TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary amendments including any subsequent amendments, with the California State Library to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $36,694 for English as Second Language Services, for the period of January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department by $36,694, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Library Services Department’s (Library) English as Second Language (ESL) Services grant application to the California State Library was approved for $36,694 in grant funding which are intended as seed funding to launch a new ESL Services program.
With this funding, the Library is able to support additional staff resources to focus solely on developing ESL services that complement the Library’s existing adult and family literacy services programs. ESL programs will target English language learners and will focus on listening comprehension and speaking skills, as well as basic writing and reading skills, that are tailored to learners’ goals and aspirations. The State budget has included California Library Literacy Services funding at $15 million for ESL, which will be allocated over a five-year period by the California State Library. As long as the Library’s program continues to meet California State Library program rules and reporting requirements, the Library will be eligible for ongoing funding. When the program is no longer funded through the California State Library grant opportunities, City staff will explore and recommend other funding options as part of future years’ budget development.
The results of the recent Library Services Performance Audit show that community members who speak languages other than English do not have the same opportunities to use and benefit from Library programs as others in the community. This grant will help the Library address this finding and bridge that gap in service.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on February 23, 2022 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on February 22, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 15, 2022, to receive and expend grant funding by June 30, 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding in the amount of $36,694 for an English as Second Language Services program. An appropriation increase in the amount of $36,694 is requested in the General Grants Fund Group in the Library Services Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant has no required match or in-kind service mandate. 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
CHRISTINE HERTZEL
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER