ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No: C9
Prepared by: Imelda M. Huerta, Assistant City Manager Meeting Date: March 11, 2025 Approved by: John Conley, City Manager Agenda Location: Consent Calendar SUBJECT: STATE AND FEDERAL COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING (EARMARKS AND SPECIFIED GRANTS) – SUPPORTING RESOLUTION
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025- , authorizing and supporting the submission of priority City projects for state and federal funding consideration.
CORRELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS: Fiscal Responsibility.
PRIOR ACTION: On February 27, 2024, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-22, authorizing and supporting the submission of priority City projects for state and federal funding consideration (Vote: 5-0).
On February 13, 2024, discussed priority city projects for state and federal project funding consideration (No vote taken).
Please refer to Exhibit 2 for a comprehensive list of prior City Council actions.
STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT: City staff are contacted by State Senate, Assembly and Federal legislative representatives, typically at the beginning of each calendar year, to discuss a short-list of priority projects that include a state/ federal nexus, align with state/ federal priorities, and benefit the overall community. Priority projects are considered for possible state and federal community project funding, also referred to as earmarks, congressional directed spending, or specified grants.
In February 2024, City Council discussed priority City projects for state and federal funding consideration.
Below are the key projects that the City Council identified during that meeting:
•Emerald Drive Complete Streets
•Rancho Minerva Safe Routes to School
•Matagual Park – Design and Construction
•W. Bobier Drive Complete Streets Project
•W. Vista Way Street Rehab (SR78 On-Ramp area (City section) to City limits with Oceanside) •AVO/Curbside Parcel Redevelopment Feasibility Study
In 2024, staff submitted funding requests for the above noted projects, excluding the AVO due to its current ongoing discussion regarding future use. Congressman Levin recommended funding for Emerald Drive AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
Approved above recommendation, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2025-35. Vote: 5-0
MEETING DATE: March 11, 2025 PAGE 2
SUBJECT: STATE AND FEDERAL COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING (EARMARKS AND SPECIFIED GRANTS) – SUPPORTING RESOLUTION
Complete Streets, however, the federal budget process in currently in process and no determination has been made.
Based on the previous discussions, staff recommend re-submitting project funding requests for Emerald Drive Complete Streets, Rancho Minerva Safe Routes to School, Matagual Park, and W. Bobier Drive Complete Streets, with the addition of a funding request for shelter site acquisition as recently discussed at City Council meetings.
Below is a summary of project details. Please note, projects can be phased to allow for a more favorable outcome and will be discussed with legislative staff.
Emerald Drive Complete Streets
Emerald Drive is a north-south residential corridor located in Vista between Olive Avenue and West Drive.
Parents and residents voiced difficulty walking and bicycling along and across Emerald Drive to access Grapevine Elementary, Tri-City Christian School, Bub Williamson Park and nearby retail. Sidewalks are scarce on Emerald Drive. Additionally, no bike facilities exist on Emerald Drive creating a missing north- south link in the regional bike network. The main goals of this project are to increase safety and connectivity for active transportation throughout the corridor. This project is a result of community input and seeks to bridge the gaps in missing sidewalk, implement six roundabouts to manage vehicular speeds, facilitate side street access, provide adequate bicycle facilities, increase street lighting to enhance pedestrian/ bicycle visibility to provide a safer environment for active transportation modes to access surrounding land uses and transit stops. The project cost estimate includes construction. The project is currently in design. The total estimated project cost is $17M.
W.Bobier Drive Complete Streets Project
W.Bobier Drive is a four-lane road. The segment between N. Santa Fe Avenue and Bobolink Drive is fronted by Bobier Elementary School, which has a high attendance of approximately 700 children. In partnering with the Vista Unified School District (VUSD), the City retained a professional engineering consultant and galvanized the neighboring community around a viable solution to accommodate active transportation and provide traffic calming. The proposed solution includes a road diet to reduce the number of lanes from four to two and the installation of two roundabouts, a raised median, pedestrian crossings and bicycle facilities. VUSD will also be funding the installation of a traffic signal with pedestrian crossings at one of their driveways. The total estimated project cost is $4.75M.
Rancho Minerva Safe Routes to School
The City of Vista conducted a Safe Routes to School/ corridor study focusing on Vale Terrace Drive and Foothill Drive. This study provided guidance for the priorities and actions needed to improve traffic and walkability around Rancho Minerva Middle School, located at 2245 Foothill Drive. The study balanced the mobility of various modes, such as automobile, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian connectivity throughout this area. With the assistance of an engineering consulting firm, the City of Vista has completed a plan to improve walking and biking and to slow down traffic along the streets leading to Rancho Minerva Middle School. The project cost estimate includes full design and implementation of the plan. The total estimated project cost is $7.5M.
Matagual Park
The future Matagual Park resides at the end of Matagual Drive adjacent to Hacienda Drive and SR78. The
2.27-acre parcel climbs gently to the east, which will allow for various community proposed amenities.
Community workshops will be held during the current Park Needs Assessment Program, or Park Master Plan, that will determine the best use for the park. Example amenities may include trails, landscaping, off street parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, shade structures, dual use pickleball and basketball courts, and a dog play area. The project cost estimate is for design and construction of the park. The total estimated project cost is $6M.
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MEETING DATE: March 11, 2025 PAGE 3
SUBJECT: STATE AND FEDERAL COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING (EARMARKS AND SPECIFIED GRANTS) – SUPPORTING RESOLUTION
Vista Shelter Site Acquisition
The City of Vista's current Navigation Center lease with a private property owner will expire in 2027. The City respectfully requests federal funding assistance to support the acquisition of a permanent shelter site.
This site will serve as a stable and secure environment for individuals and families in need of shelter, ensuring that they have access to vital resources and a safe place to rebuild their lives. The need for such a facility is pressing, as current resources are insufficient to meet the growing demand for housing and support services in our area. Federal support will directly contribute to the well-being of vulnerable populations and help address homelessness in a sustainable manner. We are committed to ensuring that this shelter operates effectively and provides long-term solutions for those in need. The City is currently looking at several options, including purchasing buildings, vacant lots, redevelopment of current city property, and expanding partnerships. The City currently has $5.5M allocated for this project. A funding request of $5.5M will supplement our current allocation.
Staff are scheduled to meet with Congressman Levin’s representatives on March 4, 2025, to discuss priorities and possible project considerations. Staff will submit appropriate projects based on the discussion to ensure competitive submittal(s).
Staff recommend adopting a resolution in support of the noted projects to be submitted with the application(s), with City Manager, or designee authority to substitute another project for any of the above listed, if doing so aligns with City Council goals, is identified as a community priority, and will increase the likelihood of receipt of state or federal funding.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this item. Should the City be successful in obtaining funding, a future agenda report will be brought to the City Council for acceptance and appropriation of the funds.
EXHIBITS:
1. City Council Resolution No. 2025- , authorizing and supporting the submission of priority City projects for state and federal funding consideration
2. Prior City Council actions
03/11/2025 C9 3 of 7
00029213 7
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF
VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AND SUPPORTING THE SUBMISSION
OF PRIORITY CITY PROJECTS FOR STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING
CONSIDERATION
The City Council of the City of Vista does resolve as follows:
1. Findings. The City Council hereby finds and declares the following:
A. City staff are routinely contacted by state Senate, Assembly and federal legislative representatives, typically at the beginning of each calendar year, to discuss a short- list of City priority projects that include a state/federal nexus, align with state/federal priorities, and benefit the overall community.
B. Priority projects are considered for possible state and federal community project funding, also referred to as earmarks, congressional directed spending or specified grants.
C. In February 2024, City Council discussed priority City projects for state and federal funding consideration and submitted the funding requests for the following projects:
Emerald Drive Complete Streets, Rancho Minerva Safe Routes to School, Matagual Park – Design and Construction, W. Bobier Drive Complete Streets, and W. Vista Way Street Rehab (State Route 78 On-Ramp area (City section) to City limits with Oceanside).
D. Staff recommends re-submitting project funding requests for Emerald Drive Complete Streets, Rancho Minerva Safe Routes to School, Matagual Park, and W. Bobier Drive Complete Streets, with the addition of funding requests for a shelter site acquisition, and the protected bike lanes project recently discussed at City Council meetings.
E. Emerald Drive Complete Streets - Emerald Drive is a north-south residential corridor located in Vista between Olive Avenue and West Drive. Parents and residents voiced difficulty walking and bicycling along and across Emerald Drive to access Grapevine Elementary, Tri-City Christian School, Bub Williamson Park and nearby retail. Sidewalks are scarce on Emerald Drive. Additionally, no bike facilities exist on Emerald Drive creating a missing north-south link in the regional bike network. The main goals of this project are to increase safety and connectivity for active transportation throughout the corridor. This project is a result of community input and seeks to bridge the gaps in missing sidewalk, implement six roundabouts to manage vehicular speeds, facilitate side street access, provide adequate bicycle facilities, increase street lighting to enhance pedestrian/ bicycle visibility to provide a safer environment for active transportation modes to access surrounding land uses and transit stops.
The project cost estimate includes construction. The project is currently in the design phase.
The total estimated project cost is $17M.
F. W. Bobier Drive Complete Streets - W. Bobier Drive is a four-lane road. The segment between N. Santa Fe Avenue and Bobolink Drive is fronted by Bobier Elementary School, which has a high attendance of approximately 700 children. In partnering with the Vista Unified School District (VUSD), the City retained a professional engineering consultant and galvanized the neighboring community around a viable solution to accommodate active transportation and provide traffic calming. The proposed solution includes a road diet to reduce the number of lanes from four to two and the installation of two roundabouts, a raised median, 03/11/2025 C9 4 of 7
EXHIBIT 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA
PAGE 2
00029213 7EXH1-2~1.DOC
pedestrian crossings and bicycle facilities. VUSD will also be funding the installation of a traffic signal with pedestrian crossings at one of their driveways. The total estimated project cost is $4.75M.
G. Rancho Minerva Safe Routes to School - The City of Vista conducted a safe routes to school/corridor study focusing on Vale Terrace Drive and Foothill Drive. This study provided guidance for the priorities and actions needed to improve traffic and walkability around Rancho Minerva Middle School, located at 2245 Foothill Drive. The study balanced the mobility of various modes of transportation, such as automobile, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian connectivity throughout this area. With the assistance of an engineering consulting firm, the City of Vista has completed a plan to improve walking and biking and to slow down vehicle traffic along the streets leading to Rancho Minerva Middle School. The project cost estimate includes full design and implementation of the plan. The total estimated project cost is $7.5M.
H. Matagual Park - The future Matagual Park resides at the end of Matagual Drive adjacent to Hacienda Drive and State Route 78. The 2.27-acre parcel climbs gently to the east, which will allow for various community proposed amenities. Community workshops will be held during the current Park Needs Assessment Program, or Park Master Plan, that will determine the best use for the park. Example amenities may include trails, landscaping, off street parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, shade structures, dual use pickleball and basketball courts and a dog play area. The project cost estimate is for design and construction of the park. The total estimated project cost is $6M.
I. Vista Shelter Site Acquisition - The City of Vista's current Navigation Center lease with a private property owner will expire in 2027. The City hopes to attract federal funding assistance to support the acquisition of a permanent shelter site. This site will serve as a stable and secure environment for individuals and families in need of shelter, ensuring that they have access to vital resources and a safe place to rebuild their lives. The need for such a facility is pressing, as current resources are insufficient to meet the growing demand for housing and support services in our area. Federal support will directly contribute to the well-being of vulnerable populations and help address homelessness in a sustainable manner. The City is committed to ensuring that this shelter operates effectively and provides long-term solutions for those in need. The City is currently looking at several options, including purchasing buildings, vacant lots, redevelopment of current City property and expanding partnerships. The City currently has $5.5M allocated for this project. A funding request of $5.5M will supplement the City’s current allocation.
2. Action.
A. The City Council authorizes and supports the submission of an application for state and/or federal funding consideration for the following projects: Emerald Drive Complete Streets, W. Bobier Drive Complete Streets, Rancho Minerva Safe Routes to School, Matagual Park, and Vista Shelter Site Acquisition.
B. The City Council further resolves that the City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take all actions necessary pertaining to the requests and may substitute another project for any of the above-listed projects if doing so aligns with City Council goals, is identified as a community priority, and will increase the likelihood of receipt of state and/or federal funding.
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA
PAGE 3
00029213 7EXH1-2~1.DOC
3. Adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Vista held on March 11, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
WALTER CHUNG, CITY ATTORNEY
By:
APPROVED
Walter C. Chung
20250303125620
JOHN B. FRANKLIN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KATHY VALDEZ, CITY CLERK
By:
03/11/2025 C9 6 of 7
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
On February 27, 2024, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2024-22, authorizing and supporting the submission of priority projects for state and federal funding consideration (Vote:
5-0).
On February 13, 2024, discussed priority city projects for state and federal project funding consideration (No vote taken).
On April 25, 2023, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-64, amending the Capital Project Budget for Fiscal Years 2022/23 and 2023/24 (Vote: 4-0, O’Donnell absent).
On April 25, 2023, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2023-63, approving grant agreement submission for Specified Grant Funds from Budget Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Vote: 4-0, O’Donnell absent).
On November 15, 2022, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2022-168, approving application(s) for Specified Grant Funds from Budget Act 2022/23 (Vote: 5-0).
On February 12, 2008, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2008-32, approving the submittal of Federal Appropriations Requests for Federal Fiscal Year 2009 (Vote: 4-0). 03/11/2025 C9 7 of 7
EXHIBIT 3