Title
Receive an update on the Old Monterey County Jail, including a presentation by the Alliance of Monterey Area Preservationist regarding installation of a commemorative plaque thereon on December 4, 2018.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Capital Improvement Committee:
a. Receive an update on the Old Monterey County Jail; and
b. Receive an informational item regarding ceremonial dedication of the Old Monterey County Jail on December 4, 2018 by the Alliance of Monterey Area Preservationist and installation of a commemorative plaque thereon.
SUMMARY:
The long-term vision for the County campus that staff previously shared with Board of Supervisors in 2015 was to convert visitor parking from Capital/Alisal and demolish the Old Jail to provide open space to satisfy the open space condition of the government campus EIR. Staff noted that this would require a subsequent environmental assessment, which currently is not funded. Subsequently, Supervisor Alejo initiated a referral for staff to see if there are any private parties interested to reuse the facility. Staff has drafted a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking interested parties to enter a public-private partnership for reuse of this building. In addition, the Alliance of Monterey Area Preservationist (AMAP) have submitted a requested to conduct a ceremony to unveil a commemorative plaque in honor of the Old Monterey County Jail being designated on the National Register of Historic Places. This ceremonial event is tentatively set to occur at noon on December 4, 2018, following a brief presentation to the Board of Supervisors on the building’s history. The unveiling of the commemorative plaque will be unveiled in the presence of the Board of Supervisors.
DISCUSSION:
The Old Monterey County Jail, located at 142 W. Alisal Street in Salinas, was constructed in 1930 with additions and modification were later conducted in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Jail housing operations at that building ceased in 1977 with the opening of the Monterey County Adult Rehabilitation Facility at 1410 Natividad Road. Following the transfer of all County jail functions to the detention center at Natividad Road, the old jail facility was briefly used a repository for County documents and was closed shortly after.
The Old Monterey County Jail is historically significant for its association with Cesar Chavez, a Chicano leader who changed labor/grower practices throughout the nation by establishing the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). The UFW was the first successful agricultural union in American history. In December 1970, Cesar Chavez was incarcerated in the Old Monterey County Jail for his refusal to call off a lettuce boycott. His incarceration gained national attention on the Jail and on his organizing efforts that helped to change the course of labor working conditions nationwide. It is for this reason that the Old Monterey County Jail is listed as a National Register of Historical Places under Criterion B (association with the lives of persons significant in United States history). The building is not on the National Register for its architectural style.
There have been numerous planning meetings with the public, as well as an Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study. The feasibility study identified nine (9) options for adaptive reuse. Following months of seeking key community stakeholder responses to the adaptive reuse options proposed in the feasibility study, the Board of Supervisors selected Scheme 9 (removal of the Jail) for the purposes of establishing a project description suitable for pursing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The EIR would include an environmental analysis for the removal of the Old Jail and replacement with a commemorative park as well as an examination of a full range of alternatives compliant with the California Environmental Act (CEQA). Commencement of the EIR was proposed to occur following occupancy of the East/West Wing Renovation project.
As a final effort to solicit proposals for the adaptive reuse of the Old Jail, the Board directed staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified interested parties. The RFP is currently in being finalized by the RMA. Staff intends to retain a qualified consultant to enter the building, and video-tape, so that the interior video can be provided to prospective bidders, and thereby reducing any potential complications associated with untrained third parties. RMA is in the process of identifying an Environmental firm to conduct the videography of the interior of the Old Jail. The RFP will be issued shortly after the completion of the video.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
RMA staff will coordinate with the District 1 Board Office and AMAP on the ceremony and installation of the commemorative plaque.
Due to the late submission of this CIC Report, the CAO Budget and Analysis Division was not provided adequate time to fully review for potential fiscal, organizational policy, or other implications to the County of Monterey.
FINANCING:
There are no costs associated with the receipt of this report. At the time of this report, staff is still in the process of obtaining quotes for the plaque installation and videography for the interior of the Old Jail.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The long-term vision for the County campus includes disposition of the Old Jail.
_ Economic Development
_ Administration
_ Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
_ Public Safety
Prepared by: Karina Bokanovich, Management Analyst I, RMA (831) 796-3009
Reviewed by: Neville Pereira, Interim RMA Deputy Director of Public Works, Parks & Facilities
Approved by: Carl Holm, AICP, Director Resource Management Agency