REPORT TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Recommend Acceptance of a Donation to the City for the Purchase, Installation, and Maintenance of a Tree in Central Park in the name of Rod Diridon, Sr.
Report
BACKGROUND
Donations to the City of Santa Clara must be in accord with Council Policy 051, Donations to the City. Donations may be offered in the form of cash, real or personal property. A “designated donation” is the term used when a donor specifies intended use by a particular City department, location, or purpose.
The City has received a request to accept a donation of funds for the planting a tree in Central Park in the name of Rod Diridon Sr., a long-time City resident and public servant.
DISCUSSION
Staff in the Parks & Recreation Department has reviewed the request to plant the tree and confirmed that it is allowable and conforms with the City donation policy. The donation will enable the City to recover all costs associated with purchase and installation of the tree and donor plaque. Long term tree maintenance is currently budgeted in the Department’s operating budget and a new tree will replace trees in the park landscape plans that have been lost over time. Planting of an incense cedar tree or a tree with a similar canopy and characteristics will benefit the City of Santa Clara and Central Park. Central Park has experienced a loss of large canopy trees, such as redwood trees due to increased water stress and changes in local climate. Planting a drought tolerant native California evergreen tree with a large canopy will provide benefits that will contribute to wildlife habitat, shade, cooling effect, aesthetic qualities, sustainability and support the Central Park Master Plan Guiding Principles adopted by Council.
The Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss and consider a recommendation to approve acceptance of a designated donation in the amount of $1,800 to purchase, install and maintain a 24” box incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) tree or tree of similar canopy shape and form in Central Park. The location of the tree in Central Park will be determined by the Parks & Recreation Department in conformance with the Central Park Master Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed donation of funds ($1800) for the planting of a tree in Central Park will cover the purchase of the tree and supplies, labor to install, subsequent maintenance period, and replacement of the tree one-time, if necessary. The General Fund would not be impacted by the planting of a new tree in Central Park.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment. The planting of the tree is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section15304(b) (Minor Alteration to Land) New gardening or landscaping, including the replacement of existing conventional landscaping with water efficient or fire-resistant landscaping.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission 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
Action to recommend acceptance of a designated monetary donation for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of a 24” box tree in Central Park in the name of Rod Diridon Sr.
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Tree Donation Request Letter - Rod Diridon Sr.