TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to accept grant funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, in an amount not to exceed $12,050,000, for capital improvements at Bixby, El Dorado, MacArthur, and Ramona Parks;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $305,000, offset by grant revenue;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $305,000, offset by a transfer of the California Department of Parks and Recreation grant funds from the Capital Grants Fund;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $11,745,000, offset by grant revenue; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $11,745,000, offset by a transfer of the California Department of Parks and Recreation grant funds from the Capital Grants Fund. (Districts 2,5,6,9)
DISCUSSION
The Fiscal Year 2022 State of California budget included a surplus projected at $75.7 billion. Due to the State Appropriations Limit, certain revenues must be returned to taxpayers through direct payments and education spending. As a result, Senator Lena Gonzalez, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell requested and secured $12,050,000 in allocations for City of Long Beach (City) park capital improvements. Park capital improvements are proposed for Bixby, El Dorado, MacArthur, and Ramona Parks.
Bixby Park will receive $850,000 of improvements to be determined through a prioritization process. Preliminary recommendations include a splash pad, hydration stations, a basketball court and a technology center/computer lab within the community recreation center. El Dorado Park is slated to receive $1.2 million for improvements to the youth softball and baseball fields and surrounding area. MacArthur Park will receive $8.5 million to begin to implement elements of the MacArthur Park Vision Plan, which was received and filed by the City Council on July 16, 2019. Lastly, $1.5 million will fund a signature playground to replace the existing playground at Ramona Park.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (California State Parks) Office of Grants and Local Services will administer the state allocations as grants. A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve the project applications was adopted by City Council on December 7, 2021. The grants will expire on June 30, 2024.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on January 18, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on January 27, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 15, 2022, to proceed with project implementation expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funds in an amount not to exceed $12,050,000 to complete capital improvement projects at four park sites. Of this amount, $11,745,000 will be used to fund project design and construction implementation. The remaining amount of $305,000 will be used to fund park planning, community engagement, and grant program administration. No match or in-kind service mandate is required.
An appropriation increase, contingent upon an executed agreement with California State Parks, is requested in the amount of $610,000 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department for grant administration, including staff and consultant support. Of the total contingent appropriation amount, $305,000 will be offset with grant reimbursement revenues received from California State Parks. The remaining $305,000 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of California State Parks funds from the Capital Grants Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group. Individual park appropriation amounts are as follows: Bixby Park $85,000, El Dorado Park $60,000, MacArthur Park $85,000, and Ramona Park $75,000.
An appropriation increase, contingent upon an executed agreement with California State Parks, is requested in the amount of $23,490,000 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Individual park appropriation amounts toward capital improvements are as follows: Bixby Park $765,000, El Dorado Park $1,140,000, MacArthur Park $8,415,000, and Ramona Park $1,425,000. Of the total appropriation amount, $11,745,000 will be offset with reimbursement revenues received from California State Parks. The remaining $11,745,000 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of California State Parks funds from the Capital Grants Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group.
Projects will be appropriated on a contingent-basis only. Projects will only proceed at such time that grant agreements have been approved and executed between the City and California State Parks. Should grant agreements not be available by the close of FY 22, the department will return to the City Council with a request to reduce appropriations. The department will also return with an adjustment to appropriations if funding amounts in the executed grant agreements are different from those requested as contingent appropriations.
Following the completion of the projects, the Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department will be responsible for ongoing operating and maintenance costs. These costs are unknown at this time and funding sources have not been identified. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. This recommendation will potentially result in a positive impact on jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER