TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary with The AES Corporation, to accept and expend a donation in an amount not to exceed $500,000, for the development of a new playground at Channel View Park; execute any documents necessary for the implementation and administration of the project; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $500,000, offset by donation revenue. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (Department) was notified that The AES Corporation (AES) has proposed to donate $500,000 for the creation of a new playground in Channel View Park (Park). AES, operates the Alamitos Generating Station, a steam-powered electrical generating plant, on North Studebaker Road across the Los Cerritos Channel from the Park. AES’ core mission is to improve the lives of the people in the communities they serve by delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy. AES is committed to making a positive impact in the community in which they live and work, beyond their core mission.
The 5.28-acre Park, located between 7th Street and Loynes Drive on the western side of the Los Cerritos Channel, includes a walking path, lighting and site furnishings, such as benches and trash receptacles. Currently, the Park does not have a playground and this donation would make the development of a playground possible. The playground will provide a neighborhood park amenity within walking distance from the adjacent University Park Estates community. This community is bounded by major arterials, with 7th Street to the north, Loynes Drive to the south, and Pacific Coast Highway to the west, making walking to a park outside the neighborhood difficult.
On August 15, 2019, the Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) approved the need for a playground at the Park and recommended to the City Manager the approval of the playground as an improvement for public recreation, which meets a recreational need within the City. It is the responsibility of the Commission to recommend plans to the City Manager for the development, beautification, and maintenance of public park and recreational needs, so Commission support of the proposed improvements was requested.
AES and the Department are excited about this partnership to enhance public recreational opportunities at the Park. Over the next several months, staff plans to work with the community to identify the playground amenities and locate the playground within the Park. Grant revenues, including a grant from the California Parks and Recreation Society for equipment costs, may be available to offset some of the equipment costs, which will help to leverage and maximize the impact of the donation.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on September 4, 2019 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on September 11, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 1, 2019, to accept the donation and commence the new playground planning and design.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the project is estimated at $500,000, and will include the design, construction, construction management, labor compliance, playground equipment, and project oversight. The project cost will be supported by the donation received from AES. Additional grant funding identified for the project may be used to leverage donation funding. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $500,000 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department, offset by donation revenue. No match or in-kind service is required as part of the donation.
Upon project completion, the Department will be responsible for ongoing playground maintenance costs. An annual General Fund cost of $15,000 will be needed for preventative maintenance, periodic cleaning, replacement of parts, and removal of graffiti/etching, or other vandalism. Operation and maintenance costs are currently not funded and will be requested as part of the FY 21 budget process. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. This recommendation will result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GERARDO MOUET
DIRECTOR OF PARKS,
RECREATION AND MARINE
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER