MEETING DATE:
July 28, 2026
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-9645 - APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO ADD A NEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS (CIP #PK013) AND TO APPROPRIATE NECESSARY FUNDS
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT a resolution to amend the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program budget to add a new capital improvement project for Park Improvements (CIP #PK013) and appropriate $5,000,000 in Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) grant funding for implementation of the approved park improvement projects.
Body
Executive Summary
The City was awarded $5,000,000 in Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) grant funding through the California Department of Parks and Recreation to improve park infrastructure.
The grant will fund three capital improvement projects consisting of a new irrigation well at Walnut Grove Park, solar and LED pedestrian lighting improvements at Sunset Park and Woodland Park, and LED sports field lighting upgrades at seven (7) city parks. These projects will modernize aging park infrastructure, improve reliability and energy efficiency, reduce long-term operating costs, and enhance park amenities for the community.
Approval of this resolution will establish a new Capital Improvement Program project and appropriate the grant funding to allow the City to begin implementation of the approved projects.
Discussion
In early 2025, the City was awarded grant funding through the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024, also known as the Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) and allocated by SB 105 (Chapter 104): Budget Act of 2025.
In December of 2025, the City Council approved Resolution 2025-9521 approving the filing of project applications for specified grant projects, and the City recently executed the grant contract with the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation to receive the awarded funding.
Staff is proposing to invest the grant funding in three different park improvement projects:
• Installation of an irrigation well at Walnut Grove Park.
• Solar and LED pedestrian lighting upgrades at Sunset Park and Woodland Park.
• LED sports field lighting upgrades at seven (7) city parks.
These projects aim to invest in the future of San Marcos by upgrading our infrastructure to reduce current and future utility costs. The total grant award is $5,000,000, and the anticipated project cost is expected to be approximately $5,000,000.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to amend the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program Budget to add the Park Improvements Project to the CIP Program and to appropriate $5,000,000 from the Community Project Funding Grant to the project.
Environmental Review
The activity performed under this action is not a “project” as defined under Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, and is therefore not subject to environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(3). The proposed Capital Improvement Project work will be evaluated for compliance with CEQA prior to the onset of construction.
Fiscal Impact
Approval of the resolution would amend the FY 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget to add a new project (CIP# PK013), and appropriate $5M in grant funds into the budget for park improvement projects. Funding to support these projects was received through a Proposition 4 (Climate Bond) grant and allocated by SB 105 (Chapter 104): Budget Act of 2025. The CIP budget details are provided in Attachment 1.
Attachment(s)
PK013 CIP Sheet
Resolution
Prepared by: Michael D’Aquila, Public Works Manager
Submitted by: Michael D’Aquila, Public Works Manager
Reviewed by: Tim Selke, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager