TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary documents including subsequent amendments, with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, to accept and expend grant funding in an amount not to exceed $28,980, for the 2021 Dodgers Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities Program, including the acceptance of funding for park field maintenance and umpire fees, along with in-kind contributions, for youth baseball and softball for the 2021 summer season; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $28,980, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested for the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) to enter into an agreement with Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), to accept and expend grant funding for the 2021 Dodgers Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities Program (RBI Program). The RBI Program is a baseball and softball youth development program that simultaneously aims to increase participation in the sports, and to use sport participation as an engagement tool to increase access to education, literacy, health, wellness, and recreational resources in some of the most underserved communities in the Los Angeles area.
PRM has applied for and been awarded this grant each year since 2017. Each year, the grant funding has assisted PRM in providing baseball and softball programs to hundreds of Long Beach youth, ages 5 through 8. In 2020, grant funding was awarded to PRM, however, the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the 2021 summer season, LADF has awarded PRM grant funding in the amount of $28,980, along with in-kind contributions, to support 828 youth softball and baseball players at 23 Long Beach locations. The grant funding will offset staffing costs, field maintenance costs, and umpire fees. Proposed in-kind contributions include: uniforms, equipment, recruitment flyers, location banners, educational and health resources, coach training, youth clinics, incentives, and giveaways. In addition to supporting the games of softball and baseball, the RBI Program is aligned with the City’s Strategic Plan for Youth and Emerging Adults goals by providing health, mentorship, physical and mental health benefits to its participants. The RBI Program sets its focus on youth character development as it engages communities and families in programming. Lastly, the RBI Program impacts youth and families across all three of LADF's pillars (Sports + Recreation, Education + Literacy, and Health + Wellness). The program will be implemented to ensure the Safer-at-Home Health Orders are followed.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on May 19, 2021 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on May 21, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 15, 2021, to enter into the agreement with LADF in advance of the start of the summer season.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive a grant award in the amount of $28,980 from LADF for the 2021 RBI Program. As the grant is currently unbudgeted, an appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $28,980 in the General Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant does not require matching 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 result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER