HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-01; Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Committee Ad Hoc; ; Committee Review and Discussion of Grant Applications Submitted for Funding ConsiderationSubject:
Meeting Date:
June 1, 2009
Agenda Item #6
CITY OF CARLSBAD
AGRICULTURAL COVNERSION MITIGATION
FEE AD HOC CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Committee Review and Discussion of Grant Applications
Submitted for Funding Consideration
June l, 2009
At the February 17, 2009 City Council meeting the Council authorized the Committee to
solicit, evaluate and provide recommendations on grant requests to award the
remaining/available funding within the Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee fund. The
solicitation of grant applications was well-advertised with announcements provided via local
newspaper, the City's website, direct mailings, e-mail notification, fliers and the City's on-
hold phone message. Expenditures from the fund utilized to cover the cost of newspaper
advertising totals $2,614.80. During the solicitation period, the City accepted 13
applications from 11 different applicants. Although approximately $875,000 remains
available within the ACMFP fund to support eligible projects (see report for Agenda Item
#5); the total amount of funds requested in applications received is approximately $2.6
million. A summary list of applications received is attached to this report as Exhibit 1.
Copies of the applications have been distributed to Committee members and are on file and
available for public review at the City's Planning Department located at 1635 Faraday
Avenue, Carlsbad CA 92008.
At the January 6, 2009 Committee meeting, the Committee passed a motion that authorized
Chairperson Larson to direct staff (based on the number of grant requests received) on whether
to involve a facilitator at meetings scheduled for reviewing and evaluating grant proposals. In
consideration of the 13 grant applications received, Chairperson Larson directed staff to
coordinate the use of a facilitator. Staff has coordinated with Jim Boylan of PathFinders
Organizational Effectiveness to facilitate review and evaluation of the applications received.
Lastly, letters from the public pertaining to applications received during the 2009 grant
solicitation period have been attached to this report as Exhibit 2.
Respectfully Submitted,
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Exhibits:
1. Summary Table of Applications Received
2. Public Comment Letters Received
l> .. 11) ::, a. ., ;:; 11) 3 :it en ;;:; X =-<T ;:;: ... -Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Program (ACMFP) 2009 Grant Applications AGP09-01 Carlsbad Flower Fields Enhanced CB Ranch Enterprises 4/16/09 B Access AGP09-02 Aquaculture Enhancement at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research 4/29/09 B Carlsbad Hatchery Institute AGP09-03 Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Trail Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 4/29/09 A AGP09-04 Batiquitos Lagoon-Water and Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 4/30/09 A Sediment Toxicity Assessment AGP09-05 Vee's Veggies Hydroponic Veronic Boen 4/30/09 B Greenhouse AGP09-06 Ecotourism Carlsbad-Brochure Carlsbad Lagoons and 4/30/09 D Design and Distribution Wetlands (CLAW) and others AGP09-07 Agua Hedionda Watershed Mgmt Jim Strickland 4/30/09 A Plan-Watershed Coordinator AGP09-08 Agua Hedionda Lagoon Beach Tu Casa Homeowner's 4/30/09 C Restoration Association AGP09-09 Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Agua Hedionda Lagoon 4/30/09 D Center Interior Improvements Foundation AGP09-10 Coastal Bluff Restoration-California State Parks 4/30/09 None Selected Tamarack and Frazee AGP09·11 Buena Vista Creek Watershed Buena Vista Audubon Society 4/30/09 A&D Information Management System AGP09·12 Buena Vista Audubon Nature Buena Vista Audubon Society 4/30/09 D Center Improvements AGP09-13 Rudvalis Orchids Greenhouse Roof Barbara Rudvalis, Rudvalis 4/30/09 B Replacement Orchids TOTAL: A. Restoration of the coastal and lagoon environment; B. Purchase and improvement of agricultural lands: o For continued agriculture production, or $201,814 $796,095 $112,516 $119,785 $180,000 $6,400 $75,000 $120,000 $220,000 $242,330 $50,000 $367,000 $142,610 $2,633,550.00 o For the provision of research activities or ancillary uses necessary for the continued production of agriculture/aquaculture in the Coastal zone, including farm worker housing; C. Restoration of beaches for public use; or D. Improvements to existing or proposed lagoon nature centers.
ACMFP Advisory Committee
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad California 92008
Attn: Kevin Pointer
Associate planner
Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fund Grant Proposal-The Flower Fields
I urge you to approve the proposed grant request of the Flower Fields to fund the cost of
enhanced access to the Flower Fields.
I have been a docent, volunteering my time each spring for three years. I have met
thousands of guests over the year, many of whom come back year after year to have the
experience that is so special to Carlsbad.
Over the years the success of the Flower Fields in drawing visitors and the outlet mall in
drawing customers has made access more difficult. Coordinating tour buses and
children's groups without interfering with other visitors has become even more
challenging. I am concerned that for many visitors, the access when they most want to
come is so congested that they will not return.
I know how important our visitors are to the survival of the Flower Fields and I know
they will only return if the whole experience is positive.
Please help make it continue to be the one real farm experience for our community by
approving the grant. s;,ct~
i
Philip A. Okun
2337 Longfellow Road
Carlsbad, Ca 92008
Agenda Item #6
Exhibit 2
May 7, 2009
ACMFP Advisory Committee
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad California 92008
Attn: Kevin Pointer
Associate planner
Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fund Grant Proposal-The Flower Fields
The Flower Fields are one of the most important and beloved attractions in our City. Its
image appears as a banner for Carlsbad and is recognized worldwide.
Creating better access for the Flower Fields will make them more productive by
encouraging the many visitors to Carlsbad to help support the growing operation with
their admission monies and purchasing the cut flowers and bulbs.
The economic health and survival of this farming operation is important not only to the
agricultural heritage of the City but as an integral partner to the third largest industry of
Carlsbad, San Diego County and the state of California.
We are keenly aware that tourists as well as local and regional visitors will avoid the
Flower Fields if there is not easy an access to the site.
Tourism is one of the most important economic drivers for all of the businesses in
Carlsbad. It not only provides a major revenue source in taxes for our City, but also
supports, the restaurants, shops, hotels and recreation areas that are important to our
quality of life.
We urge you to support and approve the grant request for enhanced access to the
Flower Fields in order to keep this valued attraction a part of Carlsbad's growing tourism
industry.
Thank you.
Best r:gards, /4
/)/. -,;·. -,~-
-:7tf/l,tcut U
Frankie Laney
Interim Executive Director
Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau
Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau
400 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008
1760) 434.6093 • FAX (7601434.6056 • www.visitcarlsbad.com • info@visitcarlsbad.com
"The Official Destination Marketing Organization of Carlsbad, California"
ACMFP Advisory Committee
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad California 92008
Attn: Kevin Pointer
Associate planner
Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fund Grant Proposal-The Flower Fields
Agriculture in Carlsbad means the Flower Fields. All of the changes in this
community that have taken away farming and open spaces have also made the
traffic and access to our remaining piece of history difficult.
Over the 13 years I have lived in Carlsbad and volunteered at the Flower Fields I
have watched with concern the increasing difficulty of getting io the Fields. I have
heard the concern-particularly with older visitors -about the limited access and
how nerve wracking it can be to get to the fields.
I have watched agriculture disappear, and I don't want these fields to fail
because we can't even support their efforts to find a way to pay for the cost of
farming. These visitors not only pay admission to walk the fields but they buy the
flowers here.
I believe that making access easier from Palomar Airport Road will make the
Flower Fields better able to continue to be productive and stay a permanent part
of our heritage.
Please approve the grant request from the Flower Fields.
Sincerely,
~. Yvt-1-l~~,e,o
Pat Humphrey
,;
he ·~
Patrician ·"
...... AtMFPAdv1sory Committee
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad California 92008
Attn: Kevin Pointer
Associate planner
Flower Fields Grant Request
------------------
RECEIVED
MAY 18 2009.
CITY OF CARLSBAD
PLANNING DEPT
We urge you to approve the grant requested for enhanced access for the Carlsbad Flower
Fields.
We conduct tours throughout southern California and the Flower Fields have become on
of our most important destinations. Over the past few years the increasing congestion
during much of the time when the Flower Fields are in bloom has created problems for us
in scheduling. Since the Flower Fields are always linked with another attraction in order
to fill out a full or half day tour, this decreased access may require us to drop the Flower
Fields from a number of tour groups who would otherwise prefer to include a stop.
The Flower Fields are a unique experience transcending the normal garden stop to
provide a sense of California's great strength in agriculture and the stunning beauty of
flowers.
The experience has led many of our customers to repeat the tour annually and we would
hate to have to disappoint them by substituting another event or place that is closer and
more accessible to the other destinations.
While the improved access won't solve all the problems of congestion it will be a big step
forward and we urge you to support it with a grant.
Very Truly Yours,
Ingrid Wilson
Wellness Director
The Patrician
A Kisco Senior Living Community
4025 Pulitzer Place
San Diego, CA 92 I 22
(858) 455-9188
Small Farm Program
University of California
One Shields Avenue
Davis CA 95616-8699
(530) 752-8136
Fax (530) 752-7716
sfcenter@ucdavis.edu
www.sfp.ucdavls.edu
Director
Shermain Hardesty
Small Farm Advisors
Aziz Baameur
UCCE Santa Clara
Mark Gaskell
UCCE Santa Barbara
Manuel Jimenez
UCCETulare
Ramiro Lobo
UCCE San Diego
Richard Molinar
UCCE Fresno
Small Farm Program Staff
Linda Vieira
Kristin Reynolds
Brenda Dawson
May 19, 2009
ACMFP Advisory Committee
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad California 92008
Attn: Kevin Pointer
Associate planner
Re: Flower Fields Grant Request
RECEIVED
MAY 21 2009
CITY OF CARLSBAD
PLANNING DEPT
1 urge you to approve the grant for enhanced access for the Carlsbad Flower
Fields.
The popularity of agritiourism ventures, such as the Flower Fields, has increased
significantly during the past ten years across the United States. Agritourism
enables agricultural producers to increase and diversify their sources of farming
income. It leads to the preservation of agricultural land and open space. The wine
grape industry, some specialty produce farms, and the flower industry have been
able to successfully integrate such programs. In addition to providing
supplemental income to farm operators and increased employment opportunities
on the farms, agritourism directly benefits the larger community by encouraging a
flow of visitors who spend money with other nearby businesses, and by
contributing to the local tax base.
The successful integration ofagritourism and the resulting stability of the farming
operation often require access that is perceived as relatively convenient by the
visiting population. In some cases the access is the distance from major roadways
(like Bell Gardens in Valley Center) and in some cases it is the specific farm
access, as in some of the more remote vineyards.
The Flower Fields have a unique opportunity for success, but only if the relative
access does not discourage return visitors. The I 00,000 to 150,000 annual Flower
Farm visitors would be more likely to return to Carlsbad if the access road is
enhanced.
The proposal to enhance access from a major roadway is a major step to sustain the success and
should be supported, and the grant approved, as an improvement directly improving the
productivity of the farmland.
Sincerely,
ife~rM-Z~ ~t~
Shermain D. Hardesty, Ph.D.,
Director, Small Farm Program
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
UNNERSITY of CALIFORNIA -COUNTY of SAN DIEGO
4-H YOl!l'll & FAMlLY -AGRlCUL1lJRE-HOK11CUL1lJRE-NATURAL RESOURCFS-NITTRJTION & CONSUMER SCIENCE
5555 OVERLAND AVENUE,SUITE 4101,SAN DIEGO,CA 92123
PHONE: 858-694-2845 FAX: 858-694-2849
E-MAIL: ccsandiego@ucdavis.edu WEBSITE: www. cesandiego.ucdavis.cdu
May 20, 2009
AGMFP Advisory Committee
City of Carlsbad
Faraday
Carlsbad California
Attn: Kevin Pointer
Associate Planner
RE: Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fund Grant Proposal -The Flower Fields
I am the director of the University of California Cooperative Extension program here in San Diego County. Our
office works with agricultural producers to make their programs viable as individ,ual enterprises and as part of the
overall San Diego County economy. Farming in a southern California urban environment is quite different than in
the central valley or other traditional farming areas of California. It requires a different business model to produce
the economic yield that will permit field crops to be grown and nurtured.
Over my 30 years with the UC Cooperative Extension supporting farming operations in Southern California, I have
seen and encouraged the shift from pure growing and wholesaling crops to an integrated use of all aspects of the
farm experience. This change has been necessary in order to meet the challenge of lower cost producers and
oversupply which is a consequence of our global economy, and the hard realities of retail sales.
Among the most effective approaches has been to offer the community the opportunity to participate in the
farming experience at its most attractive moment, and in doing so support the costs of farming through
admissions. It only can be effective where an adequate visitor population can be attracted, and the visitors can
have good access to the farm.
The Flower Fields have been a success, continuing to take advantage of their position and products, while
addressing an ever increasing squeeze from higher costs of operation and lower flower prices. To continue their
success, visitors must have easy access to the facility. The proposed additional access for the Flower Fields is
an important part of the continuing effort to improve community access and deserves the support of the matching
grant requested.
It is important that agricultural enterprises that embrace and involve the community are supported so the San
Diego region can continue to have a viable, environmentally sound and community supported agricultural sector.
The University of califomi.a prohibits. ducrimination again.rt or hanwmenl of a.ny perwn on the buis cf race, color, national origin, religion, ,ex, phy,ical or mental disability, medica.l
condition {cancer related or genetic characterimcs), ance.rtry, nwilaJ status,. age, sexual orientation, citiunsltip or status as a covered veteran upccia.1 disabled veteran. Vietnam-era veten1.n or
any other veteran who $Ct'Ved on active duty during a war or in campaign or expedition for which a campaign bwge lw been authorized.). University Policy b intended to coruimnt with the
provWom of applicable State and Federal law,. Inquiries regarding the Univcl"!ity's policies may be directed to the AffinnAtive Action/Staff Personnel Service, Dirmor, University of C.lifomiA,
Agriculture and Natural l'tesoun::es, 300 LIWide Drive. 6JII Floor, Oakland, CA 94612~3550. Phone {510} 987~0096.
The University of California, the COunty of san Diego and the United Stai,, IJcpartmenl of Agriculture coopcnlling.
ACMFP Advisory Committee
City of Carlsbad
RECENED
u,v 2 6 'l'ln9 1.-1i ... , .:.l..U 1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad California 92008
Attn: Kevin Pointer
Associate planner
CITY OF CARLSBAD
PLANNING DEPT
Flower Fields Grant request for Enhanced Access
Carlsbad has come a long way from the farming community that surrounded the small
downtown in which the Chamber of Commerce first met.
But the importance of its remaining farming icon (and chamber member) the Flower
Fields, has grown. We need to continue to support their efforts to survive as a private
business.
Our success in bringing other businesses to Carlsbad has created the potential for success
and problems which the proposed access project for the Flower Fields will address.
The agricultural mitigation conversion funds were set aside as farmlands converted to the
businesses and homes in order to help solve the problems created for the remaining
farmlands by these new uses. The problems of access which the requested grant would
help mitigate arise in large part from the very success of the conversion of other farmland
in Carlsbad.
What could be a more appropriate use of these funds than to help mitigate this problem?
We support the creative and flexible approach which the Flower Fields have shown to
continue their spectacular farming. Their success is important to all of our businesses and
City, and particularly the hospitality and visitor services which provide a key part of the
health of our community.
We urge you to approve this grant for enhanced access for the Flower Fields.
VeryTnu,~
Tedii}ll.X(h."
CEO Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
5934 Priestly Drive• Carlsbad, California 92008
Phone· (7h01 ()~1-R400 • J:',w, t7t:..fl\ O'.l.1 01:;.2 • L' __ ;1. -L--L~ . .,,:;.. - 1 t 1 ~ ,ur I
Barbara Rudvalis -Rudvalis Orchids
6595 Black Rail Rd., CBD, CA 92011
PO Box 130665 CBD, CA 92013
Agricultural Mitigation Committee:
May 20, 2009
ld30 €>NINNV1d avas,~'1::> .:::10 .A110
600Z 9 Z AVW
03'\1303~
Find attached itemized copies of the entire project budgeL This includes $7,900 that the business owner would pay to complete the
electrical system prior to start of grant work. Money asked for in the original grant application remains the same -$142,610.
Grant Work Includes Installing:
20 new agricultural fans in 9 greenhouse bays. ( owner to pay $2,000 S&H)
175 fog nozzles (out of 430) would be replaced along with 2 replacement pumps for the high pressure fog cooling system.
The existing fiberglass roof is over 15 years old, deteriorating and limiting light transmittance which adversely affects production.
This will be removed and replaced on all ten existing greenhouses. To achieve optimum production the orchids are being physically
moved in and out of the greenhouses. This is extremely unproductive in a commercial orchid growing business. Once the fiberglass
has been removed the existing steel frames will be cleaned and conditioned to receive the double poly. Double poly refers to a double
layer polyvinyl roof liner, inflated with positive pressure blower units installed to maintain a thermal cushion between the outside and
inside of the greenhouses. This system will be installed on all ten greenhouse roots. This new double poly roof will stabilize the
interior temperatures, save energy and waler, plus enable the owner to manipulate the environment for better quality and increased
flower production. At 5 year intervals the double poly will need replacing, but costs will be considerably less.
A 24' x 168' steel frame shade house, installed upon prepared concrete footings, will replace an existing wooden frame structure.
This shade house is used for growing non-flowering production plants. Existing benches and water saving emitter watering system
have been and will continue to be used in the newly framed and shaded structure. All costs included.
Rudvalis Orchids, a Carlsbad-based business for over 30 years, and one of only four producers of cymbidium orchids remaining in the
USA today is internationally recognized for its exclusive high quality flowers and plants. Hybridizers and vendors travel from around
the world to observe and try to secure plant materials to propagate, flowers to distribute ,and cultural methods from this famous
grower.
Rudvalis Orchids has given back to Carlsbad -specialty orchid arrangements for the Carlsbad Unified School District, City senior
center, private schools, and orchid societies up and down the West Coast. Rudvalis Orchids invites professional flower associations,
as well as, hobbyist clubs and the public, to special events during the blooming season.
As all growers contend with increasing water rates the investment of Agricultural Mitigation money into improved infrastructure for
Rudvalis Orchids will enable Carlsbad's premium cut-flower cymbidium grower to remain competitive and stay in business.
Sincerely, L,, .?4,., ~::. /3 ?CA-0-<'<-'( •---::;,
Barbara Rudvalis
Gmail -Greenhouse Improvements for Rudvalis Orchids Page I of 1
Barbara Rudvalis <rudvallsorchids@gmall.com>
Greenhouse Improvements for Rudvalis Orchids
Barbara Rudvalls <rudvalisorchlds@gmall.com>
To: kasey <kcinciarelli@roadrunner.com>
Cc: Barbara Rudvalis <rudvalisorchids@aol.com>
Greenhouse Improvements for Rudvalis
Orchids
4/30/2009 Cost Estimates
Item
Roof 1
N structure
Description
Roof change from fiberglass to
double inflated poly plastic
Replacement of current
wooden
structure in North shadehouse
24' x 168' cold frame kit
Replacement foundation
Labor for construction
Shade covering for same area
Fog system Reparation of Fog system
175 fog nozzles
$21@
2-Replacement
pumps
repair
labor
1MCY2
Exhaust fans Replace mal-functioning
52" exhaust fans
20@$1,152
Installation freight+installation
Electrical revamp electrical system
Grand Total
$3,274.00
$1,748.00
$4,032.00
$ 554.40
$3,762.50
$1,025.00
$ 675.00
$23,040.00
$2,000.00
$7,900
Thu, Apr 30, 2009 at 4:55 PM
totals
$103,900.00
$9,608.40
$5,462.50
$25,040.00
$7,900
$151,910.90
http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=9f339a8f39&view=pt&cat=Grant%20Information&search... 5/19/2009
MELLANO & COMPANY
"I"' . ;· 19·,-" ,.,_,,1row1n9, ·or you since ..:::::o
ACMFP Advisory Committee
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad California 92008
Attn: Kevin Pointer
Associate planner
Flower Fields Grant Request
Field Visitors during the season are a crucial part of the direct marketing of products
from the Flower Fields. Over 12,000 bunches of flowers and approximately 1000 bags of
bulbs were sold at the fields.
By increasing and improving the ability to sell direct from the fields, the costs associated
with transport, storing and merchandising are avoided and the economic value of the field
products are significantly greater.
The enhanced access will allow for continuing and improved sales of the products of the
Flower Fields during and beyond the season. This kind of direct and improved access to
customers, particularly local residents, can allow for some longer term crop
diversification that will make the overall yield of the farmland significantly greater while
retaining the signature spring flower crop.
Without this access, the opportunity for direct sales is limited and the productivity of the
fields will be further limited.
We urge you to approve the proposed grant and support continuing agriculture in
Carlsbad.
Michael A Mellano
VP-Production
Mellano and Company
P.O. Box 100. San Luis Rev. California 92068 / l-800-MELLANO / 760-433-9550 I FAX 760-433-6721
Kevin Pointer
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Kevin:
Chris Calkins [ccc@carltas.com]
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:30 AM
Kevin Pointer
Monica Browning
2009 ACMFP Application Draft
We have been advised by the City of Carlsbad that they have received the final bids for the work for which we have
requested a grant to address The Flower Fields enhanced access which will be presented the City Council for award. The
final bid amount for the work is $188,107 and accordingly we propose that the grant, if approved, provide for reduction to
the actual bid amount awarded by the City Council, but in no event to exceed the current grant request of $201,814.
Thank You.
Chris Calkins
President, CB Ranch Enterprises
1