which time staff will return to Council for approval of contract and appropriation of funds to the project. Staff requests approval to file an application for the Rice Canyon Interpretive Area and requests authority to the Director of Public Works to conduct all negotiations, sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the grant scope. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Environmental Review Coordinator has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class 8 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15308 [Actions for Protection of the Environment] of the State CEQA Guidelines because the proposal would promote technologies and practices that enhance and protect the environment. Thus, no further environmental review is necessary. 6-1 5/25/10, Item~ Page 2 of 3 RECOMMENDA nON Council adopt the resolution. BOARDS/COMMISSIONS Not applicable. DISCUSSION California voters passed Proposition 84 (Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006) on November 7, 2006. Funding for this $93 million grant program was made available through the Parks and Nature Education Facilities chapter in Proposition 84, Public Resources Code Division 43. Chapter 8, S75063 (b). The funds were appropriated in the State 2009/2010 Budget Act and made available for the program as of July 1, 2009. The Nature Education Facilities Program awards competitive grants for development of projects that will increase public understanding and knowledge of California resources and that educates visitors and inspire environmental stewardship. Projects under this grant program must meet one or more of the following objectives: . Combine the study of natural science with preservation, demonstration and education programs that serve diverse populations . Provide collections and programs related to the relationship of Native American cultures to the environment . Conduct marine wildlife conservation research As of July 1, 2009, the 2009/2010 Budget Act appropriated $93 million for this competitive round. At this time, there is only one round for the funding. The applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) by Jnly 1,2010. On March 1, 20 I 0, the State released the final application guide. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, districts, joint powers authorities and non-profits. The minimum grant request is $25,000 and the maximum grant request is $7,000,000 with no match requirement and no preference given for applicants who provide matching funds. City staff has identified one potential project site as a good candidate to pursue this particular grant, the Rice Canyon Interpretive Area. The Rice Canyon Interpretive Area is within the boundaries of Open Space District 20. A point system has been established which awards points for meeting seven criteria, Staff attended a Technical Assistance Workshop on Thursday, April 8, 2010 to get a better understanding of the eligibility requirements and gain insight on how best to maximize points. The project criteria and their point values are as follows: \. Need for Nature Education (25 points) 2. Educational Opportunities (25 points) 3. Visitor Outreach to Targeted Groups (15 points) 4. Project Access (10 points) 5. Sustainable Design (10 points) 6-2 5/25/10, Itern~ Page 3 of 3 6. Project Readiness (8 points) 7. Long Term Operation and Maintenance (7 points) The Project Development Team (PDT), which consists of staff from Development Services and Public Works Engineering/Operations, met several times to discuss potential projects. After much consideration, the Rice Canyon Interpretive Area met at least one of the objectives. Staff is also working with the Environmental section to ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project consists of a fire wise demonstration area, a native plant interpretive area, succulent demonstration area, residential landscape demonstration area, low water use area with shelter using "green roof', incorporation of a storm water diversion device and the creation of a small amphitheater seating area for class use. The preliminary cost to complete this project is estimated to be between $400,000 and $700,000, which at the high end would include adding a small restroom facility. Public Works staff began reaching out to various community groups and schools to partner with for educational opportunities within the Rice Canyon Interpretive Area. DECISION MAKER CONFLICT Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council and has found no property holdings within 500 feet ofthe boundaries of the property, which is the subject of this action. FISCAL IMPACT There is no impact to the General Fund. If the resolution is approved, the City will apply for Nature Education Facilities grant funds. If a grant is awarded, staff will return to Council to approve a contract with the State of California and recommend accepting and appropriate the grant funds into the Capital Improvement Program. ON GOING FISCAL IMP ACT If a grant is awarded, staff will return to Council to approve a contract with the State of California and recommend accepting and appropriate the grant funds into the Capital Improvement Program. The project includes elements that will require additional maintenance expenditures on an ongoing basis. However, other improvements in the project reduce the current maintenance effort thus resulting in no net increase over the current annual cost of $12,000/year. ATT ACHMENTS 1. Site layout of Rice Canyon Interpretive Area Prepared by: At/crce LeClair, Sr. Alanagemcnt Analyst, Public Works-Engineering Amy Partosan, Administrative Ana(vst II, Public Works-Engineering Paul Sirois, Open Space Manager, Public Worh' Operations J:\Enginecr\AGENDA \CAS20 I O\OS-25-lO\Nature Education Facilities Grant Agenda Statementrev.doc 6-3 ~ <"~' '.~:'~'~'J<'!".:~~/1 . ' "'"",, ,'~~' '~',"'0'i" ":""", ' "ll'!,,>\.. l'J. ";"" ;>"":'';'';''''':: ""''' '<'>"-"'rf l '""'='" c. ,", "'. "_~;,,. . . ',-' , I'" ""1q 4"i'~' , ~' ,.t~r';:m;~,.e(~g ~ ~':r- ,'r. )ok ;;~.. ~I_~ . (. ,,,<;~.,. l'I"";g"" .' t'i~1i!':;'~~,:'. ~~,,' ;~;~ ;'.:~~:*) HIt ::~~,:, ~~- '. !.J~, .i..:.:.."", ATT AC~~NT / RESOLUTION NO. 2010- RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CfTY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR NATURE EDUCATION FACILITY PROGRAM FUNDS (SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2006) WHEREAS, the State Department of Parks and Recreation has been delegated the responsibility by the Legislature of the State of California for the administration of the Nature Education Facilities Program, setting up necessary procedures governing the Application; and WHEREAS, said procedures established by the State Department of Parks and Recreation require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of application(s) before submission of said application(s) to the State; and WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into a contract with the State of California to complete the PROJECT; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Chula Vista does hereby: Approves the filing of an application for the Rice Canyon Interpretive Area, and 1. Certifies that said applicant has or will have available, prior to commencement of any work on the project included in this application, the sufficient funds to complete the project should this grant be awarded; and 2 Certi ties that the applicant has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project; and 3. Certities that the applicant has reviewed, understands, and agrees to the General Provisions contained in the contract shown in the Grant Administration Guide; and 4. Certifies that this project is consistent with the applicable city or county, or appropriate planning document, as the case may be; and 5. Delegates the authority to the Director of Public Works to conduct all negotiations, sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the project; and 6. Agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and guidelines. 6-5 Presented by Approved as to form by ~ Bart Miesfel' pc ,",,, 7 v' City Attorney , ( Richard A, Hopkins Director of Public Works 6-6