HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Bill 3D 12/07/2009~ ~.
CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA ~ a
AGENDA SILL ®ecember 7, 2005
Agenda Title: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to pursue Meeting Date: December 7, 2009
additional funding from Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and
Open Space District (SCAPOSp) needed to complete the Paula Lane Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
acquisition, and authorization to execute agreements if the grant application
is successful.
Category: ^ Presentation ^ Appointments ®Consent ^ Public Hearing ~ ^ Unfinished Business ^ New Business
Department: Director: Contact Person: Phone Number: 778-4345
City Manager John C. Brown, City Scott Brodhun,
Manager Assistant City Ma ager
Total Cost of Proposal or Proiect: Name of Fund:
Staff time .to assist project partner P.L.A.N. in grant process
$2,000 - $2,500 Account Number:
Amount Budgeted: Current Fund Balance:
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council take the following action: Approve the
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to pursue additional funding from Sonoma County Agricultural
Preservation and Open Space District (SCAPOSD) needed to complete the Paula Lane acquisition, and
authorization to execute agreements if the grant application is successful.
1. ^ First reading of Ordinance approved unanimously, or with unanimous vote to allow posting prior to second reading
2. ^ First reading of Ordinance approved without unanimous vote: Ordinance has been published/posted prior to second
reading; see Attachment.
3. ^ Other action requiring special notice: Notice has been given, see Attachment
Summary Statement:
The Paula Lane Open Space Preserve received a $1,000,000 grant recommendation in the 2008-09 funding cycle
of the SCAPOSD Matching Grant program to help acquire the Paula Lane property. Anew appraisal, currently
under review at the SCAPOSD, has revealed an estimated fair market value in the range of $1,600,000 to
$2,250,000. In an effort to secure sufficient funding needed to proceed with acquisition, Paula Lane Action
Network (PLAN) and the City submitted additional grant applications to the State Coastal Conservancy and the
Regional office of Department of Fish and Game/State Wildlife Conservation Board. However, the State budget
crises resulted in holding the applications indefinitely. While the SCAPOSD staff initially denied the request to
resubmit the project into the matching grants program, City staff has worked to gain SCAPOSD approval and
support for this grant application that is structured to augment the previous award.
Attachments to Agenda Packet Item:
1. Resolution
Reviewed by Finance Director: Reviewed by City Attorney: A rov ana er:
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Rev. # ~i'f~ ~~ Date Last Revised: _ File:
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CITE ®F PE'TAL><JMA, CALIFORNIA
DECEMBER 7, 2~~9
AGENDA REPORT
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to pursue additional funding from Sonoma
County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (SCAPOSD) needed to
complete the Paula Lane acquisition, and authorization to execute agreements if the grant
application is successful.
1. RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to pursue additional funding from
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (SCAPOSD)
needed to complete the Paula Lane acquisition, and authorization to execute
agreements if the grant application is successful.
2. BACKGROUND:
The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (SCAPOSD)
continues to operate its Matching Grant Program, which provides a 50% match for
land acquisition, restoration and improvements for urban open space projects and
recreation projects within or near incorporated areas. The funding availability for the
2009-2010 grant cycle is estimated to be $2,000,000.
In 2007, the City submitted grant applications to the SCAPOSD for the East
Washington Park project and for the Paula Lane acquisition. The East Washington
Park project was awarded $2,000,000 and the Paula Lane acquisition was not
recommended for funding. In 2008, the City submitted a grant application for the
LaCresta Ridge acquisition, and resubmitted Paula Lane and East Washington Park.
The LaCresta Ridge acquisition was recommended for an award of $2,000,000, and
the Paula Lane acquisition was recommended for an award of $1,000,000. The East
Washington Park project did not receive a funding recommendation in the 2008 cycle.
At the time of the 2008 Paula Lane grant application the estimated fair market value of
the property was unknown. A previous appraisal, completed in 2005, suggested a fair
market value of $3,000,000, and was the estimate utilized in the application. The
appraisal update process has now revealed an estimated fair market value in the range
of $1,600,000 to $2,250,000. The appraisal is currently under review at the Sonoma
County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District.
While the 2008 funding recommendation is an important step forward for the Paula
Lane project, underfunding an acquisition creates the need to secure additional
fielding. Following the recommended grant award, in partnership with PLAN, the
City submitted additional grant applications to the State Coastal Conservancy and the
Regional office of Department of Fish and Game/State Wildlife Conservation Board.
These applications were positively received; however the State budget crisis has
resulted in holding the applications indefinitely.
The Paula Lane property owners have been willing sellers since 2006. They desire a
timely sale and movement in the process, and City staff has kept them informed of
progress over the last year.
This project was identified in 2002 as a potential Matching Grant project. It has been
a high priority project for the City of Petaluma, offering multiple community benefits
while preserving upland habitat, open space and rural character. Unfortunately, the
City, along with other municipalities and the State, has experienced significant fiscal
challenges. Thus, developing sufficient funding for this acquisition has proven to be
difficult.
~. DISCUSSION:
The 2008 award to the Paula Lane project did not provide full funding. The City is
seeking supplemental funding to augment the previously awarded grant. The request
suggests a funding range that will support acquisition, and is dependent on the
response to the alternate grant applications. SCAPOSD staff initially discouraged re-
submittal of the project in the matching grants program. However, staff has worked
closely with SCAPOSD staff creating the opportunity for this re-submittal, which is
supported by the proposed resolution. SCAPOSD has specifically requested updated
information relative to the project, including an updated and/or revised budget that
identifies the various components of the grant match for the previously awarded
$1,000,000, and a budget specifically identifying the "new" funds being applied for
and the source of the required 50% match for those funds. It is important to note that
PLAN has developed strategies to provide the required matching funds through in-
kind services, on-going and long-term maintenance and operations, and income
derived from rental properties that are on-site.
In addition to the Paula Lane application, staff has also submitted an application for
Open Space funds to acquire McNear Peninsula. The application serves as a
placeholder, while an opinion of value is developed and a determination can be made
that there is realistic potential to pursue the acquisition. If it appears the potential
exists to move forward on an acquisition, an additional resolution will be returned
seeking the City Council's approval to proceed with that application.
4. FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
The financial impact to prepare and submit the grant application is staff time. The
request for additional funding will be prepared by PLAN, although staff time. is, and
has been required on application materials and in working with SCAPOSD staff in
preparation of the current grant cycle. It is important to note that PLAN has
completely funded the current appraisal and most all costs associated with
development of the grant application.
Resolution.'authorizingthe City Manager to pursue additional funding.from Sonoma
County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space .District. (SCAPOSD) needed to
complete the Paula Lane acquisition, and authorization to execute agreements if the grant
application is successful.
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District has
announced a competitive program and availability of funds for grants in the area of land
acquisition for open space preservation and recreation. opportunities; and
WHEREAS, said grants .are intended to help preserve irreplaceable open space lands in
perpetuity in a way that provides environmental enhancement; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma'S Paula Lane Open Spice Preserve project was
recommended for approval for land acquisition funding in the 2008 Matching Grant program
cycle, with an award of $1,000,000; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma has followed due diligence in seeking additional
funding for this important acquisition, with current State agency grant applications filed with the
State Coastal Conservancy as well as the Wildlife Conservation Board, but State agency
application reviews have been placed on hold during extraordinary economically challenging
times; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma continues to strive to engage in strong partnerships
with nonprofits and community groups such as the outstanding example established by the Paula
Lane Action Network, to provide amenities, educational enhancement, and improved quality of
life and open space access for all South County residents, including underserved communities;
and,
WHEREAS, the fiscal challenges experienced by the City of Petaluma, other cities in
Sonoma County, the region, and the .State, are serious and.could result in jeopardizing
completion of this very deserving project;
.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of
Petaluma approves the application for a Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open
Space District grant and hereby directs the City Manager to continue the processing of a grant.
application with the SCAPOSD; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if offered such a grant, the City Council hereby
authorizes the City Manager to negotiate and accept the grant arid. execute an agreement with the
SCAPOSD for the administration of the grant fundspursuant to the grant contract.
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