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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 5.C 12/19/2016Agenda Item #5.0 ALU zs�$ DATE: December 19, 2016 TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through City Manager FROM: Scott Brodhun, Assistant City Manager -. SUBJECT: Resolution Approving Miracle League of North Bay to Fund, Install and Use a Miracle League Baseball Field, Play Area, Restrooms and Other Amenities at Lucchesi Park and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute all Agreements Necessary to Implement the Project RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution Approving Miracle League of North Bay to Fund, Install and Use a Miracle League Baseball Field, Play Area, Restrooms and Other Amenities at Lucchesi Park and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute all Agreements Necessary to Implement the Project. BACKGROUND The Miracle League, a 501c3 Not for Profit Corporation, holds as its mission to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball, regardless of their abilities; promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues; and, promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families. Miracle League is a nationally recognized association that believes every child deserves a chance to play baseball. Miracle League promotes expansion of the Miracle League program by offering opportunities for affiliates to organize locally. While references to Miracle League are oftentimes related to the facilities necessary to participate, as well as the organization under which participation is offered, importantly, Miracle League is not a field, as much as it is a community program. The primary physical barrier preventing children with disabilities from experiencing traditional baseball originate from the natural grass playing surface and dirt infields. The Miracle League programs play on a custom designed, rubberized surface that accommodates wheelchairs and other devices while minimizing injuries. Other modifications include larger wheelchair accessible dugouts, and shorter outfield fences. Miracle League facilities are completely handicapped accessible and ADA compliant, and include surfaces that provide optimum movement opportunity for those with mobility disabilities. Miracle League facilities often feature adaptive playground amenities adjacent to the baseball field that are designed to accommodate children with special needs and that foster inclusive play. Miracle League facilities represent baseball and play facilities specifically designed for the differently abled. The first Miracle League field opened in Georgia in April of 2000, and the program has since expanded to include over 270 league organizations in five countries serving over 200,000 children and adults. The closest Miracle League facility within proximity of Petaluma was opened in Modesto California, in April of 2016. In June of 2015, recreation staff met with residents interested in partnering with the City of Petaluma to provide recreational opportunities for children with mental and physical disabilities. Since the initial meeting with City staff, the local proponents have organized into the non - profit corporation, Miracle League of North Bay (MLNB). MLNB is formally proposing to fund and install Miracle League improvements in Lucchesi Park. The proposed project includes a handicapped accessible pathway from the parking lot to the playing field; an adaptive baseball facility; adaptive and inclusive playground area; and, fully accessible restrooms. Because the proposed project meets an unmet need with respect to the provision of facilities and programs, staff has pursued formalization of a partnership with MLNB and has worked with the non -profit to move the project forward. DISCUSSION Since June of 2015, discussion between recreation staff and representatives of the Miracle League have centered on site requirements and possible City locations. Potential locations within existing parks and public spaces were first evaluated on the feasibility of providing accessible parking and restroom facilities, which were identified as a top priority for program participants. Potential sites were then assessed on the impact to existing uses and on whether the proposed activities align with the intended use of the location. As well, consideration was given to the level of existing use of the site, location within the community and impact on the surrounding area. Considering the parameters described above, recreation staff and the MLNB representatives identified an optimal location within the 31 acre Lucchesi Community Park. Lucchesi Park is designated as a Community Park, which includes lighted sports fields, 3 recreation centers, off - street parking, restrooms, pedestrian and bike trails, lighted tennis courts, a fishing pond and an array of facilities designed to accommodate active recreation. The park is located between North McDowell Boulevard and Maria Drive, and is directly south and adjacent to Petaluma Valley Hospital and other operations of the Petaluma Health Care District. To the east of the Park is the Loma Vista School and to the south are the Boys and Girls Club, Senior Center and Public Works and Utilities yard and office building. Within Lucchesi Park the project site lies north, northeast of the Community Center and adjacent to the east of the project site are three (3) existing little league ball fields used by Petaluma American Little League. To the southeast is the multi -use artificial turf field utilized by the lacrosse and soccer community. The project site was previously occupied by an outdoor sculpture /play, structure that was removed in 2008. There has been no replacement of equipment in that location, and the former play area remains in an unused state. There are two disk golf baskets within the project area that will require relocation, otherwise the project site has remained void of replacement equipment, is deemed underutilized, and has been a priority location in efforts by staff to identify a partnership to assist with replacement of play equipment. There is significant use of Lucchesi Park and its amenities. There is sufficient on -site parking for Community Center, Boys and Girls Club, Sr. Center, Little League, multi- purpose field and general park use activities. The north Community Center parking lot is located just northwest of the project site and is identified for activities of Miracle League. This parking lot is considered over -flow parking, and it is most often under- utilized. Members of MLNB and Recreation staff 2 have reviewed and analyzed the available parking and have concluded that participants can be well served with a drop -off and pick -up zone. Toward that end, it is proposed that the round- about at the end of the north overflow parking lot be marked with signs for participant loading and unloading, and from that location the project design includes a handicapped accessible trail to the field. The project site is immediately adjacent to the baseball fields utilized by Petaluma American Little League (PALL). PALL utilizes three (3) baseball diamonds to offer programming for youth participant's ages 6 -12 years old. A notable benefit of locating the Miracle League site in close proximity to the existing little league programs, includes the opportunity for those participating with disabilities to share in the experience and excitement of youth sports alongside their peers. Additionally, the Miracle League program relies on the use of "buddies" to provide support and encouragement to participants. There is not a better source of the needed volunteers for this element of the program than through the local Little League organizations. PALL has reviewed the plan, and has indicated support for its implementation. The Miracle League national organization will coordinate with regional affiliates to ensure all field specifications adhere to their national guidelines. All improvements will be fully accessible, including the pathway from the parking area; baseball playing area, including dug- outs; playground amenities; and, restroom. The ball -field will be available for appropriate uses only, and subject to scheduling requests and permits, and the play area will be available at all times for drop in use. There is not a public address system as part of the project, and as well there is not a field lighting component included in the project. There are a variety of factors that positively contribute to this proposal, including providing recreational opportunities to an underserved population; providing community members with recreational amenities within Lucchesi Park; promoting recreation tourism and commerce by attracting regional participants to travel to Petaluma for programming; and, revitalizing a previously under maintained and under- utilized park space by replacing equipment that was previously removed. MLNB legal counsel has prepared a draft project and partnership agreement which staff is currently reviewing. The project is anticipated to include development of park amenities on City property, funded by the non - profit and dedicated to the City, on -going use of the facility by Miracle League, and by other appropriate users, and specified responsibilities of the non - profit and of the City, including responsibilities for on -going maintenance. The salient deal points that will be part of agreements necessary to implement the project include: Funding and Installation of Improvements 1) MLNB will assume responsibility for funding and installing a custom designed, Little League dimension baseball field with adaptable playground, restrooms and pathways for use by individuals with special needs. The planned facility would be substantially the same as the concept plans presented to the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission. 2) MLNB will utilize licensed contractors for installation of the improvements. MLNB will assure that the improvements function as intended and in accordance with all applicable warranties. MLNB will be solely responsible for funding all paid contractors and service providers performing work on the improvements. 3) Trees will be re- planted to replace any trees designated for removal in accordance with the City's tree replacement policy. 4) The City will review, comment on, and/or authorize the upgrade of any electrical, plumbing, drainage, grading or paving necessary for proper installation and operation of the improvements. The City will conduct periodic inspection of the project and improvements. 5) The City will relocate disc golf baskets impeding the installation, and will provide signs and parking lot striping deemed necessary to create a participant loading and unloading zone in the round -about connected to the northwest overflow parking lot. 6) Once the improvements have been installed and are operating in accordance with the Agreement, the improvements will be dedicated to the City at no cost and become City - owned improvements. The City will pay the monthly water, lighting and utility bill for the improvements. Scheduling and Use of Improvements 1) MLNB will conduct baseball programs at the site and may partner with Boys and Girls Club of Southern Sonoma and Marin County to assist in program administration. 2) All use of the baseball field will be subject to normal scheduling and permitting, as may be required by the City, however in recognition of the significant contributions of MLNB, the cost of use will be one - dollar annually for the term of the agreement. MLNB will have priority scheduling and use of the site for the purposes outlined in the agreement and can request and receive special event parking permits limited in number and duration at the discretion of the City. The playground area will remain open and available at all times for drop in play, consistent with operations at other park sites. 3) When not scheduled for use by MLNB the baseball portion of the facility will be available for appropriate use to other community users under a scheduling and use policy and procedure, including use permits and fee structure. 4) Annual, seasonal and daily maintenance of the pathway, playground area and baseball field will be the responsibility of MLNB. The City will provide normal park maintenance in the park, and will maintain the public restrooms. The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission is the appropriate body to review park improvements and make recommendation to the City Council for consideration. The Planning Commission does not review plans for park design/ improvement unless integral to a private development entitlement also being reviewed. The Recreation, Music, and Parks Commission considered the proposal at its regular meeting of October 19, 2016, and unanimously approved a motion recommending that the City Council adopt a resolution in support of the project. The proposed project was reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and determined to be categorically exempt under section 15301 (Existing Facilities) which exempts minor alterations of existing public facilities involving negligible expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. Additionally, Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the CEQA Guidelines exempts replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as 4 the structure replaced. The proposed Miracle League facilities are located in an existing community park that is currently used for a variety of recreational activities. The addition of a new fully accessible field is considered a minor alteration within the context of the larger community park with includes several existing sports fields. The location of the new Miracle League field has previously been used for recreational activities such as a playground and disc gold course as part of the larger community park. The new facilities do not include lighting or a sound system and therefore are not anticipated to have noise or glare impacts to surrounding uses. Additionally, without lights the new facilities are anticipated to have more restricted hours than many of the other activities currently occurring on site. Provision of parking to accommodate new users to the facility have been analyzed and are able to be accommodated within existing overflow parking areas on site. The project is not subject to any of the exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption at CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2. FINANCIAL IMPACTS The only financial impact of the project to date is the staff time involved in working with the non - profit group. Such staff time is budgeted and it is expected that staff will collaborate with community partners on projects that meet unmet needs. It is anticipated that funds required for installation of the improvements will be raised and procured by the non - profit group, Miracle League of North Bay. The City will continue to maintain Lucchesi Park; however the MLNB will maintain the Miracle League improvements, with the exception of the restroom. The Miracle League restroom maintenance will be added to the City's schedule of cleaning, and it is anticipated that the monthly cost of that service will be approximately $450 per month, or $5,400 annually. It is not anticipated that the project will result in added landscaping and park maintenance costs. ATTACHMENTS 1. Resolution 2. Location and Site Map ATTACHMENT I RESOLUTION APPROVING MIRACLE LEAGUE OF NORTH BAY TO FUND, INSTALL AND USE A MIRACLE LEAGUE BASEBALL FIELD, PLAY AREA, RESTROOMS AND OTHER AMENITIES AT LUCCHESI PARK AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT WHEREAS, the Miracle League, a 501c3 Not for Profit Corporation, holds as its mission to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball, regardless of their abilities; promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues; and, promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families; and WHEREAS, the Miracle League is a nationally recognized association that believes every child deserves a chance to play baseball and promotes expansion of the Miracle League program by offering opportunities for affiliates to organize locally; and WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma owns and operates Lucchesi Park, which is designed to be and is an active use community park featuring 31 acres and is defined as a Community Park in the City's General Plan; and WHEREAS, Lucchesi Park includes 3 Little League baseball fields, one of which is lighted; a lighted multi - purpose all- weather field in use 350 nights per year; playground and picnic facilities; a fishing pond with perimeter trail; pedestrian and bike trails; lighted tennis courts; the Lucchesi Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Sonoma and Marin County; the Petaluma Community Center; the City of Petaluma's Novak Senior Center; and, all parking facilities necessary for use of the park; and WHEREAS, project proponents have formally organized and will operate as the non- profit entity Miracle League of North Bay (MLNB); and WHEREAS, it benefits the community, the City and MLNB for MLNB to install an adaptable baseball field within Lucchesi Park, adjacent to the existing Little League baseball fields and situated within an under- utilized and under - maintained portion of the Park; and WHEREAS, MLNB will assume responsibility for funding and installation of the Miracle League Field (the "Improvements ") in the designated area of Lucchesi Park in accordance with an agreement or agreements executed between the City of Petaluma and MLNB; and, WHEREAS, the Improvements funded by MLNB will include a fully accessible field surface, dugouts, fencing and gates to secure the field, a concession stand, handicapped accessible and fully compliant restrooms, shaded seating and an adaptable playground to include a pathway from the parking lot to the facilities; and WHEREAS, upon satisfactory completion of the Improvements, MLNB will dedicate the Improvements to the City; and WHEREAS, MLNB volunteers will perform Improvement projects at Lucchesi Park and perform annual, seasonal and daily field and park, maintenance at Lucchesi Park; and WHEREAS, MLNB will conduct baseball programs at Lucchesi Park and in exchange for the extraordinary contributions to facility development by MLNB, the MLNB will request field use permits at a cost of one - dollar annually for the term of the agreement and will have first priority scheduling opportunities for use of the facilities that it funds; and WHEREAS, the proposed project was reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and determined to be categorically exempt under section 15301 (Existing Facilities) which exempts minor alterations of existing public facilities involving negligible expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination and under Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the CEQA Guidelines which exempts replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced; and WHEREAS, the proposed Miracle League facilities are located in an existing community park that is currently used for a variety of recreational activities and the addition of a new fully accessible field is considered a minor alteration within the context of the larger community park with includes several existing sports fields; and WHEREAS, the location of the new Miracle League field has previously been used for recreational activities such as a playground and disc gold course as part of the larger community park; and WHEREAS, the provision of parking to accommodate new users to the facility have been analyzed and are able to be accommodated within existing overflow parking areas on site; and WHEREAS, the new facilities do not include lighting or a sound system and use of the new facilities will have more restricted hours than many of the other activities currently occurring on site and therefore the new facilities are not anticipated to have noise or glare impacts to surrounding uses; and WHEREAS, the project is not subject to any of the exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption at CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Petaluma, as follows: 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated into this resolution as findings of the City Council. 2. The proposed installation of Miracle League amenities at Lucchesi Park is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to section 15301 and 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines because the project involves minor alterations of existing facilities and reconstruction and replacement of existing public facilities and entails negligible or no expansion in use of the existing community park. 3. The City Manager is authorized to execute all agreements necessary and that will substantially include the stipulations noted in the staff report in support of MLNB's efforts to fund, install and use a Miracle League baseball field, play area, restrooms and other amenities at Lucchesi Park. 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