TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit an application for funding to the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, in the amount of $100,000, for the Drake/Chavez Greenbelt Project; and execute any documents necessary for implementation and administration of the project, for a total project cost of $375,000. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
In November 1992 and 1996, the voters of Los Angeles County approved Proposition A, the Safe Neighborhood Parks proposition. Don Knabe, Fourth District Supervisor, Los Angeles County, has allocated $100,000 in excess grant funding from the Proposition to the City of Long Beach for the Drake/Chavez Greenbelt Project.
As part of the park bond measure, the City received $1,782,175 in Proposition A grant funding for the acquisition of property required for the Drake/Chavez Greenbelt Project. The additional $100,000 in excess grant funding will enable the City to begin the environmental review process to satisfy the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A review of the project by the Development Services Department determined that a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required to satisfy CEQA requirements. The EIR process is anticipated to take one year to complete, and during this review, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will phase the project components and begin to identify funding for each phase of the project. The timely completion of the EIR is required so that PRM can apply for Proposition 84 grant funding, which will become available through California State Parks in spring 2011.
On August 8, 2007, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works reviewed the project included in this funding request and found it compatible with the Los Angeles River Master Plan goals, to provide a continuous greenway and open space resource along flood control facilities, without compromising flood protection. Additionally, the project is consistent with the Long Beach RiverLink plan developed by the City in 2003.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on March 24, 2010, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on April 2, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council aCtion is requested on April 20, 2010, in order to allow the timely submission of the application for funding to the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District.
FISCAL IMPACT
The requested amount of $100,000 in Proposition A excess grant funding, administered through the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, will provide partial funding for the Drake/Chavez Greenbelt Project. Additional funding in the amount of $275,000 will be required to fund the total cost of the Environmental Impact Report. PRM is actively seeking the necessary funding to begin the project. Once the funding is awarded, a recommendation will be made to the City Council to authorize acceptance and appropriate the grant funds.
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 LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR DRAKE CHAVEZ GREENBELT IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
NAME |
APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |