REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
August 27, 2015
FROM: MANUEL A MOLLINEDO, 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
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the State of California Natural Resources Agency and acceptance California River Parkways Program grant funds in the amount of $500,000 and authorizing execution of documents by the Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Director, or designee (District 5).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the submittal of an application for California Natural Resources Agency, California River Parkways Program grant funds for Fancher Creek Parkway, and authorize the Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Director, or designee to sign all necessary documents to implement the grant, subject to prior approval as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department is proposing to submit an application for Fancher Creek River Parkway in response to a call for applications from the California Natural Resources Agency. Upon adoption of the attached Resolution, staff will submit an application requesting $500,000 in River Parkway Program funds. The Fancher Creek River Parkway project will provide a linear park that will increase recreational opportunities including trails for walking, jogging, hiking, and bicycling; habitat improvements that restore, protect, and improve the existing riverine habitat; provide general benefits to water quality; and ultimately benefit the health and wellbeing of Fresno residents.
BACKGROUND
In October 2011, the Department of Public Works submitted an application in partnership with the developer of Fancher Creek Properties for Proposition 84 grant funds. Unfortunately, due to the large number of applications and competitive nature of the program, the grant was not awarded.
Fancher Creek Properties has approached the PARCS Department about partnering with them to submit a new grant application to the Natural Resources Agency. Fancher Creek is part of the Fresno irrigation system that conveys water for agricultural irrigation. The proposed project would target Fancher Creek as it meanders from East Fowler Road to Clovis Avenue.
The Fancher Creek Parkway project will:
1. Provide much needed access to green space or linear park trails to an area of the community that has no park space within a half mile radius. This will increase recreational opportunities including trails for walking, jogging, hiking, and bicycling.
2. Provide new urban greening environment that restores, protects and improves the natural habitat along Fancher Creek from Fowler Road to Clovis Avenue. Trees will be planted that will benefit the environment by reducing carbons, and reducing the heat island impact.
3. Provide general benefits related to water quality.
4. Provide interpretive signage and educational information on river conservation, restoration, and environmental stewardship.
The proposed improvements conform to the adopted 2035 General Plan Update. Parks and open space are a priority of the General Plan Update.
Fancher Creek Properties has committed to forming a Community Facilities District that will help pay for ongoing maintenance costs of the proposed improvements, and establish a community board that will provide oversight of the Fancher Creek Parkway.
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The application does not constitute a project for purposes of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. Upon approval of the grant funds, staff will return to Council with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination for the Fancher Creek Parkway as necessary.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because this item does not include an award of a construction or consultant contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund and there is no match requirement. Future maintenance cost would be facilitated by the Community Facilities District.
Attachment: Resolution