TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, including amending the terms or changing the amount of the award, to accept grant funds from the California Natural Resources Agency for capital improvements at Wrigley Greenbelt and Multi-Service Center, in an amount not to exceed $5,200,000.
(District 7)
DISCUSSION
On June 6, 2023, City Council approved Resolution RES-23-0088. The California Natural Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Office requested a revision to the Resolution to include further certifications by the City of Long Beach (City). These revisions will require Council approval.
Assembly Bill (AB) 179, the State of California Budget Act of 2022, was approved on September 6, 2022. The amended bill made appropriations for the support of state government for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. As requested by Senator Lena Gonzalez, this included the appropriation of $5,200,000 to be allocated by the California Natural Resources Agency for the City to fund the Wrigley Greenbelt Restoration Project (Project) and the Multi-Service Center Expansion and Improvements Project.
Various improvements are proposed at the two locations receiving allocations. The Parks, Recreation and Marine and Public Works Departments will receive $1,200,000 for the Wrigley Greenbelt Project to complete the restoration of eight acres of native vegetation and native tree plantings, low-flow irrigation, a meandering bioswale, and a one-mile walking trail. The Project will focus on the functional connectivity of the entire eight acres of open space through completion of native habitat landscaping and public safety elements. While the Project is substantially complete and open to the public, the additional funds will support additional scope of work that was unfunded, including accessibility improvements and educational signage. The project will follow the City’s language access policy, including translated wayfinding, interpretive signage, park rules signs, and gateway signs.
The City’s Health and Human Services Department (DHHS) will receive $4,000,000 from the California Natural Resources Agency to support the costs associated with necessary upgrades to the Multi-Service Center (MSC), a DHHS operated facility, which serves as the primary point of access for homeless services citywide, providing services including basic amenities, case management, care coordination, mental health and behavioral health services, assessment and triage for additional resources and services, and connections to the Coordinated Entry System, as needed. The funding will be utilized to support the costs for needed repairs and a variety of health, life, and safety upgrades to the facility. Facility repairs and improvements are needed to sustain programming, service delivery, and operations of the MSC. The scope of repairs and enhancements will include, but may not be limited to, the replacement of flooring, HVAC systems, roof, purchase and installation of fencing, security cameras, safety features (electronic access and safety button), landscaping, shade structure, and laptop and charging stations.
The California Natural Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Office will administer the state allocations as grants. Adoption of a Resolution is the first step required to receive the funds. It is anticipated that the state contracts will be issued upon approval of the Resolution. The projects must be completed by March 1, 2026, as the grants will liquidate on June 31, 2026.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on August 3, 2023 and by Budget Development Officer Jennifer Rodriguez on August 14, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 5, 2023, to proceed with the grant agreements expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City anticipates receiving grant funds in an amount not to exceed $5,200,000 to complete two capital projects. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. Staff anticipate returning to the City Council when the grant contracts are received from the California Natural Resources Agency, 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 local jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR
PUBLIC WORKS
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER