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RESOLUTION NO. 2015-163 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING A GRANT OF $20,000 FROM THE CHULA VISTA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TO FUND THE “PARKING LOT TO PARKLET” PROJECT AT THE CIVIC CENTER BRANCH OF THE CHULA VISTA PUBLIC LIBRARY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS ACCORDINGLY (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The Chula Vista Public Library received a one-time grant award from the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation in the amount of $20,000. The purpose of the award is to fund creative environmental projects that promote the rich natural resources and open spaces throughout Chula Vista and which positively impact the lives of people who live, work and play in Chula Vista. The Chula Vista Library proposes to create pedestrian friendly parklet zones in the Civic Center Library parking lot which will feature native plants that are drought tolerant, as well as information on water conservation and use of drought tolerant landscaping. In addition, space will be created that is suitable for outside gathering.
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, acceptance of a grant for improvements to the parking lot at the Library Main Branch, falls under the Class 1 (Existing Facilities) Categorical Exemption in accordance with to Section 15301(c) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it involves only the reconfiguration of a public parking lot with negligible changes or expansion of the existing use. Thus, no further environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable
DISCUSSION
The purpose of the grant from the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation is to support environmental projects that promote the rich natural resources and open spaces throughout Chula Vista and which make the biggest impact in the lives of people who work, live and play within the boundaries of Chula Vista. The Chula Vista Library, with a parking lot lacking dedicated pedestrian areas resulting in foot traffic and automobile traffic sharing driveways, applied for the grant to rectify this and requested $20,000. The grant proposal included both a physical change to the layout and landscaping of the parking lot and also a proposal to use the parking lot to engage the public in an open air environment. Changes to the parking lot will include replacing existing landscaping with drought tolerant plantings, providing information about water saving landscaping, and the delineation of pedestrian only areas through the use of plantings and structural elements such as pavement markers, raised markers, benches and planters. This will create a diagonal pedestrian pathway running from the Garrett Avenue/F Street corner of the lot to the east entrance of the library. The library has also proposed creating dedicated space for outside events (book sales, blood drives, etc.) that would be highly visible, able to be reserved, and likely to engage the general public.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the Chula Vista City Council members and has found no property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. Consequently, this item does not present a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18705.2(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 of Chula Vista 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 Parking Lot to Parklet Project supports the Healthy Community goal by encouraging pedestrian access and improving parking lot safety and the Connected Community goal by providing a place for outside gathering.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will result in a one-time appropriation of $20,000 to the Supplies and Services expenditure category of the Other Grants fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact for accepting these grant funds.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Stephanie Loney, Principal Librarian