REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 19, 2017
FROM: KRISTINA CHAMBERLIN, Assistant Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: IRMA YEPEZ-PEREZ, Senior Management Analyst
KAREN M. NORRIS, Administrative Manager
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions related to acquiring and funding improvements to Maxie L. Parks Center:
1. Adopt a Categorical Exemption prepared for Environmental Assessment No. EA-17-022 dated September 27, 2017, for the Maxie L. Parks Community Center.
2. Authorize the Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department to accept a grant in the amount of $350,500 from the State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for improvements to Maxie L. Parks Center (Council District 3)
3. ***RESOLUTION - 16th amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2017-165 appropriating $350,500 from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) grant for the Maxie L. Parks Center project. (Requires 5 affirmative votes) (Subject to Mayor’s veto)
4. Approve the acquisition of an approximate 14,375 square foot commercial zoned site located at 2195 South Elm Avenue adjoining the Maxie L. Parks Center (Council District 3)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council: (1) adopt the Categorical Exemption prepared for Environmental Assessment No. EA-17-022; (2) authorize Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department (PARCS) to accept a grant from CAL FIRE in the amount of $350,500 to expand and improve the Maxie L. Parks Center; (3) adopt the 16th amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolutions No. 2017-165 to appropriate $350,500 for said project; (4) approve the acquisition of an approximate 14,375 square foot commercial zoned site located at 2195 South Elm Avenue adjoining the Maxie L. Parks Center, owned by Linda Washington; and, (5) authorize the PARCS Director or designee to sign all necessary documents to accept and implement the grant, to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement on behalf of the City and to sign all documents to complete the transaction, subject to prior approval as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PARCS submitted a grant application for funds provided by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) for California Climate Investments administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for the purpose of expanding and improving Maxie L. Parks Center. On June 28, 2017, PARCS received notification that it was awarded $350,500. If approved, the grant funds will be used to acquire an approximate 14,375 square foot commercial zoned site adjoining the Maxie L. Parks Center to increase the size of the Center, and for site improvements including irrigation, landscaping, and lighting for the entire park site.
BACKGROUND
The State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection California Climate Initiative focuses on the use of trees and associated vegetation through the development of multiple-objective projects as specified in the California Urban Forestry Act of 1978. The projects’ further the goals of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), and result in a net greenhouse gas (GHG) benefit meeting the needs of urban communities. Funding is made available for projects in “disadvantaged communities”; the Maxie L. Parks Center meets the criteria and is therefore eligible for grant funding.
On April 13, 2017, Council approved the submittal of a grant application to the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. On June 28, 2017, PARCS was awarded $350,500 as part of this competitive grant process for the Maxie L. Parks Center. The proposed improvements will include:
1. Removal of approximately 11,000 square feet of asphalt and 1,400 square feet of concrete;
2. Acquisition of .29 acres of new green space;
3. Construction of a new urban forest with low water use landscaping;
4. Installation of drip irrigation system to improve water efficiency;
5. New solar lighting to improve safety and efficiency.
The City recently completed the construction of a new playground and installed outdoor park furnishings including a drinking fountain, picnic tables, benches and BBQ pits at Maxie L. Parks Center. The acquisition of an approximate 14,375 square foot Neighborhood Mixed Use zoned site adjoining the Maxie L. Parks Center (located at 2195 South Elm Avenue) will increase the total park site to 2.41 acres and provide much needed additional green space to the West Fresno community.
The property owner submitted a willing seller letter as part of the grant application process. On September 14, 2017, the City’s Real Estate Department hired an independent reviewer to conduct the appraisal of the property. An appraisal on the property (APN 478-081-44) owned by Linda Washington, total value of $75,500, was conducted on September 15, 2017. The appraisal was conducted in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The Agreement for Purchase documents reflecting the appraisal price will be signed by the property owner upon approval by Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the property located at 2195 South Elm Avenue was completed on August 21, 2017, in conformance with the scope and limitations of ASTM Practice E-1527-05. The assessment revealed no evidence of recognized environmental conditions or records of environmental liens in connection with the property.
Additionally, staff has performed an environmental assessment (EA-17-022) of the project at Maxie L. Park Center and has determined this project is exempt under Sections 15301 Class 1, 15303 Class 3, 15304 Class 4, and 15332 Class 32 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. The project qualifies for a Class 1 Section 15301 exemption because the park expansion involves negligible expansion of existing facilities beyond the current park use. The project qualifies for a Class 3 Section 15303 exemption because it involves installation of small new equipment and small structures. The project qualifies for a Class 4 Section 15304 exemption because it consists of minor public alterations to land, including replacement of landscaping, and water efficient landscaping. Finally, the project qualifies for a Class 32 Section 15332, exemption because it is characterized as infill development and meets the conditions described in section 15332: (a) The project is consistent with Fresno General Plan designation and all applicable general policies as well as the applicable zoning designation and regulations; (b) The project occurs within city limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; (c) The project site has no value as habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species; (d) approval of the project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and (e) the site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because this project does not include an award of a construction or consultant contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed improvements to the Maxie L. Parks Center will be funded by the grant, and no General Fund monies will be used. The Center is currently maintained by the PARCS and Public Works Departments. Proposed improvements will increase the size of the park property, and thus increase annual maintenance costs by approximately $3,500 for additional landscape maintenance of the new urban forest and utility costs. Solar safety lighting will be installed and will minimize the impact to utility costs.
Attachment: AAR Resolution No. 2017-165 16th Amendment Maxie L. Parks Center