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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AWARD A SERVICE CONTRACT FOR THE NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve Notice of Exemption No. NOE56-24 under the California Environmental Quality Act for the Nature-Based Solutions Grant Program, Project No. OM-25-107.
2. Award a Service Contract with San Joaquin County Office of Education DBA Greater Valley Conservation Corps of Stockton, CA, for the Nature-Based Solutions Grant Program, Project No. OM-25-107.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
On October 7, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Executive Order N-82-20, elevating the role of natural and working lands in the fight against climate change and advancing biodiversity conservation as an administrative policy. The NBS program called for restoring nature and landscape health to deliver on California’s climate change goals and other critical priorities, including improving public health and safety, securing our food and water supplies, and achieving greater equity across the State.
On May 30, 2024, the San Joaquin County Office of Education DBA Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC) was awarded NBS Grant funds by the California Conservation Corps (Attachment A). The program’s objective is to provide educational and career pathways for young adults, ages 18 to 26. GVCC will work with the Public Works Department to carry out eligible projects under the NBS program in City parks and streetscapes. Such projects include planting trees, developing new pollinator gardens and natural areas within existing parks, clearing brush, and removing trees and replacing them with native plants. As a result of the NBS award, there is no cost to the City in partnering with GVCC for these services.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance is required to be filed with the San Joaquin County Recorder’s Office prior to performing any work.
It is recommended that Council adopt a resolution approving Notice of Exemption No. NOE56-24 under CEQA and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Service Contract with GVCC.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2010, GVCC became a certified local conservation corps. GVCC is the only recognized conservation corps that is operated by a county office of education, the San Joaquin County Office of Education. GVCC currently provides young adults, ages 18 to 26, with education, training, and employment in the fields of recycling and natural resources.
On October 7, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the NBS Executive Order N-82-20, elevating the role of natural and working lands in the fight against climate change and advancing biodiversity conservation as an administrative policy. The NBS program called for restoring nature and landscape health to deliver on California’s climate change goals and other critical priorities, including improving public health and safety, securing our food and water supplies, and achieving greater equity across the State. The California Natural Resources Agency has been charged with administrating programs and initiatives under the NBS directive and has distributed funds to various departments to advance NBS’ objectives and goals.
Eligible projects will be in disadvantaged communities and may include:
• Habitat conservation and restoration, such as invasive plant removal, planting native plants and trees, and planting drought-resistant vegetation.
• Forest health and wildfire resilience, such as vegetation management and brush clearance, removal of dead and dying trees, and construction of fuel breaks.
• Urban and Community Greening, such as native tree planting, building urban and community gardens, composting, and removing asphalt to restore natural areas.
• Equitable outdoor access and recreation, such as the construction of pedestrian, bicycle, and/or trail pathways and park infrastructure and features.
Present Situation
On May 30, 2024, the GVCC was awarded NBS Grant funds by the California Conservation Corps (Attachment A). GVCC will work with the Public Works Department to carry out eligible projects under the NBS program within City parks and streetscapes. Such projects include planting trees, developing new pollinator gardens and natural areas within existing parks, clearing brush, and removing trees and replacing them with native plants.
All NBS projects must comply with the CEQA. The project is in conformance with the City’s General Plan, pursuant to California Government Code, section 65402, and is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA as specified under Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines. The activities related to this project constitute a discretionary project under the City’s jurisdiction and qualifies as a project that does not have a significant effect on the environment. The resolution will approve the filing of Notice of Exemption No. NOE56-24 under CEQA.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.
Attachment A - NBS Grant