REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2057 Authorizing the City, pursuant to Section 714.1. of the Santa Clara City Charter, to Begin Work at Ulistac Natural Area
Report
BACKGROUND
At the March 7, 2023 Council meeting, proposed Ordinance No. 2057 was passed for the purpose of publication. Pursuant to City Charter Sections 808 and 812, a summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2057 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on March 15, 2023, and copies were posted in three public places.
DISCUSSION
The Ulistac Natural Area (“Park”), located at 4901 Lick Mill Boulevard, is 40 acres of parkland that was dedicated on March 22, 2000 to showcase seven distinctive natural habitats. The City’s Open Space Park Master Plan for Ulistac calls for the removal of non-native and invasive species and the restoration of habitat with appropriate, drought tolerant native species. Santa Clara City Charter Section 714.1 prohibits substantial building, construction, reconstruction, or development of parks and recreation facilities except pursuant to ordinance subject to referendum. The proposed ordinance would authorize the City, pursuant to Section 714.1. of the Santa Clara City Charter, to begin the work of removing non-native species and restoring the habitat on the Park.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to the following sections of the CEQA Guidelines:
Section 15304 (Class 4 - Minor Alterations to Land), and 15304(b) (Class 4(b) - replacement of existing landscaping with water efficient landscaping), in that the project would make minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation which do not involve the removal of healthy, mature scenic trees, and would include the replacement of existing conventional landscaping with water efficient landscaping. The project proposal (Attachment 3) would remove the unhealthy eucalyptus trees and other trees that have structural issues and present safety concerns and replace them with drought-tolerant and native species.
Section 15269(c), actions taken to prevent or mitigate an emergency. Several of the trees onsite are in a compromised structural condition, and numerous limbs have fallen from those trees adjacent to Park pathways. The immediate removal of the trees is necessary for public health, safety, and welfare.
FISCAL IMPACT
The maintenance and operations activities at Ulistac Natural Area are currently budgeted in the Parks & Recreation Department’s Operating Budget and are augmented by volunteer efforts of the non-profit organization UNAREP. A grant award in the amount of $100,000 requires a 25% match of $25,000 from financial and/or volunteer sources. The City will work with UNAREP to provide a volunteer labor match valued at approximately $12,000 (338 hours x $35.56) and cover the remaining $13,000 in the Parks & Recreation Department’s Operating Budget to satisfy the required grant match. If awarded, the grant amount of $100,000 will be appropriated in the Parks & Recreation Capital Improvement Project Fund.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and the City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
A summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2057 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on March 15, 2023, and copies were posted in three public places and made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office.
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2057 authorizing the City, pursuant to Section 714.1. of the Santa Clara City Charter, to begin the work of removing non-native species and restoring the habitat at Ulistac National Area.
Staff
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Klotz, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Office of the City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 2057 (Intro)