HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/19/2000, C3 - AUTHORIZATION OF APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF THE JOHNSON RANCH (AYERS PROPERTY) ACQUISITION PROJECT council
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C I T Y OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Ken Hampian,Assistant City Administrati Office
Prepared By: Neil Havlik,Natural Resources Manager
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION OF APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
GRANT FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF THE JOHNSON RANCH(AYERS
PROPERTY)ACQUISITION PROJECT
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolutions authorizing staff to complete and submit applications for grant monies (1) in
amount of$250,000 from the State Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program(EENT),
(2) in amount of$100,000 from the National Recreational Trails Program(RTP), and(3)in amount
of $100,000 from the State Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF), all of which would be used in
support of the acquisition of the Johnson Ranch(Ayers property)on Ontario Road
DISCUSSION
The Johnson Ranch(also referred to as the Ayers property) is a 242-acre property with frontage on
Highways i and 101 about 1-'/:miles south of the City limits of San Luis Obispo on the west side
of the highway. The property is characterized by rolling hills, which then change abruptly to a
rather steep ridge,which is part of the Irish Hills. The property is undeveloped except for one small
residence visible from the highway, and the site is perhaps best recognized for the large billboard
advertising the Apple Farm to motorists heading north into San Luis Obispo on the highway.
The "Saving Special Places Report" commissioned by the City Council in 1995 and prepared by
the Land Conservancy,identified the property(which was for sale at that time)as one of the highest
priorities for a conservation transaction in the area around the City. For a variety of reasons, the
property never sold and is currently not being actively marketed However, the City Council
recently authorized an option agreement with the family to purchase the property for$1.6 million.
The City has one year (to August 15, 2001) to obtain the necessary funding, and the current
applications are part of that effort.
The Transportation Blueprint Legislation of 1989 created a funding program known as the
Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, or EEMP. This program makes available
$10,000,000 statewide (subject to annual appropriation by the Legislature) for environmental
enhancement projects over and above those required as mitigation for transportation projects within
the State (including land acquisition, highway landscaping and urban forestry, and roadside
recreation). Given the many values the property can contribute to the community as a conservation
resource, and the site's visibility from and proximity to Highway 101, staff believes that it is
appropriate to seek State support for the project through this program. Given size of the program
statewide,staff feels it is reasonable to apply for the maximum grant amount of$250,000.
CM
Council Agenda Report-Authorization of Application for Grant Funds
Page 2 -
The Habitat Conservation Fund is a fund administered by the California Department of Parks and
Recreation and it requires a 50% non-State match. We have worked closely with program
administrators, and over the past several years the City has been quite successful in its applications
for grant support from this program. Given the size of the Fund Statewide($2 million), staff feels
that an application for$100,000 is a reasonable amount(5%)for which to apply.
The National Recreational Trails Program is a State-administered Federal program,which includes
grant monies for both acquisition and trail construction. Since the Johnson Ranch lies on the route
of the Pacific Coast Bikeway, and is envisioned to ultimately have its own trails and be part of a
larger hail system within the Irish Hills,it appears reasonable to apply for finding support from this
source. Like the Habitat Conservation Fund, this program has $2 million available Statewide, and
$100,000 seems to be a reasonable amount for which to apply.
The application deadline for both the Recreational Trails Program and the Habitat Conservation
Fund is October 1. The State Parks Department has a relatively short turnaround on their review
time, and we would expect to hear on whether we have been successful or not on both of these
applications within about 90 days. The application deadline for the Environmental Enhancement
and Mitigation Program is November 17, 2000. Review for this program is slower, and we
would expect to hear whether the application is successful or not in April 2001.
FISCAL EMPACT
These grants, if successful,will provide outside funding to support City acquisition of the property,
thus providing a beneficial fiscal effect The EEM? does not require matching funds,however the
use of matching fiords where they exist enhances the competitive value of the proposal. The other
programs require a 50%match. The City of San Luis Obispo will be in a position to provide both
the required and desired matches as we are anticipating application of City General Fund monies to
this project next fiscal year. In addition,the City recently contracted for a grant award in anoint of
$400,000 from the Regional Water Quality Control Board to support acquisition of this property.
There will be some future capital costs associated with construction of trails and other features, as
well as costs of management of the property. The former are anticipated to be available largely
from grant fiords or from Capital Improvement Program monies, and the latter would be
incorporated into the natural growth of the City's current Open Space Ranger Program.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could decide not to pursue the grant monies. This is not recommended as simply
filing the application does not commit the City to anything; if,however, we choose not to apply we
will lose the opportunity entirely.
Attachments
1. :Resolutions
2. Location Map
3. Grant Program Summaries
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ArIACtfN�;NT I - I
RESOLUTION NO. (2000 Series)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS
FOR THE LOCAL AGENCY GRANT PROGRAM-FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002
UNDER THE HABITAT CONSERVATION FUND PROGRAM
OF THE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT OF 1990
IN SUPPORT OF ACQUISITION OF THE JOHNSON RANCH
WHEREAS, the People of the State of California have enacted the California Wildlife
Protection Act of 1990, which provides funds to the State of California for grants to local
agencies to acquire and/or develop facilities for public recreation and wildlife habitat protection
purposes; and
WHEREAS, the State Department of Parks and Recreation has been assigned the
responsibility for the administration of a portion of the program within the state, including the
establishment of necessary procedures governing grant applications by local agencies under the
program; and
WHEREAS, said procedures established by the State Department of Parks and
Recreation require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of the application before
submission of said application to the State; and
WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the State of California for
acquisition or development of the project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo hereby:
1. Authorizes the filing of an application for the Habitat Conservation Fund Grant
Program under the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 state grant assistance in support of
the Johnson Ranch acquisition project for purposes of habitat protection and enhancement; and
2. Certifies that said applicant understands the assurances and certification in the
application form; and
3. Certifies that said applicant has or will have available prior to commencement of
any work on the project included in this application, the required match and will have sufficient
fiords to operate and maintain the project; and
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Resolution No.
Page 2
4. Appoints the City Administrative Officer as agent of the City to conduct all
negotiations, execute and submit all documents, including, but not limited to, applications,
agreements, amendments, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary for the
completion of the aforementioned project.
On motion of seconded by and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was adopted this 19th day of September 2000.
Allen K Settle,Mayor
ATTEST:
Lee Price, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
G. org ty Attorney
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IJ
RESOLUTION NO. (2000 Series)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL
ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION PROGRAM UNDER SECTION 164.56 OF THE
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE FOR THE PROJECT KNOWN AS
JOHNSON RANCH ACQUISITION
WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of California has enacted AB 147(Chapter 106 of
the Statutes of 1989),which is intended to provide$10 million annually for a period of ten years for
grant funds to local, State, and Federal agencies and nonprofit entities for projects to enhance and
mitigate the environmental impacts of modified or new public transportation facilities;and
WHEREAS, the Resources Agency has established the procedures and criteria for
reviewing grant proposals and is required to submit to the California Transportation Commission a
list of recommended projects from which the grant recipients will be selected;and
WHEREAS, said procedures and criteria established by the Resources Agency require a
resolution certifying the approval of application by the applicant's governing body before
submission of said application to the State; and
WHEREAS,the application contains assurances that the applicant must comply with; and
WHEREAS, the applicant, if selected, will enter into an agreement with the State of
California for acquisition or development of the project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo hereby:
1. Authorizes the filing of an application for the Environmental Enhancement and
Mitigation Program for grant assistance for the above project; and
2. Certifies that said applicant will make adequate provision for operation and
maintenance of the project;and
3. Appoints the City Administrative Officer as agent of the City to conduct all
negotiations, execute and submit all documents, including, but not limited to, applications,
agreements, amendments,payment requests and so on,which may be necessary for the completion
of the aforementioned project.
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Resolution No.
Page 2
On motion of ,seconded by and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed adopted this 19'day of September 2000.
Allen K Settle,Mayor
ATTEST:
Lee Price,City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
r
/711,geIseV*eIttorney
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AMCHMENT 1 8
RESOLUTION NO. (2000 SERIES)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF;!SAN LUIS OBISPO 3
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS:FROM THE
NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAILS FUND ACT—FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002
WHEREAS, the National Recreational Trails Fund Act of 1991 provides finds to the
State of California for grants to state, local, and nonprofit organizations to acquire, develop
and/or maintain motorized and non-motorized trails;and
WHEREAS, the State Department of Parks and Recreation has been delegated the
responsibility for the administration of the program within California, setting up necessary
procedures governing project applications under the programs; and
WHEREAS, said procedures established by the Department of Parks and Recreation
require the applicant to certify by resolution approval of the application prior to submission of
said application to the State; and
WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the State of California to
complete the project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo hereby authorizes submittal of an application to the California Department of Parks
and Recreation for the National Recreational Trails Fund Act program for the project known as
Johnson Ranch Acquisition; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the applicant certifies that it has or will have,prior
to commencement of any work on project, sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council finds, per Section 15162 of the
California Environmental Quality Act, that the project will reduce and limit the environmental
impacts of the original project, and therefore determines that no further environmental review is
necessary; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby appoints the City
Administrative Officer as agent to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents
including but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests, and so on,
which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned project.
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r.. : j -
Resolution No.
Page 2 .
On motion of , seconded by , and
on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 19*day of September 2000.
Allen K. Settle,Mayor
ATTEST:
Lee Price, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
?jXigTti Attorney
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
GREENBELT PROTECTION PROGRAM
JOHNSON RANCH '
scale I"= 1,200Y approx.
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HCF Progm htip://parkLca.gov/grents/HCFJitm
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Ca la Sm ATrACHMENT ?
CAIMORNU HOMEPAGE GDVEKNORS HCOSEPAGE
GOCAUF RESOURCES AGENCY CERES
�Fravg s Leamnsj��
[Ij2][Whats New.][Contacts][2000 Bond A LWCF Program KTP Program HCF Program][Various Pro-grams
Local Services - Habitat Conservation Fund Program
This is guide will assist local government in applying for and administering State
grant funds from the Habitat Conservation Fund Grant Program under the
California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990. It contains information on the program
as well as application materials. Two million dollars is available for competitive
grants to local public agencies. These funds will be provided annually from July
1, 1990 to July 1, 2020. This grant program is administered by the California
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).
HFC Procedural Guide Acrobat Format Word Format
Applications and Other Forms - Word Format
Habitat Conservation Proiect Grants - 18kb Acrobat PDF
Applications & Projects funded for 2000/01 cycle - 6kb Acrobat PDF
To read PDF files you must use the Adobe Acrobat Reader available for free-download from the Adobe Web site.
>J; The website,accessadobe.clom provides tools and information to help make PDF files accessible to users with
visual disabilities.
Word 9712000 Viewer(32-bit) Allows users of Windows®95 or Windows NTS 3.51 or later to open Word 97 and Word
2000 documents.
Word 9712000 Viewer(16-bit) Mows users of Windows 16-bit operating system 3.1 or later to open Word 97 and Word
2000 documents.
Applications for the next cycle of the Habitat Conservation Fund Program (HCF)
must be received or post marked no later than October lir 2000.
$2 million is available under the program. Cities counties and districts are eligible
to apply. The HCF Program requires a dollar for dollar match from a non-state
source. The following categories will be funded during 2001/02 FY grant cycle.
1. Deer/Mountain Lion Habitat
2. Rare, Threatened, Endangered or Fully Protected Species
3. Wetlands Habitat
4. Riparian Habitat
The procedural guide with the application forms and program information is
available from the Local Services Section, or from this web page. The current
procedural guide is dated May 1997. Applications must be postmarked or
delivered to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Local Services
Section, PO Box 943896-, Sacramento, California 94296-0001 no later than
October 1, 2000. The street address is 1416 Ninth Street, room 940, 95814.
The project selection will occur by the end of January. Only project 40
1 of 9t7100 5:36 PM
HCF Program http://parks.ca.pv/g=WHCF.htm
complete applications will be selected for funding. In the past, some projects
lacked evidence of compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). You may wish to initiate the CEQA process early.
ATTRCHNIENT 3 - IL
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RTP Program httpJ/pai c cE.gov/VanWRTP1dm
'"ate• CAIR:ORMA HOMITAGE GOVERNOR%HaMeAGE ATTACI qj;a
GOCA.UF RESOURCES AGENCY CERES '" 3 ••
mal=Parks 19biiie eTraveLFtearons: ViS3iEorBas cs:'.ayR S_ ivatioits::
[ ][Whats New.][Contacts][2000 Bond Act][LWCF Program][RTP Program][HCF Program][Various Programs]
Local Services - Recreational Trails Program
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds for recreational trails and
trails-related projects. The procedural guide contains program information and
application materials. The RTP is administered, at the federal level, by the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA). It is administered at the state level, by the
California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Nonmotorized projects are
administered by the Department's Planning and Local Services Section. Motorized
projects are administered by the Department's
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.
Notice - HTML Format
Procedural Guide Acrobat Format Word Format
Applications and Other Forms - MS Word Format
Non Motorized Proiect Grants - 9kb Acrobat PDF
Applications & Non-Motorized Proiects funded for 2000/01 cycle - 11kb Acrobat PDF
To read PDF files you must use the Adobe Acrobat Reader available for free download from the Adobe Web site.The
®website,access.adobe.com,provides tools and information to help make PDF files accessible to users with visual
disabilities.
Word 97/2000 Viewer(32-bit) Allows users of Windows®95 or Windows NT®3.51 or later to open Word 97 and Word 2000
documents.
Word 97/2000 Viewer(16-bit) Allows users of Windows 16-bit operating system 3.1 or later to open Word 97 and Word 2000
documents.
Applications for the next cycle of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) must
be received or post marked no later than October 1, 2000
California's allocation for this grant cycle will be approximately $3.2 million. About
$2.2 million will be available for non-motorized trails projects and $1.0 million for
motorized trails projects. Cities, counties, districts, state agencies, and nonprofit
organizations with management responsibilities over public lands are eligible to
apply. The RTP is a matching program that provides up to 80% of the project costs
The procedural guide with the application forms and program information is
available from the Local Services Section (916) 653-7423, Off-Highway Motor
Vehicle Recreation Division, (916) 324-1573 or from this web page. The current
procedural guide is dated March 1999.
Applications for non-motorized projects must be postmarked or delivered to the
California Department of Parks and' Recreation, Local Services Section„ y ly
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RTP Progrmm hupJ/pazks.ragov/gmnts/RTP.hon
943896-, Sacramento, California 94296-0001 no later than October 1, 2000. The
street address is 1416 9th Street, room 940, 95814.
Applications for motorized projects must be postmarked or delivered to the
California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle
Recreation Division, PO Box 943896-, Sacramento, California 94296-0001 no later
than October 1, 2000. The street address is 1724 23rd Street, Suite 220, 95816.
The same procedural guide may be used to apply for both non-motorized or
motorized projects.
The project selection will occur by the end of January. Only projects with complete
applications will be selected for funding. In the past, some projects lacked evidence
of compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). You may wish
to initiate the CEQA process early.
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Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program http://ceres.ca.gov/cert/grants/cnv�_enhanmhtnl
Environmental
Enhancement and
California Community Economic Revitalization Team Mitigation Program
SAT ThJH-t ,.=?'T 3 - 3
Agency: CA Resources Agency
Program: Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program
Program Description: This program provides grants to State,local and federal
agencies and non-profit organizations to mitigate the environmental impact of modified
or new public transportation facilities. Project categories include:
Highway Landscape and Urban Forestry: Projects designed to offset vehicular
emissions of carbon dioxide through the planting of trees and other suitable plants.
Projects may be within or outside the right-of-way or a related transportation facility.
However,reimbursement for the cost of vegetation planted within the public road
right-of-way is limited to trees.
Resource Lands: Projects for acquisition,restoration or enhancement of resource lands
to mitigate the loss of, or the detriment to,resource lands lying within or near the
right-of-way acquired for proposed transportation improvements. Resource lands
include natural areas, wetlands, forests,woodlands,meadows,streams or other areas
containing fish or wildlife habitat Enhancement of resource lands may include the
restoration of wildlife corridors. Additionally, resource lands may contain features of
archaeological or historical value.
Roadside Recreation: Projects which provide for the acquisition and/or development of
roadside recreational opportunities, including parks and greenways,roadside rests,
scenic overlooks,trails,and snowparks.
To be eligible for consideration, each environmental enhancement and mitigation
project must be directly or indirectly related to the environmental impact of the
modification of an existing transportation facility or construction of a new
transportation facility.
Eligibility: Any State, local, or federal agency, or 501 (c)(3)non-profit entity may
apply for and receive grants. The agency or entity is not required to be a transportation
or highway related organization,but must be able to demonstrate adequate charter or
enabling authority to carry out the type of project proposed. Two or more entities may
participate in a project.
Funding Information: Grants for individual projects are generally limited to
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Envuerun atal Enhancement and Mitigation Progtar http://camca.gov/caVgmntslenv_enhanceltml
$250,000. However,the Resources Agency may recommend and encourage awards
exceeding the $250,000 guideline primarily for acquisition projects,based on the 7n !`m- ]` 3 -
consideration of unique or unusual factors, including,but not limited to,maximum
benefits in a one-time or limited opportunity, acquisition of resource lands of a
considerable size, substantial leveraging,and/or projects with high statewide
significance. In accordance with the provision of Section 187 and 188 of the streets and
Highways Code, an attempt will be made to allocate 40 percent of the total amount
recommended to projects in northern counties and 60 percent of the total amount to
projects in southern counties. (Southern counties are: San Luis Obispo,Kern,Mono,
Tulare,Inyo, Santa Barbara,Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange,Riverside,
San Diego,and Imperial. All other counties are considered Northern.)
Timelines: Applications for the 1999-00 grant cycle are due on October 9, 1998.
Anticipated announcement of funding awards is July 1999. This represents a typical
time frame.
Contact: California Resources Agency Phn(916)653-5656
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Fax(916)653:8102
Sacramento, CA 95814 Int www.ceres.ca.gov/cra/
California Resources Agency CERES CERT
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