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RESOLUTION NO. 2016-083 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING A GRANT OF $2,550 FROM THE CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY TO FUND THE “VETERANS CONNECT @ THE LIBRARY” PROJECT AT THE CHULA VISTA PUBLIC LIBRARY AND APPROPRIATING THIS AMOUNT TO THE LIBRARY’S SUPPLIES AND SERVICES BUDGET (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
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Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
In partnership with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), the Chula Vista Library has joined with other libraries across the State in the Veterans Connect @ the Library initiative. This project is designed to help veterans by creating a Veteran Resource Center at the Civic Center Library. The Veteran Resource Center provides information on state and federal education, employment, housing, health, disability and other benefits that may be available to veterans and their families. The California State Library provides funding to establish the Veteran Resource Center, as well as resources to train staff, volunteers, and also provide programs. The Library has received $2,550 for this purpose.
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 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; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the state CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
In partnership with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), the Chula Vista Library has joined with other libraries across the state to help veterans by creating a Veteran Resource Center at the Civic Center Library. The Veteran Resource Center provides information on state and federal education, employment, housing, health, disability and other benefits that may be available to veterans and their families. The California State Library provides funding to establish the Veterans Resource Center, as well as resources to train staff, volunteers, and to provide programs. The Library has received $2,550 for this purpose from the California State Library, which is administering the grant through the Pacific Library Partnership.
A special focus of this project is to provide information to reintegrate California veterans into the California workforce and our communities in order to provide veterans the quality of life of other Americans.
The Chula Vista Library hopes the Veteran Resource Center will assist local veterans to acquire veteran benefits and local service information, along with links to other organizations serving veterans, and also register in the CalVet Reintegration system. The hope is that this will increase California veteran benefit claims and also connect veterans and their families to library resources.
To meet these goals, the Chula Vista Library will operate the Veteran Resource Center with regular open hours staffed by trained volunteers. In addition, a collection of books and other resources for veterans, websites with links to local veterans resources, and access to computer equipment for extended periods to complete online applications and do research are being offered. The Veteran Resource Center is located in the Veterans Wing of the Civic Center Library
The Library will be hosting a series of events throughout the year to attract veterans to visit the library and find out more about the services offered.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it does not involve a decision affecting real property value 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. The Veterans Connect @ the Library initiative and its creation of a Veteran Resource Center at the Civic Center Library supports the Healthy Community and Connected Community goals, as it seeks to connect veterans with resources including health information and connect them and their families to local networks offering veteran support.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will result in a one-time appropriation of $2,550 to the Library Department supplies and services budget. The California State Library is the source of the funding; therefore, there is no net fiscal impact to the City.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact for accepting these funds.
ATTACHMENTS
Staff Contact: Stephanie Loney, Principal Librarian.