TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to receive $200,000 from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy for the El Dorado Nature Center entry enhancement project; execute any documents necessary for the implementation and administration of the project; and increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW) by $200,000. (District 4)
DISCUSSION
On September 23, 2013, the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) approved the allocation of $200,000 in grant funds for the El Dorado Nature Center (EDNC) entry enhancement project. In early discussions with the RMC, the project had focused on improvements to the south lake at the EDNC. During subsequent discussions, the project scope changed to improvements to the EDNC entry. In order to properly document and track the grant, the RMC has requested that the City of Long Beach (City) complete and submit a grant application for the project.
The proposed EDNC entry enhancement project will include an improved arrival experience with a new entry statement and signage, an amphitheater for educational sessions and events, and an ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge and trails leading to the EDNC building. The entry features will include interpretive signage relating to the San Gabriel River Watershed and the adjacency of the EDNC to the San Gabriel River. It is envisioned that the interpretive components will be hands-on in order to serve the thousands of school children that make the EDNC their field trip destination. The entry enhancement project will further improve the EDNC habitat with the replacement of many unhealthy non-native trees and shrubs with appropriate native landscaping.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on December 16, 2013, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on January 7, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 4, 2014, in order to allow timely grant application submission to the County of Los Angeles, and to enable the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine to commence with the entry enhancement project in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total project cost is estimated at $900,000 and is funded by $300,000 in FY 13 one-time infrastructure monies from Council District 4, and $400,000 of the $1,000,000 in one-time funding allocated by the City Council for the EDNC as part of FY 14 Budget Adoption. The remaining $600,000 in one-time funding is designated for the south lake at the EDNC. RMC grant funding of $200,000 that is not currently budgeted will complete the $900,000 required for the project, and an appropriation increase of $200,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW). The RMC grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. The recommended action will result in a positive impact on jobs in the construction industry, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2002, THE WATER, SECURITY, CLEAN DRINKING WATER, COASTAL AND BEACH PROTECTION ACT OF 2002, AND THE SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2006 (PROP 84)
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
ARA MALOYAN
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER