VERONDA-FALLETTI RANCH
COTATI, CA
UPDATED WORKPLAN FOR:
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District July 1, 2021
Table of Contents
Executive Summary.................................................................................................................. 1 Work Plan Components............................................................................................................ 1 Background........................................................................................................................... 1 Progress to Date .................................................................................................................... 1 Farm Management ................................................................................................................ 2 Education & Outreach........................................................................................................... 3 Facility & Resource Management ........................................................................................ 4 Required Approvals or Noticing............................................................................................... 4 Schedule for Completion .......................................................................................................... 4 Matching Grant Costs............................................................................................................... 5 Veronda-Falletti Ranch July 1, 2021
Updated Work Plan Page 1
Executive Summary
This document constitutes an updated Work Plan for achieving the next phase of the City of Cotati’s (City) goals and obligations of the 2008 Falletti Ranch Conservation Easement Grant Deed and Matching Grant Agreement (hereafter, “Easement” and “Agreement,” respectively) between the City and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (District). The Agreement assigns responsibility to the City to develop physical and programming improvements sufficient to provide public recreational, agricultural, educational and event uses on the property. The Plan provides a description of the fundamental components of the park’s programming, a schedule for implementing the programming and current expenditures towards the City’s grant match.
Work Plan Components
The Agreement sets forth implementation responsibilities for both the District and the City. It is the City’s responsibility to develop and operate the property in accord with the intent established by the Agreement. The major use areas established by the Agreement, together with the details of the City’s intent are outlined below.
Background
The Veronda-Falletti Ranch (Ranch) is the center piece of the City’s park system, featuring numerous interactive opportunities and farm-based learning. Funding for improvements and ongoing maintenance in the near term will primarily come from the City’s municipal parks budget. As such, public recreation and education is fundamental to the long-term programming of the property. The overall goal for the property is to create a small-scale demonstration ranch. This demonstration ranch is focused on highlighting and educating the community on sustainable practices and local agriculture.
The Ranch is located in the midst of three residential neighborhoods on a walking route utilized by a number of residents for daily exercise. It is also next to City Hall, with adjacent facilities and services such as community rooms which are used by the public to house a variety of activities, and ball fields which annually host the local Little League.
Progress to Date
In 2018, the City licensed operations of the Ranch to Farmster, which has been the lead on managing the livestock, agriculture and educational programming and events. Recreation components currently include children’s camps and education, community events, and using the walking trails and picnic areas on the perimeter of the property to view animals and general farming activities on the property.
Development of the recreation components will continue to develop as operations mature and new/refurbished facilities are available. The first phase consisted of the development of a Veronda-Falletti Ranch July 1, 2021
Updated Work Plan Page 2
perimeter trail and a picnic area, as well as all new perimeter fencing to accommodate animal pasturing. The perimeter trail provides active recreation opportunities and improves public safety by providing space for walkers, parents with strollers and those with mobility impairments to also enjoy the property. The various animals pasturing on the property has created a focal point of interest and pedestrian traffic has increased significantly. At numerous times throughout the day, dog-walkers, fitness walkers and bicyclists stop to watch the sheep and cattle.
The City has also completely refurbished the Ranch house, including new roofing, new internal layout, new modern electrical systems, new heating systems, new plumbing and water heater, new windows, new flooring, new porch, new building insulation, and repaired siding and paint. Additionally, the City also reconstructed the water tower, adding accessible parking on-site, an accessible restroom for the public, hand washing stations for guests, as well as an office space for farm operations. The City expects to be starting a public design process for the barns in FY 21-22, as the barns in their current state are not safe to be used by the public, and do not include the elements needed to achieve the medium- and long-term goals for the property.
The City will continue to develop and expand capacity with our partners to operate a comprehensive schedule of public education opportunities and events. The City currently works with partners that are responsible for:
1) Farm Management; and
2) Education and Outreach; and
3) Facility & Resource Management.
Farm Management
The Ranch's grazing activities focus on modeling sustainable animal and land management practices for small properties (1-7 acres). Ranch animals are a draw for families with young children, giving them the opportunity to interact with animals in a children’s area during planned activities or during open ranch hours. The Ranch will continue to host a variety of animals that are appropriate for the planned activities on the property and are a key element of community engagement.
The Ranch has two primary zones where annual crop production is feasible initially. One zone is located directly to the south of the Ranch house and the other is part of the children’s area to the north of the Ranch house near West Sierra Avenue. As part of a multi-year annual bed production expansion, a larger area in the southwest portion of the property has been identified for annual crop production.
Greenhouses will be a vital element in the plant production systems of the ranch. The construction of two greenhouses is underway. The first is located by the driveway and children's area, near West Sierra Avenue. The second is located to the west of the water tower. Seedlings will be grown for onsite planting in the annual production beds and Veronda-Falletti Ranch July 1, 2021
Updated Work Plan Page 3
landscaped areas. The greenhouses have primary functions as nurseries, but also as outdoor classrooms/demonstration space.
In addition, new fruit trees, ornamental planting, and other natives are planned for the property, as well as efficient irrigation systems, rainwater catchment, and photovoltaic solar systems are planned for demonstration and educational purposes.
All described planting areas will be the stage for robust community education programming that allows individuals to directly participate in farming and gardening activities.
Education & Outreach
Kindergarten – 6th Grade
The City’s partners will work to establish partnerships with local schools, serving children in grades pre-K through 6th grade with opportunities for on-site education. The partners will design and execute the curriculum, including integration of Ranch activities into the programs. The Ranch will provide a site for field trips and an inspiration for curriculum development related to farming, ranching, natural resources, and science. The children’s area of the Ranch has been designed specifically for hosting children in a safe environment that will be the primary, but not exclusive, site for these activities. The children’s area will feature a community garden dedicated for educators and families with young children. Opportunities for underserved children with limited access to agricultural sites will be prioritized by provided programming at no cost whenever possible. Additionally, strategic relationships with youth organizations and nonprofits will ensure equitable access to the Ranch for Sonoma County’s children.
The City and its partners have begun implementing camps during the summer and other times of the year. The camps are intended to provide an age-appropriate introduction to the fundamentals of farming and will provide young learners with tools to embark on their own backyard farming journeys as well as provide opportunities for art and science education.
These camps will target children in K through 6th grade in appropriate age cohorts. 7th Grade - College
Local middle, high school and college students will have opportunities to work at the Ranch through programming developed by our partners in conjunction with the City. The focus will be on experiential learning with interns gaining new skills and receiving encouragement and networking opportunities to pursue future careers in Sonoma County’s agricultural community. Interns can attain appropriate levels of responsibility in caring for the animals, setting up mobile fencing, managing the annual bed production, propagating plants in the greenhouses, assisting with community events and tours, and more.
Workshops and Adult Learner Programs
The City and its partners will run workshops and training programs for community members to provide fun and educational experiences on farming, including hosting tours to provide the community with a strong model for how to implement grazing, planting/food production, Veronda-Falletti Ranch July 1, 2021
Updated Work Plan Page 4
water management and solar energy production on a small scale. This is intended to provide practical information and a viable model for landowners investigating ways to develop their land in a sustainable manner.
Facility & Resource Management
The City and its partners will utilize the Ranch to host events and gatherings focused around the Ranch, such as recreation programming/events, fundraisers, farm stands, farmer's markets, farm-to-table meals, and other Ranch centered events. The barns and outbuildings are currently not usable for the public, but have the potential to serve as a dynamic multipurpose community hub. Potential uses include, but are not limited to: classrooms, event/meeting space; small performances/group demonstrations and events that highlight local cuisine and responsibly sourced food and beverages or other similar functions.
The Ranch will be open for onsite community access regularly for much of the year. Special programming will be created for the summer months, during which families may visit the Ranch's for special activities that highlight farming activities.
The final piece of the educational component will be elements from the historical society museum that will be displayed and integrated into the Ranch’s educational programming.
City residents are extremely proud of the scope and quality of the museum’s information and exhibit materials, including materials particular to the agricultural history of Cotati and the surrounding area.
Required Approvals or Noticing
In accordance with the Easement requirements, the following approvals or notices are anticipated to be provided to the District under this workplan:
• Approval for the barns, to be submitted prior to construction/reconstruction.
The following approvals have previously been granted by the District:
• Greenhouse for Outdoor Classroom, October 12, 2020
• Livestock Shelter, approved November 30, 2020
• Hoop House for Food Production and Plant Starts, December 14, 2020 Schedule for Completion
With COVID-19 restrictions now largely lifted, on-site programming has re-started for the summer and fall of 2021. It is also expected that a public design process for the barns and outbuildings will begin in 2021 with construction contingent on funding availability. To fully implement this workplan, it is expected that the City Council will be considering a license extension for the operator in August 2021.
Veronda-Falletti Ranch July 1, 2021
Updated Work Plan Page 5
Table 1 is an updated schedule of completion for all major tasks, as well as the long term (20 years) management of the programs and property maintenance.
Matching Grant Costs
In accordance with the Agreement, the City has a matching grant obligation of $3,650,000 to match the District contribution of $3,135,000 for the purchase of the Ranch. The City has continued to make progress towards meeting this matching requirement, with the current match through June 30, 2021 at $1,198,406.
Summary of Costs to Date (Through June 30, 2021)
Operations & Maintenance $ 95,805
Capital Improvements $ 1,102,601
Total $ 1,198,406
Veronda-Falletti Ranch July 1, 2021
Updated Work Plan Page 6
Table 1. Schedule of Completion, Major Tasks
Program Components and Tasks Completion
Signage
1 Develop text for site signage Complete
2 Construct and install site signage Complete
Public Outdoor Recreation
3 Design and install picnic area Complete
4 Design and install perimeter trail Complete
Farm Management
5 Establish initial crop production areas & irrigation systems 2021 - June 6 Establish larger crop production areas & irrigation systems 2022 -Mar 7 Install initial greenhouse 2021 - July
8 License Extension to Operate Ranch 2021-August
9 Install second greenhouse 2022 - Mar
10 New fruit trees, ornamental planting and natives 2022-Mar 11 Install rainwater catchment system 2022-Sept
12 Install Initial PV system (Ranch House) 2023-July
Public Outreach and Education
13 Implement K-6th Educational Programming & camps 2021-July 14 Implement 7th - College Educational Programming & Internships 2022-Mar 15 Implement Workshops and Adult Learner Programs 2022-June 16 Implement open public engagement opportunities 2022 - June Facility and Resource Management
17 Ranch House Refurbishment Complete
18 Water Tower Reconstruction & ADA Addition of Restroom Complete 19 Start Public Engagement/Design of Barn Reconstruction 2021 - Sept 20 Reconstruction of Barns TBD
21 Property upkeep and maintenance (see Notes) Ongoing
22 Monthly program meetings Ongoing
23 Monthly maintenance meetings Ongoing
NOTES: Ongoing maintenance will consist of water/power costs, perimeter fencing maintenance and repair, repairs to the on-site structures, and staff time over 20 years.