REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL January 17, 2019 FROM: NELSON ESPARZA, Councilmember for District 7 City Council Offices SUBJECT ..Title Actions related to repairs at Romain Neighborhood Center: 1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Class 1/Section 15301(c) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines for repair of damage to Romain Neighborhood Center. 2. ***RESOLUTION - Directing the prompt repair of Romain Neighborhood Center. (Subject to Mayor's veto) Sponsor: Councilmember Esparza ..Body RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the Council approve this resolution due to the urgent community need for repairs to Romain Neighborhood Center. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Romain Park and its Recreation Center are an integral part of Central Fresno's community. Local families hold soccer practices at the park, gather on holidays, and use the recreation center for community events. Youth services offered such as the Romain Neighborhood Park pool, the skate park, and the Police Activities League Boxing Program are all an example of the local community's need for this crucial park. This resolution will direct the City Manager's office to expedite the repairs to the damaged recreational center with a monthly status report to City Council. This is needed because of the community's concern over safety with the burned down recreational center. The prompt repairs will diminish some of the grave concerns over safety and lack of continued programs and scarce green space for Central Fresno. More on the recent reports concerning this unfortunate incident are available here https://abc30.com/arson-case-causes-parents-to-worry-for-parks-safety/5007473/ BACKGROUND The proposed amendment will direct the City Manager's office to expedite repairs to the damages recreational center at Romain Park due to a fire incident on New Year's day. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This project falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15301/Class 1 because there is no change or expansion of the existing use of Romain Neighborhood Center. Further, none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2, apply to this project. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference is not applicable because this item does not involve a bid or award of a contract. FISCAL IMPACT The cost will be paid by either property damage insurance proceeds or general funds earmarked for parks' repair. Attachment: Resolution