FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 2, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Director of Recreation and Parks
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON THE SMITH-ENOS HOUSE AND JAPANESE COMMUNITY
CULTURAL CENTER PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receive an update on the proposed development of the historic Smith -Enos House, grounds, and location of the Japanese Community Cultural Center upon the park site. No action is required.
BACKGROUND:
An overall site concept plan was reviewed with the City Council in 2022 showing the basic elements of the proposed development of the historic Smith -Enos House, grounds, and colocation of the Japanese Community Cultural Center upon the site. The Santa Maria Japanese Community Center, Inc. (SMJCC), donated $300,000 toward the construction of the community center portion of the project and will assist in the curating of artifacts from local Japanese families to establish a gallery depicting their contributions to the Santa Maria Valley.
DISCUSSION:
The project consists of three components: 1) relocation and renovation of the Smith -Enos House; 2) construction of the necessary infrastructure to support the site; and 3) construction of the community center. To date, the house has been located on the site with seismic retrofitting complete, a new roof and windows installed, and the re-creation of detailed woodworking which is ready to be installed. A local painter and paint supplier have volunteered to paint the house and donate the necessary paint for the project. Staff expects the painting to be completed by July 2023.
Simultaneously, Public Works has issued a request for bids to complete Phase I of the work to grade the site for the project's site improvements which will include parking facilities, installation of infrastructure, a building pad for the construction of the community center, and the preparation of the site for landscaping. Phase II will be the construction of the community center building. Phase III will be to complete the interior finish work on the house.
Fiscal Considerations:
The project is expected to cost approximately $6 million, with $800,000 coming from the SMJCC and federal funding from HUD. Additionally, grant funding will be solicited as the project moves forward.
Impact to the Community:
Once completed the park site will provide a venue for community events, cultural education, historic preservation, and passive recreation pursuits. The park will serve as an oasis amid one of the City's major retail centers and a reminder of Santa Maria's agricultural roots and community diversity.
S
ALEXANDER POSADA
Director of Recreation and Parks
2 FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OFMAY 2, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Director of Recreation and Parks
SUBJECT: JAPANESE COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER PROJECT FUNDING AWARD
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt a Resolution accepting grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (Award No. B-23-CP-CA-0097) for the Japanese Community Cultural Center in the amount of $500,000.
BACKGROUND:
Starting in 2013, local community -based organizations and the public have been holding regular meetings to identify the unfulfilled recreational needs in the City. Based on input from hundreds of community members, the City Council prioritized the construction of more recreational facilities.
In 2016, the Recreation and Parks Commission established a committee to address the shortage of facility space through a multi -pronged approach, including the development of partnerships with local community groups. As a result, officials of the Santa Maria Japanese Community Center Inc. (SMJCC), a long established non-profit educational group representing many local Japanese families, approached the City with the desire to memorialize the Japanese community's contributions to the Santa Maria Valley and the City of Santa Maria.
In 2020, the City Council approved an agreement with the SMJCC to accept a $300,000 contribution toward the construction of a community center to honor the first generation of Japanese in the Santa Maria area, the Issei. Since this agreement was approved, City staff has worked closely on securing the additional funds necessary to bring the new and needed community center to fruition. The opportunity to seek Federal earmark funding from legislative representatives in Washington presented itself in 2021. Congressman Salud Carbajal requested a $500,000 earmark from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which was approved as part of the 2023 Federal budget.
DISCUSSION:
The objective of the Japanese Community Cultural Center project is anticipated to preserve and educate both residents and visitors on the pioneering history of the Japanese in the Santa Maria Valley, particularly the contributions of the Issei, the first generation of Japanese immigrants. The Issei played a significant role in establishing the
agricultural industry in the Santa Maria Valley and this project seeks to highlight their contributions as well as their struggles.
The community 'center's location will not only create new recreational opportunities, but also enhance the community's leisure services infrastructure. It is situated near several large retail centers and busy streets, providing visitors with a peaceful escape from the bustling pace. Residents and visitors will enjoy easy access to walking trails, cultural exhibits, open space, and other amenities. The Cultural Center's community events will highlight the Santa Maria Valley's cultural and historical aspects with free and low-cost activities that will cater to individuals in all age groups.
The funding will be directed towards the actual construction of the community center. The project has been designed with an agrarian theme to pay homage to the early agricultural pioneers who settled in the Santa Maria Valley and established the agricultural economy that has helped the City thrive for over 114 years. The community center will be a 10,000 square foot facility, estimated to cost $6 million, featuring a cultural gallery, a large multi- use area with historical displays, restrooms, a kitchen, and support facilities, and be a part of the historic Smith -Enos House and Garden project.
Environmental Review:
Environmental review for this project was completed through the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report SCH# 2007011082 pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
Alternatives:
Declining the grant funding would result in a significant shortfall in the funding required to finish the project. Other alternatives could be to authorize an additional allocation from the General Fund, other City funds, and/or continue to seek grants to bridge the funding gap.
Fiscal Considerations:
The City has allocated $4.3 million towards the commun ity center project, with a generous contribution of$300,000 from the Japanese Community Center, Inc. The new funding will provide an extra $500,000 towards the projected $6 million cost, thereby narrowing the gap in funding required to complete this project. Requests for reimbursement of expenses from HUD will be jointly coordinated by the Recreation and Parks Department and the Finance Department before being submitted to HUD.
Impact to the Community:
The establishment of a Japanese Community Center will offer the residents of the Santa Maria Valleya space to host cultural events and family celebrations. The facility is located adjacent to the historic Smith -Enos home, one of the few remaining pioneer family farmhouses in the area. The entire property spans across seven acres and will offer a variety of amenities, including an educational center, recreational areas, and a community 2 event space comprised with a garden, great lawn, sports field, walking paths, vineyard display, and an art walk.
/
XLEXAVDER POSADA
Director of Recreation and Parks
3 RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA,
CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (AWARD NO. B-23-CP-CA-0097) FOR THE JAPANESE COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000 WHEREAS, The City of Santa Maria requested a 2022 Congressionally Directed allocation for assistance in the construction cost for the Japanese Community Cultural Center; and
WHEREAS, funding in the amount of $500,000 was approved and printed in the Senate section of the Congressional Record on December 20, 2022; and WHEREAS, the funding is provided through a grant agreement between the City of Santa Maria and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:
1. Approves the acceptance of a $500,000 grant award from HUD.
2. Acknowledges that the City has sufficient funds to meet the stated goals of the grant.
3. Agrees to be bound by all terms and conditions of the grant agreement and any other agreement or instrument as may be required by HUD to fulfill the terms of the grant agreement and to complete the program.
4. Authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to act on behalf of the City to negotiate and execute all current and future agreements and instruments necessary to complete the program and to comply with HUD grant requirements.
5. Authorizes a General Fund appropriation adjustment of $500,000 to the current Recreation and Parks Department's Capital Construction budget.
6. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria held this 2ND day ofMay 2023.
1 ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk
2 Mayor
APPR . . TO FO
City Attorney
APPROV ®3TO CONT NT:
Department Director
ity M ttager