PREPARED BY: MEL MACKSON DATE OF MEETING: 07/07/2025
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AND PARTICIPATING SHORELINE CITIES IN A FORM APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FOR THE CITY OF SAN PABLO TO PARTICIPATE AS A SUB-GRANTEE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CONTRA COSTA RESILIENT SHORELINE PLAN THROUGH THE OCEAN PROTECTION COUNCIL SENATE BILL 1 GRANT PROGRAM
CEQA: This proposed action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the “common sense” exemption, in that entering into this Memorandum of Understanding would not result in a significant effect on the environment.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS
FY 2025-27 City Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statement
Create community-inclusive emergency preparedness and recovery plans and Assess environmental impacts over the long-term to assist resiliency planning are adopted Major Policy Goals under FY 2025-27 City Council Priority Workplan, effective April 7, 2025.
CEQA Compliance Statement
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines Sections 150609(c), 15061(b)(3), and/or 15378, City Council action on this item is not subject to environmental review under the CEQA of 1970, as amended, because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and falls within the “common sense” exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), excluding projects where “it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” No unusual circumstances exist and none of the exceptions under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply. The Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan will be subject to separate environmental review.
BACKGROUND
In 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (“SB”) 1 into law to provide funding for coastal communities to develop consistent sea level rise adaptation plans and projects to build resilience to sea level rise, In October 2023, SB 272 was approved, requiring local governments within the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (“BCDC”) to develop a Subregional San Francisco Bay Shoreline Resiliency Plan by January 1, 2034.
In 2024, Contra Costa County (“County”) applied for and was awarded $1,499,285 in funding from the Ocean Protection Council (“OPC”)’s SB 1 Grant Program to develop the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan (“Plan”). The County’s budget includes an allocation for “local government subcontractors” located along or near the County’s shoreline, such as the City of San Pablo (“City”), to support the City’s participation in the development of the Plan. Through collaborative development of the Plan, the City, County, and other participating shoreline cities may use the Plan to comply with SB 272. The Scope of Work for the SB 1 Grant is included as Attachment B.
DISCUSSION
The Plan will involve the use of the best available science and will consist of a vulnerability assessment that includes efforts to ensure equity for at-risk communities, sea level rise adaptation strategies and recommended projects, identification of lead planning and implementation agencies, and a timeline for updates. Local governments with Subregional plans approved by BCDC will be prioritized for implementation funding. While the City of San Pablo is not a Bayfront city, it is located close enough to the Bay to be significantly affected by shoreline rise which can result in increased flooding and disruption to infrastructure.
By signing the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) (Attachment B), the City agrees to participate in specific responsibilities including, but not limited to:
• Supporting a minimum of five community workshops by identifying stakeholders to invite and assisting in organizing, promoting, and co-hosting;
• Reviewing one or more drafts of the Plan to ensure compatibility with applicable City planning requirements;
• Reviewing other grant deliverables as capacity allows;
• Attending Resilient Shoreline Coalition meetings (maximum of four per year); and
• Ongoing coordination to evaluate progress for grant reporting.
All project deliverables are to be completed no later than April 30, 2027, which is aligned with the grant term. The City Attorney has reviewed the attached Memorandum of Understanding and has approved it as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT
The County, as the awardee, with be the fiscal agent for all funds allocated under the SB 1 Grant Program. The County will reimburse each participating City, also known as local government subcontractor, in the amount of $6,775 once every six months during the term of the MOU, not to exceed a total of $27,100 for staff time.
ATTACHMENTS
Att A- Resolution 2025-###
Att B - Memorandum of Understanding
Exh A - Scope of Work