TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to accept and expend grant funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation for capital improvements at El Dorado East Regional, El Dorado Park West, Houghton, and Stearns Parks, in an amount not to exceed $15,400,000;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $342,000, offset by grant revenue;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $342,000, offset by a transfer of California Department of Parks and Recreation grant funds from the Capital Grants Fund;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $15,058,000, offset by grant revenue; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $15,058,000, offset by a transfer of California Department of Parks and Recreation grant funds from the Capital Grants Fund. (Districts 4,9)
DISCUSSION
The Fiscal Year 2022 State of California budget included a surplus projected at $31 billion. Due to the State Appropriations Limit, certain revenues must be returned to taxpayers through direct payments and education spending. As a result, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell requested and secured $15,400,000 in allocations for park capital improvements. Park capital improvements are proposed for El Dorado East Regional, El Dorado West, Houghton, and Stearns Parks.
Various improvements are proposed at the four park sites receiving allocations. El Dorado East Regional Park will receive $10.2 million for improvements to be determined through a prioritization process. Preliminary recommendations include improvements to vehicle and pedestrian paths, wayfinding and signage, and a mobile parking payment system. El Dorado Park West is slated to receive $1.6 million for improvements to the youth softball and baseball fields, shade structures and bleachers, and ADA restroom renovations. Houghton Park will receive $2 million towards a signature playground to replace the existing playground. Lastly, $1.6 million will fund softball and baseball field improvements at Stearns Park.
The California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services (California State Parks) will administer the state allocations as grants. The projects must be completed by December 1, 2025, as the grants will expire on June 31, 2026.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on May 3, 2023 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on May 10, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 6, 2023, to proceed with project implementation expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funds in an amount not to exceed $15,400,000 to complete capital improvement projects at four park sites. Of this amount, $342,000 will be used to fund park planning, community engagement, and grant program administration. The remaining amount of $15,058,000 will be used to fund project design and construction implementation. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. The Houghton Park project is currently funded by $200,000 of Long Beach Measure A funds budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department.
An appropriation increase, contingent upon an executed agreement with California State Parks, is requested in the amount of $684,000 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department. Of the total appropriation amount, $342,000 will be offset with grant reimbursement revenues received from California State Parks. The remaining $342,000 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of California State Parks funds from the Capital Grants Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group. Park appropriation amounts are as follows:
• El Dorado East Regional Park $102,000
• El Dorado Park West $80,000
• Houghton Park $80,000
• Stearns Park $80,000
An appropriation increase, contingent upon an executed agreement with California State Parks, is requested in the amount of $30,116,000 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of the total appropriation amount, $15,058,000 will be offset with grant reimbursement revenues received from California State Parks. The remaining $15,058,000 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of California State Parks funds from the Capital Grants Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group. Park appropriation amounts are as follows:
• El Dorado East Regional Park $10,098,000
• El Dorado Park West $1,520,000
• Houghton Park $1,920,000
• Stearns Park $1,520,000
Projects will be appropriated on a contingent basis only. Projects will only proceed at such time that grant agreements have been approved and executed between the City and California State Parks. Should grant agreements not be available by the close of Fiscal Year 23, the departments will return to the City Council with requests to reduce appropriations. The departments will also return with adjustments to appropriations if funding amounts in the executed grant agreements are different from those requested as contingent appropriations.
Upon project completion, ongoing park operation and maintenance will be the responsibility of the Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department. These costs are unknown at this time and funding sources have not been identified. Budget 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. This recommendation will potentially result in a positive impact on jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER