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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101-Staff Report.pdfPage 1 of 2 SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 3, 2010 AGENDA ITEM: DEPARTMENT: Public Works CITY MANAGER: Dave Anderson PREPARED BY: Iveta Harvancik DIRECTOR: John Cherbone Senior Engineer SUBJECT: Support for West Valley College Creek Restoration Project RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve Letter of Support for West Valley College application for Environmental Enhancement Planning Grant. REPORT SUMMARY: West Valley College is pursuing an application for the 2010 Environmental Enhancement Planning Grant released by Santa Clara Valley Water District. The objective of this grant is creation or restoration of riparian habitat and revegetation of native plant species. With the grant funds, if awarded, the College representatives plan to restore riparian ecosystem along Vasona Creek running through the campus. Their vision for the future is to create a new trail along the creek with areas of educational opportunities and environmental awareness connecting with the existing City trails to create a cohesive trail system for the community. As with all competitive grants, support from local officials is a vital part of the application. In addition, one of the requirements of the grant is a minimum of 25% cost share by the applicant. The cost share can be met by providing staff time and services. To increase their chances to succeed, the College representatives request City’s support and collaboration in their endeavor. Specifically, they asked the City to provide technical assistance with City Arborist and Engineering Department. Trails Committee visited the site and unanimously approved to support the grant application at their regular meeting earlier this month. It is therefore recommended that City Council approve the attached Letter of Support. Page 2 of 2 FISCAL IMPACTS: Staff time to assist West Valley College to accomplish the project. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION(S): City will not support the WVC application with may lower the likelihood of the grant to be awarded. ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S): None in addition to the above. FOLLOW UP ACTION(S): Letter of Support will be forwarded to West Valley College. ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT: Nothing additional. ATTACHMENTS: Letter of Support.