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RESOLUTION NO. 2016-232 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING “EXTENSION AND FIRST AMENDMENT OF LEASE” AGREEMENTS FOR TWO TENANT PREMISES AT THE OTAY RANCH TOWN CENTER FOR THE OTAY RANCH BRANCH LIBRARY AND THE COMMUNITY SPACE, “THE HUB”
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
In order to continue to operate the Otay Ranch Branch of Chula Vista Public Library that provides library service to residents of the east side of Chula Vista, the City of Chula Vista has entered into negotiations with GGP-Otay Ranch, LTD, for a 3-year extension of the current lease for two spaces totaling 5,412 square feet at the Otay Ranch Town Center. Today’s action will approve the lease extensions.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The Project qualifies for a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) 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 Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the State CEQA Guidelines. Thus, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
In its meeting of October 19, 2016, the Board of Library Trustees approved a motion supporting this recommendation.
DISCUSSION
In order to mitigate the absence of a full-service public library branch on the east side of Chula Vista, the City of Chula Vista and General Growth Properties-Otay Ranch, LTD., (GGP) negotiated a lease for 3,412 square feet at Otay Ranch Town Center, to be operated as an express branch. Located in the Food Pavilion area, the branch opened in April 2012 and was an immediate success. In the four and a half years since the Otay Ranch Branch Library opened, more than 650,000 visitors have used the branch, borrowing 580,000 items. Over 60,000 have attended programs there, more than 30,000 have used the free public computers, and over 13,000 have used the passport acceptance service.
According to GGP, the branch’s strong performance increased mall foot traffic and Food Pavilion revenues. As a result, an additional 2,000 square feet of vacant retail space was offered to the City under identical terms. The resulting library annex, “The Hub” opened in January 2015. It serves as a versatile community space for passport acceptance, homework help and tutoring, early literacy programs, meetings, small performance, classes, Friends of the Library book sales, and community activities of all kinds.
These lease extensions would extend the lease agreements for the period of May 1, 2107 through April 30, 2020 to continue offering the services described above.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the 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 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. Today’s recommended action supports the Connected Community goal by continuing to provide a vibrant neighborhood anchor for learning, technology, and community activities.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current year fiscal impact that would result from the extension of the lease of the Otay Ranch Branch and The Hub, as current year costs are part of the FY16 Library Department budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There are no ongoing fiscal impacts to extend the lease of the Otay Ranch Branch and The Hub, as operating costs are part of the existing Library Department baseline budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Lease - Premises No. 0407
2. Proposed Lease - Premises No. 0409
Staff Contact: Betty Waznis