For Utilities Commission Meeting [June 18, 2019]
TO: Honorable Utilities Commission Members
APPROVAL: Thomas J. Crowley, P.E., Utilities Manager
FROM: Amy Crow, Administrative Analyst
Title
Request the Utilities Commission to Recommend the Cancellation of the Bethany Presbyterian Church Garden Agreement, and Reallocation of the remaining funds from the Community Garden Capital Project to support a Free Dump Day Program for Rialto Residents.
(ACTION)
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Rialto currently operates two (2) City Community Gardens. The first located at 539 N. Acacia Avenue behind Grace Lutheran Church on the church property. This existing garden is on approximately two (2) acres and has 87 plots for planting. Existing plots are comprised of both raised beds and ground level plots. Each plot is set up with its own water spigot. In addition, the garden has an orchard, shade area and tool shed. This community garden has been growing since 1998 and has reached its build-out capacity.
The second garden is located on the north side of Bud Bender Park on Lilac Avenue. The Bud Bender Park garden was constructed during the park rehabilitation project and it includes 16 raised beds for planting. Bud Bender Park garden is currently 50% full.
As the current Community Gardens were nearing their build-out capacity a few years ago, staff began pursuing other possible locations for additional Community Gardens as well as ways to maximize the use of the existing available space.
On May 13, 2014, City Council awarded a Professional Services Agreement to Architerra Design Group (ADG) of Rancho Cucamonga for design of the Community Garden project. The Public Works Department worked with an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of one representative each from the Recreation/Parks Commission, the Beautification Commission, and the Utility Commission to review the recommended site locations for the new Community Gardens, as well as to review and give input on the ...
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