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RESOLUTION NO. 2014-026 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT AND INCENTIVES PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2006 (PROPOSITION 84) FOR THE F STREET PROMENADE STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
Recommended Action
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The Strategic Growth Council has released a Request for Proposals for the third round of the “Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program”. The State Department of Conservation (DOC) manages competitive grants to cities, counties, and designated regional agencies to develop and implement plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve other sustainability objectives. The Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program provides a unique opportunity to improve and support infill development and equity through improvement of existing infrastructure and to protect and conserve natural resources through a collaborative and coordinated approach. The Program is funded through the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Act of 2006 (Proposition 84). DOC has allocated approximately $16 million of Proposition 84 funds for Round 3. The funds awarded will support development, adoption, and implementation of sustainable community planning elements throughout the State.
City Council has directed staff to look for alternative funding sources to help plan and deliver City Services. To that end, the City of Chula Vista proposes to submit the following planning grant application: Preparation of the F Street Promenade Streetscape Master Plan. This master planning effort along F Street in the City’s urban core will provide the area with plans to implement “Complete Streets” design elements for future improvements along F Street between Third Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Complete streets are well-balanced, connected, safe, and convenient multi-modal transportation networks designed to serve all users of streets, regardless of their age or ability, or whether they are driving, walking, bicycling, or taking transit.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activities authorizing the filing of grant applications soliciting funds specifically for the preparation of the F Street Promenade Streetscape Master Plan for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Development Services Director has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because the proposed action consists of a governmental fiscal activity which, on its own, would not result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. However, when the actual project(s) for which the grant monies are earmarked are adequately defined and ready to be carried out, the appropriate environmental review and documentation will be required. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
The principal goal of this grant program is to fund the development and implementation of plans that lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in a manner consistent with the State Planning Priorities, AB 32 and the current Environmental Goals and Policy Report. The grant program is meant to foster the development of sustainable communities throughout California. Sustainable communities shall promote equity, strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and promote healthy, safe communities. Funded activities are intended to achieve the following Program Objectives:
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• Improve air and water quality |
• Revitalize urban and community centers |
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• Promote public health |
• Improve infrastructure systems |
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• Increase infill & compact development |
• Protect natural resources and agricultural lands |
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• Increase housing affordability |
• Promote water and energy conservation |
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• Reduce automobile usage and fuel consumption |
• Promote equity |
The following is a brief description of the grant proposal which is aligned with the State goals described above.
F Street Promenade Streetscape Master Plan
The F Street Promenade Streetscape Master Plan is proposed under Focus Area #1 “Innovative Incentives for Sustainable Development Implementation” grant category. According to the grant application guide, the intent of this Focus Area is to support local planning activities that implement a proposed or adopted Regional Transportation Plan, and when applicable, a Sustainable Communities Strategy, or any other local or regional plan, in a way that incentivizes sustainable, infill development, location- and resource-efficient development, or preserves or enhances natural or agricultural lands.
The project proposes to develop a Streetscape Master Plan for an approximately one+ mile long segment of F Street. The project will create a plan for a "Promenade" that will link the City's downtown Village District and Civic Center with the City's Bayfront. The Streetscape Plan would be a "complete street" with a full range of convenient and safe access linkages, by car; transit; bicycle; or on foot. The need for a Streetscape Plan along this segment of F Street is identified in both the City’s General Plan and further described as an implementation project in the Urban Core Specific Plan.
The Master Streetscape Plan would emphasize this one+ mile link as an attractive, safe and convenient route for resident and visitors alike. The vision for the Master Streetscape Plan is a pedestrian-oriented promenade that links Third Avenue; the Civic Center; Broadway; the E Street transit center; and the Bayfront Planning Area with themed landscaping, wayfinding, and other streetscape elements. The freeway crossing of Interstate 5 and the adjacent parallel railroad spur/overcrossing will be evaluated to accommodate additional pedestrian use and create enhanced and inviting entryways into the Bayfront. Existing trees from Third Avenue to Broadway would be preserved and incorporated into the streetscape theme. The exact location and configuration of bikeways and parkway amenities will be detailed by the Streetscape Master Plan which will be developed with broad public input to ensure the plan reflects the community’s values.
The grant application, if successful, would provide funding for the Conceptual Design, Streetscape Master Plan and preliminary construction drawings that could then be used to implement a future capital improvement project. The maximum grant award is $500,000 and requires minimum 10% local match since it is not located within an area designated as an Environmental Justice community. The grant request is for $491,010 with a local match of $52,026 for a total Project cost of $543,036. Five percent of the local match is required to be a cash match. The cash match will cover costs of supplies and materials for the four community outreach meetings and production of preliminary construction drawings.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council 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. The F Street Promenade Streetscape Master Plan supports the Economic Vitality Goal as it seeks to foster opportunities to invest in Western Chula Vista.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The grant request of $$491,010 would cover the majority of staff and consultant costs in preparing the Streetscape Master Plan and preliminary construction drawings. The grant requires a minimum 10% local match of which 5% is required to be a cash match. The Development Services Fund will cover the costs of supplies and materials for the community outreach efforts and preliminary construction drawings at a cost of about $27,450. The remaining local match will be in kind staff services (currently budgeted in the General Fund) for technical staff services such as graphics support and GIS, and preparation of the real property survey.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The project is a request for funding of a planning effort. There are no capital improvements proposed at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
None