To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Kopchik, Director, Conservation and Development
Report Title: APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) Director, or designee, to execute a memorandum of understanding with John Swett Unified School District to contribute $90,000 of County Park Impact fee funds for expanded playground and fencing improvements at Lefty Gomez Park for the period of December 16, 2025 through December 31, 2026.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Department of Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to execute a memorandum of understanding with John Swett Unified School District to contribute $90,000 of County Park Impact fee funds for expanded playground and fencing improvements at Lefty Gomez Park for the period of December 16, 2025 through December 31, 2026.
2. DETERMINE that the Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines sections 15302 and 15303(e).
3. DIRECT the Department of Conservation and Development to file a CEQA Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No impact to the General Fund. 100% Park Impact fees deposited in the Rodeo area park accounts will be used to finance the project.
BACKGROUND:
Project Description
The park fees are being requested to help fund expanding playground components to meet ADA requirements, improve existing playground components, and replace fencing at Lefty Gomez Park in the unincorporated community of Rodeo. The tasks associated with the improvement include:
• Remove existing playground components to be replaced.
• Purchase and install new Playground components, including ADA improvements.
• Upgrade playground safety surface.
• Strip, sand, prime, and paint structure.
• Install new chain link fencing.
The total project will cost an estimated $113,000, with additional support from Tri-City Fence Company.
Park Fund Background
The County imposes fees on residential development to fund park and recreational facilities under both the County's Park Dedication Ordinance and the County's Park Impact Fee Ordinance.
Park Dedication Fees are assessed on projects requiring approval of a subdivision or development plans and can be used to develop new or rehabilitate existing neighborhood or community park or recreational facilities.
Park Impact Fees are assessed on residential development and can be used to fund the expansion or acquisition for new facilities, infrastructure, and equipment. Park Impact Fees must be spent on projects identified in the Parks Capital Improvement Plan.
Both funds must be spent on parks to serve the residents where the fees originate. Funds from these fees are deposited into accounts associated with the community where the residential development occurs to ensure the funds are directed to park and recreational facilities which serve the residents affected by the development.
The following table outlines the Rodeo Funds accounts and the amounts proposed for the Lefty Gomez Park playground and fencing project.
|
Rodeo Accounts |
Amount Available |
Amount for Lefty Gomez Playground and Fencing Project |
|
PD1000038 (Park Dedication - Rodeo) |
$144,963.21 |
$ - |
|
PI1000038 (Park Impact - Rodeo) |
$135,548.63 |
$ 90,000 |
|
Total Funds |
$280,511.84 |
$90,000 |
Use of the park fees identified are reasonable related to proposed improvements at Lefty Gomez and are consistent with government code section 66001(a)(3)-(4), because the proposed park improvements will serve Rodeo Community, including the areas from which the proposed expenditures were collected.
Applicable General Plan Goal and Policies
The overreaching goal for parks in the Public Facilities and Services Element of the County’s General Plan is to create and maintain an easily accessible, integrated system of high-quality parks and trails to meet the needs of all residents (Goal PFS-8). The Lefty Gomez Park Play Structure and Fencing project helps to implement this goal through the following General Plan policies:
• Support development of a variety of local amenities that meet a diverse range of recreational needs, such as ballfields, all-abilities playgrounds, tot lots, spraygrounds, adult fitness courses, gymnasiums, swimming pools, sport courts, passive parks, pocket parks, urban gardens, and trails. (PFS-P8.1)
• Expand access to diverse, high-quality parks, green spaces, recreational facilities, trails, and natural environments for residents of Impacted Communities, including by facilitating multiple transportation modes. Partner with other agencies and non-governmental organizations to obtain funding, and design and maintain these facilities to offer a safe and comfortable environment for users of all ages and abilities. (PFS-P8.3)
• Prioritize and promote recreational activity programs and opportunities in Impacted Communities. (PFS-P8.4)
• Support expanded access to recreation opportunities by working with other agencies to co-locate parks and trails with public facilities, such as schools and utility easements, prioritizing Impacted Communities. (PFS-P8.6)
Parks Capital Improvement Plan Consistency
Lefty Gomez Park is identified in the County’s Parks Capital Improvement Plan as a park supporting the Rodeo community.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Staff recommends the Board of Supervisors find the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorial Exemption pursuant to Article 19, Section 15302 and 15303 (e) of the CEQA guidelines.
Section 15302 covers the replacement or reconstruction of structure while maintaining the same use. The project includes play structure improvements which replace play structure components with updated components to meet ADA standards.
Section 15303 (e) covers the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures, including fencing. The project includes new fencing.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the funds are not authorized, it is likely the School District will not be able to complete the project.