DATE: January 31, 2006
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Allocation of District Two Community Projects Funds

SUMMARY:
Several communities in East County have demonstrated a need for improvements to their recreational facilities, and have shown that they are prepared to work together with other jurisdictions and community members to provide their children with opportunities to play and stay healthy. This action will provide funds to several communities to improve recreational facilities in East County.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Supervisor Dianne Jacob:

1. Find that the allocations to the Jamul Little League and Mt. Woodson Elementary Parent Teacher Association are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301.
   
2. Allocate $75,000 from the District Two Community Projects fund (Org. 0262) to Jamul Little League to improve the existing access road leading to the ball fields, install six solar powered safety lights along the access road and to pay for the outstanding portion of the costs to install the sod on the Cap’s and T-ball fields ($14,245) and to convert the existing well to an “on-demand” system that allows the schools to water all fields on an as needed basis ($12,019.50).
   
3. Allocate $3,000 from the District Two Community Projects fund (Org. 0262) to the Mt. Woodson Elementary Parent Teacher Association to complete the restoration of the vernal pool on the Mt. Woodson Elementary School campus by constructing a redwood deck and benches around the pool to create an outdoor classroom.
   
4. Authorize the Chief Financial Officer to execute a grant agreement with the organizations listed above, establishing terms for the receipt of the funds described above.
   
5. Find that these grant awards have a public purpose.

FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of these recommendations is $78,000. The funding source is FY 05-06 District Two Community Projects. This action will result in the addition of no new staff years and no future costs.

BACKGROUND:
Jamul Elementary and Intermediate Schools’ ball fields are home to the Jamul Little League. Like many facilities in East County, these fields are in need of upgrades to accommodate the growing enrollment of the league. This action will allocate $75,000 to the Jamul Little League to improve the existing access road leading to the ball fields, install six solar powered safety lights along the access road and to pay for the outstanding portion of the costs to install the sod on the Cap’s and T-ball fields ($14,245) and to convert the existing well to an “on-demand” system that allows the schools to water the ball fields on an as needed basis ($12,019.50).

The Mt. Woodson Elementary School Outdoor Education Program has been educating students about the endangered ferry shrimp and the weather since 1993, when a group of students, parents and teachers worked together to save a vernal pool that was going to be destroyed. Today’s allocation of $3,000 to the Mt. Woodson Elementary Parent Teacher Association will be used to complete the restoration of the vernal pool on the Mt. Woodson Elementary School campus by funding the construction of a redwood deck and benches around the vernal pool to create an outdoor classroom.

I urge your support!

Respectfully submitted,



DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District