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RESOLUTION NO. 2014-082 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROPRIATING A $100,000 SMART GROWTH INCENTIVE PROGRAM PLANNING GRANT TO THE TRANSNET FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE HEALTHY CHULA VISTA INITIATIVE (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The Chula Vista City Council reiterated the importance of creating a healthy community, in terms of active lifestyles and environmental protection, in adopting the Chula Vista Strategic Plan in 2013. To support this effort, staff identified the need to develop a more comprehensive healthy communities plan, now being called the "Healthy Chula Vista" initiative, and submitted a $100,000 grant application to San Diego Association of Governments' Smart Growth Incentive Program. As a result, the City of Chula Vista was awarded a two-year grant to create a Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan and to begin integrating healthy community concepts into planning and design documents.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the appropriation of grant funds is not a "Project" as defined under section 15378(b)(4) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it involves a governmental fiscal activity which will not result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(C)(3) of the State CEQA Guideline the activity is not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
Jurisdictions are becoming increasingly aware that cities play a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of their communities. Factors contributing to a community's health can include walkable neighborhoods, quality parks and open space areas, efficient transportation, and safe, clean environments. As such, the Chula Vista City Council reiterated the importance of creating a healthy community in adopting the Chula Vista Strategic Plan in 2013. The Strategic Plan specifically highlights supporting an environment that fosters health and wellness, protecting natural resources and promoting sustainability, and providing parks and recreational opportunities.
As part of the Strategic Plan's implementation, staff identified the need to develop a formal healthy communities plan, now being called the "Healthy Chula Vista" initiative, to more comprehensively assess opportunities, challenges, and key partners related to fostering community wellness. In January 2013, the City Council approved submittal of a grant application to the San Diego Association of Governments' (SANDAG) TRANSNET Smart Growth Incentive Program (Resolution #2013-005) for such efforts. The grant program supports comprehensive public infrastructure and planning projects that will facilitate compact, mixed use development focused around public transit, and that will increase housing and transportation choices.
In late 2013, the City of Chula Vista was notified that it had been awarded a two-year, $100,000 grant by SANDAG to draft a Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan and to begin integrating healthy community concepts into planning and design documents. Specifically, the grant will allow the City to amend the General Plan, Subdivision Manual, Design Standards Manual, and other implementing documents to align with the new Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan and create design schematics for two "Healthy Corridor" pilot areas on H Street (between 5 freeway & Third Avenue) and Broadway (between C & J Streets). The City has already convened an internal staff team, which includes representatives from Development Services, Public Works, Recreation, Library, and Human Resources, to provide guidance on the initiative's development and implementation. In addition, community stakeholders and partners will be engaged through workshops and field trips over the next two years to further inform the initiative.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of 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 Healthy Chula Vista initiative directly supports the Strategic Plan's Healthy Community component, in particular implementing policies and programs that support a healthy community (3.1.1).
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The SANDAG Smart Growth Incentive Program will support up to $85,000 of staff time associated with initial implementation of the Healthy Chula Vista initiative, as well as up to $15,000 of consultant services for stakeholder engagement assistance. Additional staff time, including a $10,000 in-kind grant match requirement, will be covered by existing departmental budgets.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
During Fiscal Years 2015 and 2016, any remaining grant funds will be used to support staff resources associated with the Healthy Chula Vista initiative, supplemented by existing departmental personnel budgets.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Smart Growth Incentive Program Grant Agreement
Attachment B - Healthy Chula Vista Initiative Primer