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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3.B 04/16/2018m Yss$ DATE: April 16, 2018 TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through City Manager FROM: Scott Brodhun, Assistant City Manager � _„ SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Submit a Grant Application in Partnership with the LaCresta Ridge and Ravine Neighborhood Coalition and the West Petaluma Hills Wildlife Corridor Coalition to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District for Acquisition of LaCresta Ridge and Ravine and Authorizing the City Manager to Sign the Application Identifying the City as Co -Applicant RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Submit a Grant Application in Partnership with the LaCresta Ridge and Ravine Neighborhood Coalition (LRRNC) and the West Petaluma Hills Wildlife Corridor Coalition (WPHWCC) to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (SCAPOSD) for Acquisition of LaCresta Ridge and Ravine and Authorizing the City Manager to Sign the Application Identifying the City as Co -Applicant. BACKGROUND The SCAPOSD continues to offer a matching grant program on an every other year cycle and in 2018 is inviting matching grant applications. The matching grant program provides funding for land acquisition, park development and open space projects. Grant awards are subject to 50% local matching funds, and as a condition of accepting funding, the applicant is required to convey a conservation easement over the property to the SCAPOSD. The City has been an active participant in the SCAPOSD matching grant program and has successfully applied and received funds for various projects including Petaluma Community Sports Fields, Paula Lane, Steamer Landing Park, Petaluma Wetlands, and Denman Reach. In 2008, the City partnered with the LRRNC and received a grant award for LaCresta Ridge property acquisition. The application assumed a $4.OM value, and a donation of 50% of the property, which would have made up the local match. Unfortunately, the grant award occurred at the time of the recession and declining property values, and due to the decline in property value, the acquisition did not occur within the timeline of the grant. The City Council's 2017 and 2018 goals include 2 top priority open space acquisitions, LaCresta Ridge and McNear Peninsula. DISCUSSION The LaCresta Ridge and Ravine site is an approximate 13.6 acre parcel owned by California Water Service. The property is bordered by LaCresta Drive on the east, City property to the north, West Haven Home Owners Association dedicated open space to the west, and Victoria Home Owners Association dedicated open space to the south. LaCresta Ridge has traditionally been enjoyed by local residents as an informal public trail and open area. The project seeks to preserve this land as an open space passive park. The project also seeks to preserve the scenic views available from the property, protect the natural resources on the property, and provide an educational component connecting students and adults to an outdoor classroom. Additionally, this project seeks to protect one of the last publicly accessible ridgelines in the City. The proposed LaCresta acquisition is part of a multi -phased vision to preserve a total of over 28 acres of open space in the west Petaluma hills for public access. The larger project is supported by the newly created non-profit group, WPHWCC, The proposal to acquire the LaCresta property is supported by both the WPHWCC and the LRRNC, who are partners with the City on the project. The grant application is due on April 30, 2018, and is under development at this time. The project budget is estimated to be $1,465,500. The majority of funding sought through the matching grant program will likely be utilized for property acquisition. However, there may also be funds sought that will assist with project elements that support trail development, and park amenities such as signs, benches and trash receptacles. The local obligation is a 1:1 match of funds provided by SCAPOSD. The City's project partners will take on responsibility for development of the local match, and anticipate that the match will be derived from foundation and other grants, direct cash donations and pledges, in-kind services, and potential property donation. As well, the partners are committed to supporting long-term maintenance of the property, and will establish a trust fund dedicated to on-going maintenance and operations. If the project receives funding, LRRNC and WPHWCC will each be party to an agreement to provide the required matching funds. Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in fall, subsequent to which a property appraisal would be submitted to SCAPOSD for review and approval. Once an appraisal is approved, staff will seek City Council direction to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement. The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission considered this item at a Special Meeting on April 3, 2018, and recommends that the City Council approve a resolution authorizing the grant application. FINANCIAL IMPACTS The project partners are supporting City staff in preparation of the grant application. Thus, other than some limited staff time to prepare the grant application, there is no cost associated with the specific action requested. If the project is approved for funding, the project partners, LRRNC and WPHWCC, will execute an agreement that will commit them to provide all funds required in the matching grant agreement and for on-going maintenance and operations. ATTACHMENTS Resolution 2 ATTACHMENT 1 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LACRESTA RIDGE AND RAVINE NEIGHBORHOOD COALITION AND THE WEST PETALUMA HILLS WILDLIFE CORRIDOR COALITION TO THE SONOMA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR ACQUISITION OF LACRESTA RIDGE AND RAVINE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE APPLICATION IDENTIFYING THE CITY AS CO -APPLICANT WHEREAS, in accordance with the voter -approved Expenditure plan, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (District) has established a competitive Matching Grant Program (the Program) for projects that provide open space, community recreation, or public access opportunities within and near incorporated areas and other urbanized areas of Sonoma County; and WHEREAS, the District released Guidelines and Application Materials for the 2018 round of funding in January, 2018; and WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma (City) has identified acquisition of LaCresta Ridge and Ravine as a top priority open space acquisition as reflected in City Council goals and as reflected in the following: FINDINGS A. The Petaluma General Plan 2025 (General Plan) adopted May 19, 2008 by Resolution 2008-085 identifies as a priority to work with local, regional and state agencies to acquire and fund parkland acquisition (Goal 6 G- 1, 6-P-1, C). B. The General Plan prioritizes collaboration with non-profit organizations in use of public lands for activities such as wildlife study, or for protection areas (Goal 6 G-1, 6-P-1, G) C. The General Plan supports and prioritizes links to connect parks and open spaces with neighborhoods and community destinations (Goal 6 G-1, 6-P-2, B) D. The General Plan supports connecting City parks with other public facilities, open spaces, employment centers and residential neighborhoods (Goal 6 G-1, 6-P-3); and WHEREAS, due to extraordinary fiscal challenges, the City of Petaluma strives to engage in strong partnerships with nonprofits and community groups such as the LaCresta Ridge and Ravine Neighborhood Coalition (LRRNC) and the West Petaluma Hills Wildlife Corridor Coalition (WPHWCC); and, WHEREAS, in 2008, the City approved a resolution recognizing and supporting a cooperative partnership with the LRRNC and authorized a co -application for grant funds to acquire the LaCresta Ridge and Ravine property; and WHEREAS, the City and project partner LRRNC submitted an application that was approved for funding to acquire the property, however the economic recession caused a decline in property values that would not allow the sale to occur; and, WHEREAS, LRRNC have declared their desire to continue as a partner of the City, and have developed a new partnership with the WPHWCC; and WHEREAS, LRRNC and WPHWCC have proposed a partnership between the City, LRRNC and WPHWCC for submittal of a grant application to the District to acquire the LaCresta Ridge and Ravine Open Space property; and WHEREAS, the Project is consistent with the City's General Plan in accordance with the Findings contained in this resolution, meets the criteria for the District's Matching Grant Program as a recreation development project, will protect one of the last publicly accessible ridgelines in the City, will preserve the land as an open space and passive park, and will provide opportunities for residents of all ages to experience nature; and WHEREAS, the District's Program requires applicants to provide the equivalent of a one-to- one match for the project; and WHEREAS, the LRRNC and WPHWCC are committed to funding the match required under the Program and will secure matching funds for the Project totaling approximately $750,000 from a diverse stream of funding derived from other grant sources, local donors, pledges, and in-kind donations of services and materials; and WHEREAS, the total estimated project cost, subject to District review and approval of a current property appraisal, is approximately $1,465,500; and WHEREAS, if implemented, operation and maintenance of the Project will be funded by LRRNC and WPHWCC, including establishment of a City managed trust fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Petaluma as follows: 1. Truth of the Recitals. The recitals contained in this resolution are hereby declared to be true and correct and findings of the City Council of the City of Petaluma. 2. Authorization. The City Manager in partnership with LRRNC and WPHWCC is hereby authorized to submit a grant application to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District for acquisition of the LaCresta Ridge and Ravine open space property, and is hereby authorized and directed to sign the application identifying the City as a co -applicant. General Plan Consistency. The Project is consistent with the City's General Plan 2025 and in accordance with the Findings contained in this resolution. 4. Matching Funds. If the grant is awarded the LRRNC and WPHWCC have committed to providing all matching finds as cash or in kind support in sufficient amounts to complete the Project. 5. Operations and Maintenance. The LRRNC and WPHWCC have committed to providing sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project under the supervision and authority of the City. 6. Legal Compliance. The City acknowledges that if the Project is funded, it will be required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws.