TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effect approval of a transfer of grant funds from the Hilltop Site Sports Complex project (site now known as California Gardens) to the proposed Chittick Field Sports Complex project, and amend any necessary applications with the County of Los Angeles. (Districts 6,7)
DISCUSSION
In 1992 and 1996, the voters of the County of Los Angeles approved Los Angeles County Proposition A, Safe Neighborhood Park Propositions, which among other uses, provide funds to public agencies in the County for the purpose of acquisition, development and/or rehabilitation of facilities and open space for public recreation. In 1992, the City of Long Beach applied for and received a grant from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District in the amount of $6.2 million to construct a sports complex in Area III of El Dorado East Regional Park. In response to community objection to the construction of a sports complex in Area III of El Dorado East Regional Park, in 1996, a new location for the 47-acre facility was identified by the City Council at the Hilltop Site Sports Complex located at Spring Street and Orange Avenue (now known as California Gardens).
As design commenced on the California Gardens site, it was discovered through background and infrastructure investigation that the project was fiscally infeasible due to site constraints. Design on the project was stopped. The work effort expended on the two sites utilized $1,860,000 of the grant funding, leaving available a remaining amount of $4,340,000.
In reviewing alternate sites that would be appropriate for an active recreational sports complex within City limits, Chittick Field, located at Walnut Avenue and Alamitos Avenue, has been identified as the most appropriate location. If approved, the project at Chittick Field would consist of lighted soccer fields of varied size, a football field, and an all-weather track. Included in the project would be parking and park amenities, as required.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors must approve the transfer of the remaining $4,340,000 in grant funds to the new project site. Before the Board of Supervisors can review the matter, the City Council must adopt a Resolution requesting their action. The proposed Resolution would authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to submit a second amendment to the City's previous application for Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District bond funds, and to execute all documents necessary to receive such funds. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor's authorization of the transfer of funds would not commit the City Council to proceeding with development of the sports complex. The development of a sports complex at the Chittick Field site would require appropriate environmental review prior to approval.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is concurrently seeking funding for the development of a master plan for the 47-acre California Gardens site. The master plan development process will include extensive public outreach to include the community in the overall design process. The first phase of development contemplates a 4-acre parcel to be developed as a passive park, and will include walking trails, seating, and parking.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on July 27, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 9, 2011, in order to allow timely execution of pertinent documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The remaining unspent grant budget of $4,340,000 will be transferred to the Chittick Field project upon approval by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The recommended action and subsequent project implementation will result in a positive impact on jobs, 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 SECOND AMENDED GRANT APPLICATION TOGETHER WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO EFFECT THE TRANSFER OF PREVIOUSLY GRANTED FUNDS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACTIVE RECREATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX TO BE LOCATED AT CHITTICK FIELD IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AND TO FURTHER AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO RECEIVE SUCH FUNDS FOR THE ABOVE STATED PURPOSE
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER