HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-01; Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Committee Ad Hoc; ; Report on Status of Projects Awarded with ACMF Funding
AGRICULTURAL CONVERSION MITIGATION FEE (ACMF)
AD HOC CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Agenda Item: #5
Subject: Report on Status of Projects Awarded with ACMF Funding
Meeting Date: December 1, 2014
Of the 26 projects that have been awarded with ACMF grant funding:
Thirteen projects have received full disbursement of funding and have been fully
implemented/completed.
Three projects have received full disbursement of funding and project implementation is in
progress;
Six projects have received partial disbursement of funding and project implementation is in
progress; and
Four projects has received no disbursement of funding.
Exhibit 5.1 provides a summary of the status of projects awarded with ACMF funding. Additionally, status
reports from individual grantees are attached as Exhibits 5.2 through 5.10.
Exhibits:
5.1 Status Summary for Awarded Projects
5.2 Status Reports
Staff Contact:
Kevin Pointer, Associate Analyst, Economic Development
760-602-4620 kevin.pointer@carlsbadca.gov
Exhibit 5.1
REVISED: 11/20/14
PROJECT STATUS SUMMARY FOR AWARDED ACMF GRANTS
Breakdown of Encumbrance and Disbursement Totals for Approved Projects
PROJECT
NUMBER
ELIGIBILITY
CATEGORY
PROJECT
NAME PROJECT DESCRIPTION GRANTEE FUNDING
APPROVED
FUNDING
DISBURSED
DISBURSED FUNDING
SPENT BY GRANTEE
FUNDING NOT
YET DISBURSED PROJECT STATUS/NOTES
PROJECTS FOR WHICH FULL FUNDING HAS BEEN DISBURSED
(PROJECT COMPLETE)
AGP 06-02 D Audubon Nature
Center
Interior improvements to Nature
Center classroom.
Buena Vista Audubon Society $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $0 Project successfully implemented/completed May 2009.
AGP 06-05 B Cymbidium
Project
Greenhouse, shade structure, and
related infrastructure for orchid
production.
CB Ranch Enterprises $316,500 $316,500 $316,500 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/completed
October 2011.
AGP 06-06 B Multi-Use Barn Barn for off-season equipment
storage and seasonal displays and
presentations.
CB Ranch Enterprises $233,000 $233,000 $233,000 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/ completed
April 2009.
AGP 06-07 B Permeable Paving
Project
Permanent semi-permeable road
surface for Flower Fields circulation.
CB Ranch Enterprises $297,000 $297,000 $297,000 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/ completed
August 2008.
AGP 06-08 B Drainage
Improvements
Project
Permanent drainage system to
reduce erosion and soil loss.
CB Ranch Enterprises $230,000 $230,000 $230,000 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/ completed
August 2008.
AGP 06-09 B Soil Amendment
Project
5-year program of soil amendment
to improve soil structure and long-
term productivity of Flower Fields.
CB Ranch Enterprises $84,000 $84,000 $84,000 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/completed
November 2011.
AGP 06-10 C Carlsbad Beach
Nourishment
Nourishment of two stretches of
beaches in north and south central
Carlsbad.
City of Carlsbad Beach
Preservation Committee
$884,060 $884,060 $884,060 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/completed
May 2013.
Note: original project award was $1,500,000. Project
completed under budget and $615,940 was
reprogrammed per City Council Resolution 2013-230.
AGP 06-16 B La Posada de
Guadalupe Farm
Worker Housing
Construction of farm
worker/homeless housing at Casa
de Guadalupe.
Catholic Charities $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/completed
October 2013. Twenty-year program monitoring in
progress.
AGP 09-01 B Carlsbad Flower
Fields Enhanced
Access
Second access point to the Flower
Fields through a right-in only entry on
Palomar Airport Road, associated
deceleration lane and signage.
CB Ranch Enterprises $113,107 $188,107 $188,107 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/completed
February 2010.
AGP 09-02 B Aquaculture
Enhancement at
Carlsbad Hatchery
Modifying two flow-through raceway
units into one re-circulating unit for
propagation of white sea bass.
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research
Institute
$249,313 $249,313 $249,313 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/completed
November 2011.
AGP 09-09 D Agua Hedionda
Lagoon Discovery
Center
Improvements
Remodel of existing meeting room to
create classroom, meeting room and
nature lab.
Agua
Hedionda Lagoon Foundation
$52,000 $52,000 $52,000 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/completed
November 2014.
AGP 09-11 A & D Buena Vista Creek
Watershed
Information
Management
System
Development of informational
management system (database) for
existing studies/conditions.
Buena Vista Audubon Society $50,000 $50,000 $45,000 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/completed
May 2011.
AGP 09-12 D Buena Vista
Audubon Nature
Center
Improvements
ADA Accessibility at existing Audubon
Nature Center.
Buena Vista Audubon Society $50,000 $50,000 $37,075 $0 Full funding disbursed. Project implemented/completed
May 2013.
Exhibit 5.1
REVISED: 11/20/14
PROJECT
NUMBER
ELIGIBILITY
CATEGORY
PROJECT
NAME PROJECT DESCRIPTION GRANTEE FUNDING
APPROVED
FUNDING
DISBURSED
DISBURSED FUNDING
SPENT BY GRANTEE
FUNDING NOT
YET DISBURSED PROJECT STATUS/NOTES
PROJECTS FOR WHICH FULL FUNDING HAS BEEN DISBURSED
(PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION IN PROGRESS)
AGP 06-15 D Discovery Center
Interior
Improvements
Interior and exterior improvements
to existing Discovery Center.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Foundation
$386,000 $386,000 $244,218.32 $0 Project status update received November 2014 (Exhibit
5.2).
AGP 09-10 C Coastal Bluff
Restoration—
Tamarack and
Frazee
Coastal bluff restoration and
rehabilitation; fencing, and trail
construction.
California
State Parks/City of Carlsbad
Parks and Recreation
Department
$234,830 $234,830 TBD $234,830 Project status update received November (Exhibit 5.3).
AGP 13-03 B Orchard, Fields
and Floral Trade
Center Access
Creation of an access road off
Carlsbad Ranch agricultural lands
connecting Cannon Road and Car
Country Drive.
Carlsbad Ranch Company, L.P. $600,000 $600,000.00 Approx. $300,000 $0 Project status update received November 2014 (Exhibit
5.4).
PROJECTS FOR WHICH PARTIAL FUNDING HAS BEEN DISBURSED
(PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION IN PROGRESS)
AGP 06-03 D BLF Nature Center
Improvements
Nature Center replacement and
improvements.
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation $180,732 $88,000 TBD $92,732 Awaiting status update from grantee.
AGP 06-04 C & D Buena Vista
Lagoon Boardwalk
Engineering design and
environmental studies for a
boardwalk.
Buena Vista Lagoon
Foundation
$164,000 $106,000 $93,000 $58,000 Project status update received November 2014 (Exhibit
5.5).
AGP 06-12 A Batiquitos Lagoon
Monitoring/
Management Plan
Monitor and develop management
plan for lagoon.
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation $780,5891 $41,995 TBD $738,594 Awaiting status update from grantee.
AGP 06-13 C Agua Hedionda
Lagoon Trails
Maintenance and construction of
trails around Agua Hedionda
Lagoon.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Foundation
$305,750 $50,500 $48,115.67 $255,250 Project status update received November 2014 (Exhibit
5.6).
AGP 09-03 A Batiquitos Lagoon
North Shore Trail
Planning and design of Murphy Trail
Bypass Boardwalk and Rosalena Trail.
Ayers property acquisition. Mitsuuchi
property wetland restoration and
trail building. Invasive species
removal at Rosalena/San
Pacific/Highway 101 areas.
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation $98,572 $59,754 $48,530.51 $38,818 Project status update received November 2014 (Exhibit
5.7).
AGP 13-05 B Orchards and
Field Crop
Installation and
Development
Installation and cultivation of
blueberries, tangerines, hops, olives
and pitahaya (dragon fruit)
Carlsbad Ranch Company, L.P. $271,000 $176,000 Approx. $70,400
by year end 2014
$95,000 Project status update received November 2014 (Exhibit
5.4).
PROJECTS FOR WHICH NO FUNDING HAS BEEN DISBURSED
(PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION NOT INITIATED)
AGP 13-01 D Nature Center
Replacement
Project—Grant
Augmentation
Additional funding for previously
awarded grant to replace lagoon
nature center
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation $49,542
$0 $0 $49,542
Project status update received November 2014 (Exhibit
5.8).
AGP 13-02 A Lagoon Ecological
Reserve North
Shore
Restoration—
Phase 2
Planning, public outreach, invasive
plant treatment and removal,
habitat restoration, maintenance
and reporting
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation $20,733
$0 $0 $20,733
Project status update received November 2014 (Exhibit
5.9).
1 Entire request encumbered, but approved only portion ($74,995) at present to allow for data collecting and reporting and maintenance.
Exhibit 5.1
REVISED: 11/20/14
PROJECT
NUMBER
ELIGIBILITY
CATEGORY
PROJECT
NAME PROJECT DESCRIPTION GRANTEE FUNDING
APPROVED
FUNDING
DISBURSED
DISBURSED FUNDING
SPENT BY GRANTEE
FUNDING NOT
YET DISBURSED PROJECT STATUS/NOTES
AGP 13-04 B Floral Trade
Center
Improvements
Coolers, display and supporting
equipment for operation of
relocated Floral Trade Center
Carlsbad Ranch Company, L.P. $162,833.53 $0 $0 $162,833.53 Project status update received November 2014 (Exhibit
5.4).
AGP 13-06 D Kiosk
Refurbishment
and Interpretive
Signage
Installation
Kiosk and interpretive signage for
Buena Vista Lagoon trail system
Buena Vista Audubon Society $23,500 $0 $0 $23,500 Project status update received November 2014
(Exhibit 5.10).
TOTAL $7,852,061.53 $6,392,059 TBD $1,460,002.53
KEY
ELIGIBILITY CATEGORY
A Restoration of the coastal and lagoon environment including but not limited to acquisition, management and/or restoration involving
wildlife habitat or open space preservation.
B
Purchase and improvement of agricultural lands for continued agricultural production, or for the provision of research activities or
ancillary uses necessary for the continued production of agriculture and/or aquaculture in the city’s coastal zone, including, but not
limited to, farm worker housing.
C
Restoration of beaches for public use including, but not limited to local and regional sand replenishment programs, vertical and
lateral beach access improvements, trails, and other beach-related improvements that enhance accessibility and/or public use of
beaches.
D Improvements to existing or proposed lagoon nature centers.
Carlsbad Ranch Company
Grant Update- Floral trade Center and Marketplace Project
November 17, 2014
Pursuant to the recommendation of the advisory committee, the Carlsbad City Council approved a series
of grants, directed at enhancing the long term sustainability of agriculture in the area designated for
agriculture proximate to Cannon road.
Our project envisioned the addition of specialty food crops to the existing floral production, coupled
with a series of facilities for distribution of onsite production, as well as the translation from farm to
table products, in an environment analogous to the Flower Fields. In doing so, the project is intended to
increase the value of the production, to enhance the access of the Carlsbad community and its visitors
to the agricultural areas and experience, and to create a lively place for engagement with agricultural
production.
We’ve named the project North 40 Urban Farm and we have created a website to help tell the story to
potential occupants http://www.carlsbadnorth40.com.
The complexity of the project requires multiple initiatives, 3 of which were supported by the grants from
the mitigation fund.
AGP 13-03—Orchard, Fields and Floral Trade Center Access
Design and development immediately followed approval of the grant, and initial construction of the
most significant element- access from Cannon Road and major frontage improvements- was initiated to
coordinate with the construction of the desalination line work in Cannon. This expedited work reduced
to potential for interference with traffic flow. Below is a photo of the work completed to date on
Cannon. A limited amount of landscaping remains to be completed.
This access provides the major infrastructure required to initiate any significant farming as well as the
potential facilities. Until this entry is completed the only access has been through The Flower Fields™, a
particularly dangerous route during The Flower Fields’ season, or by jumping the curb on Cannon, an
unsafe practice. Below is the entry area.
The cost of this entry was significantly higher than originally forecast in light of water quality standards,
and site conditions. Approximately $450,000 of the $600,000 grant has been spent to date, and the
balance is anticipated to be applied prior to June, 2015, for work on the internal circulation and access
on Car Country Drive.
AGP 13-04—Floral Trade Center Improvements
Discussions with the potential Floral Trade Center tenants for whose benefit this grant will be applied
during construction of the facility have resulted in recruiting 7 selected distributors, wholesalers, and
producers of floral products who are currently in temporary or unsatisfactory locations. Occupancy is
targeted for late 2016, and the grant funds will likely be applied in mid-2016. The ability to underwrite
part of the cost of the tenant improvements for coolers and other significant items has made financial
viability more certain.
AGP 13-05—Orchards and Field Crop Installation and Development
Crop installation and related field preparation and infrastructure began shortly after the grant was
confirmed. The major water line was installed, and crops are in process of installation. We have made
some changes in the crop mix in light of concerns over certain pest issues and availability of planting
stock.
We are continuing to experiment with varieties of hops and this year, one of the proposed micro-
breweries will produce a short pilot run of beer using the produced hops. The major field will be planted
after completion of mass grading for the site in 2015.
The area of blueberry production was expanded by 50% and the plants have thrived. We anticipate
marketable production in 2015. Below are coffee plants in the foreground and blueberries beyond.
After a series of discussions and evaluation with a specialty nursery in Ventura, we acquired and have
planted a variety of coffee that is suited for our climate. We anticipate ultimately planting approximately
300 plants which will provide a reasonable production for roasting and sale at the North 40, as well as
with other local coffee roasters. Below is a young coffee plant.
Approximately 3 acres of Olive trees are being planted in December. We anticipate beginning to plant
pitaya in 2015.
Approximately 40% of the grant will be expended by year end 2014. The balance will be expended over
the projected 5 year life of the grant. We are very excited about the unique mix we will be able to bring
to Carlsbad- and the opportunity to give the community a close encounter with some of the most
common food at the table, whose farm production is not normally seen.
1
November 21, 2014
Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Grant Project Status Summary 5
Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Trail, Property Acquisition, and Restoration
Project Grant No. AGP 09-03, September 3, 2008 (BLF Grant Class G-11)
Funding
Total Grant Award: $98,572. Grant Agreement Signed by Mayor Lewis: April 29,
2008. First funding installment: $59,754. Grant funding expenses to date:
$48,530.51. Grant balance remaining (from first installment): $11,223.49. Total
grant award funding remaining: $50,037.49
Budget and Disbursement Schedule
Updated Project Schedule
Task Estimated
Start
Actual
Start
Estimated
Completion
Actual
Completion
Completion
Milestones
1. Project start-up &
team organization,
& detailed project
planning (2 months)
DEC 2009 January
21, 2010
MAR 2010 APR 2010 Project planning
completed;
project team
organized;
volunteer
outreach &
recruitment
initiated
2. Trail Planning,
Design &
Construction (12
Months (Includes
JAN 2010 January
21, 2010
SEP 2015 Murphy
Property Bypass
trail plans &
construction
Date Funding
Requested
Requested
Amount
Date Funded Amount
Funded
Expenses
to Date
Disbursed
Balance
Remaining
Total
Grant
Balance
Remaining
Grant Award
Amount
$98,572
April 29, 2008 $59,754 June 5, 2008 $59,754 $48,530.51 $11223.49 $50,037.49
2
planning & design
subcontract)
cost estimates
are all accepted;
Rosalena Trail
reach plans
reviewed,
updated,
construction
cost estimates
are all accepted
3. Invasive Plant
Control, Removal &
Restoration (Note:
Includes restoration
in former Mitsuuchi
Property wetland
area, & Rosalena,
San Pacifico, &
CDF&G areas) -
Includes invasive
plant treatment /
biomass removal
subcontract. (29
Months)
JAN 2010 January
21, 2010
MAR 2015 Invasive plans
successfully
removed &
treated; wetland
area created &
under
maintenance.
Includes 2
removal /
restoration /
maintenance
cycles
3.A Season 1 JAN 2010 January
21, 2010
SEP 2010 Season 1
Invasive plans
successfully
removed &
treated; wetland
area created &
under
maintenance.
3.B Season 2 AUG 2015 JUL 2016 Season 2
Invasive plans
successfully
removed &
treated; wetland
area created &
under
maintenance.
3.C Season 3 AUG 2016 SEP 2017 Season 3
Invasive plans
successfully
removed &
treated; wetland
area created &
under
maintenance.
3.D Season 4 AUG 2017 SEP 2018 Season 4
3
Invasive plans
successfully
removed &
treated; wetland
area created &
under
maintenance.
4. Land Acquisition,
Including Pre-
acquisition Activities
- Ayres Group
Property (21
months)
FEB 2010 February
8, 2010
SEP 2015 Escrow closed
& Ayres Group
property
successfully
transferred in
fee title to the
BLF or other
appropriate title
holder.
5. Project &
Management (over
total project
duration)
DEC 2009 January
21, 2010
SEP 2018 Final project
report data
collection &
invoices
submitted to the
City of
Carlsbad;
project
completion
accepted by the
City of Carlsbad
6. Final Project
Report (2 Months)
OCT 2018 NOV 2018 Final Project
report prepared
& submitted
Project Status
Due to a number of factors, the grant period and funding is now planned to run
through November 2018 as reflected in the above milestone chart. This is viewed as
a good trend to extend the use of the grant funds.
The Murphy By-pass property acquisition has been a long process! A draft
acquisition Agreement” has been prepared and is being finalized for submission to
the property owner. Separate acquisition funding is available and, if the acquisition
negotiations are successful, a key missing segment of the North Shore Trail can be
designed and constructed.
Through discussions with the California Coastal Conservancy (CCC), the Batiquitos
Lagoon Foundation (BLF) has indicated their willingness, if offered, to accept fee-
title to the Ayers Property, ~7.2 acres. Due to California’s budgetary problems, the
CCC was forced to place this project on hold. We are now in the process of
restarting the property acquisition project and hope to complete the property transfer
to the BLF by September 2014. Because this is a property deed transfer, project
costs are expected to be less. Trail design issue discussions have already begun
4
with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for completing the North
Shore Trail through the BLF’s Cholla Point Property (Former Mitsuuchi Family Trust
Property) through to El Camino Real across from La Costa Resort and Spa.
Restoration of the BLF’s Cholla Point Property is going slow and methodological.
We are in the process of changing our engineering contractor for strategy and
design of bluff erosion control measures and also assist in getting appropriate
grading permits for other parts of our property. This has resulted in extending our
invasive plant removal and restoration work to include additional seasons.
Grant funding remains sufficient for planned activities.
1
November 21, 2014
Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Grant Project Status Summary 1
Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center Replacement Project, Grant No. AGP 13-01,
Agreement Pending (BLF Grant Class G-23)
Funding
Total Grant Award: $49,592. Grant Agreement: Pending. First funding
installment: $0. Grant funding expenses to date: $0. Grant balance remaining
(from first installment): $49,592. Total grant award funding remaining: $49,592
Budget and Disbursement Schedule
Updated Project Schedule
Task Estimated
Start
Actual
Start
Estimated
Completion
Actual
Completion
Completion
Milestones
Project Start Jan 2015
Project Status
This grant augments the total funding allocated for our new nature center to reflect
cost increases due to extended permit requirements, engineering changes required
by the City of Carlsbad and the California Coastal Commission, and associated cost
increases.
The Carlsbad Planning Commission approved our Conditional use permit (CUP) and
Coastal Development Permit (CDP), but the California Coastal Commission
appealed it on a brush management-related mitigation requirement. Following
Date Funding
Requested
Requested
Amount
Date Funded Amount
Funded
Expenses
to Date
Disbursed
Balance
Remaining
Total
Grant
Balance
Remaining
Grant Award
Amount
$49,592 $49,592
2
discussion with Coastal Commission and City staff, the Coastal Commission expects
to withdraw their appeal and grant the CDP after another review of our plans and a
City of Carlsbad determination that no mitigation is required.
Final engineering drawings are being prepared and expected to be completed on or
before the end of December 2014.
A legal issue with Aviara Master Association (property owner) is being addressed
and expected to be resolved by January 2015.
Installation of our new nature center is expected in the Spring of 2015.
1
November 21, 2014
Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Grant Project Status Summary 1
Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Trail, Property Acquisition, and Restoration
Project Grant No. AGP 13-02, Agreement Pending (BLF Grant Class G-24)
Funding
Total Grant Award: $20,733. Grant Agreement Pending. First funding
installment: Pending. Grant funding expenses to date: $0. Grant balance
remaining (from first installment): $20,733. Total grant award funding remaining:
$20,733.
Budget and Disbursement Schedule
Updated Project Schedule
Task Estimated
Start
Actual
Start
Estimated
Completion
Actual
Completion
Completion
Milestones
Project Start May 2015
Project Status
Receipt of agreement and execution is pending.
Initial request for initial disbursement expected to be submitted in April
2015.
Date Funding
Requested
Requested
Amount
Date Funded Amount
Funded
Expenses
to Date
Disbursed
Balance
Remaining
Total
Grant
Balance
Remaining
Grant Award
Amount
$20,733 Pending Pending $0 $0 $20,733