TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to California State Parks through the Nature Education Facilities Program for the development and construction of a new environmental center at the El Dorado Nature Center, at a total estimated development cost of $7 million. (District 4)
DISCUSSION
On November 7, 2006, California voters passed Proposition 84, the $54 billion Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006, to provide capital funding for water quality and park programs. Funding in the amount of $93 million was made available for the Nature Education Facilities Program (Program) through the Parks and Nature Education Facilities chapter of Proposition 84.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) proposes to apply for $7 million in grant funding through the Program for the design and construction of a new environmental center building (building) at the El Dorado Nature Center (Nature Center). The existing building, which was constructed in 1969, and located on an island in the north lake, has provided environmental education to hundreds of thousands of Southland residents, both young and old. Over the years, the building has deteriorated, the interior educational exhibits have become outdated, and the current size of the building is too small to accommodate increased visitor usage. In addition, due to an increased emphasis on environmental education for school children and the general population, the existing building is too small to accommodate all of the staff that currently plan, develop, and run programs at the Nature Center and at other environmentally sensitive areas of Long Beach.
A preliminary concept plan has been developed for a new building that utilizes the existing structure, but expands the building's footprint to the north, south, and east within the limits of the island (attachment). A second story addition will provide a large classroom space to accommodate larger groups of school children and educational exhibits. The preliminary concept plan, which was prepared in order to apply for funding by the grant deadline, was created with the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system in mind. It is PRM's intention that the new building will be designed and built so as to be eligible for LEED certification at the highest feasible level. In addition to a new building, the project will include resurfacing of the deteriorated Nature Center parking lot, the creation of new interior interactive environmental education exhibits, and the replacement of the vehicle/pedestrian bridge that links the entrance of the Nature Center to the building.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on May 25, 2010, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 4, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 15, 2010, in order to submit the grant application to California State Parks in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the project is estimated at $7 million, and there is no match requirement for this grant. The grant would pay for 100 percent of the direct project costs, including planning, design, and grant administration. Future annual building operation and maintenance costs are projected to slightly increase as the size of the building will increase, and those costs will need to be identified within PRM's existing budget. 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 job impact associated with request at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS THROUGH THE NATURE EDUCATION FACILITY PROGRAM, UNDER THE SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2006
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
NAME |
APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |