HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-16; City Council; 21298; Community Garden at Calavera HillsCITY OF CARLSBAD-AGENDA BILL
AB#
MTG.
DEPT.
21.298
07/16/2013
P&R
PROVIDE DIRECTION TO ESTABLISH A
COMMUNITY GARDEN AT CALAVERA HILLS
COMMUNITY PARK, AND APPROVE A
DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE AND
OPERATIONAL MODEL.
DEPT. DIRECTOR
CITY ATTY.
CITY MGR.
RECOMMENDED AaiON:
Provide direction to establish a community garden at Calavera Hills Community Park, and approve Option
'C - The NewSmerdu Model as defined below, as the development, maintenance and operational model.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
Background
The city's existing Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden, established in 1984, has provided gardening
opportunities for plot holders for almost 30 years. Interest in additional community gardening
opportunities in Carlsbad has grown over the past several years, with the waiting list for a vacant plot at
the existing community garden currently averaging three years and one hundred residents.
At the workshop of May 15, 2012, Parks & Recreation staff provided the City Council with an update on
the operations ofthe existing Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden, and reported on the recent
increased interest in additional community gardens throughout the city. In addition, several residents
spoke in support of additional community gardens, including members of the Carlsbad Community
Gardens Collaborative (CCGC) - a local non-profit working to create a network of community gardens and
garden-sharing resources throughout the City of Carlsbad. The Council received information about
recent operational changes at the existing garden, and directed staff to pursue exploration of one new
community garden site with members of the CCGC, and then to return with options for the potential new
garden's development and operation. (Exhibit 1)
Shortly after the workshop, staff and members of the CCGC toured several city owned properties to
evaluate the feasibility of siting a new community garden. Staff and the CCGC subsequently agreed to
create a concept plan for a .5 acre community garden within the southeastern end of Calavera Hills
Community Park. (Exhibit 2)
The concept would be to utilize a small, under-utilized passive turf area within the southeastern end of
the park, which is not currently programmed by the Parks & Recreation Department. (Exhibit 3) The turf
area would be cleared for the development of a new community garden, which would consist of raised
planter beds for lease to individuals, as well as a community planter bed for growing produce and other
plants for public enjoyment or donation to local food kitchens, culinary classes, etc. The raised planter
beds would be separated by either decomposed granite or wood mulch pathways. (Exhibit 4)
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Chris Hazeltine 760-434-2887, Chris.Hazeltine(5)carlsbadca.gov
FOR CLERK USE.
COUNCIL ACTION: APPROVED • CONTINUED TO DATE SPECIFIC •
DENIED • CONTINUED TO DATE UNKNOWN •
CONTINUED • RETURNED TO STAFF •
WITHDRAWN • OTHER - SEE MINUTES •
AMENDED • REPORT RECEIVED •
z : r-^—
development of the site and return with a proposal
regarding development/management of future gardens,
Page 2
Other elements at this community garden would include composting bins, benches and a group picnic
area where educational classes on gardening and similar small gatherings could be held. The requisite
percentage of planter beds would have handicapped accessibility, and all planter beds would have
irrigation installed nearby. This new community garden would also include the construction of post and
rail perimeter fencing, and gates for control/maintenance access. (Exhibit 5)
In June, 2013, staff noticed residents within 600' of Calavera Hills Park of a community garden
informational meeting to be held at the park on July 8, 2013. (Exhibit 6) Staff held the meeting, which
was attended by area residents, as well as members ofthe Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden
Committee, and the CCGC. The concept of a new community garden was discussed, and the plan was
presented. Staff informed the area residents of the elements of the plan, and invited them to provide
input prior to this item being presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission July 15, 2013, and the
City Council on July 16, 2013. Of those in attendance at the Community Meeting, comments ranged from
neutral to very supportive of establishing a community garden at the subject location.
Options for the development, operation and maintenance of a new community garden
Should the Council determine that Calavera Hills Community Park is an acceptable site for a new
community garden, below are options for consideration ofthe garden's development and maintenance
and operations:
A. "Lease Agreement Model" - The City's contribution would be to provide the land and enter into a
low cost lease agreement with an acceptable organization (e.g. local non-profit) to develop, and
then be fully responsible for the administration, maintenance and operation ofthe garden. All
plans and specifications as well as the operational model would be approved by the City, but be
developed by the non-profit organization. There would be no development cost and no annual
cost to the City. There would instead be an annual savings of up to $5,000, as the City would no
longer be responsible for maintenance ofthe site in its current configuration.
Ideally, this is the recommended model for community garden development, maintenance and
operations. However, at this time staff is not aware of any organization that is willing to enter
into such a lease agreement for a community garden at Calavera Hills Community Park.
B. "Turn-Kev Model" - The City would develop the necessary plans, provide all construction and
improvements, and subsequently turn over the new community garden to an acceptable
organization (e.g., local non-profit) that would then be fully responsible for the administration,
maintenance and operation of the garden. An annual low cost lease agreement for the full site
would be entered into between the City and the organization. The cost estimate is $80,000 with
no annual on-going cost to the City. Annual savings of up to $5,000 is projected, as the City
would no longer be responsible for maintenance ofthe site.
C. "New Smerdu Model" - The City would create the plans, provide all construction and
improvements, establish a community garden committee from the plot holders to assist in the
administration, maintenance and operation of the garden. The cost estimate for development is
$80,000. There would be no increase to the annual administration, maintenance and operational
cost to the City, as the City currently spends approximately $5,000 annually to maintain the site.
Any additional ongoing costs associated with a new garden would be offset by the plot rental
fees, the efforts ofthe CCGC and the to be established garden committee.
FISCAL IMPACT:
A. "Lease Agreement Model" $0 for Development; Up to $5,000 Savings in M&O
B. "Turn Key Model" $80,000 for Development; Up to $5,000 Savings in M&O
C. "New Smerdu Model" $80,000 for Development; No Increase to Current M&O
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, this action does not constitute a "project" within the
meaning of CEQA in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment,
or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and therefore does not require
environmental review.
An amendment to the Calavera Hills Community Park Conditional Use Permit (CUP) would not be
required to allow an area of the park to be utilized for a community garden, based on Section
21.42.140(B) ofthe Carlsbad Municipal Code.
EXHIBITS:
1. Minutes of City Council Workshop held on May 15, 2012
2. Calavera Hills Community Park location map
3. Photo - Area of Calavera Hills Community Park under consideration for a new community garden
4. Photo - Examples of raised planter beds/ADA accessible planter beds
5. Community garden concept plan
6. Informational Meeting notice sent to residents within 600' of Calavera Hills Community Park
Exhibit 1
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING: CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
DATE: May 15,2012
TIME: 10:00 AM
PUCE: CITY ADMINISTRATION BUIIDING, ROOM 173A, 1635 FARADAY
The Mayor called the meeting to order on May 15,2012 at 10:00 a.m. Present: Hall, Kulchin, Packard,
Blackburn and Douglas.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Blackburn: No Report.
Kulchin: No Report.
Packard: No Report.
Douglas: No Report.
Hall: Mayor Hall noted that SANDAG will be holding hearings that may result in the reduction of tolls on
I-125.
Public Comment: Gretchen Ashton spoke about the difficulties in getting the Community Gardens
Presentation scheduled for Council review.
Presentation and Discussion of the goals addressing the Council's Strategic Focus Areas and the follow
up actions from the Council Planning Session held on January 17,2012.
Presenter Strategic Goals
Kathy Dodson, Economic Development Manager Create Quality Jobs in New Economy
Cynthia Haas, Deputy City Manager Sustainable Organization
Gary Barberio, Community & Economic Development Director Balancing Land Use with Change
Chris Hazeltine, Parks and Recreation Director Changing P&R Needs
Skip Hamman, Transportation Director Complete Streets
John Coates, Assistant City Manager Next Generation of Community Leaders
Greg Herman, Management Analyst Other Key Projects
Special Meeting Workshop, May 15,2012
Each goal was presented with details regarding description, start, completion, and status.
• Council concurred that the details regarding Citywide open space be presented in a clear,
publicized message.
• Council directed staff to develop a workshop regarding "Community Leadership Development"
and to return with data regarding City sponsorship/support of non-profit events.
Staff Update on Community Gardens in Carlsbad
Public Comment: Gretchen Ashton, Lisa Roop, Judy Jacobi, Patrice Smerdu, Christine Bevelaqua, Eric
Larsen, Ray Pearson, Diane Hollister and Mr. and Mrs. Eckfield all spoke in support ofthe City moving
forward on the establishment of more community gardens.
Mayor Hall called a recess at 11:56 a.m. and he and all Council Members returned at 12:05 p.m.
Chris Hazeltine, Director of Parks and Recreation gave the staff report.
• Council directed staff to move forward in the determination of potential sites for a Community
Garden/s.
The following documents were distributed for this item and are on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
• Pamphlet entitled Carlsbad Community Gardens.
• Memo from Council Secretary Kira Lindberg, to Council, dated May 14, 2012, with seven e-mails
stating support of Community Gardens.
• Power Point Presentation on "Update on Community Gardens" May 15, 2012, Director Chris
Hazeltine.
• Letter and Presentation from the Carlsbad Community Gardens Collaborative "Growing
Together to Create a Sustainable Carlsbad", May 8, 2012.
• Basic Elements of Carlsbad City Policy regarding Community Gardens, Garden News Highlights,
pictures/schematics of garden plots. May 15, 2012, provided by Helen and Richard Nielson-
Eckfield.
Presentation from Staff regarding the Building industry Association's (BIA) request to defer payment
of impact fees,
Gary Barberio, Director of Community and Economic Development, gave the presentation.
Public Comment: Borre Winckel, Gary Fellien, Jim Schimd, Dave Song, CW Stockwith, Scott Brusseau,
Lori Carpenter and Michel McSweeney spoke in favor of deferring payment of impact fees.
Page 2
Special Meeting Workshop, May 15, 2012
The following documents were distributed for this item and are on file in the Office ofthe City Clerk.
• Memo and Presentation by Gary Barberio, Director of Community and Economic Development,
"Deferral of Development Impact Fees" May 15, 2012 and "BIA Request to Defer Impact Fees"
March 7, 2012.
• Packet of Materials from BIA regarding Impact Fee Deferment.
• Council concurred to ask staff to return with data on each impact fee.
Discussion of Council Effectiveness.
Mayor Hall asked that Council consider the following guidelines regarding employee compensation on
the Regional Boards that they serve on: Pay for performance, salary surveys and fairness.
• Council agreed to consider these general guidelines.
Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
|. Wood, CMC
City Clerk
Page 3
&
J:'iRequests\R8cre3lion\40167S7
City of Carlsbad
CALAVERA HILLS COIVIIVIUNITY PARK
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1
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Examples- Typical Raised Garden Boxes
Example-Typical ADA Accessible
Container Garden
North
Legend
Stabilized Decomposed
Granite Surfacing
Wood Chip Pathways
Post- n- Rail Fencing
\A\C) Litter and Recycling
Receptacles
Community Garden Concept Plan
Calavera Hills Community Park
City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation
Park Planning Division
June 2013
Drawn by: L. Ketabian
The City of Carlsbad is working in partnership with the
Carlsbad Community Gardens Collaborative to explore
bringing a new community garden to a currently
underutilized piece of land at the south end of Calavera
Hills Community Park.
Community gardens are places where people can rent small
plots of land to plant, grow and harvest their own fruits and
vegetables, as well as other plants. They are also places where
school children and others can come learn about growing local
crops. This concept is in keeping with the City of Carlsbad
Parks & Recreation Department's mission of providing places
and activities that support a healthy active lifestyle for our
community.
We are inviting park neighbors to come learn about what is
being considered and provide input prior to the City Council
making a decision about this project.
Monday, juiy 8 « 6 to 7 p.m.
Calavera Hills Community Park
Community Center, Activity Room
If you are interested in this topic but are unable to attend the
meeting, please call Kyle Lancaster, parks superintendent, at
760-434-2941.
CITY OF
^ CARLSBAD
City of Carlsbad
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
www.carlsbadca.gov
Prsrt Std
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #1488
Carlsbad, CA
M Receive - Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Morgen Fry 'C .i CA CC
Subject: FW: Community Gardens
From: Ronda Ussery [mailto:rondausserv(q)amail.com1
Sent: Sunday, June 23, 2013 4:10 PM
To: Council Internet Email
Subject: Community Gardens
Dear Mayor Hall and City Council Members:
I'd like to strongly urge you to support and fund the development of the proposed Schoolhouse
Community Garden in Calavera Hills Park at your July 16, 2013 council session. Community gardens
are essential components ofa vibrant, healthy, and sustainable city. They are an important
recreational amenity which serves all segments ofthe population. Community gardens are a place for
intergenerational sharing and a great place to educate the community about fresh local food
production and the wonders of our beautiful natural environment.
I am aware that the City of Carlsbad's one public community garden, the Harold E. Smerdu
Community Garden now has a waiting list of 130 people, much higher than it was when you last
considered the issue of developing more gardens over a year ago (May 16, 2012 council meeting). It
is time that the city addresses the long standing desires of its residents and get to work at developing
more public community gardens.
I am also aware that the Carlsbad Community Gardens Collaborative has been awarded $16,000 to
support programming and help ensure the sustainability ofthe proposed garden through the
generous support ofthe Carlsbad Charitable Foundation. This award is additional evidence of
community support for more public gardens.
I respectfully request you support the proposed garden and approve funds for its immediate
construction. I am one of the lucky people who do have a garden at the Smerdu Community
Garden, it's such a joy to be able to garden and share my vegetables!
Best regards,
Ronda Ussery
760-672-6164
Ronda Ussery | Realtor
ERA Ranch & Sea Realty | 2963 Carlsbad Blvd. | Carlsbad, CA 92008
C: 760-672-6164 | rondausserv(5)gmail.com | DRE# 01325063
A Smarter Community | www.rondausserv.com
ERA ggjgSEA
REALTY
Oh, by the way'''... if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their
name and business number and I'll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
Morgen Fry
Subject: FW: Support for Community Gardens
From: Ellen McGrath-Thorpe [mailto:emcthorpe@qmail.com1
Sent: Sunday, July 14, 2013 5:18 PM
To: Council Internet Email
Cc: lisa@CarlsbadCommunityGardens.orq
Subject: Support for Community Gardens
AH Receive - Agenda Item # _L
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
ACM K/1CA_J^CC
DatejjJc^City Manager^^^
July 14, 2013
Dear Mayor Hall and City Council Members:
I strongly urge you to support and fund the development of the proposed Schoolhouse Community Garden in Calavera
Hills Park at your July 16, 2013 council session. As a resident of Rancho Carlsbad, I see the benefits of Community
Gardening every day. With the wonderful growing climate and willing people to do the work, the end result benefits them
in so many ways: physically they get the benefit of the physical activity and a healthier diet from their harvest and
psychologically they get the benefit of working with others for a common purpose. These Seniors have even extended
themselves to the Carlsbad Boys and Girls Club by providing them with land, seeds, plants and their expertize. Most ot
these children do not have access anywhere else to garden. That is a shame.
I am aware that the City of Carlsbad's one public community garden, the Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden now has
a waiting list of 130 people, much higher than it was when you last considered the issue of developing more gardens over
a year ago (May 16, 2012 council meeting).. They have waited long enough.
I am also aware that the Carlsbad Community Gardens Collaborative has been awarded $16,000 to support
programming and help ensure the sustainability of the proposed garden through the generous support of the Carlsbad
Charitable Foundation. This Group is really serious to go through a grant writing process and they represent the willing
hands and hearts that you need for Community Gardens.
Now you need to support the proposed garden and approve funds for its immediate construction. This is just another
way that you can help maintain Carlsbad's image as a "wonderful place to live."
Respectully,
Ellen McGrath-Thorpe
3358 Don Diablo Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92010
CITY OF CARLSBAD^
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Morgen Fry
Subject: FW: Support for new community garden in Carlsbad
From: Belinda Rachman fmailto:belindaesq@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 14, 2013 10:44 AM
To: Council Internet Email
Subject: Support for new community garden in Carlsbad
Dear Mayor Hall and City Council Members,
I know that you are voting on whether or not to support and fund the Schoolhouse Community Garden this
week and I urge you to all vote YESI There are many Carlsbad residents who don't have the yard space to grow
their own food and providing them with space to do so can mean the difference between healthy eating and
not. The existing community garden is such a joy to visit. It makes me happy to know that the city I live in
supports growing fresh fruit and vegis. There is such a long list of people who want growing space, any land
you dedicate to community gardens will be well used. I think that every neighborhood ofCarlsbad should have
such a space where old and young can gather to grow food together. Given that there is already a $16,000
grant for such a purpose, there really is no excuse not to move forward with this project.
Not only is my office in town, so is my home.
Office: 800 Grand Ave., Ste. AG-8
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Home: 1125 Chinquapin Ave.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
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Belinda Rachman, Esq,
Your Peaceful Divorce Expert
Divorce In A Day Mediation
Official Huffington Post blogger
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http;//www.divorce-inaday.com
Who do you know who is even thinking about getting a divorce? Have them look at my
website.
It is so important that parents work together instead of fighting each other.
Mediation is the perfect way to divorce. Litigation is expensive and the kids get caught
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I should know, I was one of those kids 4 0+ years ago!!!
Morgen Fry
Subject: FW: More Community Gardens Now
From: ncave(q)aol.com rmailto:ncaye(g)aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 14, 2013 10:48 AM
To: Council Internet Email
Subject: More Community Gardens Now
Dear Mayor Hall and City Council Members:
I strongly urge you to support and fund the development of the proposed Schoolhouse Community Garden in
Calavera Hills Park at your July i6, 2013 council session.
Richard Louv, author of The Mture Principle notes:
"The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who
develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with
the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need."
Community gardens can be said to bring a "future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families,
businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding ofthe transformative power of the natural
world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need."
Community gardens can be said to bring "a restorative power of nature—Its impact on our senses and intelligence;
on our physical, psychological, and spiritual health; and on the bonds of family, friendship, and the multispecies
community." (Louv).
In the 2009 "Envision Carisbad Public Opinion Visioning Survey Report", it states:
"Carlsbad residents were next asked in an open-ended format to identify the number one thing that the City of
Carlsbad could do to improve the City's natural environment. Among those who provided a response, the top
categories were "Preserve open space" (23%) and "Stop/ limit development" (20%)."
Creating a second Community Garden would improve our natural environment In both of these categories.
In researching the benefits of Community Gardens, I found several principles that many communities link with these
open spaces committed to public gardening:
Community Gardens are economically beneficial to local governance because:
(taken from the CommunityGarden.org website)
• Developing and maintaining garden space is less expensive than parkland area, In part because gardens
require little land and 80% of their cost is in labor (Saylor, 2005).
• Composting saves on land fill space, which saves the city and tax payers money
• Community gardens provide a piace to retreat from the noise and commotion of urban environments, they
attract people (including the 'creative class' ofthe new economy and small businesses).
• Community gardens have been shown to actually increase property values In the immediate vicinity where
they are located.
Community Gardens also provide "Pocket Parks":
. Community gardens add beauty to the community and heighten people's awareness and appreciation for
living things.
• A1995 Regional Plan Association poll of individuals nationwide found that the major components of a
satisfactory quality of life are safe streets and access to greenery and open spaces.
Community Gardens also provide opportunities for:
Exercise:
• Gardens can be areas for recreation and exercise. According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine,
the "creation of or enhanced access to places for physical activity combined with informational outreach"
produced a 48.4 percent increase in frequency of physical activity in addition to a 5.1 percent median
increase in aerobic capacity, reduced body fat, weight loss, improved flexibility and an Increase in perceived
energy (as referenced in Sherer, 2006).
• Improved Diets: Studies (like the one conducted by Lackey and Associates) have shown that community
gardeners and their children eat healthier, more nutrient rich diets than do non-gardening families (Bremer
et al, 2003, p.54).
• Eating locally produced food reduces asthma rates, because children are able to consume manageable
amounts of local pollen and develop immunities.
Community Gardens have been shown to create:
Urban Ecosystems
Gardens help to improve the health of the city ecosystem by:
• Filter rainwater and helping to keep lakes, rivers, and groundwater clean ("Plants and the micro-organisms
with which they symbiotically co-exist help to clean and filter water as it percolates through the soli").
• Reduce soil erosion and runoff, which lessens flooding and saves the dty money (Bremer et al, 2003, p.
50,56; Sherer, 2006; tpl, 2004).
• Restore oxygen to the air and help reduce air pollution (Chicago, 2003, p.14; Sherer, 2006)), through the gas
exchange systems of leaves and soils.
• By reducing the "heat island" effect, gardens lessen the need for air conditioning and lower electric bills
(Bremer et al, 2003, p. 50).
Other Benefits of Community Gardens can be:
Youth Education
• Community gardens can serve as an outdoor classroom where youth can learn valuable skills, like those
involving practical math, communication, responsibility and cooperation.
• They also provide the opportunity to learn about the importance of community, stewardship and
environmental responsibility.
Cultural Opportunities
A recent study found that compared to residents living near barren areas, those closer to green common spaces,
are more likely to use them and as a result more likely to interact with neighbors (Kuo et al,i998,p.26).
(hUp://wwwJgc,org/freepub
There are reams of studies that have unequivocalbly shown that the creation of Community Gardens can greatly
benefit the citizens of any community, and the local environment, as well.
Since we know that you, the Mayor and City Coundl Members, and the citizens of Carlsbad support the creation of
the Schoolhouse Community Garden, I would urge you to finalize your approval and expedite the groundbreaking of
this wonderful community treasure.
Forgive me for quoting Richard Louv again: "The Nature Principle is about the power of living in nature—not with it
but in It. We are entering the most creative period in history. The twenty-first century wiil be the century of human '
restoration in the natural world."
Respectfully,
Nancee Foglesong
2611 Via Masada
Carlsbad, CA 92010
FW: Support for More Community Gardens
From: Endesgn rmailto:endesqn{g)aQl.cQm]
Sent: Sunday, July 14, 2013 10:14 AM
To: Council Internet Email
Cc: lisaaCarlsbadCommunitvGardens.Qrg
Subject: Support for More Community Gardens
Dear Mayor Hall and City Council Members:
in
'a
I strongly urge you to support and fund the development ofthe proposed Schoolhouse Community Garden
Calavera Hills Park at your July 16, 2013 council session. Community gardens are essential components of .
vibrant, healthy and sustainable city They are an important recreational amenity which senses all segments ofthe
population. Community gardens are a place for intergenerational sharing and a great place to educate the
community about fresh local food production and the wonders of our beautiful natural environment
now I am aware that the City of Carisbad's one public community garden, the Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden
has a waiting list of 130 people, much higher than it was when you last considered the issue of developing more
gardens over a year ago (May 16, 2012 council meeting). It is time that the city addresses the long standing desires
of its residents and get to work at developing more public community gardens.
I am also aware thatthe Carisbad Community Gardens Collaborative has been awarded $16,000 to support
programming and help ensure the sustainability of the proposed garden through the generous support of the
Carisbad Charitable Foundation. This award is additional evidence of community support for more public gardens.
I respectfully request you support the proposed garden and approve funds for its immediate constmction.
Respectfully,
Ethel Nemetz
2212 Plaza Bonita, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Ethel B. Nemetz, ASID, NCIDQ
Prindpal
EN Design Assoc. Inc.
312-968-4790
endesqn@aol.com
Morgen Fry
Subject: FW: Support for More Community Gardens
AH Becei\^ - Agenda ttem # JL
For the Information of the:
CipCOUNCIL /
From: Greg Fall [mailto:qfalll7@qmail.coml KOutt^ CAi^CC ^
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2013 5:06 PM Date 71?^Citv Manager'^f^
To: Council Internet Email ^'
Cc: lisa@CarlsbadCommunityGardens.orq
Subject: Support for More Community Gardens
Dear Mayor Hall and City Coundl Members:
I strongly urge you to support and fund the development ofthe proposed Schoolhouse Community Garden in
Calavera Hills Park at your July 16, 2013 coundl session. Community gardens are essential components of a
vibrant, healthy, and sustainable city. They are an important recreational amenity which serves all segments ofthe
population. Community gardens are a place for intergenerational sharing and a great place to educate the
community about fresh local food production and the wonders of our beautiful natural environment.
I am aware thatthe City of Carlsbad's one public community garden, the Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden now
has a waiting list of 130 people (myself induded), much higher than it was when you last considered the issue of
developing more gardens over a year ago (May 16, 2012 council meeting). It is time that the city addresses the long
standing desires of its residents and get to work at developing more public community gardens.
I am also aware that the Carlsbad Community Gardens Collaborative has been awarded $16,000 to support
programming and help ensure the sustainability ofthe proposed garden through the generous support ofthe
Carlsbad Charitable Foundation. This award is additional evidence of community support for more public gardens.
I respectfully request you support the proposed garden and approve funds for its immediate construction.
Respectully,
Greg Fall
3430 Roosevelt Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(714)227-1997
gfall 17(gigmail.com
Carlsbad City Council
July 16, 2013
City of Carlsbaci Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden
Mid-year accomplishments
1. Hosted 698 3"* graders as part of Carlsbad's CityStuff program. Each
Child received a packet of sunflower seeds and each teacher received a
booklet of garden poems.
2. Assisted scouts from Carlsbad Girl Scout Troop 1157 in achieving
their Bronze Award.
3. Partnered with the City of Carlsbad and the Solana Center to host a
Master Composters Class.
4. Provided excess produce to Magnolia elementary school's new farm
stand. We plan to continue this support in the fall.
5. Held our second annual open house. Netaflm, a California drip
Irrigation producer, set up a demonstration garden to assist us In our
goal of water reduction.
6. Contracted with Diane Hollister, a Carlsbad Master Gardener, to
hold a free training class for the gardeners. Goal was to Increase
gardener success and educate on the use of organic practices.
7. Purchased and Installed numbered signs for each garden plot from
Signs-On-nme, a Carlsbad business. Helpful to the gardeners and city
staff if we need to refer a problem.
8. Purchased 50 garden poem booklets from the Carlsbad Community
Gardens Collaborative to support their efforts for additional community
gardens.
9. Purchased 55 t-shirts from Irma Rodriguez of Stitches Embroidery,
a small Carlsbad business. Our purchase helped her buy a larger
sewing machine which has grown her business.
10. Collecting about ten gallons of coffee grounds each week from
Carlsbad's French Cafe and Bakery to use in ours and Jefferson
Elementary school's compost bins. This has kept them out of the
landfill and helped reduce the bakery's carbon footprint.
11. A recycling program was started In mid-March to collect plastic
pots. So far, we have returned 263 pots to Armstrong Nursery for
recycling. This has helped reduce the trash at the garden and is good
for the environment.
Establishing a Community Garden at
Calavera Hills Community Park
Chris Hazeltine, Parks & Recreation Director
July 16, 2013
Community Gardens - Background
First garden established in
1984 at Laguna Drive
52 plots under annual lease
agreements
Fees & policies reviewed by
Council in FY 11-12 budget
Community Gardens – Background
Plot fees established:
$90 per yr./residents
$350 per yr./non-residents
Priority on waiting list given to residents
Limitation of one plot per household
Garden Committee formed for oversight
Community Gardens – 2012/13
Approximately 100 residents on
waiting list for a garden plot
In May 2012 Carlsbad Community
Gardens Collaborative (CCGC)
expressed interest to City Council
for expanding community
gardening opportunities
Community Gardens
Parks & Recreation and
CCGC visited several
city-owned sites for review
of the potential to support
a new community garden
Area at south east end of
Calavera Hills Community
Park was identified for
Council’s consideration
Area under
consideration
for
community
garden
Calavera Hills Community Park location
Community Gardens
Calavera Hills Community Park Location
Existing conditions – Looking West Existing conditions – Looking Southwest
Calavera Hills Park Community Garden – 12/13
Parks and Recreation and
CCGC collaborated to
provide a concept plan for a
second community garden
Concept utilizes raised
planter beds, rather than
individually fenced ground
plots (e.g., Smerdu Garden)
Calavera Hills Park Community Garden –Concept
Calavera Hills Park Community Garden
Concept Plan Features
26 raised planter beds
3 communal raised planter beds for educational purposes
Small selection of fruit trees to be shared by gardeners
Group picnic areas for school gardening classes
Perimeter fencing for garden site
Irrigation for each container
Calavera Hills Park Community Garden
Options for Development and Operation
A. “Lease Agreement Model”
City to enter into an annual lease agreement with an
acceptable organization ( e.g., local NPO )
Local NPO would create the concept and plans/specifications,
and provide all construction of the site
Upon garden completion, the local NPO is fully responsible for
the administration, maintenance and operations of the garden
Calavera Hills Park Community Garden
Options for Development and Operation
B. “Turn-Key Model”
City would create plans and provide all construction of the site
Upon completion – City turns over new community garden to
an acceptable organization (e.g., local NPO of gardeners)
Local NPO is fully responsible for the administration,
maintenance and operation of the garden
Annual lease agreement between the City and the local NPO
Calavera Hills Park Community Garden
Options for Development and Operation
C. “New Smerdu Model”
City would create plans and provide all construction of the site
Upon completion – City to set fees, assist in the administration
of planter bed leases, and oversee selection of a community
garden committee from the lessees
There would be no increase to the annual administration,
maintenance and operational cost to the City
Calavera Hills Park Community Garden
Fiscal Impact of Options
A.“Lease Agreement
Model”
$0 for Development; Up to $5,000
Savings in M&O
B. “Turn Key Model” $80,000 for Development; Up to
$5,000 Savings in M&O
C. “New Smerdu Model” $80,000 for Development; No
Increase to Current M&O
Option Fiscal Impact
Calavera Hills Park Community Garden
Recommended Action
Provide direction to establish a community garden at
Calavera Hills Community Park, and approve Option ‘C’ –
The Smerdu Model, as the development, maintenance
and operational model.
Comments and Questions