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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-11-17 City Council (7)TO: City of Palo Alto City M6ager’s Report HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICES DATE:NOVEMBER 17, 2003 CMR:504:03 SUBJECT:ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR A GRANT AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY FOR CONTROL OF NON-NATIVE CORDGRASS IN THE CITY-OWNED BAYLANDS RECOMMENDATION Staffreconunends that Council approve the attached resolution to: 1. Authorize the submittal of a grant application to the California State Coastal Conservancy under its invasive Spartina treatment and eradication project, and approve the terms and conditions of the grant agreement. 2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee, as the person responsible for the administration of the grant on behalf of the City, including certifications and any amendments. BACKGROUND An aggressive species of non-native cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) was introduced in the Alameda marina in 1975, and since that time has infected areas of marshland throughout the San Francisco Bay estuary. This non-native cordgrass is a threat to the Palo Alto marshes because it crowds out native cordgrass and saltgrass and displaces nesting habitat for the endangered California Clapper Rail by its tall, dense foliage. Cordgrasses are highly aggressive invaders that significantly alter both the physical structure and biological composition of tidal marshes, mudflats and creeks. In 1998, the California State Coastal Conservancy initiated a regional program to combat the spread of non-native Spartina throughout the nine-county Bay Area. The Invasive Spartina Project is a coordinated regional effort among local, state and federal organizations dedicated to preserving California’s extraordinary coastal biological resources through the elimination of introduced species of cordgrass. CMR:504:02 Page 1 of 3 In order to enable local agencies to effectively control the spread of the non-native cordgrass, a grant funding program was established to pay for the costs of control and eradication. The Palo Alto marshes have a relatively small area of non-native cordgrass. The invasive species was identified in two areas of the Palo Alto marshes five years ago, and for the last three years the City has hired specialized contractors to systematically treat the non- native cordgrass during September of each year when birds are not nesting. DISCUSSION The proposed grant from the State Coastal Conservancy would reimburse the City of Palo Alto for all costs incurred with the control of Spartina. The annual expense for contracted spraying is $1,800. Because the City is only permitted by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service to treat Spartina during late summer or early fall, work has already been completed this year for control. This grant would reimburse the City for its expenses. RESOURCE IMPACT Work covered by the grant application is an on-going responsibility for Community Services Open Space staff. Approval of the grant will not affect other scheduled park or community facility projects or their completion timelines. The systematic containment of Spartina now, while its infestation in Palo Alto marshes is relatively small, will reduce the amount of expenditures required in the future if the plant is not adequately controlled. POLICY IMPLICATIONS These recommendations are consistent with existing City policy. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The application for a grant is not considered an action subject to the California Environmental Quality Act; therefore, no environmental assessment is needed at this time. Environmental review has been conducted by the Coastal Conservancy on approved methods of treatment. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A:Resolution Authorizing the Filing of Application to the California State Coastal Conservancy under their invasive Spartina treatment and eradication project CMR:504:02 Page 2 of 3 PREPARED BY: GREG BETTS Superintendent, Open Space & Sciences DEPARTMENT HEAD: - --PAUL T. THiL-TGEN Director of Community Servlce~"-----~-~’-’- CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: Assistant City Manager CMR:504:02 Page 3 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY A GRANT APPLICATION FOR FUNDS WHICH THE CITY INTENDS TO EXPEND ON SPARTINA TREATMENT AND ERADICATION IN THE PAL0 ALTO BAYLANDS WHEREAS, the California State Coastal Conservancy provides grant funds to treat, monitor and eradicate invasive, non-native cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) in the marshes of the San Francisco Bay Estuary; and WHEREAS, the California State Coastal Conservancy accepts, annually, grant applications for projects that preserve and protect marsh habitat around the bay; and WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto wishes to submit a grant application that will result in the reimbursement to the City for funds ($1,800) that are expended in connection with proposed control, monitoring and eradication of non-native Spartina in the Palo Alto Baylands. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows: SECTION i. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to file a grant application on behalf of the City of Palo Alto with the California State Coastal Conservancy in order that the City may be reimbursed for funds which the City intends to expend on proposed habitat restoration and conservation in the City-owner Baylands. SECTION 2. The Council hereby certifies that City staff has reviewed and understands the General Provisions contained in the Project Contract shown in the Procedural Guide, attached to the City Manager’s Report. SECTION 3. The Council hereby designates the City Manager or his designee as the person responsible for the administration of the grant application. SECTION 4. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution, which authorizes the submittal of a grant application, does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act. Staff will perform an environmental 031022 cl 0072331 1 assessment when the considered. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: proposed City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Senior Asst. City Attorney trail improvement project is Mayor APPROVED: City Manager Director of Community Services Director of Administrative Services 031022 cl 0072331 2