REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RUTH F. QUINTO, CPA, Assistant City Manager/Interim Controller
BY: COURTNEY ESPINOZA, Business Manager
Finance Department, Grants Management Unit
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to Community Based Organizations (CBOs)
1. Approve an agreement with Arte Americas allocating $413,175 in ARPA funding to complete needed capital improvements and necessary repairs to the Arte Americas building and surrounding property.
2. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301/Class 1 for to proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with Arte Americas allocating $413,175 in ARPA funding to complete necessary capital improvements to The Mexican Arts Center building and grounds.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with Arte Americas allocating $413,175 in ARPA funding to complete necessary and needed capital improvements to The Mexican Arts Center building and grounds. This allocation of ARPA funding was approved in part by Council on June 23, 2022, however an extension to the original performance period is being requested by Arte Americas.
In 2021, the City of Fresno was awarded American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $170,808,029. Of this funding approximately $10,000,000 was identified as a resource to provide grant funding to local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for projects that aid in the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a formal request for proposals (RFP) process and subsequent Council approval, Arte Americas was allocated $413,175 in ARPA funding for capital improvements and maintenance costs to their building and surrounding property. Due to the length anticipated for construction, Arte Americas is requesting a 26-month performance period, in lieu of the standard 12-month performance period originally approved by Council.
BACKGROUND
In 2021, the City of Fresno was awarded American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $170,808,029. Of this funding approximately $10,000,000 was identified as a resource to provide grant funding to local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for projects that aid in the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through a formal request for proposals 46 proposals were submitted totaling $77,779,315 through the City’s Planet Bids portal. All proposals were vetted for eligibility based on each agency’s self-identified APRA category determination and the U.S Treasury’s ARPA requirements and guidelines. Of eligible ARPA categories, priorities were identified by City Council via an anonymous survey. A review committee determined which projects were recommended for funding.
On June 23, 2022, Council approved 15 CBOs to received ARPA funding for a variety of different projects including; small business assistance, CBO recovery, food distribution, workforce development, youth programing and services, victim assistance, child care vouchers, and resident and business financial assistance. Arte Americas is requesting modifications to the originally approved program. Changes are referenced below:
Arte Americas - This project will complete a series of capital improvements for The Mexican Arts Center building and grounds for the purpose of expanding cultural arts programming for community residents. This project was originally approved for a one-year performance period, but due to construction and supply chain anticipated delays, Arte Americas is requesting a 26-month performance period. All funding and project objectives remain unchanged.
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
Proposals will be funded through American Rescue Plan Act funding and will not impact the general fund.
Attachments:
ARPA CBO Agreement with Arte Americas
Arte Americas Cat Exempt - CEQA