TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to receive a $680,000 grant from the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002, for construction of a Visitor Education Center at Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site; increase appropriations in the Capital Project Fund (CP) in the amount of $680,000 in the Department of Public Works (PW); and authorize City Manager to execute any documents necessary for the implementation and administration of the project. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
On January 24, 2006, the City Council approved an application to the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (Endowment) under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002, for a grant towards construction of a Visitor Education Center at Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site (Rancho). The application required a one-to-one match, which was provided by the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation (Foundation) and through existing Rancho Los Cerritos Capital Project funds. On February 15, 2007, the Endowment awarded a grant of $680,000.
The cost of the Visitor Education Center is estimated at $2,004,668. The Foundation has raised $989,206 for this project, and is continuing to raise funds for the Visitor Education Center and other Master Plan projects through a $5 million capital campaign.
Existing Rancho Los Cerritos Capital Project funds will also be applied towards this project.
The architectural firm, Heritage Architecture and Planning, has designed the Visitor Education Center in accordance with the Rancho Los Cerritos Master Plan, which was approved in concept by the City Council in November 2002. The Visitor Education Center will be a multi-use structure and include a fast-paced, educational video on the history of the site, plus interpretive exhibits to prepare visitors for living history tours of the Rancho. Gallery space will also be used to highlight the Rancho's collections and explore historical issues of contemporary interest. These varied interpretive methods will provide guests with a clear understanding of the Rancho's place within the context of Long Beach, early California, and United States history. The Visitor Education Center is a priority project within the Rancho Los Cerritos Master Plan, and construction is expected to begin in April 2008.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on September 7, 2007, and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on September 10,2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 18, 2007, as the California Cultural and Historical Endowment wishes to finalize all outstanding grant agreements by September 27, 2007. Failure to approve a grant contract and authorizing a resolution by September 27, 2007, may jeopardize the grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
To expend the grant funds, an increase in appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the amount of $680,000 in the Department of Public Works (PW) is requested.
The cost of the Visitor Education Center is estimated at $2,004,668. In addition to the California Cultural and Historical Endowment grant of $680,000, the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation has raised $989,206 for construction of the Center. The remaining balance of $335,462Jcarryover funding from money allocated to this project in 2002. and earlier, was primarily from Park Impact Fees. These funds are currently budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Department of Public Works (PW).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE CALIFORNIA CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ENDOWMENT ("CCHE") UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2002.
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
CHRISTINE F. ANDERSEN
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
NAME |
APPROVED: |
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ANTHONY W. BATTS |
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CITY MANAGER |