TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to accept a total of $310,000 in Housing Related Parks Program grant funds, awarded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, for the renovation of turf grass at Seaside Park and 14th Street Park; increase appropriations by $310,000 in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Department of Public Works (PW); and execute any documents necessary for the administration of the project. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
On November 7, 2006, California voters passed the Housing and Emergency Trust Fund Act of 2006 (Proposition 1C) to provide low-cost housing for needy families, seniors, and military veterans, as well as shelters for battered women. Subsequent enabling legislation authorized $200 million in Proposition 1C grant funding for the Housing Related Parks Program (HRP Program), which is administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The HRP Program creates incentives and rewards local governments for building affordable housing with grant money to fund much needed parks in their communities. Grant awards are based on the number of bedrooms in newly constructed ownership and rental housing units that are classified as affordable for very low-income and low-income households. To be eligible for HRP Program funds, localities must have, 1) a compliant Housing Element, 2) submitted an annual progress report on their Housing Elements, and 3) issued housing start approvals for affordable housing units during the designated program year.
On April 3, 2012, the City Council authorized the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) to apply for grant funding through the HRP Program. Recently, PRM was notified of the award of grant funding in the amount of $310,000 for the rehabilitation of turf grass at Seaside and 14th Street Parks.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on July 19, 2012, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 28, 2012.
SUSTAINABILITY
The proposed project will improve water infiltration and increase irrigation efficiency at both parks, thereby reducing the amount of water and electricity needed to sufficiently irrigate the turf. In addition, less chemical fertilizers will be required to promote healthy turf growth.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 18, 2012, in order to allow timely execution of the grant agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
As the award of this grant is not currently budgeted, an appropriation increase in the amount of $310,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Department of Public Works (PW) for the rehabilitation of turf grass at Seaside Park and 14th Street Park. The grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. City overhead charges are not eligible for reimbursement. City staff time for eligible project management and grant administration will be charged directly to the projects in order to recover allowable administrative costs. It is estimated that the rehabilitation of both sites will result in reduced maintenance and utility costs. There is no impact to jobs associated with the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
MICHAEL CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER