TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a grant agreement with the Long Beach Navy Memorial Heritage Association, to accept grant funds in the amount not to exceed $40,000, for the Houghton Park Historic Structures Report and Landmark Designation project; and execute all necessary documents for the administration of the Houghton Park Historic Structures Report and Landmark Designation project; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $40,000, offset by grant revenue. (District 9)
DISCUSSION
In August 2019, Long Beach Navy Memorial Heritage Association (LBNMHA) began its solicitation for its annual grant program specifically for qualified historic preservation projects. The goal of this competitive grant is to foster and support the identification, evaluation, preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and interpretation of historical resources, sites and archival sources within the municipal boundaries of the City of Long Beach (City). The City submitted two applications for the Grant, which did not require a City Council Resolution, one application was awarded.
City Council approval is requested to execute a grant agreement with LBNMHA to accept $40,000 in reimbursement grant funds for the Houghton Park Historic Structures Report (Report) and Landmark Designation project. Funds awarded through the grant will contribute to the development of the Report to restore and designate the Houghton Park Auditorium as a landmark. Full reimbursement from the grantor will be contingent upon completion of the Report and only after landmark designation is approved. Timeline for landmark designation approval is estimated during Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 22). The total project costs associated with the Report and landmark designation is estimated at $44,000, of which the grant will fund $40,000.
Located in Houghton Park, the Auditorium, built in the 1930s, is part of a larger community center complex and has not experienced any improvements in over 90 years. In June 2014, the City began a planning process for a new community center at Houghton Park during which a Historical Resources Report indicates the Auditorium appears to be eligible as a Long Beach Historic Landmark for portraying an area of history characterized by a distinctive architectural style and recommends developing a preservation plan for the Auditorium to ensure compliance with these standards. The Report will serve as the baseline document for the restoration, landmark designation and long-term maintenance of the Auditorium at Houghton Park.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on September 8, 2020 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on September 19, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 6, 2020, to execute the grant agreement in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The grant award from the LBNMHA will not exceed $40,000. The grant has no match requirement. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $40,000 in the General Grants Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, offset by grant revenue.
Project completion is necessary to receive full grant reimbursement from LBNMHA. The total project cost is estimated at $44,000. Of this amount, the grant will be used to fund $35,000 for the historic structures report and $5,000 for local landmark designation filing costs. The remaining amount of $4,000 related to landmark permit fees is currently unfunded and will be required as part of project completion in FY 22. The department will identify funding sources for the remaining amount within current resources or other grant opportunities. If needed, the department will return to City Council with a request for appropriations once funding sources are identified. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER