PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to provide a status update on the proposed improvements to Jordan Middle School, and request a reallocation of funds.    

BACKGROUND

In Fiscal Year 2003-04 and 2004-05 Council appropriated funds from various sources for the purposes of developing soccer fields in the City.  Due to the lack of open space there have not been any opportunities for the development of soccer fields.  With the continuing rise in popularity of the sport, staff presented a study session to Council on July 19, 2005, discussing potential soccer field sites.  The comprehensive report discussed all possible sites including existing City-owned property, BWP-owned property and Burbank Unified School District (District) property.  The identified pros and cons of each site were discussed.  Council directed staff to explore joint use options with the District. 

At the City Council and School Board joint meeting of October 16, 2006, staff presented initial plans to make improvements to the Jordan Middle School (Jordan) upper field adjacent to the District�s facility services yard, for the primary purpose of soccer use.  The improvements include adding field lighting, exterior restrooms and parking on the District�s property.  Council directed staff to look into the feasibility of funding these improvements; and to conduct community meetings regarding the proposed project.

DISCUSSION

The concept of a joint use effort to develop soccer fields is not new.  In 2002, both City and District staff worked together to add field lighting at Providencia Elementary School for the purposes of soccer play.  This successful venture was a driving force in exploring the possibility of making similar improvements to Jordan.     

The upper field at Jordan is ideal for lighting as it will not have a significant negative impact on the neighborhood, as the field is not immediately surrounded by homes.   The District�s facility services yard on the southern side, industrial buildings on the east side, the campus/classrooms to west, and a smaller field is on the north end.  There is approximately 380 feet from the edge of the upper field, to Oak Street.

Parking has also been a concern to residents in this neighborhood.  It is staff�s desire to add at least 79 parking spaces on a basically unused portion of property that runs between the facility services yard and the field.  Access to this new parking facility will be from Shelton Street.  This will move traffic from Oak and Mariposa Streets to Alameda and Shelton Streets.  In addition to parking, a prefabricated restroom building will be added for public use.

City staff will work closely with District staff to ensure that the proposed modifications to this campus will not be detrimental to the school�s program needs.

The services of a landscape architect will be needed to do a preliminary conceptual design of the proposed modifications, attend a community meeting, and revise the conceptual design as needed.  It is estimated that the cost for this service will not exceed $25,000.  Upon completing the initial conceptual design, residents will have an opportunity to give their input at a community meeting, tentatively scheduled for December.   

FISCAL IMPACT

There is currently $5,566,000 in the soccer field project, account number 370.PR21A.70003.0000.14963.  Although Council previously approved the appropriation of these funds, staff seeks Council�s approval to reallocate $25,000 for the purpose of obtaining the services of a landscape architect.   The will be no additional fiscal impact. 

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that Council approve a reallocation of funds to be used for the initial phase of the proposed Jordan Middle School field improvements.  

Attachment A � Aerial view of Jordan Middle School

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