HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-20; City Council; 18395; Flower Fields Grant Allocations\B# 18,395
ATG. 12/20/05
IEPT. PLN
CITY ATTY.
TITLE:
FLOWER FIELDS GRANT ALLOCATIONS AND
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
CITY MGR
Project Name
Fu m igation
Alternatives for Methyl Bromide
Seed Selection Project
tECOMMENDED ACTION:
Project Description
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0
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0 Continues successful on-going project.
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Methyl Bromide fumigation has been the most effective field treatment for ranunculas at the Flower Fields. However, California and the US have established a timeline to ban the use of
Methyl Bromide due to ozone layer concerns.
The need to develop a reasonably effective alternative is critical to the long-term survival of the crop. Isolated experiments have been undertaken in the past at the Flower Fields. The requested grant is for a focused and broad series of experiments conducted during 2004-2005, which included 8 variations of treatment over a 4-acre area.
The requested grant is for seed selection research conducted in a 2.5-acre area, which focused on color and multiple petal expression. Specific goals of the project are continued development of the piocotee colors.
Expect new varieties will be ready for market in the next 2 to 3 years.
Heavy losses in 2004-2005 from diseased bulb viability have substantially increased the importance of this project.
-hat the City Council ADOPT Resolution No. , APPROVING two grant requests
rom the Carltas Company, and City administrative charges for a total of $67,870 to provide aid to the
lower growing operations of the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, and AUTHORIZING the
ippropriation of Flower Field grant funds.
2005-383
TEM EXPLANATION:
In June 30, 1997, the City entered into an agreement with the California Coastal Conservancy to
idminister grants supporting floriculture research for the preservation of the “Flower Fields” located
)n the Carlsbad Ranch. On August 29, 1997, the City received a $935,000 grant from the
zonservancy and deposited it into an interest accruing special revenue account.
-he agreement with the Conservancy stipulates which research projects may be funded. These
wlude: “species vitality, multiple cropping opportunities, soil variables and conditions, climate, seed
romulgation, and marketing analysis”. The agreement also stipulates that the amount of funds
lisbursed be limited to the amount of accrued interest to date not previously expended or
mcumbered. At this time, the amount of accrued interest in the account is approximately $1 14,022.
-he City approved previous Flower Field grant requests on January 4, 2000, May 8, 2001 , December
6, 2003, and September 28, 2004. This current request is for $61,700, plus 10% ($6,170) for
idministration costs totaling $67,870. The requested grants are for two research projects conducted
luring the 2004-2005 growing season. The projects and the corresponding grant requests are
)Mined in the table below.
10% of the grant request for City’s administration of the Flower Field fund and related grant requests. Administration Fee
TOTAL REQUEST:
Grant
Amount
$32,450
$29,250
$6,170
The grant requests have been reviewed and found consistent with the objectives of the Coastal
Conservancy/City of Carlsbad agreement regarding the Flower Field funds. Project budgets were
reviewed and found to be reasonable for equipment, supplies, services performed, etc. The City
maintains financial accounts relating to the projects and receives written reports outlining how
projects met intended objectives.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
The requested grants are for projects that are exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section
15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which exempts
projects that consist of the “operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor
alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical
features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead
agency’s determination”.
FISCAL IMPACT:
These projects are requesting $61,700 from the Flower Fields fund. Given the interest accrual of the
Flower Fields fund at this time (approximately $114,022), there are sufficient funds to cover the
combined grant requests ($61,700) as well as City of Carlsbad administrative costs (10% of grant, or
$6,170) for a total of $67,870.
EXHIBITS:
1. City Council Resolution No. 2005383
2. Flower Field Grant Request Letter, dated November 1 , 2005
3. Flower Field Grant Report Letter, dated November 8, 2005.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Jennifer Jesser, (760) 602-4637, jjess@ci.carlsbad.ca.us
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E%L,\b‘,t \
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-383
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA APPROVING TWO GRANT
REQUESTS FROM THE CARLTAS COMPANY FOR RESEARCH
PRODUCTIVITY OF THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD
RANCH.
CASE NAME: FLOWER FIELDS GRANT ALLOCATIONS
PROJECTS INTENDED TO ENSURE THE LONG-TERM
WHEREAS, Carltas Company as property owner and on behalf of the “Flower
Fields” grower has filed a request for two grants for research conducted during the 2004-2005
growing season; and
WHEREAS, the first grant request is for $32,450 for research conducted on
effective alternatives to methyl bromide fumigation; and
WHEREAS, the second grant request is for $29,250 for research conducted on
seed selection for improvements to existing varieties and the development of two new varieties;
and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed and recommends that each grant is consistent
with the purpose stipulated in the agreement between the City and the California Coastal
Conservancy and with reasonable and customary costs associated with the scope of work
covered in each grant request; and
WHEREAS, the Planning director has determined that the projects covered by
the grant requests are categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to 515301
(existing facilities); and
WHEREAS, there are sufficient funds in the special revenue account to fund both
of the grants and the City’s administrative costs; and
WHEREAS, City Council authorizes the Finance Director to appropriate $67,870
to pay for the grants ($61,700) and the City’s administrative costs ($6,170).
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following:
1. That the foregoing recitations are true and correct.
2. That the Flower Fields Grants No. 1 and 2 of 2005 are approved.
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Condition:
1. Prior to the submittal of any future grant requests, the property owner/applicant shall
submit a report to the Carlsbad Planning Department detailing how each project met the
intended objectives.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 20th day of December , 2005, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Hall, Packard, Sigafoose
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Ku&
ATTEST:
(SEAL)
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EXHIBIT 2
November 1, 2005 8,
City of Carlsbad
Community Development
Attn: Jennifer Coon
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
RE: 2004-2005 Flower Field Grant Request
Dear Jennifer:
The purpose of this letter is to request support of $61,700 for two projects for the
2004-2005 growing season just completed. All projects were initiated in July
2004 and results of the projects are being evaluated with the bulb harvest now in
progress.
1. Fumigation Alternatives. A continuing project is the testing and
comparative work for the Methyl Bromide alternatives as a soil fumigant.
This work continues with the California Cut Flower Commission and the
University of California. We began the project in 2001-02 and will
continue it for a five year period. The repetition and experience over an
extended period is important because significant differences in the impact
on the soil and the plants show up over time more clearly than in a single
year test.
2. Seed Selection. Continuing support is also requested for the seed
selection area. The heavy losses in 2003-2005 from diseased bulb
viability has substantially increased the importance of this project.
While total costs slightly exceeded $61,700, the projects were undertaken with
an objective of less than $63,000 in support from the fund. Accordingly, the
enclosed request is for an aggregate of $61,700. Costs were generally
consistent with prior years.
The storm drainage to the crop in 2004-2005 reduced other experiments and will
require increased work in production issue which we will request for 2005-2006. A ; rist p e . Calkins
CB pres&? ch Enterprises
5600 AVENIDA ENCINAS SUITE 100 CARLSRAD. 92008
TELEPHONE 760 930-91 23 FAX 760 43 1-9020 'MrWW.tlTCfiomierfields.fc.om
Fumigation Alternatives for Methyl Bromide Project
Project Cost $33,458
Grant Request Amount: $32,450
Proiect Description:
Methyl Bromide fumigation has been the most effective pre-emergent field
treatment for ranunculus, reducing soil disease and pest problems without
affecting tuber development. Since the production of bulbs requires growth and
drying in the ground and thus prolonged exposure to soil borne pathogens, an
effective soil fumigant is very important.
California and the US have announced a timetable to ban the use of methyl
bromide because of ozone layer concerns.
Consequently identification of a reasonably effective alternative is critical to long
term survival of the crop.
Isolated experiments have been undertaken in the past. However this year a
focused and broad series of experiments have been undertaken for which
support is requested.
Eight variations of treatment with drip applied materials under plastic tarps have
been used in a 4 acre area of blocks 7:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
A water only control area
Intine (Telone and Chloropicrin)
Chloropricin only
Midas (iodomethane) and chloropricin
Vapam only
Vapam + #2
Vapam + #3
Vapam + ##4
Based on the most effective demonstrated treatments and delivery system, it is
anticipated that alternatives will be further focused next year.
Project Benefit:
Identification of a reasonably effective substitute for methyl bromide is critical to
long term survival of the crop in production. This project will focus on the
alternatives believed most likely to meet these objectives.
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Proiect Budaet:
In electing these experiments within the commercially grown crop, costs of
production were increased for the variety of treatments, maintenance of the area
and a loss of approximately 1/3 of the bulb production in these areas. The
control areas and certain of the treatment areas are expected to produce bulbs
with significant disease issues.
Additional weeding costs were anticipated and have been incurred and are
included in the labor costs. Consequently the project budget reflects the
following:
Pesticides
Wages & Salaries
Payroll Taxes
Workers Compensation
Employee Benefits
Supplies
Gas & Oil
Equipment Leasing
Licenses & Taxes
Repair & Maintenance-General
Telephone
Misc. General
Utilities
Water
Outside Services
Management Fee
$4,637
14,441
1,481
928
118
I ,306
735
792
130
558
178
936
19
2,221
1,299
3,564 - Rent 116
Total $33,459
Seed Selection Project
Project Cost: $29,278
Grant Request Amount: $29,250
Proiect Description:
This is a request for continuation of the seed selection project.
This year’s selection in a 2.5 acre area was continued focus on color and multiple
petal expression. Specific goals are continued development of the piocotee
colors.
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Proiect Budget:
Pesticides
Wages & Salaries
Payroll Taxes
Workers Compensation
Employee Benefits
Supplies
Gas & Oil
Equipment Leasing
Licenses & Taxes
Repair & Maintenance-General
Telephone
Misc. General
Utilities
Water
Outside Services
Management Fee
$4,057
12,636
1,296
812
103
1,143
643
693
114
488
156
81 9
16
1,944
1,137
3,119
Rent 102
Total $29,278
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EXHIBIT 3
November 8,2005
Community Development
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carisbad, CA 92008
Attn: Jennifer Jesser
RE: 2004-2005 Flower Field Grant Report
Dear Jennifer:
The purpose of this letter is to report on the current two projects for which funding has been
requested for the 2004-2005 growing season.
1. Seed Selection.
In addition to the continuing program directed at improvements of the existing lines we are
now into the 2nd year of selections for the development of two new varieties, WhitePink
Picottee & Gold/Red Picotee. Progress looks good and we expect that the new introductions
will be ready for market in the next two to three years. We are also into year two of the
selection process for the "dwarf" varieties and should be at a point to have marketable bulbs for
next season. Continuing work with standard varieties was of increased importance because of
large bulb inventory losses.
2. Fumigation Alternatives.
The methyl bromide trials this year were severely damaged by the extensive rains we had this
season. Several of the treatments were washed out and as a result the bulb yield data generated
is suspect. The final statistical analysis will be done soon and we should have a better
understanding of the extent of the damage at that point, We do however have bulbs from each
of the 150 treatmentlreps that were planted out and plan on doing bimonthly germination trials
over the course of the season. In addition, all bulbs will be screened for pathogen populations.
The support from the Flower Fields fund continues to be an important part of the effort to
maintain the economic viability of this unique program.
5600 hVrNIDA ENCINAS SUITE 100 CAKLSRAD, Cr! 92008
TELEPHONE 760 930-9123 FAX 760 43 1-9020 9'~~'Mi.ti:~fIDwerfields.com
The support from the Flower Fields fund continues to be an important part of the effort to
maintain the economic viability of this unique program.
Thank you for continuing to support the fields.
Very truly yours,
cc: M.A. Mellano
CarlsbadFlower FieldsGrant Allocations andAppropriation of Funds
BackgroundFlower Fields consist of approx. 53 acres within Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan (CRSP).
Creation of Grant Fund1993 -Approval of CRSP included a requirement to preserve the Flower Fields.1997 –CA Coastal Conservancy granted to the City the agricultural mitigation fees paid by CRSP ($935,000) to support the preservation of the Flower Fields.
Flower Field Grant FundsCity/Coastal Conservancy Agreement:City manage the $935,000 in a special revenue accountAmount of funds to be granted limited to amount of interest accrued Funds may be granted for research projects that aid in the preservation of the Flower Fields.
Flower Field GrantsCity approved 4 prior grant requests (1stgrant approved –Jan. 2000)Current grant request: $67,870(includes 10% city admin. costs)Current interest accrued in account: $114,000
Flower FieldResearch ProjectsGrant is requested to fund 2 research projectsFumigation alternatives for Methyl BromideSeed selection research to develop new varieties (focus on new colors and multiple petal expression)Projects are consistent with objectives/criteria of Agreement with Coastal ConservancyStaff recommends Council approve grant request