DATE: August 6, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: FOOTBALL FIELD IMPROVEMENTS FOR GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL

SUMMARY:
Overview
Today's proposal will provide funds for the installation of artificial grass on the multi-use football field at Grossmont High School in La Mesa.

Recommendations:
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB: Allocate $400,000 from the District Two Community Projects fund (0262) to the Grossmont Union High School District to fund sports facility improvements at Grossmont High School in La Mesa, including the purchase and installation of artificial grass on the football field at the high school. Authorize the Chief Financial Officer to execute an agreement with the Grossmont Union High School District, establishing terms for receipt of the funds described above. Find that the Lakeside Pony League project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15301 and 15303. Authorize the Chief Financial Officer to amend the existing agreement between the County of San Diego and Lakeside Pony League to change the scope of work from installing sod and irrigation at the Lakeside Pony Baseball field at Cactus Park to implementing various baseball field improvements at Cactus Park.

Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact of the proposed recommendation is $400,000. The funding source is FY 2002-2003 District Two Community Projects (0262). This action will result in the addition of no staff years and no future costs.

BACKGROUND:
The football field at Grossmont High School is the only lighted football field and the only site large enough to accommodate all field sports for league play in the area. Needless to say, the demand for usage of the field is very high. Used by various softball, football, and baseball leagues in the region, the field endures a great deal of wear and tear.

The Grossmont Union High School District has entered into a partnership with the La Mesa Athletic Council to renovate the sports facilities at Grossmont High. The plan for the facilities includes replacing the track; adding and improving practice fields and play areas; renovating the Old Gym; and installing artificial grass on the multi-use football field.

Artificial grass, while an expensive investment, is a very worthwhile one. The surface is supple and prevents injuries better than even real grass, and it requires no watering, which is good news for residents of San Diego County. Artificial grass is guaranteed for at least 10 years, and easily lasts 15. The new field will serve over 7000 youth and adults, providing a safe, beautiful, and cost-effective playing surface for years to come.

Grossmont UHSD and the La Mesa Athletic Council, through grants and donations from local organizations, have raised over $400,000 toward the cost of the improvements, but still need the County's help to complete the funding. Today's action, if approved, will provide a $400,000 match for a new artificial grass field at Grossmont High School, and other improvements, if funding allows.

On June 11, 2002, the Board of Supervisors approved an allocation of $60,000 from District Two Community Projects to the Lakeside Pony League for the purchase and installation of sod and irrigation at the Lakeside Pony League baseball field at Cactus Park. The proposed amendment to the contract between the County and Lakeside Pony League will broaden the scope of work to allow the Pony League to make other improvements to the Pony League's baseball field at Cactus Park in addition to installing sod and irrigation. These other improvements may include replacing the existing lighting, building a storage building, and renovating the snack bar, bleachers, and dugouts. This amendment does not change the previously approved funding allocation, nor will these improvements expand Cactus Park.

I urge your support!

Respectfully submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District