TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute any necessary documents including subsequent amendments, 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
Assembly Bill (AB) 179, the State of California Budget Act of 2022, was approved 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 Gonzales, this included the appropriation of $5,200,000 to be allocated by the California Natural Resources Agency for the City of Long Beach (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 Department 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. 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 Grant Agreement No. GF2235-0 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 city-wide, 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 after June 1, 2023. 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 May 17, 2023 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on May 8, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 6, 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
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER