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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011/01/18 Item 5CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT ~_' ~,u, ~V l~ ~ "'"~CHULAVISTA 1/18/2011, Item .~ ITEM TITLE: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION'S LEAFING OUT GRANT PROGRAM TO EXPAND THE CHULA VISTA NATURESCAPE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS ~ CONJUNCTION WITH IMPLEMENTING THE GRANT AG$tEE]k[ENT SUBMITTED BY: DIRECTOR OF PLBLIC WORKS 1~~1 ASSISTANT DIRECTO ENG REVIEWED BY: CITY MANAGER ASSISTANT CITY ANAGERGr~ 4/STHS VOTE: YES ^ NO SUMMARY The California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has requested that the City submit a fiill grant proposal for its NatureScape progrun to the CAL FIRE Leafing Out Grant Program. The Chula Vista NatureScape program is a community-based initiative to help property owners create wildlife-friendly, water-smart yards and gardens. The City's $29,833 grant proposal would provide funds to organize 2 free community workshops to educate the public about sustainable landscape designs and to distribute 150 NatureScape-In-A-Box kits to program participants. The requested funding would help Chula Vista become the largest California city certified as a "Community Wildlife Habitat Area" through the National Wildlife Federation. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Development Services Director 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 a grant application which will not result in a direct or indirect 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. Thus, no environmental review is necessary. 5-1 1/18/2011, Item 5 Page 2 of 3 RECOMMENDATION Council adopt the resolution. BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The Resource Conservation Commission recommended that City Council approve the grant submittal to the CAL FIRE Leafing Out Grant Program at their January 10`h meeting. DISCUSSION In 2006, the City of Chula Vista established the community-based NatureScape program to help promote nature-friendly yards and gardens which incorporate food and shelter for wildlife, water- wise plants, mulching, composting, and high efficiency irrigation systems. Through the program, staff assists residents, businesses, and schools by hosting free public workshops and on-site landscape assessments. In addition, the program works closely with numerous communty partners such as the Chula Vista Garden Club, Southwestern College, Audubon Society (San Diego Chapter), Sweetwater Authority, and Otay Water District to leverage programmatic resources and broaden its positive environmental impact. Participants who successfully incorporate enough sustainable landscape features into their gardens and yards are able to get their properties "certified" through the National Wildlife Federation. To date, over 275 properties around Chula Vista have been certified through the program. The program's goal is to become the largest California city certited as a "Community Wildlife Habitat Area" through the National Wildlife Federation. The NatureScape program is also one of the core components of the Council-approved climate protection measures (~7) and helps indirectly reduce greerthouse gas emissions by lowering outdoor water use. In September 2010, staff submitted a concept proposal seeking additional resources for the NatureScape program under the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection's (CAL FIRE) Leafing Out Grant Program. As a result, CAL FIRE has requested that the City of Chula Vista submit a full grant proposal for the program. In response, City staff has drafted a $29,833 grant proposal for additional programmatic resources for the NatureScape program over the next 2 years. Specifically, the grant proposal requests funds (personnel and supplies) to assemble and distribute 150 "NatureScape-In-A-Box" kits to help program participants create new or convert existing landscaping into more environmentally-friendly areas. The kits, which will consist of a compost bin, shade tree seedlings, water-saving hose nozzle, wildlife water dish and a bird feeder, are designed to emphasize and maximize the unique environmental services that urban "greening" areas can provide. The kits will include instructions on designing and maintaining sustainable orRdoor natural areas. In addition, the grant proposal requests fimding (personnel and supphes) to host at least 2 free public workshops The workshops, which are organized with the assistance of local educators and technical experts, will help educate the broader community about sustainable landscaping practices. The workshops will include sessions on nature-friendly plant selection, water-efficient irrigation techniques, energy-saving landscape strategies, composting, mulching, and organic pesticides/fertilizers. Workshops will play a critical role in helping to shift the community's perception that urban "green" areas have to be expansive, water-intensive turf lawns. 5-2 1/18/2011, Item ~ Page 3 of 3 DECISION MAKER CONFLICT Staff has determined that the recommendations requiring Council action are not site specific and consequently the 500 foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision. CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT The proposed grant project would not create a new impact to the City's General Fund. The grant would award $29,833 in Fiscal Year 2011 to the City to purchase supplies and services associated with the proposed project. In addition, the grant would provide funding to support a part-time, hourly employee (12 hours/week) in Public Works Department's Conservation Division to assist with grant administration and project implementation. The matching fiords required for the grant would he covered through the Conservation Division's existing budget and external funding sources (ex. in-kind donations). ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT The proposed grant project, if awarded, would fund the purchase of supplies and services associated with project implementation and would not create any ongoing net impact to the City's General Fund. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A -?vatureScape-In-A-Box Full Grant Proposal Po~epared by: Brendan Reed, Environmental Resource Manager, Public Works -Conservation Division K:IPUBLlC WORKSIAGENDAICAS2011101-18-1llNew NS In A Box_CAS FINAL.doc 5-3 q-~-~ACHNIENT ~z~ 2010/2011 FULL PROJECT PROPOSAL OAL FlR,E Urban Forestry Grant Programs Please fill out this form completely. Be sure to save a copy of this form for your records. Submit two copies of your application to the Regional Urban Forester for your area via U.S. Mail. Keep a copy for your records. Name of Organization City of Chula Vista Project Title'NatureScape-In-A-Box Project Project Type (Leafing Out (early stage protector program) Requested Grant $ $29,833.00 Matching $ $17,780.00 Total Project $ 47,613 y ~ Explanation( ~ ~. Primar Source of Technical Advice ISA Certified Arborist (f required): Professional's First Name~Paul Professional's Last NameSirois 1. Applicant information -Eligible applicants include cities, counties, qualifying districts, or nonprofit organizations qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Type of Organization (City Primary Project Contact Conservation Division -Public Works Department First Name ',Brendan Last Name Reed Email ,breed@ci.chula vlsta.ca.us Phone Number~(619) 409-5889 Address 1 1276 Fourth Avenue Address 2 City (Chula Vista CountySan Diego State ';California Zip Code (91910 Notes:( - Secondary Project Contact Conservation Division -Public Works Department First Name Michelle Last Name Castagnola Email ',mcastagnola@ci.chula-vista.ca.us Phone Number (619) 409-5955 Address 1 1276 Fourth Avenue Address 2 - - City Chula Vista .County San Diego State California Zip Code 91910 Notes: 5-4 2. Location information -List the communities served by the project. Include all cities and counties or list as statewide. of Chula Vista in San Diego County 3. Partner information - List any partners or co-sponsors Name of Organization 1lOtay Water District First Name (William Last Name Granger„ Partner Contact Title (Water Conservation Manager Email WGranger@otaywater.gov Phone Number Comments Name of Organization 2 Southwestern College -Horticultural Division First Name Bill Last Name Homyak Partner Contact Title (Professor Email whomyak@swccd.edu Phone Number Comments (619) 670-2290 (619) 421-6700 List Any Additional (Sweetwater Authority Partner Organizations) __ 4. Narrative -Describe the project by answering the questions below. Please be thorough, but concise with your answers. You should refer to the grant guidelines document, grant program Request For Proposals (RFP), and the CA Urban Forestry Act (Public Resources Code Sections 4799.06 - 4799.12) for guidance on parts 4A - 4E. A. Background and Rationale - What is the situation, condition, or problem to be addressed by the project? (,With the rapid urbanization of California's landscapes, many communities are losing the environmental and societal benefits that ~i,"green" or natural areas create. The majority of remaining "green" areas are now limited to landscaping and yards surrounding '',residences, businesses, schools, and municipal facilities.These vegetative areas still provide a critical suite of environmentalservkes Iby stabilizing topsoils, reducing air pollutants, cooling airtemperatures, and absorbing stormwater runoff. However, with the current ',statewide drought and the long-term scarcity of water in Southern California, a new paradigm of urban "greening" is developing. In '.lieu of water-thirsty lawns and exotic plant species, vegetative areas are now being designed to use water efficiently, to include ;,wildlife-friendly plant species, to provide energy-saving shade, and to capture stormwater runoff. The City of Chula Vista's proposed 'I"Nature5cape-In-A-Box" project provides a powerful tool to educate residents, businesses, and students about the importance of ',urban "greening" to a community's economic and environmental sustainability. 5-5 B. Project Objective -What are the objectives of the proposed project? The goal of the City of Chula Vista's NatureScape-In-A-Box project is to foster the conversion of hardscapes, turf lawns, and landscaping throughoutthe City into more environmentally-friendly "green" areas which reduce water use, conserve energy, absorb runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife. The project also builds upon the success of the City's ongoing NatureScape program that provides on-site assessments and certifications for sustainable yards and landscaping in the community. To achieve the project's goal, the City has established the following objectives: 1. Develop and assemble at least 150 NatureScape-In-A-Box kits which will include educational materials and devices to help particpants make their "green" areas more environmentally-sustainable 2. Host at least 2 free public workshops at the MacKenzie Creek Park demonstration garden to educate at least 100 participants about environmentally-friendly landscape design principles and the NatureScape-In-A-Box kits 3. Perform at least 150 on-site assessments for residents, businesses, schools and/or municipal facilities to evaluate their "green" areas, distribute the NatureScape-In-A-Box kits and certify their properties through the City's Naturescape program C. Project Timeline - Provide a project timeline. Do not list specific dates or months due to uncertainty in when projects may begin. Plan on projects of 24-30 month duration. e NatureScape-In-A-Box project would be implemented over a 24 month period. Below is the specific timeline for each project task: sk 1. Develop and assemble at least 150 "NatureScape-In-A-Box" kits -Months 1-6 sk 2. Host at least 2 free public workshops at the MacKenzie Creek Park demonstration garden -Months 7-18 sk 3. Perform at least 1 50 on-site assessments for residents, businesses, and/or schools -Months 7-24 sk4. Design, production, and distribution of program marketing materials and handouts -Months 1-6 5-6 D. Scope of Work -Describe the approach to be used, the design (methods), and implementation of the project. Include who will be involved with specific tasks and justify why the approach, methods and implementation is the most effective way to accomplish the objectives. Include a description of project sign contents and their locations. The City of Chula Vista will develop NatureScape-In-A-Box kits to help program participants create new or convert existing landscaping into more environmentally-friendly areas. The kits will be designed to emphasize and maximizethe unique environmental services that urban "greening" areas can provide. The kits will consist of five accessories - a compost bin, shade tree seedlings, water-saving hose nozzle, wildlife water dish, and a bird feeder- as well as instructions on designing and maintaining sustainable outdoor natural areas. Working with local project partners, the City of Chula Vista will also host at least 2 free public workshops to educate community members about sustainable landscaping practices. Workshops will play a critical role in helping to shift the community's perception that urban "green" areas have to be expansive, water-intensive turf lawns. io achieve these objectives, the City will work with current community stakeholder groups and technical experts to develop and aunch the NatureScape-In-A-Box project. Community partners include 3 local gardening clubs, the San Diego Audubon Society (San Diego Chapter), Southwestern Colleqe, Otay Water District, and Sweetwater Authority Water District. City staff with the.assistance of is partners will purchase and assemble the NatureScape-In-A-Box kits and develop education materials to describe the kits' purpose and contents. Staff will integrate these kits into free community workshops which will broadly educate participants about =_nvironmentally-friendly landscaping and gardening practices. Workshops will be led by trained instructors and include various topics such as nature-friendly landscaping principles, proper plant selection, energy-efficient tree placement, high efficiency irrigation technologies, and vertu icultu re composting. To help broadly promote the project, the City will develop printed flyers and signage to solicit public participation. Additional promotion will be through the City's (and community partners') established marketing channels including bimonthly Chula Vista CLEAN stakeholder meetings, print advertisements, utility bill inserts, electronic newsletters, and social network sites (Facebook). These methods will help the project successfully achieve its stated objectives of distributing 150 kits and enrolling 150 residents in the workshops and overall NatureScape program. Participating residents will take the first crucial step to converting their hardscapes, turf lawns, and water-thirsty landscaping into more environmentally-friendly "green" areas which reduce water use, conserve energy, absorb runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife. Because the project is not site-specific, all marketing materials will include a funding acknowledgement and graphic referencing the pecific Proposition Bond and the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection. 5-7 E. Tree Information (if applicable) - Provide the following information about any trees to be planted as part of the grant project. Include information even if the trees are not to be funded by CAL FIRE. Species List - Provide a list of the tree species for this grant project . Include common name, Genus, and species. Include the approximate number of each species to be used. List minimum planting site size for each species too. Aesculus californica (California Buckeye), 25 total (estimate) -planting area must be at least 8' from any hardscape Agonis flexulosa (Peppermint Tree), 25 total (estimate) - planTing area must be at least 8' from any hardscape Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda), 25 total (estimate) -planting area must be at least 8' from any hardscape Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle), 25 total (estimate) -planting area must be at least 8' from any hardscape Platanus racemosa (California Sycamore), 25 total (estimate) -planting area must beat least 8' from any hardscape Populus fremonti (Freemont Cottonwood), 25 total (estimate) -planting area must be at least 8' from any hardscape _....... Total number of trees to be t S~ Total number of trees to~ Number over 30 ft. 7s planted by project be funded by CAL FIRE height at maturity 5. Budget Information A. Budget Detail - Provide a specific budget for work to be done. The budget should be based on bid quotes and/or estimates from vendors or on actual costs that will be incurred by the grantee. The line items listed should be specific enough to adequately describe project expenses. Use the Excel format provided for your budget. You should note that applicants, if successful in being awarded a grant, will have to follow this budget and will only have the opportunity for minor budget adjustments. The total amount of the project can not be 5-8 changed later. B. Vendor List -List the vendors that have provided you quotes or estimates for this project. C. Explanation of Budget and Costs -Describe the basis for the budget amounts listed above. Applicants will be expected to adhere to this budget. is an explanation of the project's budget and costs: sk 1. Develop and assemble at least 150 "NatureScape-In-A-Box" kits -Funds used To purchase 150 kits at approximately 559 each sk 2. Host at least 2 free public workshops at the MacKenzie Creek Park demonstration garden -Funds used for miscellaneous xkshop expenditures ($250 per workshop) complemen[ed by in-kind volunteer (ime (6 experts @ $25/hr- 10.5 hrs/workshop). sk 3. Perform at least 150 on-site assessments for residents, businesses, and/or schools -Funds used to support stafftime to perform -site evaluations (Conservation Specialist @ $15.90/hr- 18 hrs/week for 1.5 years & Env. Specialist @ $95.77/hr- 1 hr/week for 1.5 k 4. Design, production, and distribution of program marketing materials and handouts -Funds used for marketing materials ~elopment (Graphic Designer @ $115/hr- 5 hrs), printing ($3,000), direct mailing ($500), and advertising ($1,500) costs D. Matching Funds -List other funding sources, grants, etc., that will meet grant matching requirements. Source 1 'In-Kind Amount 525.00 Description Volunteer time for 6 technical experts for workshop Source 2 Gty General Fund Amount 17255.00 ' Description Supplies for kits and City staff time (Conservation Specialist & Graphic Designer) Source 3 r _ _ ~ _ Amount Description Source 4 _ _ _ Amount Description 5-9 6. Other Project Work -List any other related activities conducted in the proposed project area over the past 3 years. These may be projects conducted by other organizations. Include any contributions of the applying organization to these projects. Include partners and sponsors of the projects, if known. Projects listed should include an explanation of how they relate to the proposed project. The proposed "Nature5cape-In-A-Box" project builds upon the early success of the City of Chula Vista's Nature5cape program. The program, which helps foster the creation ofenvironmentally-friendly yards and landscaping, was developed in 2006 in conjunction with over 10 different community groups including the Chula Vista Garden Club, San Diego Audubon Society, UC Master Gardeners, South Bay YMCA, Otay Water District, and Sweetwater Authority. These partners help improve the cost-effectiveness of the Nature5cape program and broaden the program's visibility in the community by integrating it into other outreach efforts, local school curriculums, and service learning projects. To date, over 250 residents, businesses, and schools have participated in the City's Nature5cape program and have gotten their property certified. In 2007, the Nature5cape program successfully designed and installed a demonstration garden at MacKenzie Creek Park. With the assistance of community volunteers and donations from local nurseries, over 300 new plants were integrated into the demonstration garden that features container plants, ground cover, shrubs, shade trees, arbors, bio-swales, and awater-efficient irrigation system. Extensive signage also was added to direct visitors' attention to the environmental and cost benefits typically achieved through the Inclusion of these features in gardens and yards. MacKenzie Creek Park was an ideal site for the demonstration garden due to its easy accessibility to the Chula Vista community and broader South San Diego County area via the SR125 freeway. In addition, the garden is in close proximity to numerous elementary and secondary schools and Southwestern College. 7. Certifications & Forms- The following certifications must be filled out and signed by the appropriate person. A. Certification of Party Responsible For Maintenance (if trees to be planted or cared for in project) I Appropriate representative Brendan Reed certify that the Appropriate agency City of Chula Vista will provide or be responsible for 100%ofthe maintenance for a minimum of 3 years after the end ofthe grant period in accordance with ANSI A-300 tree care standards, the accompanying ISA Best Management Practices document and the standards outlined in the grant agreement and/or grant attachments with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Signature (pen) Date January S, 2011 Title Environmental Resource Manager Phone Number 6194095889 B. Statement of Compliance With All Applicable Laws (all projects must fill out and sign) I Appropriate representative Brendan Reed certify that the Appropriate agency City of Chula Vista will abide by all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations and policies in carrying out this State bond-funded project Failure to do so will lead to cancellation of the grant award. Signature (pen) Date January 5, 2011 Title IiEnvironmental Resource Manager Phone Number 6194095889 5-10 C. Recycling Certification (all projects must fill out and sign) -This certification applies to all state contracts and, to the extent feasible, all federally funded contracts. percent Contractor certifies under penalty of perjury that of the minimum, if not exact, percentage of recycled content, both post consumer waste and secondary waste as defined in the Public Contract Code, Sections 12616 and 12200, in materials, goods, or supplies offered or products used in performance of this Agreement, regardless of whether the product meets the required recycled product percentages defined in the Public Contract Code, Sections 12161 and 12200. Contractor may certify that the product contains zero recycled content. (PCC 10233, 10308.5, 10354) Signature (pen) Date Title Phone Number D. Checklist of Necessary Forms To Be Completed. (- CAL FIRE Urban Forestry Program Environmental Checklist i-~ State of California Payee Data Record (Std. 204) i"~~ Governing Body Resolution (must follow sample format) [- Represen[ative project area map w/sign locations shown ~' Project sign schematic (including CAL FIRE logo) ~ State of California Non-Discrimination Compliance (Std. 19) (- State of California Drug-Free Workplace Certification (Std. 21) ~ 5-1 O representative site photos - if applicable (- Letters of participation from listed partners r Urban Forestry Project Budget (~ Other: ~ Other: SIGNATURE: The authorized primary project contact for the applying organization must sign below. This must be the person, or person holding the position that is mentioned in the required governing body resolution, and the same person or position signing all of the other required forms. The signature indicates that, to the best of the signer's knowledge, all of the information provided in this application and all attached required forms and documents is accurate and correct. The signer additionally acknowledges that they have read the grant program RFP and the Procedural Guide common to all of the CAL FIRE Urban Forestry grant programs. Signature (pen) Printed Name Brendan Reed Title iEnviromental Resource Manager.. Date January 5, 2011 Thank you for your application. Please save a copy and print a copy of the application for your records. Submit the application to your CAL FIRE Regional Urban Forester. You should receive a confirmation of receipt from your Regional Urban Forester. To save a copy, please select the file menu and select "save as" or "save a copy as"from the list of options. You will be prompted about how to proceed saving the file. Urban & Community Forestry Program 5-11 RESOLUTION RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION'S LEAFING OUT GRANT PROGRAM TO EXPAND THE CHULA VISTA NATURESCAPE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH IMPLEMENTING THE GRANT AGREEMENT WHEREAS, with the rapid urbanization of California's landscapes, many communities are losing the environmental and societal benefits that "green" or natural areas create; and WHEREAS, the City's NatureScape program helps foster the conversion of hardscapes, turf lawns and water-thirsty landscaping throughout the City into more environmentally-friendly "green" areas which reduce water use, conserve energy, absorb runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife; and WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of California in cooperation with the California State Legislature has enacted Proposition 40 and 84, which provides funds to the State of California and its political subdivisions for urban forestry programs; and WHEREAS, the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has been delegated the responsibility for the administration of the program within the State, setting up necessary procedures governing application by local agencies and non-profit organizations under the program; and WHEREAS, said procedures established by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of application before submission of said application to the State; and WHEREAS, the City, if awarded the grant, will enter into an agreement with the State of California to carry out an education project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista as follows: 1. That it approves the filing of an application for "PROPOSITION 40 and 84" urban forestry grant program -funds through the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection's Leafing Out Grant Program. 2. That it certifies that said applicant has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project. 5-12 Resolution No. Page 2 3. That it certifies that funds under the jurisdiction of the City of Chula Vista are available to begin the project. 4. That it certifies that said applicant will expend grant funds prior to March 30, 2013 5. That it appoints the City Manager, or his designee, as agent of the City of Chula Vista to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned project. Presented by Richard Hopkins Director, Public Warks Approved as to form Attorney 5-13