TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to accept and expend grant funds from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Land and Water Conservation Fund, in an amount not to exceed $2,016,000, for the Davenport Park Expansion Project;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $1,975,680, offset by grant revenue;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $1,975,680, offset by a transfer of Land and Water Conservation Grant Funds from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation from the Capital Grants Fund; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $40,320, offset by grant revenue. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
In October 2017, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) began soliciting applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant (Grant). This competitive Grant provides assistance to local agencies and community-based organizations for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreation features that increase opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was signed into law in September 1964 and the program is administered by the National Parks Service with funds allocated to the State of California and administered by State Parks.
The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department is requesting the City Manager to execute a grant agreement for the Davenport Park Expansion Project (Project), and to accept $2,016,000 in grant funds. Funds awarded through the Grant will contribute to the construction of the western parcel of Davenport Park. This will increase the total park size by 5.6 acres in a community that lacks open park space with currently only 1.21 acres per 1000 residents, well under the 8 acres per 1,000 as recommended in the Long Beach Open Space Plan.
The Project is located at 2910 East 55th Way on the east side of Paramount Boulevard between Candlewood Street and South Street. The Project includes a multi-use sports field, exercise equipment along the existing decomposed granite walking path, and a shaded outdoor seating and activity area, removal of the fence separating the park parcels, and other site improvements and fixtures. Funds from this Grant will specifically fund the multi-use sports field, exercise equipment, and shaded outdoor seating and activity area components of the Project. Additional funds are budgeted in the Public Works Department for completion of the remaining Project elements. Upon completion of the Project, the Grant requires that the land within the Project site be placed under permanent federal protection to preserve the public’s outdoor recreation use of the site in perpetuity. The existing 5.9-acre park is federally-protected in perpetuity, completion of the expansion will add 5.6 acres of federally-protected recreation space.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on November 19, 2020 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on November 24, 2020.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Project proposes a water catchment and reuse system where any water from the field area, either from irrigation or storm runoff, will be collected via the drainage system and reused on site. The Project will also use and feature sustainable materials, such as native drought tolerant plants, recycled rubber safety surfacing, and a water efficient irrigation system.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 15, 2020, to allow the City to execute grant agreements that have been submitted by the Grant agency.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Project is estimated at $5,778,908, which includes design, construction, construction management, inspection, labor compliance, and project oversight. The project is funded by $2,367,963 from Measure A and $1,435,265 in Park Impact Fees currently appropriated in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. The remaining balance of $1,975,680 will be funded with State Parks Grant funding. The Grant award will not exceed $2,016,000, with $1,975,680 allocated to the Project and $40,320 for grant-related park planning, community engagement, and grant program administration. The grant has a match requirement of $2,016,000 or 50 percent of the total project cost, whichever is less. The grant match will be funded with Measure A and Park Impact Fee funding currently appropriated for the Project.
An appropriation increase for project costs is requested in the amount of $3,951,360 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount, $1,975,680 will be offset by the State Parks Grant revenue. The remaining amount of $1,975,680 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of State Parks Grant funds from the Capital Grants Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group.
An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $40,320 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department for grant administration, offset by grant revenue received from the State Parks.
Upon Project completion, ongoing park maintenance will be the responsibility of the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department. The estimated annual cost of maintenance is $63,000. Funding for this maintenance cost has not been identified, and will be requested by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department as part of the annual budget process. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with the 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 OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER