For City Council and Rialto Utility Authority Meeting [December 14, 2021]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Marcus Fuller, City Manager
FROM: Thomas J. Crowley, P.E., Utilities Manager
Title
Request the City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Board: (1) Adopt Resolution No. 7803 Authorizing an Application to the California State Water Resources Control Board for the Lake Rialto Habitat Management and Community Open Space Project; and (2) Adopt RUA Resolution No. 09-21 Authorizing an Application to the California State Water Resources Control Board for the Lake Rialto Habitat Management and Community Open Space Project.
Body
BACKGROUND
The Lake Rialto Habitat Management and Community Open Space Project is a proposed project located on ten (10) acres just south of the City’s existing Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). At this location, a large depression exists that can be converted into a lake by using the City’s WWTP effluent to create a wetlands environment. The wetlands environment will help maintain temperature and flow control to the Rialto Channel for the protection for the endangered species existing in the area. The proposed project will also create recreational and educational opportunities in a predominantly industrial section of the City. On June 28, 2021, Senator Connie M. Leyva secured $1.05 million for this project.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) requested a formal application on October 22, 2021, in order to process the earmark funds in the amount of $1.05 million to the City. Soto Resources is assisting the City in preparing these documents. The funds do not require matching funds and can be used for any part of the project (CEQA, design, or construction activities). The City will be entering into an agreement with the SWRCB in order to access the funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This report is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action is consistent with Guiding Principle 3 in the General Plan:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and supports the staff report and Resolutions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Operating Budget Impact
The requested action does not impact the Operating Budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
The requested action will impact the Capital Improvement Budget and staff will request approval of the necessary budget actions when the award is received by the City.
Licensing
The requested action does not impact Business Licensing in the City.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Board:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 7803 Authorizing an Application to the California State Water Resources Control Board for the Lake Rialto Habitat Management and Community Open Space Project; and
(2) Adopt RUA Resolution No. 09-21 Authorizing an Application to the California State Water Resources Control Board for the Lake Rialto Habitat Management and Community Open Space Project