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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-01; Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Committee Ad Hoc; MinutesApproved 7/6/2009 CITY OF CARLSBAD AGRICULTURAL CONVERSION MITIGATION FEE AD HOC CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Monday, June 1, 2009 Faraday Center, Room 173A 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008 1. CALL TO ORDER: ACTION: Chairperson Larson called the meeting to order at 12:36 p.m. Committee Members Present: Jackie Stone, Hope Wrisley, Ken Alfrey, Richard Erhardt, Vice Chairperson Julie Baker, Chairperson Eric Larson Committee Members Absent: Irv Roston Staff Members Present: Minutes Clerk, Sabrina Michelson; Associate Planner, Kevin Pointer 2. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 6, 2009 MINUTES: ACTION: Committee member Hope Wrisley moved to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2009, Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Richard Erhardt and carried unanimously. 3. RECEIVE REPORT ON COUNCIL’S MODIFICATION TO COMMITTEE’S METHOD OF CARRYING OUT ITS DIRECTIVE: The Committee received a report from Mr. Pointer on the modifications recommended by the Committee at the preceding meeting and Council’s approval of modifications to the Method at the February 17, 2009 City Council meeting. 4. REPORT ON PROJECTS RECEIVING RECENT AGRICULTURAL CONVERSION MITIGATION FUND DISBURSEMENT: Page 2 The Committee received a report from Mr. Pointer on the status of the fund, including recent disbursement to grantees as well as the increased number of grantees from the 2006 grant solicitation process having completed their projects. 5. REPORT ON AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE. The Committee received a report from Mr. Pointer, stating $1.5 M of the allocated funds have been disbursed. There is a balance of approximately $876,000, which is available for disbursement to grantees of the 2009 solicitation process. 6. COMMITTEE REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED FOR FUNDING CONSIDERATION. A. USE OF FACILITATOR DURING COMMITTEE MEETINGS Eric Larson introduced Jim Boylan to the Committee and audience, explaining his role as a facilitator during the meeting. Jim Boylan briefed the Committee and audience on his qualifications and experience as a facilitator. B. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-01 (CARLSBAD FLOWER FIELDS ENHANCED ACCESS) The Committee posed questions to Flower Fields representative, Chris Calkins, about the long term viability of the flower fields, as well as questions requesting further explanation of the need for additional access to the fields. Chris Calkins explained that they were more or less obligated to remain an agricultural operation; that there are approximately 110,000-120,000 annual visitors to the fields who are currently competing for access through the factory outlet center parking area. Mr. Calkins provided a brief overview of their products available today and those offered in the past. C. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-02 (AQUACULTURE ENHANCEMENT) The Committee posed questions to Hubbs Sea Word Research Institute representative, Mark Drawbridge, related to the specific costs associated with the project, as well as those related to current and historical sources of funding. D. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-03 (BATIQUITOS LAGOON NORTH SHORE TRAIL) The Committee had no questions for the applicant for this project. E. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-04 (BATIQUITOS LAGOON WATER AND SEDIMENT TOXICITY ASSESSMENT) The Committee posed questions to Batiquitos Lagoon representative, Anne Spacie, primarily with respect to the toxicity assessment. Ms. Spacie advised the Committee that the lack of such a study has been delaying the completion of the previously funded monitoring and management plan and, while there will be an obligation for all of the local cities to combine their efforts as well as funding in restoration and development of a watershed management plan, this will not happen until 2019. This information was reiterated and clarified by Keith Bjorndal. E. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-05 (VEE’S VEGGIES – HYDROPONIC GREENHOUSE) Page 3 The Committee had no questions for this applicant. F. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-06 (CARLSBAD ECOTOURISM) The Committee had no questions for the applicant for this project. G. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-07 (AGUA HEDIONDA WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN-- WATERSHED COORDINATOR) The Committee posed questions to the applicant, Jim Strickland about whether the funding is proposed to only fund a position and requested clarification from Mr. Strickland as to whether he or someone else would fill that position. Mr. Strickland responded that the grant would only fund the position and that he is proposing to fill that position. H. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-08 (AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON BEACH RESTORATION) The Committee posed questions to the applicant’s representative, Jim Strickland, about the need for the grant funding, as there is also an HOA (Tu Casa) that should be maintaining the beach access. Mr. Strickland explained that there is dual ownership of the beach access between the HOA and the state. I. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-09 (AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON DISCOVERY CENTER IMPROVEMENTS) The Committee posed questions to Agua Hedionda Lagoon representative, Nikki Weaver, about the need for all of the improvements listed in relation to how frequently events at the center received 200 or more visitors at one time. Ms. Weaver explained they often do have that number of visitors because many of the schools bring busloads of children to visit the center throughout the school year. Ms. Weaver also stated it was her understanding that because of this frequent, large number of visitors they were no longer in compliance with the City’s building and fire codes; Mr. Pointer agreed to research the issue as to whether the building would be considered nonconforming and whether the center would have to be brought up to code independent of other proposed improvements. J. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-10 (COASTAL BLUFF RESTORATION– TAMARACK & FRAZEE) The Committee posed questions to State Parks representatives, Brian Ketterer and Darren Smith, about the need for the funds from the City and what will happen to the bluff if nothing is done. Both Mr. Ketterer and Mr. Smith stated their primary reason for applying has to do with the instability of the bluff due to erosion and how that relates to public safety as well as the public’s perception of state parks. Mr. Ketterer also explained that funding for similar work along the coastal bluff has previously been provided through a state grant. J. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-11 (BUENA VISTA CREEK WATERSHED INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) The Committee posed questions to Buena Vista Audubon Society representatives, Shannon Phaneuf and Andy Mauro, as to whether they would Page 4 be receiving funding from any other sources. Ms. Phaneuf and Mr. Mauro stated they have requested assistance from a number of other sources, however, at this time none have committed to any monies. Also, in an unofficial capacity, the Audubon Society may be able to offer some assistance. K. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-12 (BUENA VISTA AUDUBON NATURE CENTER IMPROVEMENTS) The Committee had no questions for the applicant for this project. L. DISCUSSION OF AGP 09-13 (RUDVALIS ORCHIDS GREENHOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT) The Committee posed questions to the applicant, Barbara Rudvalis, about whether she intended to continue operating the business in that location long term, what fees were included for the grant application preparation, and why there appeared to be a $10,000 difference between the figures they are submitting today compared to the original application. Ms. Rudvalis, with grant preparer Kasey Cinciarelli’s assistance, stated that she had every intention of remaining in business there long term, but needed to make the repairs to maintain a certain level of profitability; that there is a reasonable fee included in the totals for grant preparation; and that the difference in the figures from the original are the result of a quote combining the removal of the deteriorated roof and its replacement. Ms. Rudvalis stated she would be happy to accept the original amount requested and resubmit a quote from the contractors with those costs separated. M. COMMITTEE VOTES ON APPLICANTS TO CONTINUE IN PROCESS By consensus, the Committee determined that grant applications AGP 09-05 (Vee’s Veggie’s Hydroponic Greenhouse), AGP 09-06 (Ecotourism Carlsbad), AGP 09-07 (Agua Hedionda Watershed Management Plan-Watershed Coordinator), and AGP 09-08 (Agua Hedionda Lagoon Beach Restoration) do not meet minimum eligibility criteria necessary for award of funds. The Committee directed applicants for remaining/eligible projects to return to staff with information by June 10, 2009 with indication as to whether they can reduce project budgets and/or undertake a phased approach that would still result in successful implementation. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT The Committee received the following public comments: Anne Spacie, Batiquitos Lagoon representative, requested clarification on the Committee’s request for the next meeting. Barbara Rudvalis, owner of Rudvalis Orchids, provided information the Committee on the various uses for her products as well as the many donations made by her business on an annual basis. 8. POTENTIAL FUTURE MEETING DATES Page 5 By consensus, the Committee agreed to meet on June 15, 2009 to continue these discussions. 9. ADJOURN Chairperson Larson adjourned the meeting at 3:36 PM. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Sabrina Michelson, Minutes Clerk