Item 222/2024
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: Matt West
Dept:
City Manager Dept: City Manager
Date: 5/14/2024
Subject: Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) for the establishment of a Regional Canine Training Facility at Pioneer Park for a pilot period of approximately 24 months; and approval of CEQA Exemption. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
For the City Council to consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) for the establishment of a Regional Canine Training Facility at Pioneer Park for a pilot period of approximately 24 months.
BACKGROUND
At the January 9, 2024, City Council meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to place for discussion at a subsequent City Council meeting the feasibility of establishing a police K9 training facility at Pioneer Park.
Subsequently on January 23, the City Council directed staff to explore the feasibility of establishing the facility, and to return at a future City Council meeting to share the information and seek additional direction.
DISCUSSION
The City of Garden Grove’s Police Department has identified a local and countywide need for the creation of a centrally-located, Regional Police Canine Training Facility. The City currently has a joint-use agreement with the Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) at Pioneer Park on Chapman Avenue, where a portion of the area has been determined by both agencies to be suitable for a pilot program.
The proposed Regional Canine Training Facility concept would create an opportunity to train and exercise support service canines and apprehension canines, and is proposed to initially consist of equipment that would be stored in storage containers when not in use. Examples of the portable equipment include, but are not limited to, hurdles, tunnels, blinds, hill climb A-frames, and high find ladders. Temporary fencing, concrete, and utilities are also available Item 222/2024
to be procured for the pilot period at a cost up to $38,000 for a two year period and will be funded entirely by the John Reynolds Youth Support Canine Foundation non-profit.
If it is later determined that a permanent facility is appropriate, future improvements and funding sources will need to be identified. An amendment to the joint -use agreement will also likely be necessary for a permanent facility.
Environmental Determination
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the proposed project is categorically exempt per CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) as the project calls for the minor alteration of an existing facility (public park); Section 15304 (e) (Minor Alterations to Land) for the minor and temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment and which does not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees because the project calls for the creation of a concrete pad to support the storage container and a concrete walkway; and Section 15311 (c) (Accessory Structures) because the project calls for placement of a temporary storage container and chain link fence at the park.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no cost to the City as costs of approximately $38,000 for a two year period will be funded by the John Reynolds Youth Support Canine Foundation non-profit.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
• Authorize the City Manager to execute the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Garden Grove Unified School District, including any non-substantive modifications;
• Direct staff to implement the establishment of a pilot Regional Canine Training Facility at Pioneer Park upon execution of the MOU; and • Find that the approval of the agreement is exempt from CEQA.
ATTACHMENT:
1. MOU with GGUSD for Pioneer Park