REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution Approving Application(s) for “Per Capita” Grant Funds from the California State Department of Parks and Recreation
Report
BACKGROUND
The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation has statewide grant funds available for local governments to rehabilitate, create and improve local parks on a per capita basis. This grant program originates from Proposition 68 (the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018), approved by state voters in June 2018. The funds are available to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and to address deficiencies in neighborhoods lacking access to the outdoors.
In March 2019, the State of California published the Procedural Guide for the Per Capita Program. Sixty percent of the funds are allocated to local governments based on population with a minimum allocation of $200,000. While as of this report date, the State has not released notification of funding allocations, in order to be eligible, the City must approve an authorizing resolution (Attachment 1) and submit it to the State no later than November 2019. Projects must be for recreational purposes, either acquisition or development, and grantees are encouraged to partner with other grantees on projects. The Per Capita grant funds must be used to supplement existing expenditures, not replace them; a 20% local match is also required. The grant application is due by January 31, 2020. The Projects must be completed by December 2021.
One of the City Council adopted pillars is to “enhance community sports and recreational assets.” Since then, the City of Santa Clara has prioritized rehabilitation of parks and recreation facilities that are inclusionary, environmentally sustainable, age-friendly, and provide measurably increased play value. In 2018, the City completed a Facility Condition Assessment (Kitchell Report) that provided an inventory of existing parks and playgrounds that need rehabilitation. The Parks & Recreation Commission as part of their goals for FY2018/19 reviewed existing park infrastructure conditions, informed the community about parks and recreation rehabilitation and future funding needs, and identified potential new funding sources.
On August 20, 2019 the Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Commission (RTC #19-518) recommended a “top ten” list of potential park playground and/or rehabilitation projects for future consideration as Capital Improvement Program projects given age, condition and funding limitations. These projects would be an appropriate use of the State Per Capita Grant funds.
DISCUSSION
The City has several playground rehabilitation Projects (Project) which would meet the eligibility and completion guidelines for the State grant. The Per Capita Grant program requires that the City Council adopt a Resolution in the form attached and return it to the State in order to submit a project application. The Resolution serves two primary purposes:
1. It confirms that the City has the funding to complete, operate and maintain the Project to be proposed in the application.
2. It authorizes the City Manager to take all actions and execute all documents necessary to implement the Project proposed for grant funding.
Adoption of the Resolution (Attachment 1) will authorize the City Manager to submit an application for the Proposition 68 Per Capita Grant and authorize the City Manager to administer the Grant, that if awarded, will provide the City with a minimum of $200,000 for outreach, design, engineering, construction, purchase of playground equipment, and administration for one or more of the City’s eligible Project(s). However, based on recent experience and construction bids, a playground Project scope may cost in the amount of $750,000 to provide new, accessible playground for ages 2-5 and 6-12 that include all elements of play (swinging, climbing, brachiating, sliding, balancing, spinning, and free play) at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of play that will meet the City’s inclusive, age friendly, sustainable playground design standards. Therefore, the Resolution also authorizes the City Manager to identify additional funding necessary for the local grant match (a 20% match of $200,000 is $40,000) and any additional Project funds needed to complete the Project(s).
If awarded, staff will return to Council with the necessary budget appropriation actions to recognize the grant, specify which Project(s) on which the funds would be used, and appropriate additional funds from potential sources such as Quimby fees, grants and/or community donations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
During the grant application process the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services will indicate how much funding has been allocated to the City. The Project would require a 20% local match. It is estimated that the State Grant, if awarded, will provide the City with $200,000 towards a park playground rehabilitation and require a match of $40,000 and result in funding a $240,000 project. However, based on recent playground rehabilitation project costs, approximately $750,000 would be needed to complete a playground Project. The City has several partially funded Projects in the FY2019/20 Capital Improvement Program Budget that would qualify for and be an appropriate Project and match for the grant funds. If awarded, staff will return to Council with the necessary budget appropriation actions to recognize the grant, specify which Project(s) on which the funds would be used, and appropriate additional funds from potential sources such as Quimby fees, grants and/or community donations as needed to complete the Project(s).
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council and Authorities Concurrent Meeting agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager and/or designee to submit the City’s Application and Administer Per Capita grant funds.
Staff
Reviewed by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposition 68 Per Capita Grant Resolution
2. Proposition 68 Per Capita Grant Procedural Guide