REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consider Funding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Environmental Review for the Orchard Heritage Park Museum Expansion and Approve Budget Modification Number 22 to Appropriate Funding for a New Project
Report
BACKGROUND
On June 12, 2019, the Parks and Recreation Commission considered an item brought forward from the Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association (SHSMA) to expand the existing Heritage Museum by approximately 1,600 square feet (RTC 19-0355). The commission voted at that time to recommend to City Council not to proceed with the museum expansion, noting that a study issue was underway (DPW 17-05 Orchard Heritage Park and Heritage Park Museum - Analysis and Options for the Long-Term Operations and Maintenance of Orchard Heritage Park and Review of the Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association Proposed Expansion of the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum Site).
On July 16, 2019, the City Council reviewed the potential expansion and chose Alternative 1: Direct staff to develop modifications to the Orchard Heritage Park Master Plan and associated agreements and documents, including appropriate CEQA review, of Alternative Plan 1 - add an addition to the Museum at the location preferred by SHSMA, with all costs including CEQA (estimated at $25,000 to $60,000) to be fully funded by SHSMA.
Subsequently, staff proceeded to prepare a scope for CEQA analysis and obtained quotations from environmental firms to perform the Initial Study. Staff presented the scope and fees received to SHSMA, along with a staff recommendation, which was within the estimated cost. SHSMA has since responded verbally, and in writing that they are not willing to pay for CEQA analysis other than a mitigated negative declaration. However, the Initial Study is a necessary step in preparing a mitigated negative declaration.
Due to the uniqueness of this location and impact to the existing agricultural usage and historic si...
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