HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-29; Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Committee Ad Hoc; ; Status Reports on Remaining Projects Awarded with ACMF Funding
AGRICULTURAL CONVERSION MITIGATION FEE (ACMF)
AD HOC CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Staff Contact:
Pam Drew, Associate Planner, Community & Economic Development
760-602-4644 pam.drew@carlsbadca.gov
Agenda Item: #5
Subject: Status Reports on Remaining Projects Awarded with ACMF
Funding
Meeting Date: November 29, 2016
Status reports from individual grantees are attached as Exhibits 5.1 through 5.6.
Exhibits:
5.1 Status Summary for Awarded Projects
5.2 - 5.6 Status Reports
REV: 03-16-16 - Balanced with IFAS
Agenda Bill No.Resolution Date Project No.Total Funding
Awarded
Funding Approved
for Disbursement/
Appropriation
Awarded Funding
Remaining to be
Disbursed
Awarded Funding
Remaining to be
Appropriated
Disbursed to-Date
Appropriated Funding
Remaining to be
Disbursed
Notes
18,898 2007-029 02/13/2007 $2,609,560.00 $2,609,560.00 $58,000.00 $0.00 $2,551,560.00 $58,000.00
Total grant funding authorized by this resolution was
$3,300,500; however, Resolutions 2009-199 and 2009-260
reprogrammed $75,000 for use on another project.
Applicant
Buena Vista Audubon Society AGP 06-02 $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 $0.00
Buena Vista Lagoon Foundation AGP 06-04 $164,000.00 $164,000.00 $58,000.00 $0.00 $106,000.00 $58,000.00
CB Ranch Enterprises AGP 06-05 $316,500.00 $316,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $316,500.00 $0.00 Final grant request processed 02/09/12.
CB Ranch Enterprises AGP 06-06 $233,000.00 $233,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $233,000.00 $0.00
CB Ranch Enterprises AGP 06-07 $297,000.00 $297,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $297,000.00 $0.00
CB Ranch Enterprises AGP 06-08 $230,000.00 $230,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $230,000.00 $0.00
CB Ranch Enterprises
AGP 06-09 $84,000.00 $84,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $84,000.00 $0.00
Original grant was for $159,000; however, $75,000 was
reprogrammed per Resolution 2009-260 for AGP 09-01. 3
disbursements: $39,000, $30,000 and $15,000.
CB Ranch Enterprises
AGP 06-10 $884,060.00 $884,060.00 $0.00 $0.00 $884,060.00 $0.00
4 disbursements: $74,500, $41,937, $542,623, and $225,000.
Reallocate $615,940 in unused funds per AB 12,368/Reso 2013-
230.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation AGP 06-15 386,000.00$ 386,000.00$ -$ -$ 386,000.00$ -$ Final disbursement processed 8/12/14.
19,327 2008-050 02/19/2008 $3,267,071.00 $2,561,477.00 $788,724.00 $705,594.00 $2,478,347.00 $83,130.00
Applicant
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation AGP 06-03 $180,732.00 $180,732.00 $0.00 $0.00 $180,732.00 $0.00 Check Request subimitted 10/20/15.
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation AGP 06-12 $780,589.00 $74,995.00 $738,594.00 $705,594.00 $41,995.00 $33,000.00
Resolution approves $780,589 grant, but only authorizes
disbursement (appropriation) of $74,995.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation
AGP 06-13 305,750.00$ 305,750.00$ 50,130.00$ -$ 255,620.00$ 50,130.00$
Fourth grant request $60,120 processed through Finance
9/2/15. Fifth grant request for $70,000 was sent to Finance the
week of 4/11/16
Catholic Charities
AGP 06-16 $2,000,000.00 $2,000,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,000,000.00 $0.00
Resolution approves $2 M grant, but only authorizes
disbursement (appropriation) of $108,500. See also Resolution
2010-189.
20,003 2009-260 10/20/2009 $922,822.00 $922,822.00 $113,818.00 $0.00 $884,004.00 $38,818.00 Resolution 2009-260 corrects Resolution 2009-199.
Applicant
CB Ranch AGP 09-01 $188,107.00 $188,107.00 $75,000.00 $0.00 $188,107.00 $0.00
Resolution authorizes $188,107 in funding which includes
$113,107 plus $75,000 reprogrammed from AGP 06-09.
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute AGP 09-02 $249,313.00 $249,313.00 $0.00 $0.00 $249,313.00 $0.00 Funding amount corrected through Resolution 2009-260.
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation AGP 09-03 $98,572.00 $98,572.00 $38,818.00 $0.00 $59,754.00 $38,818.00
Aqua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation AGP 09-09 $52,000.00 $52,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $52,000.00 $0.00
California State Parks AGP 09-10 $234,830.00 $234,830.00 $0.00 $0.00 $234,830.00 $0.00
Funding amount corrected through Resolution 2009-260.
Transferred funds to CIP per CC Reso 2014-100.
Buena Vista Audubon Society AGP 09-11 $50,000.00 $50,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 $0.00
Buena Vista Audubon Society AGP 09-12 $50,000.00 $50,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 $0.00
21,368 2013-230 09/10/2013 $1,127,608.53 $1,127,608.53 $257,833.53 $0.00 $869,775.00 $257,833.53
Applicant
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation AGP 13-01 $49,542.00 $49,542.00 $0.00 $0.00 $49,542.00 $0.00 Check request submitted 11-15-15 Paid
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation AGP-13-02 $20,733.00 $20,733.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,733.00 $0.00 Check request submitted 03-16-16 Paid
CB Ranch Company, LP AGP 13-03 $600,000.00 $600,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $600,000.00 $0.00
CB Ranch Company, LP AGP 13-04 $162,833.53 $162,833.53 $162,833.53 $0.00 $0.00 $162,833.53
CB Ranch Company, LP AGP 13-05 $271,000.00 $271,000.00 $95,000.00 $0.00 $176,000.00 $95,000.00
Buena Vista Audubon Society AGP 13-06 $23,500.00 $23,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $23,500.00 $0.00 Check request submitted 11-4-15
$7,927,061.53 $7,221,467.53 $1,218,375.53 $705,594.00 $6,783,686.00 $437,781.53
20992624.59 $18,875,842.59 $17,678,498.00
171-3210-8540 Grant funding remaining to be disbursed $507,781.53
171-3210-8700 Solicitation/operating funding 2,946.00
Reconciled to IFAS $510,727.53
Orchards and Field Crop Installation and Dev
Carlsbad Flower Fields Enhanced Acceess
Aquaculture Enhancement
Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Trail
Aqua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center Interior Improvements
Coastal Bluff Resoration - Tamarack and Frazee
Lagoon Ecological Reserve N. Shore Phase 2
BV Creek Watershed Information MGT System
BVA Nature Center Improvements
Orchard, Fields and Floral Trade Center Access
Floral Trade Center Improvements
Proposal Name
Bat Lagoon Mon'g/Mgmt Plan
AH Lagoon Trails
La Posada Farmworker Housing
Nature Center Improvements Augmentation
TOTALS:
ACMF Fund: Grant Awards for Project Implementation
Proposal Name
Audubon Nature Center
Bunea Vista Lagoon Boardwalk
Cymbidium Project
Multi-use Barn
Permeable Paving Project
Drainage Project
Soil Amendment Project
Carlsbad Beach Nourishment
Discovery Center Improvements
BLF Nature Center Improvements
Kiosk Refurbishment and Interpretive Signage Install
Proposal Name
Proposal Name
1
November 16, 2016
Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Grant Project Status Summary 8
Lagoon Monitoring and Management Plan Program (BLF Grant Class G-8)
(Includes ongoing trail maintenance, and invasive plant removal and restoration
along the North Shore Trail (Including establishment and maintenance of a Native
Plant Demonstration Garden adjacent to the Park Hyatt – Aviara trailhead)
Grant Proposal No. AGP-06-12, April 29, 2008
Grant Summary
Project Award: $780,589. Grant Agreement Signed by Mayor Lewis: March 3, 2008.
First funding installment: $23,995 (City of Carlsbad check
# 175684 dated June 5, 2008). Second funding installment: $18,000, July 30, 2013.
Project expenses to date: $28,180.88. Current appropriated funding remaining (via
payments received to date): $13,814.12. Total Grant funding (Total Award) remaining:
$753,135.96. The remaining $54,000 was originally distributed over 6 years as
indicated in the table below for ongoing trail maintenance, and invasive plant removal
and restoration along the North Shore Trail (Including establishment and maintenance
of a Native Plant Demonstration Garden adjacent to the Park Hyatt – Aviara trailhead).
Funding Schedule & Expenses (As stated in original grant proposal)
Period Date Grant Funding
Received
Funding (Projected /
Actual/Cumulative)
Expenses & Balance
Remaining
Year :1 June 5, 2008 –
June 5, 2009
June 5, 2008 Projected: $23,995
Actual: $23,995
Cumulative: $23,995
Expenses: $21,552.31
Cumulative: $21,552.31
Balance: $2,442.69
Year 2: June 6, 2009 –
June 5, 2010
Projected: $15,000
Actual:
Cumulative: $23,995
Expenses: $363.47
Cumulative: $21,915.78
Balance: $2,079.22
Year 3: June 6, 2010 –
June 5, 2011
Projected: $3,000
Actual:
Cumulative: $23,995
Expenses: $1,657.23
Cumulative: $23,573.01
Balance: $421.99
Year 4: June 6, 2011 –
June 5, 2012
Projected: $15,000
Actual:
Cumulative: $23,995
Expenses: $149.16
Cumulative: $23,722.17
Balance: $272.83
Year 5: June 6, 2012 –
June 5, 2013
Projected: $3,000
Actual:
Cumulative: $23,995
Expenses: $
Cumulative: $23,722.17
Balance: $272.83
Year 6: June 6, 2013 –
June 5, 2014
Projected: $15,000
Actual:
Cumulative: $23,995
Expenses: $
Cumulative: $23,722.17
Balance: $272.83
2
Funding for this project is to be provided in advance on or before the date indicated in
the “date Funded” column above.
Total project funding of $780,589 was approved, with the stipulation that $74,995 of that
total be funding now to allow some data collection and reporting, and lagoon
maintenance in areas surrounding the lagoon-proper to proceed. Of the total of
$74,995 initial approved funding, $20,995 is to be used to support data collection and
reporting as follows: (1) Task 1.1 – Physical Monitoring: Bathymetric and Beach
Monitoring and Tidal Monitoring: $18,713; and (2) Task 1.3 – Reporting: $2,282. The
remaining $54,000 is distributed over 6 years as indicated in the table above for
ongoing trail maintenance, and invasive plant removal and restoration along the North
Shore Trail (Including establishment and maintenance of a Native Plant Demonstration
Garden adjacent to the Park Hyatt – Aviara trailhead).
The remaining $705,594 of the approved project funds are to be held pending review of
the report of the results of the study report, review by the Agricultural Conversion
Mitigation Fee Committee, and approval by the Carlsbad City Council (expected to start
in the Spring of 2017). If the balance of funding is approved for release by the City, a
revised funding schedule, and project schedule and milestones will be submitted.
Disbursement Schedule
The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) requested disbursement of $18,000 to
cover the then existing shortfall and funding for the remainder of 2013 through
June 2014. The City of Carlsbad provided the funds on July 30, 2013.
Project Schedule and Milestones
The following summarizes the key task schedule and completion milestones for the
project.
Task Start Completion Completion
Milestone
Year 1: Data
Collection,
June 5, 2008 Completed April
10, 2009
Completed report
send to City of
Date Funding
Requested
Date Funded Amount
Requested
Amount
Funded
Cumulative
Funding
Expenses
to Date
Funded Balance
Remaining
June 5, 2008 June 5, 2008 $23,995 $23,995 $23,995 $30,911.08 (-$6,916.08)
June 25, 2013 July 30, 2013 $18,000 $18,000 $41,995 $28,180.88 $13,814.12
3
Physical
Monitoring
(Bathymetric and
Beach Monitoring
and Tidal
Monitoring
Carlsbad and
California
Department of
Fish and Game
Year 1:
Maintenance
Activities
June 5, 2008 Completed June
4, 2009
Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 2:
Maintenance
Activities
June 5, 2009 Completed June 4
2010
Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 3:
Maintenance
Activities
June 5, 2010 Completed June
4, 2011
Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 4:
Maintenance
Activities
June 5, 2011 Completed June
4, 2012
Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 5:
Maintenance
Activities
June 5, 2012 Completed June
4, 2013
Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 6:
Maintenance
Activities
October 1, 2013 Completed
October 31, 2013
Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 7:
Maintenance
Activities
October 1, 2014 Completed
October 30, 2014
Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
4
Year 8:
Maintenance
Activities
October 1, 2015 Completed
October 30, 2015
Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 9:
Maintenance
Activities
November 1, 2016 November 18, 2016 Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 10:
Maintenance
Activities
October 1, 2017 October 1, 2017 Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 11:
Maintenance
Activities
October 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 12:
Maintenance
Activities
October 1, 2019 October 1,2019 Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Year 13:
Maintenance
Activities
October 1, 2020 October 1, 2020 Submission of
summary report of
maintenance
activities by the
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Project Status
Task 1.1 – Physical Monitoring: Bathymetric and Beach Monitoring and Tidal
Monitoring: Completed
Task 1.2 – 2.0: Funding release held pending completion of the 10-year post-
restoration monitoring report (completed in October 2009) and review by the City of
Carlsbad. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation has had a number of meetings with city
officials and is expecting to make a formal request for funding release in the December
2011 – January 2012 timeframe. The request will be submitted through the Ag
Mitigation Committee for initial review and recommendation. An issue summary and
5
timeline of events that is being used during discussions with city officials is provided
below.
Purpose: To discuss the BLF’s concern of the deteriorating health of
Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve, and proactive strategies that
will lead to its sustainable health following completion of the
Batiquitos Lagoon Enhancement Project (BLEP).
1. Summary background: Framing the issue in terms of the BLEP and post-BLEP
events; review of satellite images depicting the changes taking place; highlights of
the 10 year monitoring report; impact considerations (e.g., current economic
challenges (state, local)); and review of the historical time line.
2. Discuss proactive opportunities to sustainable health of Batiquitos Lagoon
Ecological Reserve, including: establishing creative stakeholder partnerships
(e.g., BLF, City of Carlsbad, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW),
NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service); buying stakeholder’s time through the
available AG Mitigation Conversion Fee Grant to the BLF to: develop a draft
management plan specific to Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve that establishes
a sustainable management roadmap; continue the monitoring and collection of key
scientific data to better understand the lagoon’s complex and dynamic ecosystem;
and to establish key management decision making triggers to enable lagoon
management and stakeholders to be proactive in taking corrective action.
3. Discussion of next steps, including: What are the City of Carlsbad’s thoughts
about our concerns?; Would the City be willing to partner and work with the BLF and
other stakeholders in developing a strategy to ensure sustainable health for
Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve?; and, Is releasing the awarded AG Mitigation
Conversion Fee grant funding to the BLF an opportunity to buy all stakeholders time,
develop a management plan with appropriate approvals, decide how the lagoon can
be effectively managed (e.g., CDFG managed with monitoring by stakeholders;
create a formalized partnership with stakeholders), and ensure that reserve’s health
does not continue to degrade and further escalate the issue?
Key Event / Milestones Date(s)
California Coastal Conservancy begins
Enhancement Plan Development
1987
Port of LA, City of Carlsbad, U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish &
Game (CDFG), State Lands for and Sign MOA –
Note: City of Carlsbad responsible for
environmental reviews, obtaining permits,
construction oversight, & long term monitoring
1987
Final design, environmental reviews, & permitting
conducted; 2 law suits successfully defended
1987 - 1994
Batiquitos Lagoon Enhancement Project (BLEP) March 1994 - 1997
Dredging sand from coastal basin 1994 - 1995
6
Dredge of fines materials from East Basin
to Central Basin
1995 - 1996
Restoration work completed March 6, 1996
Dredge West Basin Sand to Cap Central
Basin
1996-1997
Re-contouring enhancement area prior to nesting
season
1st Quarter 1997
$8.4 Million maintenance account established;
CDFG assumed maintenance responsibilities.
The interest associated with this account was
intended to offset annual ecological reserve
maintenance costs (e.g., Least tern nesting sites,
periodic maintenance dredging).
June 1, 1997
Draft Land Management Plan prepared by CDFG
of ongoing maintenance tasks – Never Finalized
or formally reviewed/approved/accepted
May 1997
BLEP 10 year monitoring program (focus on
biological & public use; physical / bathymetric
monitoring not included)
January 1996 – November
2006
The BLF was notified that Grant Proposal No.
AGP 06-12 had been awarded and $780,589 was
encumbered, with $74,995 being available in
support of restoration ($54,000) and for
development of a Bathymetric and Tidal
Assessment Report for inclusion in the Batiquitos
Lagoon Enhancement Project’s (BLEP) post-
restoration 10-Year Monitoring Report ($20,995)
March 3, 2008
The grant agreement was signed and executed by
Mayor Lewis, followed by the issuance of the first
funding installment shortly thereafter.
April 14, 2008
Physical / Bathymetric report formally submitted to
BLEP MOA members by the BLF
April 9 and10, 2009
Final 10 year monitoring report published –
Includes physical / bathymetric study report
results. (~4 years has elapsed between end of
monitoring & publishing of final report)
October 2009
Stakeholders (e.g., NOAA, CDFG, CA State
Lands, City of Carlsbad, BLF) hold series of
meeting to address dredging issue. Key planning
meeting held to address test core sampling &
funding issues.
August 20, 2009
Amendment 1 to 1987 presented to Carlsbad City
Council and resolution 2010-071 adopted
authorizing Mayor Lewis to sign it. Makes
changes to maintenance and management
funding account to address dredging to keep the
lagoon open to tidal flushing; forms Steering
Committee (City of Los Angeles elected not to be
April 6, 2010
7
a participant), Carlsbad’s City Manager or
designee to represent Carlsbad; “Carlsbad agrees
that it shall use its best efforts in enforcement of
local environmental and planning ordinances with
respect to property owners within its jurisdiction,
and in working with other local jurisdictions, to
minimize the amount of sediment transported to
the Lagoon by upstream runoff within the Lagoon’s
watershed area; adds Alternative Funding
Mechanism to include, but not precluding,
participation of other entities in funding
maintenance activities and also the purchase of
dredged sand from the Lagoon by other entities.
Under leadership by NOAA, stakeholders hold
meetings to address the critical dredging project
needs for 2010. CDFG is not able to complete
permitting and other project requirements for a fall
2010 dredge. Project continued to fall 2011 to
coincide with the end of the nesting season
May – September 2010
CDFG works to complete permitting and other
dredging requirement in effort to meet September
2011 start of dredging. Includes awarding
consulting contract to assist in completing project
activities leading to approval of all permits and
awarding dredge contract. Note that because
dredge cannot be towed into position, it must be
physically assembled at E1 (e.g., I-5 La Costa
Avenue Park & Ride) and towed to western end of
the lagoon’s middle basin. Dredging will be
confined to western end of middle basin and
western basin; no dredging on rest of middle basin
or eastern basin. Merkel & Associated awarded
contract to manage the dredging operation. A
target of 117,000 cubic yards of sand has been
established. Dredging must be completed by
March 1, 2012 prior to the start of the California
Least tern nesting season.
Expected to be completed
by July 2011 [delayed due
CA’s budgetary problems,
staffing shortages, and
obtaining permits], with
dredge assembly to begin ~
November, 2011 at E1.
Meeting held with Carlsbad City Manager, Lisa
Hildabrand and Assistant City Manager John
Coates to discuss the issue and concerns
February 23, 2011
Meeting held with City of Carlsbad Parks &
Recreation Director, Chris Hazeltine & Steve
Jantz, Lagoons Liaison
April 5, 2011
Lagoon Dredge by California Department of Fish
and Wildlife (CDFW) conducted and completed in
February 2012. The target was removal of ~
118,000 cubic yards of sand. Unfortunately, less
than 114,000 cubic yards of sand was removed,
February 2012
8
with significant channel restriction remaining that
is inhibiting tidal flushing. Because of the dredge
expense, the lagoon maintenance trust fund
principle was tapped resulting in less trust fund
interest being earned needed to keep the fund
solvent.
Plans prepared, strategies defined, and meeting
scheduled with the BLF, CDFW and the City of
Carlsbad with the objective of obtaining funding
release for management plan development and
ongoing management and monitoring of the
BLER.
December 2014 through
June 2015
[Could not schedule with
CDFW]
Plans and permitting for another lagoon dredge
are being prepared by CDFW, with an expected
dredge target of ~ 118,000 cubic yards of sand
being removed. High priority is expected to be
given to removing sand that is currently restricting
the channel in the western and middle basins.
Funding support from SANDAG is expected.
September 2015 – March
2016
Canceled – CDFW had
funding (SANDAG decided
not to help with funding) and
Timing issues
Planning is underway for a maintenance dredge in
the fall of 2017 following the end of the nesting
season.
September 2017 – March
2018
The BLF is currently working with the CDFW and the City of Carlsbad on a strategy for
updating the management plan strategy for the BLER and then schedule meetings with
the City of Carlsbad to work towards releasing the held-back funding. We expect to
begin these discussions leading to a decision to release the funding during the winter
and spring 2016-2017 timeframe.
Task 3.0 Maintenance Activities
Through careful project management, the BLF has leveraged the maintenance
funding portion of the grant. This translates into more years of support for
invasive plant removal, restoration, trail maintenance, and associated
maintenance activities
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation volunteers continued work including: invasive
plant removal; restoration; trail maintenance; and various maintenance activities
in support of California Department of Fish and Wildlife associated with the
Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve.
Replaced frayed rope fencing along the North Shore Trail.
Installed water diverters to correct erosion problem along the Kumeyaay Trail.
9
Removed invasive plant material (e.g., Tamarisk, Arundo Donax, Castor Bean,
Fennel, and Wild Radish).
Continued the expansion of our public volunteer base for invasive plant removal,
restoration and trail maintenance by offering regular work opportunities on the 1st
and 3rd Saturday’s of every month, 12 months per year. Our program is very well
attended by families, high school students and students from local colleges and
universities.
Formulated and conducted a major Eucalyptus tree trimming/removal effort to
improve public safety along the trail. Working in concert with CDFW and Aviara
Master [Homeowners] Association, CEQA requirements were met and removal
authority was given. Over 70 trees were identified. The first phase of the project
was successfully completed, with Phase 2 still pending.
Significant work by volunteers resulted in a number of trail improvements,
invasive plant removal, brush removal, and trail drainage improvements. Over a
mile of rope fencing was replaced.
A major legal issue with the Aviara Master (Homeowners) Association has
impacted our trail maintenance, restoration and volunteer work on portions of the
North Shore Trail. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation General Council is actively
working on this issue and we expect to successfully resolve it by early 2015. The
issue concerns: the use of volunteers rather than contractors; the use of tools,
equipment and trail vehicles on the trail by volunteers; and volunteer liability
insurance coverage. Work on CDFW and Park Hyatt – Aviara properties is
unaffected, as is the BLF’s right-of-access to use the North Shore Trail. Note:
the BLF holds the trail and open space easement for Aviara’s property within and
adjacent to the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve. This easement was
passed to the BLF by the California Coastal Commission and was part of their
conditions for the Aviara Development Project Coastal Development Plan
approval.
The legal issue with Aviara Master (Homeowners) Association has been
successfully resolved (see previous bullet item).
Note: Project funding is being effectively managed and leveraged with our large base
of volunteers. A number of local businesses and church groups also routinely have
helped with needed equipment and materials. As a result, grant funding for
maintenance activities is expected to be available for use for additional years, now
projected to be through 2020.
1
November 15, 2016
Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Grant Project Status Summary 2
Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Trail Restoration Phase 2 Project Grant No. AGP
13-02, Agreement Pending (BLF Grant Class G-24)
Funding
Total Grant Award: $20,733. Grant Agreement AGP 13-02. First funding
installment [Full]: $20,733. Grant funding expenses to date: $41.77. Grant
balance remaining: $20,691.23. Total grant award funding remaining:
$20,691.23.
Budget and Disbursement Schedule
Updated Project Schedule
Task Estimated
Start
Actual
Start
Estimated
Completion
Actual
Completion
Completion
Milestones
1. 1. Project Start-up
and team
organization, and
detailed project
planning.
April 2016
April 2,
2016
May 2016
May 28,
2016
Project planning
was completed
and the project
was made an
integral part of
our regular
Weed-whacking
/ Trail
Maintenance
volunteer
program.
Date Funding
Requested
Requested
Amount
Date Funded Amount
Funded
Expenses
to Date
Disbursed
Balance
Remaining
Total
Grant
Balance
Remaining
Grant Award
Amount
March 8, 2016 $20,733 03/16/2016 $20,733 $41.77 $0 $20,691.23
2
2nd year planning
effort.
March 2017 April 2017
2. Site
assessment, initial
site clean-up,
implementation and
advanced
equipment /
materials
purchases.
April 2016 April 2,
2016
June 2016
May 21,
2016
Our initial site
assessment
was completed
and invasive
plants and trees
were identified.
The site
boundary was
staked out and
the recycled
water access
system was
surveyed.
3. Restoration area
preparation
including
invasive plant
and tree
trimming /
removal, and
area clean-up.
2nd effort.
April 2,
2016
March 2017
April 2,
2016
December
2016
May 2017
4. Restoration area
planting
2nd Planting
December
2016
September
2017
March
2017
November
2017
5. Maintenance /
weeding /
watering.
December
2016
April 2018
6. Project
monitoring, data
collection and
reporting.
January
2017
May 2018
Project Status
Request for initial [full] disbursement and agreement request submitted
March 8, 2016.
Receipt of agreement and execution occurred on March 16, 2016.
Site preparation work began on April 2, 2016 using our weed-
whacking/Trail Maintenance volunteer work crew. The work consisted of
3
clearing invasive plants, eucalyptus trees, as well as identifying invasive
palm trees for eventual removal. Accumulated ground debris was
removed. Removed eucalyptus tree limbs and trunks were cut into
manageable lengths for off-site removal. Chipping of branches and limbs
was also accomplished, with the chips used throughout the trail system.
Conducted a number of volunteer events from area and regional
businesses and organizations (e.g. REI, EI Lilly, and Solana Beach
Presbyterian Church).
More work is needed to further remove remaining eucalyptus limbs and
saplings. We also will be performing more green-waste removals over the
next few months.
We are now finalizing our planting pallet for restoration planting of native
trees and plants. We expect to place our first tree and plant order in late
November 2016.
Due to our new nature center project, we got behind schedule.
Status of Agricultural Mitigation Fee Grant 2016
(AGP 06-13 Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Trails Program)
Total Funding: $305,750.00
Milestone/Task Approximate Date of
Completion Approximate Cost Funding Spent to Date Distributed Funds
Remaining to be Spent
Phase 1
1.1 Removal of
invasive species and
other improvemenets
for Hubbs Trail
Completed $13,115.67 $13,115.67 $0.00
1.2 Discovery
Center/DFG Trail
Improvements
Completed $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $0.00
1.3 Ongoing
Maintenance Years 1-
5
Completed $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $0.00
PHASE 1 TOTALS $48,115.67 $48,115.67 $0.00
Milestone/Task Approximate Date of
Completion Approximate Cost Funding Spent to Date Distributed Funds
Remaining to be Spent
Phase 2
2.0 Trail System
Maintenance Years 5-
10 and Trail Advisor
Salary
Jun-17 $69,520.00 $55,934.50 $13,585.50
2.1 Kelly trail
Maintenance and
Improvements
Completed $1,560.34 $1,560.34 $0.00
2.2 Public Access
Easement
Maintenance and
Improvements
Apr-17 $16,500.00 $5,726.16 $10,773.84
2.3 Hubbs Trail
Maintenance and
improvements
Apr-17 $20,000.00 $4,336.71 $16,034.25
2.4 Discovery Center
Trail Maintenance and
Improvements
Apr-17 $16,000.00 $5,080.06 $10,919.94
PHASE 2 TOTALS $123,580.34 $72,637.77 $51,313.53
Total Funding Spent to Date: $204,677.43
Total Remaining Funding: $101,443.53
Undistributed Funding: $50,130.00
Total Funding Remaining to be Spent: $51,313.53
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trails and Identified Tasks Completed 2016:
2.0: Trail System Maintenance Years 5-10
Monitor Trails and Public Access Easements weekly.
Involved community in trail maintenance though monthly cleanup events and by creating
new volunteer Trail Captain Positions.
Worked with CDFW to identify threatening invasive species.
Worked with the city to identify possible sites for trail connection and construction.
2.2: Public Access Easement Maintenance and Improvements
Worked with CCC and Cade Easement (CDP 6-96-159) to allow installation of a trailhead
kiosk.
At the City’s request, retrofitted both trailheads of L&R easement (CDP 6-88-477) to meet
ADA compliance regulations.
Repaired Split Rail fence along L&R easement.
Updated regulatory signage on L&R easement to meet needs of AHLF and local
homeowners.
Applied for Costal Development Permit to allow repairs of a 40’ section of concrete sea-wall.
Repaired aforementioned seawall and installed preventative erosion control measures.
Cleared the trail of encroaching vegetation
Removed sections of invasive Algerian Sea Lavender (Limonium ramosissimum).
o Algerian Sea Lavender poses a serious threat to existing stands of pickleweed
(Salicornia spp.) and other nesting sites for coastal bird species.
Maintained previously planted native garden section near Cade easement trailhead.
Monitored 4 Open Space Easements for possible violations.
Milestone/Task Approximate Date of
Completion Approximate Cost Funding Spent to Date Distributed Funds
Remaining to be Spent
Phase 3
3.0 Trail Construction TBD $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
3.1 Discovery Center
Trail Construction Completed $83,923.99 $83,923.99 $0.00
PHASE 3 TOTALS $83,923.99 $83,923.99 $0.00
2.3 Hubbs Trail Maintenance and Improvements
Work with Carlsbad PD to prevent graffiti, campfires, and NCTD trespassing.
Installed trailhead kiosk with help from local Eagle Scout Program and the CCC.
Reinstalled 1000’ section of straw-wattles and other erosion control structures.
Installed new signage to keep hikers on the trail.
Added 4 new commemorative benches.
Improved pre-existing AHLF Trail Captain Program for better community engagement.
Acquired $7500 in outside funding for continued Hubbs Trail maintenance
2.4 Discovery Center Trail Maintenance and Improvements:
Removed sections of invasive Algerian Sea Lavender (Limonium ramosissimum).
Removed overgrowth on and adjacent to the trail following nesting season.
Reinforced existing trail edging.
Installed informational kiosk with help of CCC and local Eagle Scout Program.
Installed erosion control structures with help of volunteers.
3.1: Discovery Center Trail construction:
Further developed 4 educational nodes along the trail.
o Students learn about Carlsbad history, Native American history, and Community
factors that affect the environment in an outdoor setting.
Adapted pre-existing Discovery Center trail to connect with new section.
Retaining walls completed.
Curbing and edging completed.
Resurfaced area with stabilized DG to allow for permeability and minimal maintenance.
Cleared Bio-swale section of invasive plant species.
Installed “Arc-Dig” section for visitors to actively learn about the fossil record.
Added native vegetation to new trail and surrounding area.
Used area as a launching point for other community outreaches.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Trails and Work Tasks in Progress 2016:
Installation of kiosks on all trails and public access easements
Finish interpretive signage installation for new Discovery Center Trail.
Assessing possible encroachments on Abeledo easement.
Long-term management for Hubbs trail hillside.
o Assessing new techniques to protect the hillside. Including fencing, stabilized
planters, and community awareness.
Initial planning for an expansion to the Kelly trail.
Assessing possibility of a trail expansion to Cade, Gallagher, and Abeledo easements.
Carlsbad Ranch Company
Grant Update- Floral trade Center and Marketplace Project
October 25, 2016
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.
This is the third report submitted to the advisory committee on the project status
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.
The project, now named North 40 Urban Farm, was introduced on our website at
http://www.carlsbadnorth40.com.
The complexity of the project required multiple initiatives, 3 of which were supported by the grants
from the mitigation fund.
AGP 13-03—Orchard, Fields and Floral Trade Center Access
As reflected in the last report, this project has been completed and entry improvements are in place
with associated landscaping substantially matured ($600,000).
The completed work has made a significant difference in field operations.
AGP 13-04—Floral Trade Center Improvements
Although site grading has been initiated, issues related to financing overall site development and tenant
mix have led to an extended delay and an uncertain time frame to commence construction. We expect
to resolve the timing within 6 months. Given the delay, however, we may be proposing a modification to
the grant ($162,833.53) that would permit accommodation of onsite coolers for current cut flower
operations in a manner that will also support the wholesale distribution.
AGP 13-05—Orchards and Field Crop Installation and Development
As noted in the last report, crop installation and related field preparation and infrastructure began
shortly after the grant ($271,000) was confirmed.
The blueberry crops reached maturity early and we had significant production, a portion of
which was sold through farm stand distribution. We expect material commercial production
continuing and we are exploring vehicles for sale and distribution.
For the second year, a small harvest of hops was distributed to the prospective brewer
tenants who produced a limited run of North 40 beer, including one flavored with
blueberries. We continue to select for varieties that will succeed best in this location.
The more than 600 olive trees planted to date are thriving and a test harvest of fruit and
milling to olive oil has been completed.
The coffee planted last year suffered through the heavy windstorms earlier this year but
seem to have recovered. We expect fruit production within 2 years.
..
.
Additional Funding
Cultural and installation costs continue to be incurred and distribution of grant funds for 2015-16
($40,000) and 2016-17 ($55,000) required for the project will be requested to support the operation.
The grant support has been critical to the initiation of the project and we continue to be appreciative for
this funding.
Please let us know if you require further information.