Agenda

Return

C. 99

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Date:	July 21, 2015

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Request for Park Dedication Funds to Help Fund Improvements to the Forest Home Farms Historic Park in San Ramon

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 07/21/2015

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor

ABSENT:

Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

Bob Calkins (925) 674-7877

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: July 21, 2015
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

AUTHORIZE the Auditor-Controller to issue a warrant in the amount of $485,000 to the City of San Ramon from the Park Dedication Trust Accounts listed below to help fund the rehabilitation of "Building 12" a 1,950 square foot barn at the Forest Home Farms Historic Park located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Boulevard in San Ramon.

RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)

Account No.

Amount

8136 4217 34511

$231,812

8136 4217 34519

$253,188

FISCAL IMPACT:

No impact on the General Fund - 100% Park Dedication Trust Account.

BACKGROUND:

The City of San Ramon is requesting $485,000 in County Park Dedication funds to help fund the rehabilitation of Building 12, the oldest building at the Forest Home Farms park located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Road in San Ramon. The project includes structural work to the building, installing new concrete footings, installing new lighting, and improving accessibility to the building. Forest Home Farms Historic Park is a 16-acre farm located at the base of the East Bay Hills. The site is divided into two equal parts - the northern portion of the site contains all of the structures including Building 12 or the "Barn" originally built in the period from 1850 to 1860. The barn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources in June 2002.The barn has needed several repairs over the years. It is slipping off its foundation and is in need of other structural improvements. Accessibility improvements to the building and grounds will be made to the barn to ensure it is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The barn is an integral part of tours for school age children that take place during the school year when students are taught about farm life, farming, and farm tools/equipment. Guided and self-guided tours are also available to the general public with constantly changing displays and interpretive programs.

The total cost of this rehabilitation project is estimated at $757,000 of which $694,000 is for construction. City funds and funds from the San Ramon Historic Foundation will contribute the balance of the funds needed to complete the project. Construction is scheduled to start this fiscal year (FY 2015/16) and is expected to be completed by June 2016. Once completed the improvements will be maintained by the City.

It is the policy of the County to utilize County park dedication funds to meet local and regional park needs. Forest Home Farms Historic Park attracts residents from the entire County and beyond. This project will ensure the barn continues to be an integral part of the overall experience when visiting Forest Home Farms Historic Park.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

Without the allocation of County park dedication funds, the City would not have the resources to fully implement to proposed improvements to the historic farm building in a timely manner.

CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:

The proposed improvements to the barn supports the following community outcome established in the Children's Report Card: Communities that are safe and provide a high quality of life for children and their families.