TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary including any necessary subsequent amendments, to enter into a Restricted Grant Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $180,000, to implement the grant for the Clean California Grant Program for the Artesia Boulevard/State Route 91 Undercrossing Mural project. (District 9)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Restricted Grant Agreement with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the Clean California Grant Program for the Artesia Boulevard/State Route 91 Undercrossing Mural project.
The Clean California Grant Program, administered by Caltrans, helps fund local communities to add beautification measures and art in public spaces along with the removal of litter and debris, to enhance communities and improve spaces for walking and recreation. The program goals are to reduce the amount of waste and debris within public rights-of-way, pathways, parks, transit centers, and other public spaces; enhance, rehabilitate, restore, or install measures to beautify and improve public spaces and mitigate the urban heat island effect; enhance public health, cultural connection, and community placemaking by improving public spaces for walking and recreation; and, advance equity for underserved communities.
The City of Long Beach’s (City) staff and design team envisioned incorporating a large mural on the existing State Route 91 bridge abutment wall and bridge columns at Artesia Boulevard. The mural would complement the City’s Artesia Great Boulevard project that improves the safety and operation of Artesia Boulevard for all modes of transportation, including transit, bicyclists and pedestrians. The mural would enhance the neighborhood appeal of an under-served community in North Long Beach and would generate a sense of pride in the community. The Clean California grant funding will make it feasible to bring art into a public space and bring an aesthetic improvement to the daily lives of passersby.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on August 10, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on August 22, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to adopt the attached Resolution is requested on September 6, 2022, to allow expeditious execution of the Restricted Grant Agreement to ensure the grant timelines are met.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Artesia Boulevard/State Route 91 Undercrossing Mural Project is estimated at $180,000, which includes design, mural installation, and project oversight. The total cost will be supported by the Clean California Grant Program. This grant has no match funding requirements and will complement the Artesia Great Boulevard project. Under the program guidelines, the City is required to accept the grant and name the official authorized to sign by Resolution. City staff will return to the City Council for appropriation of the grant funds once the grant agreement has been executed. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Approval of this recommendation would potentially have a positive impact on the local job market.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER