TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to the California Strategic Growth Council, through the Urban Greening Project Grant Program, in the amount of $75,000, for the creation of a community garden in 14th Street Park; and execute any documents necessary for implementation and administration of the project. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
In 2006, California voters passed the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 84). Proposition 84 authorized the Legislature to appropriate $70 million for urban greening projects that reduce energy consumption, conserve water, improve air and water quality, and provide other community benefits. Up to $2 million of the available funds are available for smaller projects, such as community gardens, proposed by disadvantaged communities.
In 2008, the Legislature created the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), whose objectives are to improve air and water quality, protect natural resources and agricultural lands, increase the availability of affordable housing, improve infrastructure systems, promote public health, and assist state and local entities in the planning of sustainable communities.
In April 2011, the SGC announced the solicitation of Urban Greening Project grants under Proposition 84. Urban Greening Project grants will provide funds to preserve, enhance, increase, or establish community green areas, such as urban forests, open spaces, wetlands, and community spaces. The goal is for these greening projects to incrementally create more viable and sustainable communities throughout the state.
The Urban Greening Project Grant Program provides an opportunity to fund a community garden in 14th Street Park (Attachment). A community garden in 14th Street Park will address multiple SGC urban greening priorities, including improving public health and serving an economically disadvantaged community. The community garden will be developed and operated in conjunction with Long Beach Organic, Inc. (LBO), a Long Beach-based nonprofit corporation "dedicated to promoting sustainable organic gardening
practices and local food consumption" in urban areas. LBO was founded in 1994, with the vision of turning vacant urban lots into viable organic gardens, and specializes in the development and management of community gardens. LBO successfully manages seven community gardens, two of which are in City parks. In addition, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is working with LBO to develop the new Mary Molina Community Garden.
PRM submitted a concept proposal form to the SGC in May 2011, for a community garden in 14th Street Park. The concept was assessed and determined to be both eligible and ready. PRM was then invited to submit a full application, which is due November 17, 2011.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on October 12, 2011, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 13, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 8, 2011, in order to submit the grant application in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the community garden in 14th Street Park will be $75,000. The Urban Greening Project Grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. Should the grant application be selected for funding, a recommendation will be made to the City Council to accept the grant and appropriate the funding. There is no impact to jobs associated with the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE URBAN GREENING GRANT PROGRAM, UNDER THE SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2006 (PROPOSITION 84)
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER