Laserfiche WebLink
• Phase 1: Lighted Sports Fields. Part of the Community Park, this 13 acre site is <br />being planned for two lighted baseball diamonds, a casual use field, paved central <br />plaza area, children's play apparatus area, restrooms, parking, and other <br />improvements. Design of this area is now completed and it is anticipated that a <br />construction contract will be approved in May with construction starting this <br />summer and completed by the end of 2008. <br />• Bernal Property Creek Restoration/Mitigation. This project includes: removal <br />of invasive species and plants, the planting of native habitat, the re-alignment of <br />the creek to reflect a water course that is more meandering and natural, and the <br />installation of a temporary irrigation system. Construction of this project is largely <br />complete with acceptance of the improvements anticipated in July of this year. <br />• Valley Avenue Underpass. Construction of the Valley Avenue underpass of the <br />Union Pacific Railroad line at Junipero Street is underway. <br />Implementation of the Phase II Specific Plan and the Community Park Master Plan <br />would require the construction of a number of public facilities including: a 50 acre <br />community park with lighted sports fields, restrooms and other amenities; over 200 acres <br />of open space landscaped with native plants, woodlands, meadows and wetlands; a <br />community center/ youth center accommodating youth and adult programs; and a civic <br />arts center/cultural arts facility which would include classrooms, workrooms, studios, and <br />a 800-seat sub-regional theater. <br />FINANCING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BERNAL PROPERTY SPECIFIC PLAN <br />In January 2007 the Council formed the Bernal Financing Committee (Committee) to <br />develop a financing plan to fund the amenities identified in the Bernal Specific Plan. The <br />Committee consists of Council members McGovern and Thorne, the City Manager, City <br />Attorney, Director of Finance and the Economic Development Fiscal Officer. <br />In February the Committee recommended and the Council agreed that the results of a <br />voter survey would be helpful in formulating the final Financing Plan when it is <br />presented to the Council in April/May, 2007. On February 20, the Council approved a <br />contract with Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates (FMMA) to undertake a citizen <br />opinion survey. The City undertook a similar citizen opinion survey in 1995 and in 2001. <br />Therefore, in addition to the traditional questions the City has asked its citizens in the <br />past, the City will also be asking the community if it is willing to tax itself for any or all of <br />these facilities and how much. Any increase in taxes to fund the Bernal Specific Plan <br />projects will require voter approval. At this time, the City anticipates any voter required <br />measures will be scheduled for the February 2008 ballot. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />Nelson Fiafho <br />City Manager <br />John M. Casey, Ed.D. <br />Superintendent <br />Page 2 of 2 <br />