REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF BIG BEAR VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 6, 2024
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
California Environmental Quality Act Findings and Plans and Specifications for the Big Bear Valley Recreational and Park District - Big Bear Alpine Zoo Shade Structures Project
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District:
1. Find that the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District - Big Bear Alpine Zoo Shade Structures Project is exempt under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15303(e) Class 3 (new construction of small structures).
2. Approve the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Parks District - Big Bear Alpine Zoo Shade Structures Project as defined in the Notice of Exemption.
3. Approve the plans and specifications for the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District - Big Bear Alpine Zoo Shade Structures Project.
4. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works - Special Districts to advertise the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District - Big Bear Alpine Zoo Shade Structures 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.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). Reimbursement of eligible expenditures for the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District (District) - Big Bear Alpine Zoo Shade Structures Project (Project) will be funded through the cash donation of $256,100 from The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (FOBBAZ), the District’s Available Reserves of $48,372, as approved by the Board of Directors (Board) on December 5, 2023 (Item No. 65), and $800,000 from the Discretionary General Fund approved by the Board on June 11, 2024 (Item No. 111). Appropriation for the Project is included in the District’s 2024-25 Operating Fund budget, however, additional appropriations will be needed and requested when a contract is awarded. Appropriations will be included in future recommended budgets, as needed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In 2022, FOBBAZ administrated a fundraising campaign to provide shade for the animals and guests at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (Zoo). The shade structures would improve animal welfare and would offer a more comfortable experience for guests as hotter days become more frequent.
On December 5, 2023 (Item No. 65), the Board approved the Project for the Capital Improvement Program. The Project proposes the construction of new shade structures that will be able to withstand the weather patterns that are typical for the Big Bear Lake area and provide protection from the weather for Zoo animals.
The Department of Public Works - Special Districts (Department) reviewed the Project and determined that a categorical exemption exists in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15303(e) Class 3. The Class 3 exemption allows for the construction of small appurtenant structures. The proposed shelters will be appurtenant to the zoo’s main buildings and animal enclosures, with no expansion of use. When the Board considers the environmental findings, the filing and posting of a Notice of Exemption is recommended.
In addition to the CEQA findings, this item seeks Board approval of the Project’s plans and specifications and authorization to advertise for bids.
PROCUREMENT
Upon Board approval of this item, the formal bid process will begin with issuance of an advertisement for bids in the County’s Electronic Procurement Network (ePro) in accordance with Section 22037 of the California Public Contract Code. The Department anticipates returning to the Board in September 2024 with a recommendation for award of the construction contract.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on July 12, 2024; Finance (Jessica Trillo, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on July 17, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on July 22, 2024.