COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Parks

DATE:

January 29, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

February 13, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

David G. Holland, Director

SUBJECT:

California Cultural and Historical Endowment Grant Application for $1,500,000 for the Sanchez Adobe Historic Site Renovation Project

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution that 1) approves the filing of a California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) Grant Application for the Sanchez Adobe Historic Site Renovation Project to be funded from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002; 2) certifies that the Grant Applicant understands that it must have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the Project, and where applicable, to complete the Project in order to be awarded grant funds; and 3) certifies that the Grant Applicant has reviewed and understands the general provisions of the Grant Agreement to be executed upon award of a grant; and 4) appoints the Director, Department of Parks, as agent to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, and payment requests which may be necessary for the completion of the Grant.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Preserve and provide people access to our natural environment.

Goal(s) 14 and 15: Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship. Residents have nearby access to green space, such as parks and recreational opportunities.

The implementation of the Master Plan for Sanchez Adobe Historic Site contributes to these goals, as it allows for better preservation, interpretation and promotion of this historic site as an educational and recreational experience for school children and other County residents and visitors to the site.

BACKGROUND:

On January 9, 2007, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved the Final Sanchez Adobe Master Plan, certified the Mitigated Negative Declaration as amended based on responses to public comments and making the required findings, and adopted the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan.

The first phase of site restoration of the Sanchez Adobe Master Plan includes renovation of the Sanchez Adobe, transformation of the current Ranger residence into an Interpretive Center and installation of a security system negating the immediate need for the replacement of the on-site Ranger residence. The total estimated cost for the first phase is $3.5 million. The San Mateo County Historical Association (Association) is taking the lead on fundraising to include the raising of $2.0 million of private funds from individuals, corporations or foundations. The County and Association are collaborating on grant applications such as this CCHE grant application for $1.5 million.

A future phase of site restoration from the Sanchez Adobe Master Plan will include additional elements such as creek restoration along the section of San Pedro Creek within the Sanchez Adobe Historic Site. County Parks will fund future site restoration phases as funding sources are found. The funding source and timing for subsequent restoration has not yet been determined. It is estimated that finishing all recommended improvements from the Master Plan would cost $910,000.

DISCUSSION:

The San Mateo County Department of Parks, in conjunction with the San Mateo County History Association has prepared a CCHE grant application, due March 1, 2007, for the amount of $1,500,000 for phase one renovations to the Sanchez Adobe, creation of a new Visitor Center and installation of a site security system.

Grant contracts will not be executed nor will construction bids be awarded until full funding is secured. The CCHE grant program stipulates that applicants have one year from the date that their project receives a reservation of funding from CCHE to resolve all issues in their project. A 1:1 funding match of in-kind and/or cash resources is required.

Maintenance of the renovated Sanchez Adobe and new Visitor Center will fall under normal maintenance activities of the Parks Department.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There will be no impact on the County General Fund. If the grant application is approved and the $1,500,000 of funding is awarded, the funds along with matching funds would be deposited to and spent out of a non-general fund account. The grant award is contingent on successful fundraising for the 1:1 funding match.