CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
January 9, 2023
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: James Makshanoff, City Manager
Submitted By: Rene Guerrero, Public Works Director
Benita DeFrank, Neighborhood Services Director
Anita Gutierrez, Development Services Director
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING POSSIBLE USE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AT MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARK FOR COMMUNITY FARMING RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council provide direction regarding the possible use of City-owned property at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 800 W. Lexington Avenue for a community farm.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Food Cycle Collective, a non-profit 501(c)3 collaborative, centered around composting, bikes, food and community-building, has approached the City with a proposal to utilize a portion of Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (800 W. Lexington Avenue) for a community farm and composting project.
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
At the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on June 16, 2022, the Commission heard a presentation and discussed this community farm proposal submitted by Food Cycle Collective (Attachment No. 1). The Commission voted 6-0 to approve the proposed site at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park for a community farm.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Although the proposed community farm will not increase water usage at the park, it is anticipated that the proposed farm will utilize water at a cost of roughly $2,000 per year. Food Cycle Collective is asking for the City to continue paying for water at the park, including the proposed farm, with the General Fund. At minimal cost, the City would provide the necessary quick couplers, paid for by the Parks Maintenance operating budget, to allow connection of the proposed drip irrigation system to the City’s existing park irrigation system. The cost of operations and maintenance will be the responsibility of the applicant.
DISCUSSION: Food Cycle Collective (Collective) has extensive experience in the development and management of community gardens in Pomona, Ontario, Chino, Claremont, and San Dimas, and currently manages the operation and maintenance of 11 gardens (4 in Pomona and the rest in nearby cities). The Collective is held by the non-profit, Integrative Development Initiative, which is a 501(c)3, and has both General Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Insurance.
On June 16, 2022, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) discussed a proposal by the Collective to build and maintain a community farm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. The PRC approved the proposed site, with the community farm to be located in the southeast corner of the park, an area that would not disturb the normal activities of the park. The proposed design consists of two growing areas approximately 50 feet x 100 feet and 40 feet x 80 feet, a composting area approximately 40 feet x 50 feet, and a small, unspecified area for storing bulk materials, such as woodchips, to be used in maintaining pathways. In addition, an approximate 10-foot wide buffer is proposed along the southern wall and fence line to allow for a path around the perimeter of the park.
The City entered into a similar agreement on January 28, 2019 with the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice to utilize a vacant City-owned parcel located at 1991 Buena Vista Avenue for urban gardening. The parcel is located in a residential neighborhood and is not in a park, as is being proposed by the Collective. Staff believes that the Collective’s proposal for a community farm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park should be considered a pilot program that will be evaluated prior to approving other future community garden locations.
Staff has met with the applicant and discussed potential challenges and fiscal impacts associated with the Collective’s proposal to create and operate a community farm. Discussions included land acquisition, providing a water source, installing an irrigation system, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, storage, fencing, lighting, obtaining insurance, and potential environmental impacts, and other miscellaneous items. There is no City funding available to construct the site as designed. Below you will find some considerations for discussion as you evaluate the Collective’s proposal:
The community farm will be generally open to the public.
There is no fencing proposed.
Land Acquisition/Lease – the Collective is requesting use of the park space free of charge.
Land Use – as confirmed by the City Attorney’s Office, since the Community Farm will be generally open to the public, the State’s park replacement laws will not be triggered.
Water – the Collective is asking the City to provide the necessary connection to the park’s existing irrigation system. The Collective intends to install a water-efficient drip irrigation system.
Cost of Water Usage – the Collective is proposing that the City cover the cost of water. Estimated annual cost is $1,800-$2,000.
ADA Accessibility – the Collective is proposing to build a raised planter for wheelchair access and for those who cannot bend.
Vandalism – the Collective would be responsible for any necessary repairs/replacements as caused by vandalism.
Insurance – the Collective is held by the non-profit Integrative Development Initiative that has both General Liability and Workers Compensation insurance. The Collective would add the City as an additional insured.
Hours of operation shall be limited to the hours between dawn and dusk. Any extended times or hours for specified events or programs related to the community farm could be granted with prior written consent of the City.
To ensure that this type of project is appropriately implemented, Staff is seeking direction from the City Council to help guide the possible use of park space with consideration of neighborhood compatibility and operational details.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS: This item supports Priority 4: Safe and Clean Community: Invest in public safety, community programming, and maintenance of properties and infrastructure to ensure residents, businesses, visitors, and employees feel safe, neighborhoods reflect the beauty of Pomona, and the community feels a sense of pride and ownership of the City.
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Monica Belloso
Management Analyst
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment No. 1 – Food Cycle Collective Proposal
Discussion Regarding Possible Use of City Property at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park for a Community Farm