CC - Item 4D - Support Letter Convervancy Grant Application Sierra Club Angeles Chapter•
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ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OLIVER CHI, CITY MANAGER
DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2007
SUBJECT: SUPPORT LETTER FOR RIVERS AND MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
GRANT APPLICATION - SIERRA CLUB ANGELES CHAPTER
SUMMARY
The Sierra Club Angeles Chapter has undertaken efforts to purchase the Montebello
Hills and preserve the area as protected open space. If successful, this effort would
help preserve the watershed area between the Rio Hondo Channel and Los Angeles
River and provide a natural corridor for native habitat. Members of the local Sierra Club
chapter have asked that the City of Rosemead draft a letter to show support for a grant
application to the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains
Conservancy (RMC).
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council support efforts for the purchase of the
Montebello Hills and authorize the Mayor to sign the attached letter on behalf of the City
Council.
DISCUSSION
The Montebello Hills are located in the northeast area of Montebello and remain as the
last large area of open space in between the Los Angeles River and the Rio Hondo
Channel. The local Sierra Club Chapter has advocated for the preservation of this area
as open space and the eventual creation of an "Emerald Necklace", a network of urban
parks, trails, and greenway space along the river areas. Such a network would help
connect existing parks and trails and provide an opportunity for accessibility in between
local communities and neighborhoods.
RMC is currently offering grant funding through Proposition 40. In this next round of
funding, approximately $63 million will be allocated to eligible projects on a competitive
basis.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
There is no financial impact associated with this support letter.
APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: & C-tp:
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City Council Meeting
November 20, 2007
Page 2 of 2
LEGAL REVIEW
This staff report has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
Prepared by:
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Chris Marcarello
Administrative Services Officer
City Manager
Attachment 1 - City Support Letter for RMC Grant Application
MAYOR:
JOHN TRAN
MAYOR PRO TEM:
JOHN NUNEZ
COUNCILMEMBERS:
MARGARETCLARK
POLLY LOW
GARY A, TAYLOR
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f~ itch osemcad
8838 E. VALLEY BOULEVARD • P.O. BOX 399
ROSEMEAD. CALIFORNIA 91770
TELEPHONE (626) 569-2100
FAX (626) 307-9218
November 20, 2007
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Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
900 South Fremont Avenue
Annex Building, 2n' Floor
P.O. Box 1460
Alhambra. CA 91803
SUBJECT: Montebello Hills Acquisition -
Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Conservation Committee Grant Application
Dear Friends:
On behalf of the City of Rosemead, I would like to offer our full support of the above
referenced application sent by the Sierra Club, Angeles Chapter Conservation
Committee.
Over the past several years, the City of Rosemead has participated in planning and
preservation activities for the Montebello Hills. During this time, the City has offered
financial support and participated in partnership meetings to help with this effort.
The Montebello Hills represent the last large area of open space remaining between the
Los Angeles River and the Rio Hondo River. This open space area acts as a watershed
for nearby communities and serves as an important link in the Emerald Necklace - a
network of urban parks, trails, and green space adjacent to the river areas.
From this point forward, with a cohesive vision emerging, the acquisition and
preservation of this open space area will help enhance local communities. The
assistance of the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy is needed to support this effort.
Thank you very much for the valuable assistance you provide and the opportunity to
send our letter of support.
Sincerely,
John Tran, Mayor
City of Rosemead
C: Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Conservation Committee
Oliver Chi, City Manager
Brian Saeki, Assistant City Manager
Chris Marcarello, Administrative Services Officer