REPORT TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Recommendation to Council to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and a Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program for Animal Assisted Happiness at Baylands Park, Approve the Conceptual Plan and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Sublease Agreement between the City and Animal Assisted Happiness
Report
BACKGROUND
On December 17, 2013, Council considered a feasibility study for establishing a community farm for children, Animal Assisted Happiness (AAH), and alternative recreational uses at the Sunnyvale Landfill (2013 Council Study Issue DPW 13-13, Attachment 2 and RTC 13-311, Attachment 3). The Study Issue analyzed four different uses, each with different levels of feasibility and intensity, and focused on key elements including infrastructure requirements, access, parking, compatibility with the Landfill, constructability, and cost. The Landfill was determined not feasible for high intensity uses due to challenges with access, parking, construction complexity, and cost. Council gave authorization to further evaluate the technical feasibility of constructing low impact park enhancements such as shade structures, benches, water fountains, and trail connections at the Landfill. In addition, since the Landfill was not a feasible location for AAH, Council directed staff to explore Baylands Park (Baylands) as a possible location.
As part of community input and Council discussion, several concerns were highlighted regarding the existing animal habitat at the Landfill and Baylands including the possible effects of constructing park enhancements and AAH. To address those concerns, Council directed that a habitat protection plan for Baylands and the Landfill be completed prior to considering or moving forward with new uses at the sites. On March 25, 2014, Budget Modification No. 33 in the amount of $50,000 was approved by Council to fund a Biological Constraints and Opportuniti...
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