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RESOLUTION NO. 2017-195 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM FOR A KUMEYAAY VILLAGE REPLICA PROJECT IN THE OTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARK, ACCEPTING THE TERMS OF THE GRANT CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) offers an Outdoor Environmental Education Facilities grant of up to $500,000, to provide assistance to local agencies and community-based organizations for construction costs to develop an outdoor environmental educational facility. City of Chula Vista staff, as the lead agency, in collaboration with the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department, applied for the grant for a Kumeyaay Village Replica project to be a signature attraction in the Otay Valley Regional Park (OVRP). The Village Replica is proposed along a trail segment adjacent to Fenton Pond in the City of San Diego (Attachment 1). The grant application requires a Resolution authorizing approval for the grant application (Attachment 2), and entering into a contract for grant funds (Attachment 3). Staff is requesting $250,000 based on a cost estimate following discussions with the Kumeyaay Jamul Band and City of San Diego Park and Recreation staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures); Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land); and Section 15311 (Accessory Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
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Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures); Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land); and Section 15311 (Accessory Structures) of the State CEQA Guidelines. Consistent with Section 15301, the project site is located along an existing trail in the OVRP; consistent with Section 15303, the project is small, covering less than 2,500 square feet of area; consistent with Section 15304, the project involves a minor alteration to a trail section; consistent with Section 15311, the project is an accessory to the existing ranger station on site. Therefore, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
On February 15, 2017, California State Parks invited local agencies to apply for the $500,000 Outdoor Environmental Educational Facilities (OEEF) Grant fund for construction of qualifying outdoor environmental educational facilities. OVRP Joint Staff representing the Cities of Chula Vista, San Diego, and the County of San Diego, presented the Kumeyaay Village Replica project to the OVRP Executive Management Team, which agreed that the project was appropriate for the OVRP and directed Joint Staff to apply for the OEEF grant. Joint Staff also presented the project to the OVRP Citizen Advisory Committee and Policy Committee; both committees encouraged Joint Staff to apply for the grant.
The grant stipulates that the City Council delegate the authority to an authorizing representative, which would be the Director of Development Services or designee, 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. City of Chula Vista, as the lead agency in collaboration with the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department, applied for the grant for a Kumeyaay Village Replica project to be a signature attraction in the OVRP.
The Village Replica will include ewaas (huts), a Toule canoe, a Ramada, and other items typically used in a Kumeyaay Village. The Village Replica is proposed on a small open area along an existing trail adjacent to Fenton Pond in the City of San Diego. Chula Vista staff submitted a request for $250,000 based on a cost estimate following discussions with the Kumeyaay Jamul Band and City of San Diego Park and Recreation staff. The grant application requires a resolution authorizing approval for the grant and entering into a contract to administer grant funds. The State requires that the project be completed and opened to the public within seven years from the date the funds are awarded. The Kumeyaay Jamul Band offered assistance to design, construct, and maintain the Village Replica. Staff fully expects that the project will be available for public enjoyment prior to the seven-year deadline.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council members and has not found any property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the OVRP boundaries subject of this action. Consequently, this does not present a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), for purposes of 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 project’s location in the OVRP will address the Healthy Community and Connected Community goals as it seeks to provide recreational and educational opportunities for residents and visitors.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
All staff costs associated with preparing the grant application are included in the current adopted budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this grant application will result in the distribution of requested grant money to construct a Kumeyaay Village Replica in the Otay Valley Regional Park. No matching funds are requested for the project. If awarded, the grant funds would be received on a reimbursement basis, based upon project milestones; the $250,000 grant is expected to fully fund the project. Funding for ongoing operations and maintenance of improvements is expected under the terms of the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JEPA)
ATTACHMENTS
1. Kumeyaay Village Site Locator Map
2. Kumeyaay Village Replica Scene
3. Grant Application Documents
4. California State Parks Grant Contract
Staff Contact: Michael Walker, Senior Planner, Advance Planning