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RESOLUTION NO. 2016-059 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROPRIATING $59,650 TO SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION OF A THINKABIT LAB AT THE CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
In partnership with Qualcomm and the Chula Vista Elementary School District, a Thinkabit lab and program promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is to be established in the lower level of the Civic Center Library.
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
As part of a long-term workforce investment initiative, Qualcomm developed a maker space, lab and accompanying program for middle schoolers called Thinkabit at their Sorrento Valley headquarters. Designed to inspire an interest and confidence is pursuing engineering and technology careers, it rapidly became extremely popular with long waiting lists. So Qualcomm reached out to create satellite Thinkabit labs in three county school districts, one of which was CVESD. Because of the success and popularity of CVESD’s lab at Feaster Charter School, and the difficulty of South Bay classes to visit Sorrento Valley, Qualcomm was interested in a second South Bay site. CVESD and the Chula Vista Public Library have a very cooperative relationship and the school district was aware of the underused lower level of the Civic Center Library. When the question of a lab site developed, CVESD remembered the potential of the library space, introduced the space to Qualcomm, who were very enthusiastic about the possibility.
This requested appropriation consists of $25,000 from one-time sales tax revenues and $34,650 from Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds received from the California State Library via an off-cycle grant. Additional financial support is being provided by the Friends of Chula Vista Library. Qualcomm is contributing curriculum, design, and branding, plus lab benches and other furnishings. The school district will staff the lab with certificated and specially trained engineering teachers and is also contributing custodial support.
Siting the lab in the library gives it a unique community dimension that is a first. There will be continuous field trips for the school district during the school day. But then, in addition, during afterschool, evening and weekend hours, the lab will offer community access with qualified CVESD teachers on site. The lab experience will be available to other students, older teens, homeschoolers, family groups, veterans, career changers, and anyone who want to learn to code, experiment and tinker in a free friendly neighborhood setting.
The Thinkabit lab is scheduled to open in July 2016, in time for the new school year.
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
Staff is requesting an appropriation of $59,650 to the Non CIP Project expenditure category of the Non-Departmental budget to the newly retitled Civic Center Library Remodel project. This appropriation will be offset by unanticipated one-time sales tax revenues resulting from the end of the triple flip and Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds received from the California State Library via an off-cycle grant. There is no net fiscal impact to the General Fund as a result of this action.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ATTACHMENT
Resolution
Staff Contact: Betty Waznis, Library Director