Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-024 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A MINI-GRANT AGREEMENT, ACCEPTING $2,800 FROM THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS, AND APPROPRIATING SAID GRANT FUNDS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS FISCAL YEAR 2015 BUDGET TO SUPPORT NATIONAL BIKE MONTH ACTIVITIES (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
Body
SUMMARY
The City celebrates National Bike Month in May as a means to build community awareness about bicycling as a safe, healthy, and environmentally-friendly commute option. This year, the San Diego Association of Governments' iCommute program released a request for mini-grant proposals for projects to support National Bike Month. As a result, the City was awarded a $2,800 grant to update the popular Bike Chula Vista map and host a bike valet at the Chula Vista Go Green & Clean Family Day on April 25th at the Otay Ranch Town Center.
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 proposed action(s) qualifies for a Class 8 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15308 [Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment] of the State CEQA Guidelines because the bicycling-related initiatives will contribute to reducing Chula Vista's greenhouse gas or "carbon" emissions and improving local air quality. Therefore, no further CEQA environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
Every May, the City and region celebrate National Bike Month as a means to build community awareness about bicycling as a safe, healthy, and environmentally-friendly commute option. In addition to reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality, bicycling and its related infrastructure improves the "livability" of a community. Over the last few years, Chula Vista has expanded bike lanes, installed bike sharrow markings along certain bike routes, and hosted bike-related educational workshops. These efforts helped Chula Vista recently become designated as an official "Bicycle-Friendly Community" (Bronze Level) by the League of American Bicyclists.
In December, the San Diego Association of Governments' (SANDAG) iCommute program released a request for mini-grant proposals for programs or projects that educate and encourage bicycling as a viable transportation choice as part of National Bike Month. As a result, City staff submitted a $2,800 proposal to SANDAG to support two public outreach efforts. First, the City requested funds to update and reprint the popular, pocket-sized Bike Chula Vista map, which features bicycle lanes and routes, safety tips, and local bike store information. Funding was also requested to host a bike valet at the Chula Vista Go Green & Clean Family Day, an annual event that attracts over 15,000 attendees, on April 25th at the Otay Ranch Town Center. On January 23rd, the City was notified by SANDAG that its proposal was selected for funding.
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 proposed National Bike Month activities directly contribute to the City's Healthy Community goals.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed budget amendment has no net fiscal impact to the General Fund: these one-time expenditures will be offset by one-time grant revenues. The $2,800 in grant funding will be appropriated to the Public Works Conservation Section budget to carry out the proposed grant activities.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed budget amendment is a one-time activity, so there is no ongoing fiscal impact associated with the budget amendment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - SANDAG iCommute Bike Month Mini-Grant Agreement
Staff Contact: Brendan Reed