HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-27; City Council; 20201; Flower Fields Appropriation of Grant FundsCITY OF CARLSBAD - AGENDA BILL
20.201AB#
MTG. 4/27/10
DEPT. CED
FLOWER FIELDS ALLOCATIONS
AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
DEPT.
CITY ATTORNEY
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council ADOPT Resolution No. 2010-087 . APPROVING three grant requests
from the Carltas Company, and City administrative charges for a total of $29,700 to provide aid
to the flower growing operations of the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, and AUTHORIZING
the appropriation of Flower Field grant funds.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
On June 30, 1997, the City entered into an agreement with the California Coastal Conservancy
to administer grants supporting floriculture research for the preservation of the "Flower Fields"
located on Carlsbad Ranch. On August 29, 1997, the City received a $935,000 grant from the
Conservancy and deposited it into an interest accruing special revenue account.
The agreement with the Conservancy stipulates which research projects may be funded.
These include: "species vitality, multiple cropping opportunities, soil variables and conditions,
climate, seed promulgation, and marketing analysis." The agreement also stipulates that the
amount of funds disbursed be limited to the amount of accrued interest to date not previously
expended or encumbered. At this time, the amount of accrued interest in the account is
approximately $33,825.
The City approved previous Flower Field grant requests on January 4, 2000, May 8, 2001,
December 16, 2003, September 28, 2004, December 20, 2005, February 2, 2007, February 26,
2008, and March 10, 2009. This current request is for $27,000, plus 10% ($2,700) for
administration costs totaling $29,700. The requested grants are for three key multi-year
projects conducted through the 2008-2009 growing season. The projects and the
corresponding grant requests are outlined in the table on the next page.
The grants request has 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.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Michele Masterson 760-602-4615 michele.masterson@carlsbadca.gov
FOR CITY CLERKS USE ONLY.
COUNCIL ACTION: APPROVED
DENIED
CONTINUED
WITHDRAWN
AMENDED
*Dn
Dn
CONTINUED TO DATE SPECIFIC
CONTINUED TO DATE UNKNOWN
RETURNED TO STAFF
OTHER -SEE MINUTES
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Page 2
"Flower Fields Grant Allocations and Appropriation of Funds"
Project
Name
Herbicide Trial
Seed Selection
Methyl Bromide
Alternatives
City
Administration
Fee
Project Description
• Several new herbicides were trialed in the Flower Fields this
past season targeting the clover weed
• Herbicide trial was highly successful and has tremendous
potential to lower weeding labor for the project.
• If successful in 2009-2010, the manufacturer intends to
pursue a special local need registration with the California
Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) on behalf of CB
Ranch Enterprises.
• The seed selection program focused on purity improvement
during the 2008-2009 season.
• Rows were shortened and separation curtains were
increased in height to ensure adequate wind flow through the
seed block to reduce the potential for cross pollination.
• The 2008-09 trial is what is considered one step away from
full implementation.
• The registered alternative was scaled up from micro plots into
a full scale production scheme spanning each of the planting
dates.
• The scaled up trial was successful however, there were some
yield and quality issues noted. Trials in 2009-2010 will be
directed at clarifying issues surrounding the variability of the
treatment.
• 10% of the grant request for City's administration of the
Flower Field fund and related grant requests.
TOTAL REQUEST:
Grant
Amount
$11,098
$2,775
$13,127
$2,700
$29,700
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Carltas Company is requesting $27,000 from the Flower Fields fund. Given the interest
accrual of the Flower Fields fund at this time (approximately $33,825), there are sufficient funds
to cover the combined grant requests ($27,000) as well as City of Carlsbad administrative costs
(10% of grant, or $2,700) for a total of $29,700.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The requested grants are for projects, which 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."
EXHIBITS:
1. City Council Resolution No. 2010-087
2. Flower Field Grant Request Letter, dated March 22, 2010.
1 RESOLUTION NO. 2010-087
2 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THREE GRANT
3 REQUESTS FROM THE CARLTAS COMPANY FOR RESEARCH
PROJECTS INTENDED TO ENSURE THE LONG-TERM
4 PRODUCTIVITY OF THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD
RANCH.
5 CASE NAME: FLOWER FIELDS GRANT ALLOCATIONS
6
WHEREAS, Carltas Company as property owner and on behalf of the "Flower
7
Fields" grower has filed a request for three grants for research conducted during the 2008-09
8
growing season; and
9
WHEREAS, the first grant request is for $11,098 for research conducted on new
10
herbicides targeting the clover weed; and
WHEREAS, the second grant request is for $2,775 for the seed selection
program; and
WHEREAS, the third grant request is for $13,127 for research conducted on14
alternatives to Methyl Bromide; and
WHEREAS, the City administration fee for all three grants is $2,700; and16
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed and recommends that each grant is consistent
with the purpose stipulated in the agreement between the City and the California Coastal18
Conservancy and with reasonable and customary costs associated with the scope of work
covered in each grant request; and
71 WHEREAS, the Planning Director has determined that the projects covered by
22 the grant requests are categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to §15301
2T (existing facilities); and
24 WHEREAS, there are sufficient funds in the special revenue fund to fund both of
25 the grants and the City's administrative costs.
26
27 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
2g Carlsbad, California, as follows:
3
1 1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2 2. That the Flower Fields Grants No. 1, 2, and 3 of 2010 are approved.
3. City Council authorizes the appropriation of $29,700 from the Flower
Fields Fund to pay for the grants ($27,000) and the City's administrative
5 costs ($2,700).
Condition:
7 1. Prior to the submittal of any future grant requests, the property owner/applicant shall
o submit a report to the Carlsbad Community and Economic Development Department
detailing how each project met the intended objectives.
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council
of the City of Carlsbad on the 27th day of April, 2010, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Council Members Kulchin, Hall, Packard and Blackburn.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Lewis
MS, Mayor
Ann J. Kulchin, Mayor Pro-Tern
ATTEST:
LORkAfNEC*
(SEAL)
Karen R. Kundtz. Assistant City Clerk
CITY OF CARLSBAD
MAR 2 5 2010
Community & Economic
Development Department
City of Carlsbad March 22, 2010
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Attn: Karen Y. Chen
2008-2009 Request for Flower Field Grant Funding
We request funding support for major research projects undertaken in 2008-2009.
Research Work Undertaken
Projects for which support is requested are (1) Tests of a series of new herbicides, (2) focused
seed selection, and (3) continuation of the tests and evaluation of fumigation alternatives to
Methyl Bromide.
While the aggregate of costs incurred exceeds funds we understand are available for grants, we
ask for approval for these projects and funding for approximately 30% of the costs for a total of
$27000 with the balance of costs to be borne by the Flower Fields.
1. Herbicide Trial (Grant Requested- $11098)
Several new herbicides were trialed in the Flower Fields in 2007-08. The initial study, done on an
early planting in the main block, indicated high potential against our target weed, clover, for one
post emergent material. This new material could be sprayed over the already germinated
ranunculus with little damage to the ranunculus crop itself yet selectively killed the clover weed.
Based on the success of these initial results a larger scale trial was initiated in the later plantings
of 2007-08 with the objective of refining the rate and timing of the herbicide application for
maximum weed control. In addition cut flower production and tuber viability were monitored.
This trial was highly successful and has tremendous potential to lower our weeding labor for the
project. The study was continued in 2008-09 and proved once again to be highly effective for
clover control in the fields. We did see slight effects on the ranunculus flowers that appeared to
be related to timing of the applications but expect these to be rectified in trials planned for 2009-
10. If successful in 2009-10 as expected the manufacturer intends to pursue a special local need
registration with the CDPR on our behalf.
Costs requested for grant funding for this trial area ($ 11098) are detailed on the attached
schedule and billings.
2. Seed Selection (Grant Requested-$2775)
The seed selection program started to go through a strong emphasis on purity improvement in
the 2008-09 season. In the 2006-07 season we started noticing a higher than normal percentage
of color mixtures in the main production blocks. During a review of processes in 2007-08 it was
determined that due to the limitations on land with the proper orientation at the site several
changes needed to be implemented. In 2008-09 rows were shortened and separation curtains
were increased in height. This was done to ensure adequate wind flow through the seed block
while at the same time reducing the potential for cross pollination.
5600 AVENIDA ENCINAS SUITE 100 CARLSBAD, CA 92008
TELEPHONE 760 930-9123 FAX 760 431-9020 www.theflowerfields.com
Costs requested for grant funding for this trial area ($2775) are reflected on the attached
schedule.
3. Methyl Bromide Alternatives (Grant Requested-$13127)
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.
A continuation of the work begun some years ago was undertaken in 2008-2009 in a 5 acre trial
area.
The 2008-09 trial is what is considered to be one step away from full implementation. In these
trials the most promising commercially available and registered alternative was scaled up from
micro plots into a full scale production scheme spanning each of our planting dates. The material
of choice was Inline (a Telone/Chloropicrin combination targeting nematodes and pathogens) that
was injected through the drip irrigation lines into preformed planting beds followed by a Vapam
injection again through the drip lines for weed control. The individual beds were covered with
plastic mulch prior to injection and left for 3-4 weeks until the crop was planted. The scaled up
trial was successful however there were some yield and quality issues noted. Trials in 2009-10
will be directed at clarifying issues surrounding the variability of the treatment.
Costs requested for grant funding for this trial area ($13127) are detailed on the attached
schedule.
Very Truly Yours,
CB Ranch Enterprises
Cc: Michael Mellano
7
Fiower Fields Research/Experimental
July/1/2008 to June/30/2009
Jul 08-Jun 09
Expenses:
Pesticides; Fertilizer
Planting Stock - Plugs
Wages & Salaries:
Weeding
Picking
Digging/Prep
Misc.
Payroll Taxes
Workers Compensation
Employee Benefits
Supplies
Gas & Oil
Equipment Leasing
Licenses & Taxes
Repair & Maint. General
Telephone
Misc. General
Utilities
Water
Outside Services
Management Fee
Rent
Interest Crop Year
Interest Bulb Cycle
Total Expenses:
Seed Hebicide Methyl Total
(430.01)
(5.72)
(138.71)
(452.92)
(183.93)
(395.61)
(106.23)
(63.83)
(5.69)
(90.75)
(60.05)
(71.88)
(8.75)
(42.55)
(6.37)
(72.37)
-
(257.88)
(87.96)
(251.35)
(6.05)
(35.94)
-
(1,720.03)
(22.87)
(554.83Jj
(1,811.70)
(735.71)
(1,582.421
(424.92)
(255.31)
(22,75)
(362,98)
(240.20)
(287.50)
(34.99)
(170.21)
(25.481
(289.50)
-
(1,031.531
(351.85)
(1,005,39)
(24.22)
(143.75)
-
(2,150.03)
(28.58)
(693.54)
(2,264.62)
(819.64)
(1,778.03)
(531.14)
(319.14)
(28.44)
(453.73)
(300.25)
(359.38)
(43.74)
(212.76)
(31.84)
(261.88)
345.33
(1,289.42)
(439.81)
(1,256.74)
(30.27)
(179.68)
-
(4,300.07)
(57.17)
(1,387.08)
(4,529.24)
(1,739.28)
_(3,756.06)
(1,062.29)
(638.28)
(56.89)
(907.45)
(600.50)
(718.75)
187.481
(425.52)
(63.69)
(623.75)
345.33
(2,578.83)
(879.61)
(2,513.48)
(60.55)
(359.36)
' -
(2,774.53) (11,098.13) (13,127.34) (27,000.00)
Flower Fields 08-09 P/L Page 1
All Receive
Lisa Hildabrand _ For ^^^^ f
CITY COUNCIL
Subject: FW: Flower field grants- AB item #3 ACM ^ PCM CA
Attachments: FlowerFieldsFundBalance.pdf Date4|3^ City Manager
Original Message
From: Karen Chen
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 7:12 PM
To: Lisa Hildabrand; Gary Barberio
Cc: Michele Masterson; Sandra Holder
Subject: RE: Flower field grants- AB item #3
Lisa,
The attached PDF should hopefully clear up how much is in the fund vs. the current available
balance for the grant. As Gary had stated, the $935,000 deposit made by the state in 1997 is
held in reserve to accrue interest. Thus, the current available balance for the grant is
$33,853.39.
Thanks,
Karen
Version: WB
Fiscal Year: 2010
Org Key: *
Obj Type: *
Object Description
BUDGET TO ACTUAL BY FUND
MONTH ENDING ON 6/30/2010
Budget Actual Encumbrance Balance Percent
FUND 170 FLOWER FIELDS FOUNDATION
ASSETS
1000 INVESTMENT IN POOLED CASH
1005 CASH-FAIR MARKET VALUE ADJSTMT
TOTAL ASSETS
0.00
0.00
0.00
968,853.39
0.00
0.00
0.00
(968,853.39)
0.00
0.00
0.00
968,853.39 0.00 (968,853.39)0.00
FUND BALANCE
3349 RESERVED FOR MISC
3350 UNRES-UNDESIG
TOTAL FUND BALANCE
0.00
0.00
0.00
935,000.00
29,376.07
964,376.07
0.00
0.00
(935,000.00)
(29,376.07)
0.00
0.00
0.00 (964,376.07)0.00
REVENUES
5300 INTEREST INCOME - POOLED CASH
5305 INTEREST-UNREALZD GAINS/LOSSES
TOTAL REVENUES
0.00
0.00
17,662.54
(13,185.22)
0.00
0.00
(17,662.54)
13,185.22
0.00
0.00
0.00 4,477.32 0.00 (4,477.32)0.00
COPY
Budget to Actual by Fund