HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-28; City Council; 17362; Use of Reallocated CDBG Fundsco co
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AB# 17,362 TITLE: APPROVAL OF THE USE OF REALLOCATED
MTG. 10/28/03 DEVELOP A LEARNING CENTER IN MODULAR FACILITIES
MADISON STREET AND TO COMPLETE THE DESIGN OF A
ON CITY-OWNED PROPERTY IN THE 3300 BLOCK OF
DEPT. LIB PERMANENT FUTURE LEARNING CENTER FACILITY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS TO
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 2003-288 directing staff to proceed with the
development of a temporary Learning Center to be placed on the City-owned Madison
Street properties using modular facilities, and to secure architectural services to design
concepts for a permanent Learning Center structure to be located either at the Harding
Center site or on the Madison Street site.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
On April 1, 2003, the City Council directed Library staff to find a new location for the Centro.
Since June 2002, the Centro has been located in a leased modular on the grounds of the
planned Pine Park. Direction also was given to locate the Centro in the same area where
this program has been based since 1991.
Library staff has analyzed possible sites, including a cooperative venture with Jefferson
School, vacant lots, houses for sale, and the use of City-owned properties in this area. After
a number of meetings with representatives from the Library, Recreation, Community
Development, and the City Manager, it was determined that the two most viable options for
the Centro, and for the use of the CDBG funds, would be the City-owned properties on
Madison Street adjacent to the planned Pine Park and the Harding Community Center site
(see attached maps in Exhibit 2). Library, Recreation, Housing and Redevelopment staff
and the City’s Economic Development Manager then met and analyzed these options.
There are several facts/assumptions that underlie the recommended action:
The Centro needs to be relocated from its current temporary site by January, 2005
due to the development of Pine Park.
The CDBG funds must be spent by April 1,2004.
In order to meet this deadline, solutions must be found that can be accomplished in a
relatively short time.
It is desirable to find a permanent location for the Centro, but another temporary
location may be necessary.
Library staff has developed, over the past year, a proposal for a Learning Center that
would include the Centro, the Adult Learning Program, a Homework Center, a
computer lab, and community meeting rooms.
CDBG funds can be used for the Learning Center.
The Library Foundation supports the concept of a Learning Center and is interested in
raising funds for its development.
The recommended action addresses the need to move the Centro as a two-step process:
an interim location and a permanent location. In addition, the staff recommendation
proposes the establishment of a Learning Center that would include the Centro.
PAGE 2 OF AGENDA BILL NO. 17,362
MADISON STREET PROPERTIES
Staff has identified two City-owned properties on Madison Street that could accommodate
either the Centro alone, or the Learning Center. Madison A is a 7,000 square foot lot on
the corner at Chestnut that is only large enough to house a single modular. Madison B is a
multiple lot site of approximately 21,000 square feet, which is a possible component
(ornamental garden) of the future Pine Park.
MADISON A
Pros:
0 City-owned
No use plan in place
0 No interim use impacts on other City programs
0 Located outside the Village Redevelopment Area, so modulars are an approved use.
Cons:
0 Lack of parking.
0 Too small for Learning Center.
0 May be in the way of possible future park expansion.
0 Uses little of the CDBG funds.
0 Any future expansion limited by neighboring home.
MADISON B
Pros:
0 City-owned
0 Large enough to accommodate a Learning Center facility of approximately 7,600
square feet. Adequate parking could be addressed using Madison A.
0 Outside the Village Redevelopment Area, modulars an approved use.
0 No interim use impacts on other city programs.
0 Would save $25,000 per year on Adult Learning lease.
Cons:
0 May prevent park development on this site during the interim use period.
0 May not provide a permanent solution, depending upon park development.
HARDING COMMUNITY CENTER
This City complex is located on a 28,000 square foot site and has three components: a
central office space for Recreation staff and a meeting room (2,900 square feet), a
Recreation Hall (1,700 square feet), and an Auditorium (2,600 square feet). The entire
complex is old, not well designed for current uses, and is in need of major upgrades. The
option for this site is to remove all the buildings and to replace them with the Learning
Center, new meeting space, and Recreation office space.
17,362 PAGE 3 OF AGENDA BILL NO.
Pros:
0 Property is City-owned Buildings on the property need to be replaced.
A permanent site for the Learning Center.
Adequate parking is provided - City owned and agreement with Carlsbad Community
Church for use of its parking lot.
CDBG funds may be used to pay for demolition of existing buildings and to design the
Learning center.
0 If the complex is razed, a portion of the Recreation staff could be accommodated in
the former School District space at the Senior Center.
Cons:
0 No funds are currently available to construct the Learning Center, at a cost of
approximately $3.5 million, on this site.
0 CDBG funds may only be used for the Learning Center, not for Recreation needs.
0 When the complex is razed, there will be major impacts on Recreation for their
meeting and program space needs at this heavily used site.
OTHER OPTIONS
The Centro could be moved to a temporary site across the street from the Harding
Community Center on the City-owned parking lot, or to the now vacant parking area
formerly used by the School District at the Senior Center. Either of these options only
provides a temporary location, and do not accommodate the Learning Center.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Operating costs are not projected to increase significantly with the Centro in a modular or
with the Learning Center in a larger modular complex. If Adult Learning is moved from its
currently leased space into the Learning Center, there would be a permanent savings of
$25,000 per year in lease costs.
The $766,000 of CDBG funds are adequate to accomplish the following:
0 Purchase, setup, and configuration of modulars for the Learning Center ($280,000)
0 Design of the permanent Learning Center (estimated at $300,000)
0 Furniture, fixtures and equipment ($100,000)
The bigger issue is the funding needed to build a permanent Learning Center after the
CDBG funds take care of interim arrangements and design of the permanent Learning
Center.
Construction of the Learning Center, based on a conceptual plan of about 12,000 square
feet, is estimated to cost approximately $3.5 million.
Unless space can be provided elsewhere, Recreation will need replacement meeting space
as well as offices for staff for adult sports programs and ball field maintenance.
PAGE 4 OF AGENDA BILL NO. 17,362
Although money is not currently available to construct a permanent Learning Center, the
Library Foundation is planning to launch a capital campaign to help raise the necessary
funds. Such a campaign will be contingent on City Council approval of the permanent
Learning Center concept.
EXHIBITS:
1. Resolution No. 2003-288 directing staff to proceed with the
development of a Learning Center to be placed on the City-owner Madison Street properties
using modular facilities, and to secure architectural services to design concepts for a
permanent Learning Center structure to be located either at the Harding Center site or on
the Madison Street site.
2. Maps of Madison Street properties and Harding Center site.
CONTACT PERSON: Cliff Lange - 602-201 0 - clanq@ci.carlsbad.ca.us
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RESOLUTION NO. 2003-288
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING STAFF TO USE REALLOCATED
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS TO DEVELOP A
TEMPORARY LEARNING CENTER AND MODULAR FACILITIES AND
TO DESIGN A PERMANENT LEARNING CENTER AT A LOCATION TO
BE DETERMINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, the City Council on April 1, 2003 directed the Library to use $766,000
in reallocated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to relocate the Centro
program; and
WHEREAS, the Centro needs to be relocated in early 2005 from its current
temporary location on the grounds of the future Pine Park; and
WHEREAS, the Library and the Library Foundation have developed a concept to
nclude the Centro in a future Learning Center that would also include the Adult Learning
Program, a Homework Center, a computer lab, and community meeting rooms; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and an approved use of the CDBG funds to create a
:emporary Learning Center and to begin the process for a permanent Learning Center at a
ocation to be determined by the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
zarlsbad, California, as follows:
1.
2.
That the above recitations are true and correct;
That the City Manager is authorized to proceed with the processing and permitting
if the development of a temporary Learning Center to be placed on the City-owned Madison
Street B Properties as shown on attached Exhibit No. 2, using modular facilities and to proceed
vith the process to obtain architectural services as needed for preliminary design concepts for a
iermanent Learning Center at a location to be determined by the City Council.
3. The City Manager is further directed to use reallocated CDBG funds to complete
he process for the relocation of the Centro and Adult Learning to modular facilities on said
roperty by April 2004 or such other date as authorized under the Federal rules applicable to the
ZDBG program.
4. That the Library is directed to use reallocated CDBG funds to complete the process
or relocation of the Centro and Adult Learning to modular facilities on City-owned Madison Street
.ot B by April 2004.
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Carlsbad City Council
held on the 28th day of October , 2003 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Finnila, Kulchin and Packard
NOES: Council Hembers Lewis and Hall
n ATTEST
Page 2 OF 2 of Resolution No. 2003-288
(SEAL)
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EXHIBIT #2
I COM M u N I TV 1
MAYOR LEWIS AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
CITY OF CARLSBAD
1200 CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE
CARLSBAD, CA 92008
DEAR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS,
IAM WRITING TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN OVER THE PROPOSED
RELOCATION SITE OF THE CENTRO DE INFORMACION AND THE LEARNING
PROGRAM TO CITY OWN PROPERTIES ON MADISON STREET AND CHESTNUT
AVENUE.
THE HONEST TRUTH IS THAT THESE TRAILERS DO NOT BELONG OR
SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE RELOCATED TO THESE LOCATIONS BECAUSE WE
ARE A LONG AND PROUD EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD WITH RESIDENTS THAT
HAVE OWN THEIR HOMES SINCE THE 1930's WE ARE PROUD OF OUR HOMES
OUR COMMITMENT TO EACH OTHER. NEIGHBOR WATCHING OUT FOR NEIGHBOR
NOTIFYING EACH OTHER OF UNUSUAL ACTIVITY.
WE HAVE NEVER OBJECTED TO THE TRAILERS WHEN THEY WERE AT
PINE SCHOOL NOW OR WHEN LA PALMA HIGH SCHOOL WAS THERE. BUT NOW
"CITY STAFF" WANTS TO ACTUALLY PLACE THEM IN OUR "FRONT YARDS"
THIS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
FQEASE RECALL THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU GAVE "CITY STAFF" ORIGINALLY
THAT THEY WERE TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE NEIGHBORS IN THE IMMEDIATE
ARE, THAT MEANS US.
ALTERNATIVES; LEAVE THEM WHERE THEY ARE.PUT THEM (THE PROGRAMS)
WHERETHEY ACTUALLY BELONG AT THE CITY LIBRARY AND NOT SEGREGATED OR
WHERE THE TRAILERS WERE FOR THE DRAINAGE PROJECT AT THE CORNER OF
MADISON AND OAK TO MY KNOWLEAGE NO 0N.g OBJECTED.
(BOTTOM LINE NOT IN MY FPONT YARD)
I
REGEECTFULLY
October 22, 2003
Mayor Claude Lewis
City of Carlsbad
I200 Carlsbad village Drive
Carlsbad. California 92008
Dear Mr. Mayor,
I am writing to express my concerns over the proposed relocation site of the
Centro de Informacih.
Chestnut Avenue, a once Quiet neighborhood road, is already experiencing an
increased number of cars racing up and down without regard to residents. The
increased traffic that would naturally accompany a public library would create an
increased risk to the families who call Chestnut home; the children who play in
theiryards and the seniors who get their much needed exercise by walking on
the street that they have lived on in many cases for 30years or more.
As a homeowner on Chestnut Avenue I am also concerned about problem of
litter. Although I am all for progress, I don’t believe it is necessary to disrupt the
serenity of a long-standing neighborhood in order to move forward.
For these reasons I am asking thatyou preserve our Quiet little street and
consider an alternate, more appropriate location for the Centro de Informacibn.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sin erely, A&
ADAM GONZALES
Home Owner
735 Chestnut Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
October 28, 2003
To: Mayor Lewis and the City Council
Re: Relocation of The Centro de Informacion
This letter is in opposition to the relocatibn of the Centro de
inforrnacion to my front yard at 3367 Madison Street.
As a Fifty year resident at the same address I must voice my
opinion of disbelief and anger as to what City Staff is trying
to place in my neighborhood. The homeowners in this neighborhood
are the original homeowners that help build the great City of
Carlsbad and by allowing City Staff to relocate these trailers
to house Centro into our neighborhood next to our homes would be like a slap in the face, we would see it as offensive and
degrading.
If you recall when the city purchased these properties City Staff
was instructed to be "SENSITIVE" to the immediate neighbors as
to what was to be placed in the properties. In my opinion
portable trailers are not being "SENSITIVE" and they do not
compliment the neighborhood.
Place the Centro where it really belongs at the Carlsbad City
Library. The Centro should have never been allowed to be
segregated from the city library. It's time for the citizens
of Carlsbad to be united and not segregated anymore. Enough is
Enough.
Respectfully,
Virginia H. Martinez
3367 Madison Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-7294 478
October 28,2003
To: Mayor Lewis and the City Council
Re: Centro de Informacion
As long time residents of this great City of Carlsbad, we are extremely disappointed in
the possible direction and decision the City Council may take in placing the Centro de
Informacion building on Madison Street. We have lived at 3323 Madison Street since
1941 and we just cannot imagine the Centro de Informacion being placed across the street
from our residence. By doing this, you will change the livelihood of our neighborhood by
placing a high volume traffic business on to our street which will bring many strangers in
to our neighborhood. This increase of strangers in our neighborhood will lead to an
increase in potential harm or danger for our children. This is not acceptable. We do not
believe that members of the Council would agree to or enjoy having such a business
directly in front of their home.
We suggest that you relocated the Centro to the Carlsbad City Library, where it should be
placed. We do not believe the Centro De Informacion should be segregated from the
regular library, nor do we have any idea as to why it currently is segregated from the
regular library. The distance between the potential location on Madison Street and the
Carlsbad Library is only a short walk and can easily be traveled by those that frequent the
Centro.
This neighborhood still houses many longtime original families and the Centro will
change the tranquility that we as owners have had for years, by making a decision like
this you will disrupt the peace and harmony of our neighborhood. We are certain that if
you continue with your plans to place the Centro on Madison street, it will not be moved
in the 2 year time frame that you have allowed and will only become an item on your “to-
do” agenda. This area is our residence and you are planning to take that away from us by
placing a commercial building directly in front of our home. We absolutely oppose the
Centro de Informacion being place on our street. We are confident that the Council will
hear our plea and those of others who live here and place the Centro elsewhere.
Alfonso and Crespina Senteno
760-729- 1833
Date: 10/23/03
City Counsel Chambers
City of Carlsbad
Carlsbad, Ca.
Re: Safety Concerns for Carlsbad Residents
Dear Honorable City Counsel Members:
We own the property at 3408 Madison Street and 735 Chestnut Avenue, in the
City of Carlsbad and have for quite some time.
As you are aware the City has been purchasing various properties in this general
area in support of the Carlsbad School District. Some of the houses that were
recently destroyed in this area, were supposed to be replaced by a Rose Garden
type park. We now understand that a portable building will be installed
containing a community Mexican Library. While we do not object to the Library
itself, we do have issues with the location where the city has decided to put this
Building. Our main concerns and objections are increased traffic flow and activity
in the area, plus creating a "hangout" for teenagers and all of the concerns that
go with Kids grouping together.
An additional request is that the Carlsbad Police Department patrol more
frequently on Chestnut Avenue, specifically between the 5 Freeway to the
Railroad tracks during weekday afternoons, as teens coming home from school
often race at high speeds down this street causing danger to younger children in
the community who are also coming home from school or playing.
In any case regarding the Mexican Library issue, it is respectfully requested that
an open hearing be arranged by the counsel, prior to installing this portable
building iri the area, so residents in the adjacent areas can be heard on the
matter.
Thank you for your courtesy and cooperation.
Martha Gonzales-S herman
LEARNING CENTERLEARNING CENTERPROPOSALPROPOSAL••Centro de Centro de InformacionInformacion••Adult Learning ProgramAdult Learning Program
BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground••Centro needs to be Centro needs to be relocated by January relocated by January 2005 due to 2005 due to development of Pine development of Pine ParkPark••City Council City Council reallocated $766,000 reallocated $766,000 of CDBG funds to of CDBG funds to support this movesupport this move
Learning Center Learning Center ConceptConcept••Library staff have Library staff have developed the concept developed the concept of a Learning Centerof a Learning Center••Learning Center will Learning Center will combine the Centro combine the Centro and Adult Learning and Adult Learning Program in one Program in one locationlocation
•Learning Center continues to provide Learning Center continues to provide best of both services best of both services ••Learning Center services include:Learning Center services include:ooTutoringTutoringooHomework centerHomework centerooFamily literacyFamily literacyooComputersComputersooMeeting roomsMeeting roomsooGeneral libraryGeneral libraryservicesservicesooBilingual resources Bilingual resources
Location OptionsLocation OptionsMadison Properties Harding Site
••Centro could be moved Centro could be moved to parking lot at Senior to parking lot at Senior Center formerly used by Center formerly used by Carlsbad Unified School Carlsbad Unified School DistrictDistrictOTHER OPTIONOTHER OPTION
OTHER OPTIONOTHER OPTION••Centro could be moved to Centro could be moved to parking lot across from parking lot across from Harding CenterHarding Center
OTHER OPTIONOTHER OPTION••Centro could be moved to Centro could be moved to Madison A propertyMadison A property
Fiscal ImpactFiscal Impact••CDBG funds can accomplish the followingCDBG funds can accomplish the followingooPurchase, setup, and configure Purchase, setup, and configure modulars modulars for Learning Center: $280,000for Learning Center: $280,000ooFurniture, fixtures, equipment: $100,000Furniture, fixtures, equipment: $100,000ooDesign permanent Learning Center: $300,000Design permanent Learning Center: $300,000ooTotal expenditure: $680,000Total expenditure: $680,000••Permanent Learning Center of 12,000 square feet would cost Permanent Learning Center of 12,000 square feet would cost approximately $3.5 million to constructapproximately $3.5 million to construct••No funds have been allocated for construction of permanent No funds have been allocated for construction of permanent Learning CenterLearning Center••Library Foundation may launch a capital campaign to help raise Library Foundation may launch a capital campaign to help raise funds for a permanent Learning Centerfunds for a permanent Learning Center••Annual savings of $25,000 in lease costs if Adult Learning Annual savings of $25,000 in lease costs if Adult Learning Program combined with Centro in Learning CenterProgram combined with Centro in Learning Center
RecommendationsRecommendations•Council approve the development of a Learning CenterCouncil approve the development of a Learning Center••Council direct staff to secure architectural services to Council direct staff to secure architectural services to design the Learning Centerdesign the Learning Center••Council direct staff to develop a temporary facility for Council direct staff to develop a temporary facility for the Learning Centerthe Learning Center••Council determine whether the permanent location of the Council determine whether the permanent location of the Learning Center should be on the Madison Street Learning Center should be on the Madison Street properties or on the Harding Center siteproperties or on the Harding Center site