TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to accept Measure R funding from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority in the amount of $301,611 to facilitate the distribution of air filtration systems and tree replacement near Metro’s proposed EB SR-91 Atlantic to Cherry Aux Lane Project;
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $198,141, offset by grant revenue;
Increase appropriations in the Business Assistance Fund Group in the Economic Development Department by $17,470, offset by grant revenue; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the City Manager Department by $86,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will add an auxiliary lane along a 1.4-mile freeway segment on eastbound State Route 91 between Interstate 710 and Cherry Avenue in North Long Beach, known as the EB SR-91 Atlantic to Cherry Aux Lane Project (Project). The City of Long Beach (City) requested Metro to contribute $1 million for air filtration systems for residents and businesses near the Project, in addition to resources to support additional tree replacement. The Project requires the removal of nearly 200 trees, and Metro plans for only 153 replacement trees, which falls short of the City’s goal of two-to-one tree replacement.
On January 27, 2022, the Metro Board approved a motion <https://metro.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5384353&GUID=FC85891D-792E-4FE5-BC01-403F68D5089E&Options=ID|Text|&Search=measure+r> (Attachment A) to provide no less than $1 million for air filtration systems for homes and businesses located within 750 feet of the Project and to ensure funding for at least a two-to-one tree replacement. Following the Metro Board action, Metro staff have met with City staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Departments of Economic Development, Health and Human Services, and Public Works to develop a plan to implement this program. Under the proposed agreement, Metro will be responsible for acquiring the air filtration systems, and Metro will provide a total of $301,611 to the City to conduct outreach to residents and businesses, deliver air filtration systems, and plant replacement trees in and near the Project area. More details about the proposal are included in Attachment B.
Air Filtration Outreach and Delivery: $215,611
Under the agreement, the City will prepare a community outreach plan and manage the distribution activities for the air filtration systems and replacement filters. The outreach plan includes a comprehensive engagement strategy with residents and businesses within the 750-feet Project area limit. The City will create messaging in collaboration with Metro that explains the purpose of the air filtration systems to the residents and businesses. This includes direct outreach, focus area advertising, flyers, frequently asked questions, and/or a phone banking campaign. All advertising and marketing materials shall be translated as necessary. Funding covers the staff time for planning and outreach, developing materials, and storing and delivering the filtration systems.
Tree Replacement: $86,000
Metro staff have determined that the Project requires nearly 200 trees to be removed within Caltrans Right of Way. Therefore, 400 trees will be needed to achieve the two-to-one replacement ratio requirement set forth by the Metro Board motion. While Metro will replace trees within the Project area, the City plant and establish another 200 trees within the City’s boundaries as close to the Project area as possible. Metro’s tree replacement cost breakdown is $200 per tree and $46,000 for a two-year plant establishment period, which brings the total tree replacement funding for the City to $86,000.
Staff recommends the City Council accept Measure R funding from Metro in the amount of $301,611 to facilitate the distribution of air filtration systems and tree replacement near the proposed Project.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Rich Anthony on June 5, 2023 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on June 23, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Metro anticipates they will initiate outreach and begin construction on the Project later in 2023. In order to ensure that the air filtration systems and tree replacement funded by the Metro Board Motion are distributed concurrent to the Project timeline, it is important to get City Council authorization to draw down these resources.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive Measure R grant funding from Metro in the amount of $301,611 to facilitate the distribution of air filtration systems and tree replacement near Metro’s proposed EB SR-91 Atlantic to Cherry Aux Lane Project. An appropriation increase in the amount of $301,611, offset by grant revenue, is requested in the following departments and fund groups:
|
Department |
Fund Group |
Total |
|
Health and Human Services |
Health |
$198,141 |
|
Economic Development |
Business Assistance |
$17,470 |
|
City Manager |
General Grants |
$86,000 |
|
TOTAL |
|
$301,611 |
The funding agreement has no required match or in-kind service mandate. This recommendation has moderate staffing impacts beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. The additional staff time needed to conduct outreach and distribute air filtration systems and plant trees in accordance with the proposal is included in the scope of work and is offset by the Measure R grant funding. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER