Agenda Item #12.14
For Council Meeting of: January 24, 2023
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SCOTT WILKINSON, PARKS PLANNER
JEN SANTOS, PARKS DEPUTY DIRECTOR
RECREATION & PARKS
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S DIVISION OF BOATING AND WATERWAYS BOATING FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE LAKE RALPHINE NON-MOTORIZED BOAT LAUNCH FACILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AGENDA ACTION: RESOLUTION
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by the Recreation and Parks Department that the Council, by resolution: 1) authorize a grant application to the California State Parks and Recreation Department’s Division of Boating and Waterways Boating Facilities Grant Program for design and construction of the Lake Ralphine Non-motorized Boat Launch Facility Improvement Project with a total project cost of $767,800, and authorize the Assistant City Manager to submit said grant application; 2) authorize the Assistant City Manager to accept the grant and execute any and all grant agreements thereto, and all other documents necessary for the completion of the design and construction of the project; and 3) authorize the Chief Financial Officer to increase appropriations by the approved grant award.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The approved resolution will authorize the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for the Division of Boating and Waterways Boating and Facilities Grant Program through the California State Parks and Recreation Department (the Program) and execute required documents to provide design and construction of the Lake Ralphine Boat Launch Facility Improvement Project (Project). The Project is consistent with City Council Goal 5, Build and Maintain Sustainable Infrastructure, in accordance with the Howarth Community Park master plan, the project will complete upgrades to the aging boat launch facility to better support the popular non-motorized boat rental program and the Wa-Tam summer camp canoe programming. The Project will increase dock capacity, enhance access, aesthetics, and overall user experience of the facility. The principal elements of the proposed improvement project include rebuilding the existing boat ramp and stabilization of the banks on either side, replacement of the floating dock with a new, low-freeboard dock equipped with an accessible kayak launch extension, and a new gangway to connect the dock to the boathouse bulkhead. The proposed floating dock will extend into deeper water, provide additional capacity, and better accommodate lower water levels.
The Project also includes the replacement of the existing, unusable fishing pier to the east of the boat launch facility, on the far side of the adjacent picnic area connected by a recently upgraded pathway system. The new, fully accessible fishing pier will feature increased capacity, and also extend into deeper water. Additional project elements will include enhanced lakeside access points, accessible and boater only parking improvements, benches with ADA companion seating, and site signage.
BACKGROUND
The original earthen dam was constructed in the 1870s by the Santa Rosa Water Works Company and the reservoir was part of the water supply for the city. In 1894, Mark L. McDonald acquired Santa Rosa Water Works and raised the dam nearly to its present height creating a lake with a usable capacity of approximately 400 acre-feet, which McDonald named after his wife Ralphine. In 1931 the dam was raised 1.5’ to provide additional freeboard. In 1956 the city acquired Lake Ralphine and surrounding property and constructed the original boathouse in 1963. The city completed the current boathouse and launch facility in 2004 through the efforts of the Tomales Sailing Club.
The boathouse and launch facility continue to support a popular boat rental program including paddle boats, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. Individual users also launch a variety of personal non-motorized crafts including fishing tubes, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs). The project will increase capacity for the rental program and individual community use alike. The facility also serves as a program destination for the popular children’s summer camp, Camp Wa-Tam. An institution in Santa Rosa for over 60 years. Improvements to the dock will positively impact the camp canoe experience while enhancing the year-round aesthetics and functionality for the community.
After almost two decades of continuous use by the community and thousands of summer campers, the boat launch facility needs improvements. The existing floating dock has required significant maintenance attention over the last several years to keep it operational and staff is supportive of a slightly larger replacement dock. The existing concrete launch ramp is undercut, and the subgrade material continues to erode from beneath both sides of the slab. Demolition and rebuilding a new concrete boat ramp along with the new dock and gangway system will ensure the facility continues to serve the community and Camp Wa-Tam programming for years to come.
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
Not applicable
ANALYSIS
The Division of Boating and Waterways grant program requires Council to authorize, by resolution, the application for grant funds and appoint an agent to conduct all negotiations and execute all documents necessary to complete the project. The City of Santa Rosa meets the minimum eligibility requirements of the program to apply for the boat launch improvement project for the 2023 funding cycle.
The project was reviewed for competitiveness and the ability to complete the project within the required three year timeline for project completion. The grant program is competitive, and all eligible applications are evaluated by the Division of Boating and Waterways using the following criteria: community benefit, addressing health and safety needs, expanding use and program participation, and project readiness. Successful applicants in the Boating and Waterways program will enter into a standard grant agreement for distribution of funds with the State.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this action does not have a fiscal impact on the General Fund. Estimated total project amount is $767,800. Maximum grant amount from the State is $376,222 towards the value of the project which is equal to forty-nine percent (49%) of the total project costs. Final grant award amount is determined by the State Division of Boating and waterways with the remaining funds for the project ($391,578) available from the Howarth Park rehabilitation project JL Key 09568.
Conditions for disbursement of funds from the State Division of Boating and Waterways includes finalization of the grant required documents and grant agreement before funding will be received.
Approval of the Resolution authorizes the Chief Financial Officer to appropriate any awarded grant funds to the Howarth Park Rehabilitation project JL Key 09568.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and 15378 in that there is no possibility that the implementation of this action may have significant effects on the environment, and no further environmental review is required. However, any future projects that utilize grant funding will be reviewed consistent with the CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution / Exhibit A - Sample Grant Agreement
CONTACT
Scott Wilkinson, [email protected], (707) 543-3953
AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S DIVISION OF BOATING AND WATERWAYS BOATING FACILITIES GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE LAKE RALPHINE NON-MOTORIZED BOAT LAUNCH FACILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PAGE 3 OF 3