DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY & COMMUNITY SERVICES
FROM: KRISTAN LUNDQUIST, LCS DIRECTOR
TITLE: TRANSFER OF STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY GRANT AGREEMENT FROM BIG SUR LAND TRUST TO CITY OF SALINAS RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Novation and Amendment Number 1 to the State Coastal Conservancy Grant Agreement No. 15-128 between the State Coastal Conservancy, Big Sur Land Trust and the City of Salinas and take whatever additional steps may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this Resolution.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Salinas and the Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) have been working toward the development of a park and open space area since 2008. On March 19, 2024, the City Council authorized execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and BSLT to coordinate and memorialize the planning, development, ownership and long-term management of the Carr Lake Park Project, now named Ensen Community Park. Pursuant to the MOU, the City Council authorized the execution of a Conveyance Agreement on February 25, 2025. Phase I of the park included a 6- acre neighborhood park which opened in August of 2025. The remaining 67-acre restoration area (Phase II) has reached substantial completion and is ready to be transferred to the City. As part of the transfer, a Novation and Amendment Number 1 to the State Coastal Conservancy Grant Agreement is included for consideration.
BACKGROUND:
Since 2017, BSLT has been planning, designing, permitting, and fundraising for a two-phase park development project, with the goal of the entire 73-acre property to be owned and managed by the City as a public park. Implementation of the Carr Lake Park Project realizes a goal long held by the City and its residents, as exemplified by its consistency with numerous City plans and initiatives, including the General Plan, which has identified the area as “park” since 2002. BSLT has fundraised for and received over $27 million in funding to support this project to date. In November 2022, the Salinas City Council unanimously approved allocation of $1 million from the fiscal year 2022 available fund balance to BSLT for construction of the Project.
BSLT, working with community partners including Center for Community Advocacy and CSUMB’s Habitat Stewardship Project, held formal community meetings to engage residents in the iterative park design process, which included educating residents about Carr Lake, explaining the project, and soliciting ideas. In addition to the formal meetings, BSLT and partners also held dozens of site tours, school field trips, educational programs, surveys, and community stewardship workdays at the site to engage residents of all ages and collect input on the project design. Over 6,700 residents have participated in these and other project activities. The input collected was analyzed, considered and incorporated into the park design plan to the greatest extent feasible. As a result, the project design directly reflects community input and guidance.
Prior to construction, BSLT and City staff drafted an MOU for the purpose of coordinating and memorializing the planning, ownership, and long-term management of the Carr Lake Park Project. The MOU details the roles and responsibilities of each party, as well as the plans to transfer to the City each phase of the park once construction is complete. Additionally, public and private grants and agency permits secured by BSLT have specific deliverables, timelines and deadlines that are detailed in the MOU. The City Council authorized the execution of the MOU in March of 2024.
Phase I of the project included the development of a 6-acre neighborhood park. Pursuant to the MOU, the City Council authorized the execution of a Conveyance Agreement on February 25, 2025. The Conveyance Agreement outlined the terms and conditions for the transfer by Grant Deed. The neighborhood park opened in August of 2025 and effective with the opening, operations and maintenance was transferred to the City.
Phase II of the project includes the development of a 67- acre restoration and open space area. This phase of the project includes restoration of creek and wetland habitat, planting, fencing, signage, and trail construction. Consistent with the MOU and Conveyance Agreement, the restoration area is being transferred to the City. The City will have responsibility for maintenance of the restoration area to include general trash pick-up, removal of graffiti, patrols, pedestrian and maintenance bridges, crossings, boardwalks, trail maintenance, perimeter fending, sediment removal, and mowing and weeding. BSLT will be responsible for implementing vegetation and habitat management as required under grant agreements and permits to ensure that the restoration is successful. BSLT will also be responsible for all monitoring and reporting as required under the grant agreements and permits, implementation of an adaptive management plan, and coordination of compliance with timeframe requirements under all permits and grant conditions. BSLT will also install and maintain temporary wildlife exclusion fencing each year, in coordination with the neighboring farm properties. This area will also be open to the public from dawn to dusk, like other City parks. The restoration area has reached substantial completion and is ready for transfer to the City.
BSLT received funds from the State Coastal Conservancy in the amount of two million and five hundred dollars ($2,500,000.00) to support the acquisition of the 73 acres of real property known as Carr Lake. As a result of the transfer of Phase II the City will assume all the duties and obligations under the State Coastal Conservancy Grant Agreement No. 15-128. Staff seek authorization for the City Manager to execute the Assignment and Novation Agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy and BSLT which will memorialize the City’s commitment to compliance with the terms of the Grant Agreement.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). Environmental impacts of the Carr Lake Project were analyzed in accordance with CEQA. An Initial Study and Mitigation Negative Declaration (ISMND) adopted by the City Council on September 14, 2021, found that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
Yes.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This action supports the Salinas City Council goals (2025) of Infrastructure, Public Safety and Youth and Seniors. Ensen Community Park and improvements will provide recreational opportunities for all residents. The restoration area will also support environmental sustainability and public health outcomes through restoring the wetland and riparian fish and wildlife habitat, improving water quality and the development of walking paths.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Library & Community Services Department (LCS) has coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, the City Manager’s Office and the Community Development Department at various stages of this project. Most recently, LCS has been coordinating with the City Attorney’s Office on the transfer of the restoration area and the Novation and Amendment Number 1 to the State Coastal Conservancy Grant Agreement No. 15-128.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Fund
General Ledger Number (Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
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Amount Requested
NA
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ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Novation and Amendment Number 1
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CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT