Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-012 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND THE CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR USE OF THE CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY MULTIPURPOSE ROOM
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The City of Chula Vista and the Chula Vista Elementary School District have developed a partnership and Memorandum of Understanding to establish and operate a STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at the Chula Vista Public Library Civic Center Branch, adopting Qualcomm’s Thinkabit Lab model.
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
n/a
DISCUSSION
Since July 2016, the Innovation Station launched in collaboration with the Chula Vista Elementary School District, to provide an opportunity for students within the district to explore and discover engineering and technology careers with a Qualcomm Thinkabit inspired makerspace. Since its initial opening, the Innovation Station has become a multipurpose space that has welcomed over 11,000 participants through its doors. As the home to both the Chula Vista Elementary School District and the community, the Innovation Station has been the place for 195 classes and 250 community events to have an opportunity to continue to explore, learn, and discover how engineering and technology can grow from an interest into a career.
The City and CVESD previously entered into an agreement for CVESD’s use of the multipurpose space for STEM field trips during selected school days, while at the same time reserving the space for community access. Opening up the Innovation Station experience to the community at large continues to be a unique program that has provided the City a wealth of opportunities to connect with local businesses and corporations. In addition to school daytime field trips, STEM activities and community open houses can be held during afterschool, evening and weekend hours with qualified CVESD teachers onsite. The STEM experience will continue to be available to nurture lifelong learners to learn to code, experiment, and tinker in a free friendly neighborhood learning space. The agreement before the City Council tonight will allow CVESD to continue utilizing the multipurpose space through June 2020, with options to extend it through June 2022.
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. The Thinkabit Lab supports the Economic Vitality Goal by supporting school success and a career path to high-paying jobs for Chula Vista students and other residents.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement
Staff Contact: Joy Whatley, Interim Library Director