Title
RESOLUTION 2017-238 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING COUNCIL POLICY NO. 841-01 (COMMUNITY GARDENS POLICY), INCLUDING THE CONSIDERATION TO ALLOW COMMUNITY GARDENS ON ALL CITY-OWNED LAND
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
In 2010, a City Council Policy regarding Community Gardens (Policy No. 841-01) was approved to allow the consideration of community garden uses on vacant city-owned lands. Tonight’s action will expand the consideration of use to extend to all city-owned lands, remove barriers within the policy, and provide a transparent application process.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
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.
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Environmental Determination
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.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
On December 13, 2017, the Healthy Chula Vista Advisory Commission provided an advisory recommendation that Council approve (5-0) staff’s proposed amendments to the Community Gardens Policy (City Council Policy No. 841-01).
DISCUSSION
In keeping with the Healthy Community goal of the Strategic Plan, on January 5, 2016, the first Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan was adopted, providing a set of strategies to review, create and evaluate policies and programs within the City and to develop key community partnerships to promote wellness within our community. A key component of the plan included residents’ access to healthy food options.
Consistent with the adopted Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan and its strategies, Staff is recommending amendments to the Community Garden Policy originally adopted in 2010 that applied only to vacant city-owned land. Tonight’s action will add other City owned lands (including certain park land areas) for consideration for community garden uses, reduce barriers, and provide a transparent process to potential gardeners by including the associated application and user agreement in substantial form. Along with the City Council approval on November 7th to initiate the process of establishing an Urban Agriculture Zone (“UAIZ”) in Chula Vista, this sends a clear message that Chula Vista supports local production and access to healthy food for all community members.
Public Outreach
Beginning in August, Healthy Chula Vista Staff has engaged community members in discussions surrounding urban agriculture through outreach events at Lauderbach Park, Norman Park Senior Center, and the Civic Center Library. Outreach has included presentations and discussion, as well as a screening of the film “Growing Cities” followed by a panel discussion. Over 100 participants attended the outreach events and provided input on all existing policies pertaining to urban agriculture in Chula Vista.
During the month of November, the proposed amendments to the Community Garden Policy were published on the Healthy Chula Vista Urban Agriculture webpage and over 200 residents were notified via email of the comment period, including all Healthy Chula Vista stakeholders, attendees at urban agriculture events, and the Development Services Oversight Committee. In addition, presentations and a request for input were provided to the Sustainability Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission.
Public comments received and incorporated into the final policy include:
• Changing the opening operating hour of gardens from 8:00 am to 7:00 am to be consistent with park hours throughout Chula Vista and allow opportunity for early morning activities before work or school;
• Increase the allowed fence height from three (3) to six (6) feet; and
• Translation of documents into Spanish to ensure all residents have equal access to this opportunity (to be executed after adoption).
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision for purposes of determining a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under 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. This item supports Section 3.1.1 - Implement policies and programs that support a healthy community, by providing healthier options.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Staff costs associated with the preparation of this staff report and for the Community Garden policy amendments are offset by grant funds through the Centers for Disease Control’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH Chula Vista).
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Determination of costs associated with a garden site will be assessed administratively at time of application and any fees necessary for project consideration will collected from the applicant.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Community Garden Policy Amendments
Staff Contact: Stacey Kurz, Development Services Department