REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SANTINO DANISI, MBA, City Controller/Finance Director
BY: COURTNEY ESPINOZA, Business Manager
Finance Department, Grants Management Unit
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301/Class 1 for proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
2. Approve an agreement with ACF allocating $150,000 in ARPA funding for capital improvement of the Garo and Alice Gurechian Armenian Cultural Center.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with ACF allocating $150,000 in ARPA funding to provide funding for capital improvements to the Garo and Alice Gurechian Armenian Cultural Center, adopt a CEQA exemption, and authorize the City Manager to execute agreements, amendments, and modifications pertaining to this grant program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with ACF allocating $150,000 in ARPA funding for capital improvements to the Garo and Alice Gurechian Armenian Cultural Center that was previously approved by Council through the budget process on June 22, 2023. As a beneficiary of ARPA funding, ACF will complete much needed improvements to the facilities, grounds, and security systems on site in order to provide a safe and secure environment for all to enjoy.
BACKGROUND
In 2021, the City of Fresno was awarded American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $170,808,029. Of this funding $150,000 was identified in a resolution passed by Council on June 22, 2023 to allocate to the ACF to make capital improvement to the Garo and Alice Gurechian Armenian Cultural Center site. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACF has been negatively impacted by decreased revenue from donations, financial insecurity, increased costs, limited capacity to weather financial hardship and/or challenges covering operating costs.
With this funding, ACF will be able to renovate its entire kitchen with new stoves, ovens, and refrigeration along with installing two brand new HVAC units replacing inoperable and aging equipment. In order to ensure the safety of the youth, members of Sister Organizations, and the community, ACF plans on adding additional safety measures such as a new wall along the alley and a new security system. Due to the age of the building, ACF will ensure all electrical wiring and plumbing are safe to operate by purchasing and installing new equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
This project is exempt under Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
This organization has been previously approved by Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
This program will be funded through American Rescue Plan Act funding and will not impact the general fund.
Attachments:
ARPA CBO Agreement with Armenian Cultural Foundation
Armenian Cultural Foundation Cat Exempt - CEQA