Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-123 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE 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
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 in 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. A multipurpose space is being developed there, suitable for the Thinkabit program and other library and community uses. The Thinkabit program is scheduled to begin in July 2016.
The accompanying Memorandum of Understanding proposes terms 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 Thinkabit experience to the community at large is a unique program dimension that is a first. 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 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.
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
Resolution
Agreement
Staff Contact: Betty Waznis, Library Director