REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Third Amendment to an Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association Pertaining to Design, Development, Construction and Lease of a Heritage Museum at the Sunnyvale Heritage Center to Install Solar Panels
Report
BACKGROUND
On June 15, 2004, the City Council approved an agreement (RTC 04-227) between the City and the Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association (SHSMA) for the Design, Development, Operation and Maintenance of a Heritage Museum at Sunnyvale Heritage Center at the Sunnyvale Community Center. A First Amendment to the Agreement was entered on October 22, 2007 which modified the Agreement regarding landscaping obligations. A Second Amendment was entered into on February 15, 2012 regarding the use of the City’s multi-purpose building at the Sunnyvale Heritage Center. The SHSMA is proposing a Third Amendment that would allow the Society to make improvements, modifications, and additions to the Museum and multipurpose building by installing solar panels (see Attachments 1 and 2).
The Parks and Recreations Commission considered this item at a noticed public hearing on December 9, 2015.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 7, Environmental Management - Policy EM 7.2
Coordinate operating procedures with the City energy policy to optimize an alternative energy program so that minimum use and reliance are placed on outside energy sources.
Orchard Heritage Park Master Plan
Action Statements:
Assist the Sunnyvale Historical Society per written agreements, and to the greatest extent practical, in developing a Heritage Museum facility at Orchard Heritage Park consistent with City Council direction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Rooftop solar installation is exempt per CEQA 21080.35: Rooftop Solar Exemption.
DISCUSSION
On August 18, 2015, the SHSMA notified the City of its intent to construct solar panels on the south facing roof of the Museum building which is approximately 430 ft to the nearest residence. The system size is 20.5KW using LG panels for high efficiency. The solar panels would provide enough electricity to cover the needs of the museum and multipurpose building with the estimated installation time of one week.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no expected net fiscal impact to the General Fund. SHSMA has been paying all utilities at the Museum since 2013.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
Commission Review
The Parks and Recreation Commission considered this item at a noticed public hearing on December 9, 2015. The Parks and Recreation Commission voted 3-0 unanimously in agreement with the staff recommendation to: Approve the Third Amendment to Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association Pertaining to Design, Development, Construction and Lease of a Heritage Museum at the Sunnyvale Heritage Center to install Solar Panels. (see Attachment 3). Commissioners supported amending the agreement as it supports the use of more environmentally friendly sources of electric energy. There was no public opposition to amending the agreement.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the Third Amendment to Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association Pertaining to Design, Development, Construction and Lease of a Heritage Museum at the Sunnyvale Heritage Center to Install Solar Panels.
Staff
Prepared by: James Stark, Superintendent of Parks and Golf
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Anne Cain, Interim Library and Community Services Director
Reviewed by: Kent Steffens, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Sunnyvale Orchard Heritage Site
2. Third Amendment to Agreement between Sunnyvale and SHSMA
3. Excerpt of Draft PRC Minutes of December 9, 2015