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RESOLUTION NO. 2014-194 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING DONATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,300 FOR A DOG PARK LOCATED AT EUCALYPTUS PARK AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS' SUPPLIES AND SERVICES BUDGET (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
Today's Council action will accept and appropriate donated funds and money collected through fundraising efforts to establish an off-leash dog area in the northwestern portion of Eucalyptus Park.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the State CEQA Guidelines. Thus, no further environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The October 23, 2014 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was cancelled and due to a sunset clause on the available grant funds, council needs to act without the Parks and Recreation Commission's action/ recommendation.
DISCUSSION
Dog parks are a now a common feature included in newly designed City parks. Several of the relatively new parks in eastern Chula Vista have these very popular features. None of the older parks in western Chula Vista have off-leash facilities for dogs. Over the years, numerous requests for dog parks in western Chula Vista have been received from the community.
Several groups have come together in an effort led by Councilperson Pamela Bensoussan to establish a long overdue, fenced, off-leash dog area at Eucalyptus Park in the northwestern part of the City. The donation of $10,300 came from the San Diego Foundation ($5,000), Baldwin & Sons ($5,000) and a group of individuals ($300). The location chosen for the small and large dog areas has been vacant and unused for many years. Instead, this location has become an attractive nuisance for homelessness and other unintended activities. This new facility is anticipated to draw dog owners from the immediate as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. This improvement will invite users to enjoy the other park and provide them with the opportunity to exercise and play with their pets. Also, this vibrant activity will naturally serve as a deterrent and discourage some of the unwanted activities that have been experienced in this part of the park. This project will be accomplished in two (2) phases, the larger dog run area being completed first and the smaller dog area later as Phase II. Once the additional funds are collected staff will return to council to accept and appropriate the necessary funds for Phase II.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the project area and has found no property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. 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 action supports the goals of a Healthy Community and a Connected Community by making park space available for off leash play, exercise, and social interaction between dogs and their owners alike.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
This project will to completed using donations to the City; there is no net fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The nominal increase in maintenance costs for the off-leash areas can be absorbed by the current funding levels in the Public Works, Parks Section's General Fund budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Dog park schematic design
Staff Contact: Gordon Day Building Project Manager, Engineering Division, Public Works Department