REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Note and File this Informational Report on New Fencing at School Properties [Council Pillar: Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency]
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara (City) has received several concerns regarding the installation of new fencing on school property. The Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) has jurisdiction over modifications on school grounds, including the installation of fencing.
While the City is not the decision-making authority on this matter, City Council and staff have previously expressed concerns regarding these projects at the bimonthly City School Liaison Committee meeting. The Liaison Committee meeting includes City Council, School Board, and staff representatives. This item was discussed at the October 2, 2019 meeting and further discussed at the February 5, 2020 meeting.
DISCUSSION
As part of the Committee discussion, SCUSD communicated that they would proceed with fencing school sites and fields that are currently open and available. Per SCUSD, these fencing projects are part of the 2018 Measure BB. Per the City’s review, the Measure included the following language regarding fencing:
• Secure school campuses by improving fencing, security cameras, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers.
Although the City has no authority over these projects, the City Council representatives (Mayor Gillmor and Councilmembers O’Neill and Watanabe) expressed concern over the new fencing and lack of community engagement and outreach. The main discussion points included:
• This was a dramatic change (fencing fields and playground that are currently available to residents and community)
• These spaces are currently viewed as “open space” by residents
• The change would cause issues
• Mayor Gillmor stated that she recommends massive communication to the community
City Staff has been in communication with SCUSD staff to obtain additional information, however staff has not yet received a high level of detail regarding scope, schedules, or outreach.
Moving forward the City continues to recommend that the SCUSD complete robust community outreach and noticing program that includes details of all the proposed modifications, as well as construction schedules. Santa Clara residents should also communicate any concerns to the SCUSD Board directly, and the City will also forward any comments received. The next City School Liaison Committee meeting is on August 5, 2020 and City staff will request that this matter be placed on the agenda for additional discussion. City staff will also broadly communicate this meeting topic for public discussion.
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.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
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>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff does not have a recommendation. This report is for informational purposes only.
Staff
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager