TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $52,870, offset by grant revenue;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Project Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $52,870, offset by a transfer of Harbor Department grant funds from the Capital Grants Fund;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $409,775, offset by grant revenue; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Project Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $409,775, offset by a transfer of Harbor Department grant funds from the Capital Grants Fund. (District 7)
DISCUSSION
In September 2021, the Port of Long Beach (POLB) began its solicitation for the Parks and Open Space Community Grant Program as part of its Community Infrastructure Program. The purpose of this grant is to reduce port-related impacts associated with air quality, noise, traffic, and water quality by funding community infrastructure projects in POLB priority areas, in the neighborhoods and corridors where these impacts are most acutely felt. The City of Long Beach (City) submitted a grant application for the Admiral Kidd Park Landscape Improvements (Project) in January 2022 to add landscaping around the playground, which is being replaced in 2023 after being destroyed by a fire in July 2021. The Harbor Commission approved $462,645 in Project funding at their July 13, 2022 meeting.
The Project will meet the goals of the grant program by providing an environmentally beneficial buffer between port-related impacts and the community. It will improve air quality by planting trees specifically selected for their ability to sequester carbon in the air, which is a greenhouse gas reduction strategy. The trees and other landscaping will be drought-tolerant and designed to capture stormwater on site. In addition to the environmental benefits, the Project will beautify and improve the area surrounding the new playground. The recommended action will help advance the Parks Make Long Beach: PRM Strategic Plan. Specifically, the Project will support the City’s ability to adapt to climate change, act as a land-use buffer that insulates vulnerable communities from environmental impacts and reduce water consumption through smart design.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani and Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on March 29, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 18, 2023, to allow the Project to be initiated once the funds are appropriated. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Parks, Recreation and Marine and Harbor Departments has been executed.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funds in an amount not to exceed $462,645 to complete the Admiral Kidd Park Landscape Project. Of this amount, $409,775 will be used to fund project design, construction, and implementation costs. The remaining amount of $52,870 will be used to fund park planning, grant program administration, consultant support, and one year of park maintenance costs. No match or in-kind service mandate is required.
An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $105,740 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department. Of the total appropriation amount, $52,870 will be offset with grant reimbursement revenues received from the Harbor Department. The remaining $52,870 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of Harbor Department funds from the Capital Grants Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group.
An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $819,550 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of the total appropriation amount, $409,775 will be offset with grant reimbursement revenues received from the Harbor Department. The remaining $409,775 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of Harbor Department funds from the Capital Grants Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group.
Upon Project completion, ongoing park maintenance will be the responsibility of the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department. The estimated annual cost of maintenance is $40,000. Harbor Department grant funds will be used for the first year of maintenance costs. Funding for ongoing maintenance costs after the initial year have not been identified, and will be requested by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department as part of the annual budget process. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. The local job impact is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER