TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute any necessary documents including subsequent amendments, to accept grant funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation (California State Parks) in an amount not to exceed $12,050,000, for capital improvements at Bixby, El Dorado, MacArthur, and Ramona Parks. (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 park capital improvements. Park capital improvements are proposed for Bixby, El Dorado, MacArthur, and Ramona Parks.
Various improvements are proposed at the four park sites receiving allocations. Bixby Park will receive $850,000 for 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 will receive $1.2 million for improvements to the youth softball and baseball fields and surrounding area. MacArthur Park will receive $8.5 million to implement 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 State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services will administer the state allocations as grants. Adopting a Resolution is the first step required to receive the funds. It is anticipated that the state contracts will be issued after January 1, 2022 and the grants will expire on June 30, 2024.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on November 5, 2021 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on November 11, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 7, 2021, to proceed with the grant agreements in January 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City anticipates receiving grant funds in an amount not to exceed $12,050,000, to complete capital projects at four park sites. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. Staff anticipate returning to the City Council in January 2022, when the grant contracts are received from California State Parks, to appropriate the grant funds. 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.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER