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Council approves using Cannabis Excise Tax funds to finish retaining wall at Joe Vargas complex
Summary
Council approved a budget adjustment to apply $90,805 from the Cannabis Excise Tax toward a $164,655 retaining wall at the Joe Vargas Veterans Memorial Complex after staff identified a $73,805 grant balance; the move aims to protect recently improved fields from erosion.
Parks & Recreation Director Vince Alonzo told the City Council on March 24 that a concrete retaining wall is needed along the hillside west of the girls' softball and Stafie Little League fields at the Joe Vargas Veterans Memorial Complex to prevent dirt runoff that threatens the playing surfaces.
Alonzo said the project cost is $164,655 and that the Department of Finance approved using $73,805 in grant funds toward the work, leaving $90,805 to cover. He requested use of the Cannabis Excise Tax balance—funds Council had previously reserved for Parks capital improvements—to pay the remainder. "As of April, $1.9 million had been expended on fields at the Joe Vargas Complex," Alonzo said, stressing the importance of protecting that investment.
Councilor Ron Molina moved to approve the budget adjustment and Councilor Linda Garcia seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote. (The official roll-call in the meeting transcript records a name discrepancy for the mayor on this vote; the mayor presided and is Marc DePauli. See audit.)
Council discussion addressed the wall's precise location and length, remaining Cannabis Excise Fund balance and the project's safety benefits. Staff said the transfer aligns with Council's prior decision to direct Cannabis Excise Tax proceeds to Parks capital projects.
