Agenda packet — Arroyo Grande City Council, March 28, 2023 (part 5 of 5)

COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
ATTACHMENT A: COVER SHEET
Organization/Agency Name:
(local branch)
Mailing Address:

City: State: Zip:

Physical Address:
(if different from Mailing Address)
City: State: Zip:

Fund Amount Requested: $
Previous Funds Received? □ Yes □ No If Yes, Year Received:

Amount Received:

Tax ID Number:

Has your organization been affected by COVID-19? □ Yes □ No Executive Director:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Grant Program Contact:
(if different from Executive Director)
Email Address:

Phone Number:

Program or Service Title:

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Luis Obispo County Inc. 75 Higuera Street, Suite 180
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
FY21-22
$5,000
Marina Bernheimer
Sarah DeYoung
General CASA Program Support
5,000
✔
✔

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
Brief description of the proposed program or service (50 words or less):

On October 12, 2021 City Council authorized $57,065 of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) received by the City to supplement the $25,000 budgeted for the FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23 Community Service Grant Programs.

To be awarded grant money from the ARPA funds, an eligible applicant needs to describe how the public health emergency negatively impacted their organization’s financial condition. Please include a thorough description of the negative impacts experienced by your organization as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and include documentation if possible.

Each CASA volunteer is that trusted, stable, and kind adult that every child needs and deserves, regardless of their challenges or behaviors. In 2022, our Program Team supported 174 volunteers assigned to 240 children in the foster care system in SLO County.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic's barriers and setbacks, CASA volunteers continued to support and advocate for their assigned children without interruption, and we transitioned the in-person component of our initial training to a Zoom format. Volunteer retention suffered somewhat, but the most significant impact of the pandemic to SLO CASA was a dramatic decline in private fundraising and the cancellation of five different in-person fundraising events since March 2020.

We were able to resume holding in-person fundraising events in May of 2022 and have made good progress in recouping lost income.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
ATTACHMENT B: PROGRAM/SERVICE INFORMATION
Organization Description (include summary of community services provided):

Mission Statement:

Program or Service Summary:

List Area(s) Served by the Organization:

Summary of Program/Service
CASA volunteers are trained to gather information and focus their advocacy (primarily in reports to the court) to cover the needs of the whole child, including placement, physical and mental health, education, permanency, and well-being. In 2022, all 174 volunteers received coaching and ongoing support from one of SLO CASA's Advocate Supervisors.

Other key activities for 2022 included recruiting, screening, training, and swearing in 50 new CASA volunteers, upgrading our Infant and Toddler program and Mentor program, delivering 14 "in-service" trainings provided by local service agency experts, and identifying additional training and support needed for volunteers who are serving especially high-risk children and youth.

CASA of San Luis Obispo County (SLO CASA) advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system. CASA recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers who advocate for this vulnerable population with the goal of ensuring that each and every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent home.

We are committed to providing a trained and competent CASA volunteer for every abused and neglected child in the foster care system in San Luis Obispo County who wants or needs one.

SLO CASA is accredited by the National CASA/GAL Association, and designated by the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, to serve all children and youth who are subject to the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Dependency Court in San Luis Obispo county and ordered to be placed in foster care. While the majority of children are placed with relatives or foster parents in communities within the county, a small percentage of children are placed outside of the county. Our volunteers almost exclusively live and work in the county, and in 2022, approximately 12% of them resided in Arroyo Grande.

Interviewing and Training New CASA Advocate Volunteers:

All of SLO CASA's child Advocates are volunteers; they are the foundation of our work to serve marginalized victims of child abuse and neglect.

Volunteers are required to attend an information session, submit a detailed application and three references, be fingerprinted and screened via an extensive background check, and interviewed by CASA staff. Only those who pass the interview and screening are admitted into one of our training classes.

Applicants who are admitted to one of our training classes are required to complete 40 hours of in-person and online training. A critical component of this training is learning how to use a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach when working with children and families in crisis.

When trainees have completed training, they are sworn in as officers of the SLO County dependency court and assigned to a child or sibling group. Under the supervision of their Advocate Supervisor, a CASA volunteer provides one-on-one support for children and youth throughout the life of their child welfare case.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
How is the program or service beneficial to Arroyo Grande residents? Number of Arroyo Grande Residents Served:
• Description:

How is local need for this program or service determined? Describe your organizational capacity to successfully carry out the proposed activities.

Number of Full Time Staff: Number of Part Time Staff:

Number of Volunteers:
• Description:

Approx. 40
As noted above, SLO CASA is accredited by the National CASA/GAL Association, and designated by the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, to serve all children and youth who are subject to the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Dependency Court in San Luis Obispo county and ordered to be placed in foster care. While the majority of children are placed with relatives or foster parents in communities within the county, a small percentage of children are placed outside of the county.

In 2022, our Program Team supported 174 volunteers assigned to 240 children in the foster care system in SLO County, approximately 15% of whom resided in Arroyo Grande. Our volunteers almost exclusively live and work in the county, and in 2022, approximately 12% of them resided in Arroyo Grande.

When trainees have completed training, they are sworn in as officers of the SLO County dependency court and assigned to a child or sibling group. Assignment is based on a number of considerations, including age, gender and geographical preferences. However, the needs of each individual child are the most important consideration.

While it has always been the case that a percentage of the children we serve have had special needs and required more intensive services, changes in state and federal law, as well as societal trends–such as the rise in opioid addiction and overdoses–have led to an increase in the number of high-risk children.
10 4
174
SLO CASA was founded in 1993 and has 30 years of experience recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers whose goal is to ensure that victims of child abuse and neglect grow up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent home. SLO CASA is an accredited member of the National CASA/GAL Association and recently passed an extensive National CASA/GAL assessment.

We are committed to providing a trained and competent volunteer for every abused and neglected child in the foster care system in SLO County who wants or needs one. For our staff, we have adopted a values statement that includes teamwork, integrity, a spirit of cooperation with community agencies, and a child-centered and child respectful approach to our mission. We are committed to creating an efficient and effective organization that is financially viable, professionally credible and visible, and reliably and consistently excellent. For our volunteers, we have identified eight building blocks that represent common skills that our strongest advocates share.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
ATTACHMENT C: SCOPE/WORK PLAN AND BUDGET WORKSHEET
Scope of Work or Work Plan
When completing this worksheet, refer to the following questions:

A. What are the objectives? What is the program or service aiming to accomplish? B. How will those goals be achieved, and in what timeframe? C. What is the evaluation methodology for measuring results? How can results be quantified and observed?
D. Results should be meaningful, measurable, and demonstrate the difference the proposed project makes, or is intended to make, in the lives of the people within the program or receiving the service.

E. Output results show the amount of work performed or services received.

F. Outcomes show the quality of the performance and answer the questions: who is better off by providing this program or service? What percentage of residents are assisted or are benefitting from this program or service?
Program/Service
Objectives:

Major Tasks to Complete
(to achieve associated goal) Timeline Evaluation Methodology 50 New CASA Volunteers in 2023 Recruit, screen and interview applicants 1/1/23 - 12/31/23 Interview and background checks passed Deliver 40 hours of initial training 1/1/23 - 12/31/23 Completion of all training requirements Swear in new volunteers as officers of the court 1/1/23 - 12/31/23 No "red flags"/ready to be assigned to case Assign to foster children and youth 1/1/23 - 12/31/23 Successful first 90 days in assignment

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
Program Service OUTPUTS:

Program Service OUTCOMES:

In 2022, we held 17 Information Sessions attended by 47 community members and interviewed 47 applicants. We trained 50 new CASA volunteers and assigned CASAs to 74 children. Our Program Team supported 174 volunteers assigned to 240 children in the foster care system in SLO County, approximately 15% of whom resided in Arroyo Grande.

For 2023, we are transitioning the in-person component of our initial training classes from a Zoom to a live, in-office format in order to better equip our new CASA volunteers and to provide a better sense of community. We have scheduled weekly information sessions and 4 initial training sessions for 2023, with the goal of again swearing in and supporting 50 new CASA volunteers who will be assigned to approximately 75 children in the foster care system in San Luis Obispo county.

As noted above, CASA volunteers are trained to gather information and focus their advocacy (primarily in reports to the court) to cover the needs of the whole child, including physical and mental health, education, permanency, and wellbeing. At a 2022 volunteer appreciation event, the Dependency Court judge for San Luis Obispo County, Judge Linda Hurst, thanked CASA volunteers for being her "eyes and ears." She told them she reads every one of their court reports and recognized how crucial their role is in helping her determine what is in the best interest of the children for whom she is responsible. "Lives have been changed because of you," she said.

Retention of trained, experienced, and competent volunteers is a top priority for SLO CASA.

After a case closes, CASA staff work with the volunteer to identify another child to be assigned to them. In 2021, volunteers stayed with our program for an average of 37 months.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
Budget Worksheet
Complete this Worksheet for the specified program or service.

PROGRAM/SERVICE PROPOSED EXPENSES
Line Item Proposed Cost Proposed Grant Funding
Amount
Administrative Salaries & Fees / Fiscal Agent Fees
Artistic Salaries & Fees
Other Salaries & Fees

1. 2.

Equipment
Supplies / Materials
Travel / Transportation
Promotion / Publicity
Other Expenses:

1. 2.

TOTALS:

PROGRAM/SERVICE PROPOSED INCOME
Cash Amount
Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Amount Requested
Other Funding Sources:

Other Public Grants
Private Foundations and Individual Contributions
Corporation Contributions
Concessions / Ticket Sales
Promotion Sales / Advertisements (Other Cash)
Other Funding Subtotal:

TOTALS:
$30,000 $4,500
($600/trainee) (15% of proposed cost)
$3,750 $500
($50/interviewee) (15% of proposed cost)
$33,750 $5,000
$5,000
50% of total agency budget
21% of total agency budget
6% of total agency budget
6% of total agency budget
N/A
$28,012.50
$33,012.50

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION
2022-23
ATTACHMENT D: DRAFT FUNDING AGREEMENT

THIS ARROYO GRANDE COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT FUNDS AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), is made and effective as of ____________, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), by and between the City of Arroyo Grande, a municipal corporation (“Grantor”), and the ___________________, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation (“Grantee”).

RECITALS
WHEREAS, Grantor has established the Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program to provide grant funding to local, non-profit 501c3 corporations that provide public service programs; and
WHEREAS, on _______________, 2023, the Arroyo Grande City Council held a public hearing to consider the applications for the Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program;
WHEREAS, Grantee is a local, non-profit 501c3 corporation that provides a public service program and was approved by the City Council for participation in the 2022-2023 Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. TERM
This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain and continue in effect until all requests for reimbursement described in Section 3 are processed, or unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.

2. SERVICES
(a) The Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program Application, attached hereto as “Exhibit A” and incorporated herein by this reference, identifies the description of community services to be performed by Grantee during the implementation of this Agreement. Grantee agrees that any funds received from Grantor may only be used to provide the community services set forth in Exhibit A. (b) Grantee agrees to the following requirements in administering the community services set forth in Exhibit A:
(1) Grantee will at all times during the duration of this Agreement operate as a non-profit 501c3 corporation in good standing;
(2) Provide services benefiting the City of Arroyo Grande; (3) Use funds provided by Grantor to directly provide a social service, educational, cultural, beautification or recreation program or project to Arroyo Grande residents and/or businesses;
DRAFT

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2 (4) Grantee will conduct or provide the community services itself rather than through a separate entity;
(5) Grantee will not restrict participants based upon race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability medical condition, or age; and
(6) Grantee will not use funds provided under this Agreement specifically for religious activities.

3. PAYMENT OF GRANT FUNDS
(a) Grantee must maintain receipts for expenditures made in furtherance of the community services provided for in Exhibit A. Grantee must also prepare and submit to the City a report describing the relationship between the expenditure and the tasks and activities identified in Exhibit A. This report and the receipts described herein shall be submitted to the City with each request for reimbursement. (b) Grantee is eligible for reimbursement for approved expenditures in an amount not to exceed a total of $________.
(c) All requests for reimbursement must be received by Grantor prior to June 30, 2023.

4. REIMBURSEMENT FOR IMPROPER EXPENDITURES
If at any time it is determined by Grantor that funds provided for under this Agreement have been used by or on behalf of Grantee in a manner or for a purpose not authorized by this Agreement, Grantee hereby obligates itself, at the Grantor’s request, to pay to the Grantor an amount equal to one hundred percent of the amount improperly expended. This obligation shall survive termination of this Agreement.

5. STATUS
Nothing in this Agreement is intended nor shall be construed to create an employer-employee relationship or a joint venture relationship between Grantor and Grantee. Neither Grantee nor any of Grantee’s agents, employees or contractors are or shall be considered to be agents or employees of Grantor in connection with the performance of Grantee’s obligations under this Agreement.

6. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE
If Grantor determines that the Grantee has requested reimbursement for purposes that are not permitted or are prohibited under the terms and provisions of this Agreement, or if the Grantor determines that the Grantee has failed to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement in a timely and professional manner, or if the Grantee is in violation of the terms of this Agreement, then Grantor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement effective immediately upon giving written notice to Grantee.

DRAFT

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3 7. INDEMNIFICATION

Grantee agrees to accept responsibility for loss or damage to any person or entity, and shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Grantor, its officers, employees and agents from any and all claims and demands, liability, damages, costs, expenses, judgments (including, but not limited to attorney fees and expert witness costs) that may be asserted by any person or entity, including Grantee, arising out of or in connection with the performance by Grantee hereunder and/or the use of the City of Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant fund monies.

8. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW

Grantee agrees to comply with all City of Arroyo Grande, Federal and State laws and regulations applicable to Grantee. In particular, Grantee agrees to comply with the terms and conditions contained in the City of Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program, which is attached hereto as Exhibit “B” and incorporated herein by this reference.

9. ASSIGNMENT
Grantee shall not assign the performance of this Agreement, nor any part thereof, without the prior written consent of Grantor.

10. GOVERNING LAW
Grantor and Grantee understand and agree that the laws of the State of California shall govern the rights, obligations, duties, and liabilities of the parties to this Agreement and also govern the interpretation of this Agreement. Any litigation concerning this Agreement shall take place in the superior or federal district court with jurisdiction over the City of Arroyo Grande.

11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties relating to the obligations of the parties described in this Agreement. All prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, and statements, either oral or written, are merged into this Agreement and shall be of no further force or effect. Each party is entering into this Agreement based solely upon the representations set forth herein and upon each party’s own independent investigation of any and all facts such party deems material.

12. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be made only with the mutual written consent of all of the parties to this Agreement.

DRAFT

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4 13. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT
The person or persons executing this Agreement on behalf of Grantee warrant and represent that he/she has the authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of the Grantee and has the authority to bind Grantee to the performance of its obligations hereunder.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed the day and year first above written.

GRANTOR GRANTEE
By:____________________________ By: ___________________________ Whitney McDonald, City Manager
Attachments:

Exhibit A- Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program Application DRAFT

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
ATTACHMENT E: PROOF OF NON-PROFIT STATUS
I. SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTATION:

Proof of 501(c)(3) status with a copy of the letter from the IRS.

II. CERTIFICATION:

I certify on behalf of _________________________________ non-profit organization, that I have read, understand and agree that the aforesaid information is accurate, factual and current. I understand that an award of funds, if granted, will be for the sole use as reflected in this application form. I further certify that as a condition of receiving funds, an agreement with the City of Arroyo Grande, in a form and content provided by the City of Arroyo Grande, will be signed and executed by a duly authorized representative of said non-profit organization.

I am aware of and certify that our non-profit organization will adhere to all City regulations regarding the 2022-23 Community Service Grant Program including, but not limited to, maintaining non-discriminatory policies, practices and intent. I also, on behalf of our non-profit organization, agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Arroyo Grande relative to any and all liability that may arise as a result of the use of the City of Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Fund monies.

Date: _______________ Signature: ______________________________ Executive Director or Designee
______________________________
Board of Director or Officer
CASA of San Luis Obispo County
✔
12/20/2022

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Copy of 501(c)(3) Status IRS Determination Letter

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ARROYO GRANDE COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM

GRANT APPLICATION
FISCAL YEAR 2022-23

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The 2022-23 Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program is intended to provide monetary grants to eligible community non-profit organizations. The City recognizes the value of such groups, which provide specialized social service, educational, cultural, beautification, and recreation programs and projects that benefiting Arroyo Grande citizens. Grants will be awarded in minimum amounts of not less than $250.

Funding for 2022-23 Community Service Grant Program is $82,065.

ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
To be eligible to apply for grant monies under the City's 2022-23 Community Service Grant Program, a community organization must satisfy the following standards:
• Operate as a non-profit 501c3;
• Serve the Arroyo Grande community;
• Use funds to directly provide* a social service, educational, cultural, beautification, or recreation program or project to Arroyo Grande residents and/or businesses; • Not restrict participants based upon race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, or age; and • Not use grant monies specifically for religious activities. • American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are restricted to organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. See page 4 for more information.
* "Directly provide" means that the community non-profit organization conducts the social service(s) or cultural program(s) itself rather than through a separate entity to which it sub-awards grant monies.

Please provide all required information and attachments.

Incomplete applications will be disqualified.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE:

All interested non-profit organizations must complete an application form, including the following:

1. Attachment A: Cover Sheet
a. Organization/Agency Name (applicant is required to list the local branch if it represents a national or statewide organization)
b. Program or Service Title
c. Executive Director and Program Contact Person (if different) d. Physical Address and Mailing Address (if different)
e. Phone Number
f. Email Address(es)
g. Amount of funds being requested
h. If applicable, funds received in prior year (or most recent year when funds were received)

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
i. A brief (50 words or less) description of the proposed program or service j. Indicate if your organization has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

2. Attachment B: Program/Service Information
a. Briefly describe your organization and its mission.
b. Summarize your proposed program or service.
c. How is the program or service beneficial to Arroyo Grande residents? i. How is local need for this program/service determined? ii. Approximate number of City of Arroyo Grande residents served by the non-profit organization.
d. Describe your organizational capacity to successfully carry out the proposed activities (i.e. past performance and history of the organization will be considered to assess the agency’s prospects for achieving its goals and objectives).

3. Attachment C: Scope of Work or Work Plan and Budget Worksheet

4. Attachment D: Signed Agreement with the City of Arroyo Grande (to be fully executed upon grant award).

5. Attachment E: Proof of 501(c)(3) status with a copy of the letter from the IRS.

Completed applications forms, along with supplemental documents must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, December 22, 2022 addressed to:

City of Arroyo Grande
Community Development Department
Andrew Perez, Planning Manager
300 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande CA 93420

OR SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO
[email protected]
Applications are encouraged to be submitted electronically.

Electronic signatures are accepted.

Please download and save this application packet to your computer. This is a fillable PDF, and applicants are encouraged to complete this packet electronically. Alternatively, applicants may print and complete this packet by hand, and either scan and submit electronically to the email address above or mail the hard copy to the above listed address.

For questions please contact:

Andrew Perez
Planning Manager
(805) 473-5425
[email protected]

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
ATTACHMENT A: COVER SHEET
Organization/Agency Name:
(local branch)
Mailing Address:

City: State: Zip:

Physical Address:
(if different from Mailing Address)
City: State: Zip:

Fund Amount Requested: $
Previous Funds Received? □ Yes □ No If Yes, Year Received:

Amount Received:

Tax ID Number:

Has your organization been affected by COVID-19? □ Yes □ No Executive Director:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Grant Program Contact:
(if different from Executive Director)
Email Address:

Phone Number:

Program or Service Title:

TalentDreams 1375 E Grand Ave Ste 103 Arroyo Grande CA 93420 Lili Sinclaire TalentDreams Mentoring Program 12,000 ✔ ✔

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
Brief description of the proposed program or service (50 words or less):

TalentDreams is an online mentoring program serving young people ages 15-22, particularly those tackling the challenges and tribulations adolescence can bring.Through our mission, we strive to empower the youth of our community to tap into their potential and develop the confidence to live their purpose.

The process of getting our 501(c)(3) status from the IRS was significantly drawn out as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and delayed by almost a year. In turn, this had a significant negative impact on our ability to raise money which means we’ll be going into 2023 with a substantial lack of operating funds and will rely on H1 fundraising efforts to ensure our ability to operate.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
ATTACHMENT B: PROGRAM/SERVICE INFORMATION
Organization Description (include summary of community services provided):

Mission Statement:

Program or Service Summary:

List Area(s) Served by the Organization:

Summary of Program/Service
TalentDreams is an online mentoring platform that connects Members with Mentors. We believe that community and purpose play a key role in a young person's life, and that having access to mentors can make a huge difference in the lives and development of our youth and young adults. We want everyone to have an equal chance of achieving their potential regardless of gender, race, background or any other factor.

TalentDreams is committed to serving youth and young adults ages 15-22. Particularly those tackling the challenges, trials, and tribulations adolescence and early adulthood can often bring. Through our mission, we strive to empower the youth of our community to tap into their potential and develop the confidence and skills to become the leaders they were born to be.

The relationship between the Member and Mentor helps create a support system that improves the Member's connection to their community. By establishing this connection the feelings of confusion, isolation, and uncertainty begins to diminish.This helps the Member move forward on a path that will create connection, purpose, and fulfillment.

To inspire, enrich, and mentor young people so they can discover, embrace and express their talent and pursue their dreams.

Since the pandemic, youth and young adults have suffered dramatically. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), no other generation has had higher levels of anxiety than people between the ages of 13-23. For those 18-23, more than 7 in 10 describe themselves as miserable or unhappy (depressed). According to The Washington Post, 44% of high school students admitted persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and 20% reported considering suicide. Arroyo Grande has a high school filled with students and general population in these age ranges that can benefit from TalentDreams.

We want to create a place for the youth of our community, where they can meet like-minded peers and mentors, discover their passions and talents, and surround themselves with a network of supporters who believe in them.

TalentDreams provides Dreamers (members) with unique access to a network of Mentors. Dreamers are youth and young adults from ages 15-22. Mentors are invaluable resources and committed to serving our community of Dreamers.

TalentDreams is an online mentoring platform that connects Members, with Mentors. We believe that community and purpose play a key role in a young person's life, and that having access to mentors can make a huge difference in the lives and development of our youth and young adults. We want everyone to have an equal chance of achieving their potential regardless of gender, race, background or any other factor.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
How is the program or service beneficial to Arroyo Grande residents? Number of Arroyo Grande Residents Served:
• Description:

How is local need for this program or service determined? Describe your organizational capacity to successfully carry out the proposed activities.

Number of Full Time Staff: Number of Part Time Staff:

Number of Volunteers:
• Description:
4,000
As of the US Census data from July 1, 2021, Arroyo Grande has a population of approximately 18,500 residents, and 15% of them are 6-18 years old. We estimate there are roughly 4,000 residents who could be members. Much of that population has been shown to be achieving below their potential. Through mentorship TalentDreams can help support these students in need. The Career Counselor at a local high school says TalentDreams fills a void that helps them in supporting students.

USA News reported that Arroyo Grande High School (AGHS) has 52% of students economically disadvantaged. According to the Public School Review, AGHS scored 42% lower in math scores and 37% lower in reading scores than SLOHS. This is dramatic.

The CDC reported in the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey that 29% of high school students drank alcohol in the past 30 days. Alcohol caused 3,900 deaths among people under 21, and suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death. The National Center for Drug & Alcohol Abuse says opioid deaths increased 500% for 15-19 since 1999. Between 2016-2020 overall drug use for 8th graders went up 61%. Any student who signs up will have access to our mentorship program at no cost to them.
2 2
10 We are considering a potential partnership with the Central Coast Kids Boys & Girls Club. A very successful sister program that is celebrating their 25 year anniversary this year is Step Up, a mentoring program that focuses on females ages 14-23. Reese Witherspoon recently gave a multi-million dollar donation to them. Step Up is also interested in potentially working together.

We did our first on campus event at a local high school and had 25 students sign up for TalentDreams. In the past few months, we have received a $5,000 grant from another foundation, as well as $5,000 from Miner's Hardware, a local business that has been serving the community for 40+ years. Through our website we have currently raised approximately $15,000. The community sees the value in what we are doing at TalentDreams and support our efforts in helping the young people of Arroyo Grande. Page 565 of 601
COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
ATTACHMENT C: SCOPE/WORK PLAN AND BUDGET WORKSHEET
Scope of Work or Work Plan
When completing this worksheet, refer to the following questions:

E. Output results show the amount of work performed or services received.

Major Tasks to Complete
(to achieve associated goal) Timeline Evaluation Methodology Online mentoring for youth 15-22 Launch new website 2 months Member feedback Develop online mentoring technology 3 months Explore partnership w/ Boys & Girls Clubs 6 months

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
Program Service OUTPUTS:

Program Service OUTCOMES:

I'm not sure I understand this question. The output of TalentDreams is providing an online mentoring platform for ages 15-22.

TalentDreams is an online mentoring platform that connects Members with Mentors. We believe that community and purpose play a key role in a young person's life, and that having access to mentors can make a huge difference in the lives and development of our youth and young adults. We want everyone to have an equal chance of achieving their potential regardless of gender, race, background or any other factor.

The relationship between the Member and Mentor helps create a support system that improves the Member's connection to their community. By establishing this connection the feelings of confusion, isolation, and uncertainty Members begin to diminish.This helps the Member move forward on a path that will create connection, purpose, and fulfillment.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
Budget Worksheet
Complete this Worksheet for the specified program or service.

PROGRAM/SERVICE PROPOSED EXPENSES
Line Item Proposed Cost Proposed Grant Funding
Amount
Administrative Salaries & Fees / Fiscal Agent Fees
Artistic Salaries & Fees
Other Salaries & Fees

1. 2.

Equipment
Supplies / Materials
Travel / Transportation
Promotion / Publicity
Other Expenses:

1. 2.

TOTALS:

PROGRAM/SERVICE PROPOSED INCOME
Cash Amount
Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Amount Requested
Other Funding Sources:

Other Public Grants
Private Foundations
Corporation Contributions
Concessions / Ticket Sales
Promotion Sales / Advertisements (Other Cash)
Other Funding Subtotal:

TOTALS:
$150,000 $5,000 $12,000 $5,000 $5,000 $2,000 $12,000 $2,000 $2,000 $4,000 $12,000 $30,000 Unknown $10,000 $5,000 $30,000 $75,000 $87,000

Page 568 of 601 ends

COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION
2022-23
ATTACHMENT D: DRAFT FUNDING AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

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DRAFT

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3 7. INDEMNIFICATION

8. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW

9. ASSIGNMENT
Grantee shall not assign the performance of this Agreement, nor any part thereof, without the prior written consent of Grantor.

12. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be made only with the mutual written consent of all of the parties to this Agreement.

DRAFT

Page 571 of 601 ends

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed the day and year first above written.

GRANTOR GRANTEE
By:____________________________ By: ___________________________ Whitney McDonald, City Manager
Attachments:

Exhibit A- Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program Application DRAFT

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COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION 2022-23
ATTACHMENT E: PROOF OF NON-PROFIT STATUS
I. SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTATION:

Proof of 501(c)(3) status with a copy of the letter from the IRS.

II. CERTIFICATION:

Date: _______________ Signature: ______________________________ Executive Director or Designee
______________________________
Board of Director or Officer
TalentDreams 12/222022 Lili Sinclaire ✔

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Item 12.b.

MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Whitney McDonald, City Manager
Bill Robeson, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director BY: Aleah Bergam, Management Analyst
Shane Taylor, Utilities Manager
SUBJECT: Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
DATE: March 28, 2023
SUMMARY OF ACTION:

Adoption of the proposed Resolution rescinding the declaration of the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency will rescind the current emergency water shortage restrictions and penalties.

IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:

Since the Stage 1 Water Shortage Declaration was adopted on October 12, 2021, the City has billed a total of $460,800 in mandatory penalties associated with failing to meet required water use reductions. Approving the recommendation may result in additional water consumption, which will result in a minor increase in revenues in the Water and Sewer Funds. In addition, there will be a significant reduction in staff time spent on administering the emergency water shortage restrictions and penalties.

RECOMMENDATION:
1) Adopt a Resolution rescinding the declaration of the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency and related emergency water shortage restrictions and penalties; and 2) Make findings that adopting the Resolution rescinding the declaration of the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (b)(2)-(3), 15378). Alternatively, this is not a “project” as defined by CEQA because rescinding the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency is merely administrative

Page 575 of 601 ends

Item 12.b.

City Council
Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
March 28, 2023

Page 2 ends

activity. (See State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(b)(2),(4)). For those reasons, the action is exempt from CEQA.

BACKGROUND:

On October 12, 2021, Council approved Resolution 5119 declaring a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency and implementing Emergency Water Shortage Restrictions and Regulations (Attachment 2). At the time, the City of Arroyo Grande, along with much of the State of California, was experiencing historic drought conditions that negatively impacted the City’s water supply and necessitated conservation requirements and the application of mandatory water use reductions in accordance with the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC) and water shortage contingency plan.

AGMC and Declaration of Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency Chapter 13.07 of the AGMC, Emergency Water Shortage Restrictions and Regulations, provides for stages of action that will be undertaken in response to water supply shortages and related triggering conditions. Chapter 13.07 was added to the AGMC in February 2015.

In February 2017, AGMC Chapter 13.07 was amended to provide for stages of action consistent with the City’s revised Urban Water Management Plan. The stages of action were created in recognition of the fact that the City's water supply consists of a combination of water from the Lopez Reservoir and groundwater sources, and that a variety of specific factors can result in the need to implement specific conservation measures, such as unanticipated interruptions of local water deliveries or the imposition of additional State mandated reductions in water use.

AGMC Section 13.07.030(A) provides that after holding a noticed public hearing in accordance with the requirements of Water Code Section 350, et seq., the City Council may declare a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency and institute reductions in water usage based upon historical use. Water Code Section 350, et seq., authorizes the governing body of a public water supply distributor to declare that water shortage emergency conditions prevail within the area served by such distributor whenever it finds and determines that the ordinary demands and requirements of water consumers cannot be satisfied without depleting the water supply of the distributor to the extent that there would be insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, and fire protection. Water Code Section 353 provides that when such a water shortage emergency is declared, the governing body shall adopt necessary regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water. Under AGMC Section 13.07.030(A), triggering conditions for a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency may include, but are not limited to, a determination that the water level at the Lopez Reservoir is at or below fifteen thousand (15,000) acrefeet. When a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency is declared, the AGMC provides that reductions in water usage are then imposed based upon historical use. AGMC Section

Page 576 of 601 ends

Item 12.b.

City Council
Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
March 28, 2023

Page 3 ends

13.07.010 defines “historical use” as “a baseline amount of water that is equal to the amount of water used in the same billing period for a specifically identified previous year.” AGMC Section 13.07.030(A)(2) explains the procedures for establishing water use reductions for customers as follows:
 Assign each customer a baseline amount of water, based upon the amount of water used during the prior year (in this case, 2020).  All residential customers will be required to reduce water usage by a percentage amount set forth in the Resolution, and percentages may be modified or amended by the City Council as deemed necessary and appropriate.
 The percentage of required conservation will increase depending on the billing tier of the residential customer's water use as provided in the City's tiered water rate structure.
 The Resolution will include provisions for imposing mandatory financial penalties if the amount of water in each tier is exceeded, and penalties may be modified or amended by the City Council as deemed necessary and appropriate based upon a determination of the severity of the water shortage emergency.

Pursuant to AGMC Section 13.07.050, commercial customers are not subject to mandatory penalties during a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency, except for commercial customers with irrigation meter accounts, which are required to reduce water use by a percentage set forth in the resolution declaring the water shortage emergency.

AGMC Section 13.07.070 contains procedures for adjustments to the water allocation or water reduction requirements if a customer can provide evidence of unique circumstances. If the criteria are met, the Public Works Director has the authority to grant the adjustment. In addition, AGMC Section 13.07.080 provides that the City’s Utility Billing Adjustment Committee (UBAC) is empowered to act as the Water Shortage Appeals Board (WSAB) and can consider appeals of actions taken by the Public Works Director, including adjustments to water consumption reduction amounts, decisions on applications for exceptions, and decisions to assess administrative penalties. Appeals of the WSAB decision can also be made to the City Manager and City Council. 2021 and 2022 Water Supply and Demand Conditions
On July 8, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency, pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act, due to drought in several counties in the State, including San Luis Obispo County. On July 13, 2021, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors (Board) declared a local drought emergency; and, on August 24, 2021, the Board enacted the Lake Lopez Low Reservoir Response Plan (LRRP) for Lopez Lake. The LRRP was developed by the San Luis Obispo County Flood

Page 577 of 601 ends

Item 12.b.

City Council
Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
March 28, 2023

Page 4 ends

Control and Water Conservation District Zone 3 and provides for a series of management procedures that are to be followed when the reservoir level drops below 20,000 acre-feet.

On September 22, 2021, Lopez Lake was at 15,426 acre-feet of storage and water levels at Lopez Lake had been dropping at the rate of approximately 150 acre-feet per week and was, therefore, expected to fall below the triggering threshold of 15,000 acre-feet by approximately October 14, 2021. On September 8, 2021, the Zone III Technical Advisory Committee endorsed the action of reducing contract deliveries by 10%. The City began reducing the flow of Lopez Lake deliveries on September 15, 2021, to 1.9 million gallons per day, compared to the normal flow of 2.2 million gallons per day. In December 2021, water levels reached 14,905 acre feet and in May 2022 Lopez Lake had dropped to 14,032 acre feet. On July 21, 2022, the Zone III Advisory Board approved the Technical Advisory Committee’s recommendation to reduce contract deliveries by 20% prior to Lopez Lake reaching 10,000 acre-feet. As a result, the City began reducing the flow of deliveries on July 26, 2022, to 1.7 million gallons per day. As of December 1, 2022, deliveries from the Water Treatment Plant were restricted to 1.3 million gallons per day.

On October 12, 2021, Council approved Resolution 5119 declaring a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency and implementing Emergency Water Shortage Restrictions and Regulations (Attachment 2) in light of AGMC Section 13.07.030(A) and the likelihood that Lopez Lake levels would shortly drop below 15,000. In an effort to reduce total consumption in the City by 10% compared to 2020, Resolution 5119 established required water use reductions for residential and irrigation customers as follows:

Page 578 of 601 ends

Item 12.b.

City Council
Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
March 28, 2023

Page 5 ends

Individualized letters were then sent to all customers by December 1, 2021, identifying the amount of water allowed to be used during each billing period based on their usage in 2020 and the usage reduction required according to Resolution 5119. AGMC Section

13.07.090 provides for penalties and enforcement, which are to be set forth in the Resolution declaring the Water Shortage Emergency. Resolution 5119 established penalties as follows:
• First Violation: Written notice of violation
• Second Violation: $50
• Third Violation: $100
• Subsequent $200
Since December 2021, staff processed 1,430 requests for adjustments to baseline allotments. A total of $460,800 in penalties has been billed since February 2022. The community has also met and exceeded the City’s goal of reducing overall consumption by 10% compared to 2020, reaching an average reduction of 14%.

Following the declaration of the Stage 1 Water Emergency, the Lopez Water supply contract with the County was amended to include storage rights for Lopez water contractors, resulting in an ability for Lopez water contractors to store unused water 2020 Usage Total Customers Percentage Total Units % Reduction Usage after Reduction 0-9 units 1,923 33% 62,740 0% 62,740
10-18 units 1,913 33% 156,600 7% 145,638
19 + units 1,998 34% 387,796 14% 333,505
Total Usage 5,833 100% 607,136 11% 541,883
2020 Usage Total Customers Percentage Total Units % Reduction Usage after Reduction 0-9 units 123 53% 41,715 0% 41,715
10-18 units 81 35% 55,659 7% 51,763
19 + units 26 11% 14,405 14% 12,388
Total 230 100% 111,779 5% 105,866
Customer Type 2020 Usage Reductions Usage after Reduction SFR 607,136 11% 541,883
MFR 111,779 5% 105,866
Commercial 110,000 0% 110,000
Irrigation meter 79,289 25% 59,467
Total 908,204 10% 817,215
Total 908,204 10% 817,384

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
ALL CUSTOMER TYPES Page 579 of 601
Item 12.b.

City Council
Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
March 28, 2023

Page 6 ends

during non-emergency times. At this time, the City holds 774.60 acre-feet in stored water in addition to the normal 2,290 acre-feet entitlement.

Winter 2023 Storms
On January 4, 2023, Governor Newsom issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency relating to severe winter storms and a series of atmospheric river systems that struck California beginning December 27, 2022, bringing high winds, substantial precipitation, and river, stream, and urban flooding. After the substantial precipitation from the storms, water levels at Lopez Lake increased significantly, from 10,800 acre-feet at the end of December 2022, to 26,883 acre-feet as of February 6, 2023.

At the January 19, 2023 Zone III Technical Advisory Committee meeting, the Committee voted to suspend the LRRP, thereby rescinding the restriction in contract deliveries to the City and other Lopez water contractors.

At its regular meeting on January 24, 2023, two members of the City Council directed staff to present a Resolution to suspend penalties under the Stage 1 Water Shortage Declaration at its next regular meeting in light of the increased water levels at Lopez Reservoir. Following consideration of the proposed Resolution at its February 14, 2023 meeting, the City Council voted to not suspend penalties at that time but to wait until the current Stage 1 Water Shortage Declaration is rescinded.

Since that time, additional atmospheric river systems have continued to strike the Central Coast beginning on March 9, 2023. Emergency proclamations have again been issued by the Emergency Services Director for the County of San Luis Obispo, the Governor, and the City’s Emergency Services Director related to the March 2023 storms, as additional flooding, debris, and damage has occurred in the region and in the City due to heavy rainfall.

The significant rainfall occurring this winter has now resulted in historically high water levels at Lopez Lake, which has reached 100% capacity and 49,462 acre feet as of March 23, 2023.

As of March 14, 2023, the United States Drought Monitor showed San Luis Obispo County as no longer in a drought (as was identified in September 2021), nor abnormally dry (as was identified in February 2023).

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Item 12.b.

City Council
Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
March 28, 2023

Page 7 ends

It is anticipated that both the County and the State will rescind their respective drought declarations by the end of April 2023.

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Item 12.b.

City Council
Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
March 28, 2023

Page 8 ends

ANALYSIS OF ISSUES
AGMC Chapter 13.07 does not contain explicit triggers or requirements for rescinding a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency. However, because the declaration of a water shortage emergency occurs when an analysis shows that water supply will be less than water demand, it follows that the emergency declaration would be rescinded when it is anticipated that water supply will be sufficient to meet water demand. The City’s current and projected water use and supply for the next two years are shown in the table below:

Current and Projected Water Supply – Acre Feet per Year (AFY) Water Supply
Source
Entitlement 2022 Actual Use 2023 Projected Use 2024 Projected Use
Groundwater –
Santa Maria
Groundwater
Basin
1,323 AF 165.9 AF 100 AF 180 AF
Groundwater –
Pismo Formation
160 AF 1.8 AF 20 AF 40 AF
County of San Luis
Obispo Lopez
Reservoir Project
2,290 AF 1,822 AF 2,000 AF 2,100 AF
TOTAL 3,773 AF 1,989.7 AF 2,120 AF 2,320 AF
As of March 23, 2023, Lopez Reservoir levels are at 49,462 acre-feet and 100% of capacity. This level exceeds the 15,000 acre-feet threshold identified in the AGMC as potentially triggering a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency. The Zone 3 Monthly Operations report is attached (Attachment 3) along with the most recent Lopez Reservoir Storage Projection chart (Attachment 4). Based on these projections, the County has indicated that sufficient water exists in the Lopez Reservoir to meet contracted deliveries for at least 5 years.

The winter 2023 storms have also beneficially impacted the City’s groundwater supplies.

The deep well index of the Northern Cities Management Area portion of the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin for the First Quarter of 2023 was completed on February 7, 2023, and is 10.58 feet above sea level, which is 3.08 feet above the 7.5 threshold value. The current deep well index is 4.70 feet higher than October 2022 and 1.22 feet higher than January 2022.

In light of the United States Drought Monitor, the lifting of the LRRP, current Lopez Reservoir levels, the recovery of the deep well index, and the additional rainfall from the March 2023 storms, staff recommends rescinding the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency, as provided in the proposed Resolution (Attachment 1).

Ongoing Mandatory Conservation Measures The recommended action would not impact the City’s adopted ongoing mandatory conservation measures, and City staff will continue

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Item 12.b.

City Council
Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
March 28, 2023

Page 9 ends

to enforce them. The City of Arroyo Grande has had a long history of making water conservation a way of life. The City adopted mandatory conservation measures years before the recent drought situation and per capita water usage was 144 million gallons per day lower in 2021 than in 2014.

The existing permanent and mandatory conservation restrictions for Arroyo Grande residents include the following:
 Outdoor irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Irrigation of private and public landscaping, turf areas and gardens is permitted at even-numbered addresses only on Mondays and Thursdays and at odd-numbered addresses only on Tuesdays and Fridays. Irrigation is permitted at all addresses on Saturdays and Sundays.
 No irrigation of private and public landscaping, turf areas and gardens is permitted on Wednesdays.
 Use of water which results in excessive gutter runoff is prohibited.  No water shall be used for cleaning driveways, patios, parking lots, sidewalks, streets or other such use except where necessary to protect the public health and safety.
 Outdoor water use for washing vehicles is allowed only with hand-controlled watering devices.
 Emptying and refilling swimming pools and commercial spas is prohibited except to prevent structural damage and/or to provide for the public health and safety.  Use of potable water for soil compaction or dust control purposes in construction activities is prohibited.
 Restaurants may only serve water to customers upon request.  Hotels shall offer their patrons the option to forego the daily laundering of towels, sheets and linens.

Future Water Shortage Contingency Actions
In addition to existing water conservation measures, City staff are evaluating potential modifications to the City’s water shortage contingency plans to address recent trends in drought conditions as well as the City’s current and projected water sources. These potential water shortage contingency plan modifications will accompany an updated Urban Water Management Plan, as well as proposed regulations of new irrigated turf and other potential conservation measures. It is anticipated that these modified regulations will be presented to the City Council this Spring.

ALTERNATIVES:

The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
.

1. Adopt the proposed Resolution to rescind the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency;

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Item 12.b.

City Council
Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA
March 28, 2023

Page 10 ends

2. Do not adopt the Resolution and continue with the actions of the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; or

3. Provide other direction to staff.

ADVANTAGES:

The proposed Resolution rescinds mandatory water conservation allocations and financial penalties for non-compliance, which will return the City to a state of ongoing water conservation restrictions aimed at making water conservation a way of life. The discontinuation of the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency will also result in a workload reduction for City staff as a substantial amount of staff time has been devoted to the management and enforcement of water customer baselines.

DISADVANTAGES:

Water consumption may increase above the amounts used during the past two years.

Efforts will need to be put in place to monitor water wasting activities or community-wide excess use in the long term.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

Rescinding the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.) Alternatively, this is not a “project” as defined by CEQA because rescinding the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency is merely administrative activity. (See State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(b)(2),(4)) For those reasons, the action is exempt from CEQA.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:

The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2.

Attachments:

1. Proposed Resolution

2. Resolution 5119

3. The Zone 3 Monthly Operation report

4. Lopez Reservoir Storage Projection chart

Page 584 of 601 ends

ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF ARROYO GRANDE RESCINDING THE
DECLARATION OF A STAGE 1 WATER SHORTAGE

EMERGENCY AND RELATED WATER CONSERVATION

MEASURES AND RESTRICTIONS
WHEREAS, on October 12, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution 5119 declaring a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency in accordance with California Water Code Section 350 et. seq, and Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC) Section 13.07.030; and WHEREAS, Chapter 13.07 of the AGMC provides for stages of action that will be undertaken in response to water supply shortages and related triggering conditions, consistent with the City of Arroyo Grande’s Urban Water Management Plan and for the imposition of regulations and restrictions, including, but not limited to, requirements to reduce consumption of water, that are necessary in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community; and
WHEREAS, triggering conditions for a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency under AGMC Section 13.07.030(A) may include, but are not limited to, a determination that the water level at Lake Lopez is at or below fifteen thousand (15,000) acre-feet, if there has been six quarterly continuous events of sentry well level readings below the deep well index trigger level of seven and one-half feet, and/or of the State Water Resources Control Board has imposed mandatory restrictions in water use by the City; and WHEREAS, the City of Arroyo Grande has a limited water supply that consists of two sources: Lake Lopez and groundwater. The San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has developed the Lake Lopez Low Reservoir Response Plan (LRRP), which provides for a series of management procedures that are to be followed the reservoir level drops below 20,000 acre-fee, which includes reduced municipal water delivers; and
WHEREAS, on July 8, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency, pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act, due to extreme drought in certain counties in the State, including San Luis Obispo County; on July 13, 2021, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors declared a local drought emergency; and on August 24, 2021, the Board of Supervisors initiated the LRRP for Lake Lopez. Under the LRRP, the City is subjected to a 10% reduction in Lopez deliveries, which equates to 216,000 gallons per day; and WHEREAS, on July 14, 2021, the United States Drought Monitor showed San Luis Obispo County in an extreme drought; and

Page 585 of 601 ends

RESOLUTION NO.

PAGE 2
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2021, Lopez Lake was at 15,426 acre-feet of storage and was expected to fall below the triggering threshold of 15,000 acre-feet by approximately October 14, 2021; and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2022, the Zone III Advisory Board approved the Technical Advisory Committee’s recommendation to reduce contract deliveries by 20% prior to Lopez Lake reaching 10,000 acre-feet. As a result, the City began reducing the flow of deliveries on July 26, 2022 to 1.7 million gallons per day; and WHEREAS, on January 4, 2023, Governor Newsom issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency relating to severe winter storms and a series of atmospheric river systems that struck California beginning December 27, 2022, bringing high winds, substantial precipitation, and river, stream, and urban flooding; and WHEREAS, an additional atmospheric river system struck the Central Coast beginning on March 9, 2023. On March 10, 2023, the Emergency Services Director for the County of San Luis Obispo issued a Proclamation of a Local Emergency related to severe winter storms and a series of atmospheric rivers systems that struck California beginning on December 27, 2022, and have been ongoing since that date. On March 1, 2023, Governor Newsom issued an emergency proclamation related to the severe winter storms impacting San Luis Obispo and other counties throughout the State; and WHEREAS, after the substantial precipitation from the storms, Lopez Lake was at 49,462 acre-feet of storage as of March 23, 2023, compared to 15,426 are-feet of storage on September 22, 2021; and
WHEREAS, at the January 19, 2023 Zone III Technical Advisory Committee Meeting, the committee voted to suspend the LRRP, thereby releasing the City’s 20% contract delivery reductions from Lopez Reservoir; and
WHEREAS, on March 14, 2023, after the winter storms, the United States Drought Monitor showed San Luis Obispo County no longer in a drought; and WHEREAS, adopting this Resolution rescinding the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (b)(2)-(3), 15378). Alternatively, this is not a “project” as defined by CEQA because rescinding the Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency is merely administrative activity. (See State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(b)(2),(4)) and for those reasons, the action is exempt from CEQA.

Page 586 of 601 ends

RESOLUTION NO.

PAGE 3
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande, that:

1. The recitals set forth herein are true, correct and incorporated by reference.

2. Based upon the existing water conditions, as described above, the City Council hereby rescinds the previously declared Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency.

3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Resolution is for any reason held to be invalid, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Resolution and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase not declared invalid without regard to whether any portion of the Resolution would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.

On motion of Council Member___________, seconded by Council Member ________, and by the following roll call vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:
the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 28th day of March, 2023.

Page 587 of 601 ends

RESOLUTION NO.

PAGE 4

CAREN RAY RUSSOM, MAYOR
ATTEST:

JESSICA MATSON, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:

WHITNEY McDONALD, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

ISAAC ROSEN, INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY

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Attachment 2

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Attachment 3

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Attachment 4

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MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Jessica Matson, Legislative & Information Services Director/City Clerk SUBJECT: Supplemental Information
Agenda Item 12.b – Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency; and Make Findings that Rescinding the Declaration is Not Subject to CEQA DATE: March 28, 2023
Attached is correspondence received before 4 PM for the above referenced item. cc: City Manager
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director
City Attorney
City Clerk
City Website (or public review binder)

Page 599 of 601 ends

From: Claudine Lingo
To: Caren Ray Russom; Kristen Barneich; Lan George; Jim Guthrie; Kate Secrest; Jessica Matson Subject: MARCH 28, 2023 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS 11.A AND 12.B Date: Monday, March 27, 2023 8:52:53 PM
Provided below are comments regarding the subject agenda items.

11.a Discussion and Consideration of a Project Status Update and Direction Regarding the Brisco-Halcyon Interchange Modification Project As several of you know, I have provided input regarding the Brisco project to the City on numerous occasions in the past regarding why I am very much opposed to Alternative 4C.

Briefly, my opposition was based on the following:

1. Most respondents to the survey conducted several years ago, overwhelmingly indicated residents were opposed to Alternative 4C for various reasons.

2. The cost of the project was growing by leaps and bounds and the City General Fund could not absorb the increasing costs. The General Fund money would be better spent to fix the roads and sidewalks.

3. The impact of the significant traffic resulting from the roundabout will have on local residents, especially Grace Lane residents is unconscionable. None of the Grace Lane residents were informed (via disclosures, as required by law, when they bought their houses) about the Brisco project and that the street was going to be a "connector road" resulting in a lot more traffic than what would be expected on a residential street.

4. The traffic study conducted by the contractor before Grace Lane was even in existence (and wasn't reflected on the various driving direction apps) indicated there would be no impact on traffic by having a roundabout that would push traffic up a "residential street" instead of to the shopping area between Camino Mercado and Rancho Parkway. The organization that conducted that study was not local and apparently did not understand the traffic pattern and was not qualified to predict what the traffic patterns in the area would become. It is unfortunate that City staff at that time did not reject that traffic study. The director of AG Community Development either failed to review the traffic study objectively, was not familiar with the area (James Way, Mesquite, and Rodeo) or had some reason that was not disclosed to residents about why the City accepted the flawed traffic study.

5. The danger of locating a roundabout in such close vicinity to a school is concerning. When a youth sports event is held at St. Patricks, cars are parked up and down the street, visibility is limited, and it is not unusual for pedestrians to be in the street.

6. The speed that drivers travel on Grace Lane (on a hill with several curves with limited visibility) to get from James Way to Patrick's School and Branch Street, and from Branch Street to Grace Bible Church and James Way is not controlled. After seeing some scary near misses as a result of significant speeding up and down Grace Lane, I am still very much opposed to Alternative 4C and do not support pursuing the roundabout. When the Brisco on/off-ramps were closed several years ago, the congestion at the Brisco, Branch and El Camino interchange was significantly alleviated.

Page 600 of 601 ends

12.b Consideration of a Resolution Rescinding the Declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage
I think it is very short sighted to rescind the water usage limitations. While we may be temporarily out of drought as a result of all of the rain we've had the last few months, it is unlikely that this weather pattern will continue next winter and the winter after that.

As you know, it is very difficult to get residents to conserve water; so we'll likely be right back to a water shortage within a couple of years. Therefore, I have a suggestion, rather than rescind the declaration, revise it to be a temporary suspension of the declaration and give the City the authority to reinstitute the declaration when needed by simply notifying residents so water usage restrictions can be re-implemented without delay when the Lopez Lake water level gets to 35% of capacity or less (or whatever level would provide water to residents for at least 2 or 3 years).

Sincerely,
Claudine Lingo
AG District 1 Constituent

Page 601 of 601 ends

Arroyo Grande City CouncilMarch 28, 2023

Arroyo Grande City Council
March 28, 2023