REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF BLOOMINGTON RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 10, 2024
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
California Environmental Quality Act Finding and Plans and Specifications for the Ayala Park Splash Pad Project in the Bloomington Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of Bloomington Recreation and Park District:
1. Find that the Ayala Park Splash Pad Project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15303(d)(e), Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
2. Approve the Ayala Park Splash Pad Project, as defined in the Notice of Exemption.
3. Approve the plans and specifications for the Ayala Park Splash Pad Project.
4. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works - Special Districts to advertise the Ayala Park Splash Pad Project for competitive bids.
5. Direct the Department of Public Works - Special Districts to file and post the Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). On December 5, 2023 (Item No. 76), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved an allocation of $253,876 from the Fifth District’s Board of Supervisors Discretionary Fund - District Specific Priorities Program budget to the Bloomington Recreation and Park District (District) for the Ayala Park Splash Pad Project (Project) and $1,194,524 from the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund) for eligible costs. Sufficient appropriation for the Project is included in the 2024-25 Bloomington Capital Improvement Program (CIP) fund and will be included in future recommended budgets as needed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The District maintains two community parks (Ayala Park and Kessler Park), an equestrian arena, sports fields, and a community center that offers various recreational activities for the community of Bloomington. The Department of Public Works - Special Districts (Department), through its Operations Division, directly manages, operates, and maintains the District, including Ayala Park.
The Project proposes the construction of a 40-foot diameter splash pad. The addition of the splash pad will be a fun, low-impact, and social activity for families to enjoy within the Bloomington area.
Department staff reviewed the Project and determined that a categorical exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15303(d)(e), Class 3 is appropriate. The Class 3 exemption allows for construction and installation of new, small facilities or structures. When the Board considers the environmental finding, the filing and posting of a Notice of Exemption, in accordance with CEQA, is recommended.
In addition to the CEQA finding, this item seeks Board approval of the Projects' plans and specifications and authorization to advertise for bids. To encourage finishing the Project ahead of schedule, the plans and specifications offer an incentive of extra compensation for early completion. Pursuant to Government Code section 53069.85, the plans and specifications provide for an additional $2,500 per calendar day available for each day the Project is completed earlier than the specified deadline, for a maximum of 14 days. The total extra compensation for early Project completion cannot exceed $35,000.
The Project aligns with the District and the Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives of ensuring development of a well-planned, balanced, and sustainable County by preserving and improving community park facilities that provide for the recreational opportunities and experiences for the community.
PROCUREMENT
Upon approval of this item, the Project will be advertised in accordance with Section 22037 of the California Public Contract Code. The Department anticipates returning to the Board in December 2024 with a recommendation for award of the Project’s construction contract.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Sophie A. Curtis, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 15, 2024; Finance (Jessica Trillo, 387-4222, and Stephanie Maldonado, 387-4378, Administrative Analysts, and Guy Martinez, ARPA Compliance Officer, 387-5428) on August 23, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on August 23, 2024.