REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
January 28, 2016
FROM: MANUEL A MOLLINEDO, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: IRMA YEPEZ-PEREZ, Grant Writer
KAREN M. NORRIS, Administrative Manager
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development and acceptance of 2015 Housing-Related Parks Program grant funds in the amount of up to $1.2 million (Council Districts 2, 3, and 5).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the submittal of an application for California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), Housing-Related Parks (HRP) Program (Proposition 1C) grant funds for recreation improvements at the following park sites: Chandler, Frank H. Ball, Highway City Community Science Center, Mary Ella Brown and Mosqueda Community Centers, and authorize the PARCS Director or designee to sign all necessary documents to implement the grant, subject to prior approval as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department and the Development and Resource Management Department (DARM) have prepared a Housing-Related Parks Program application in response to the October 26, 2015, Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) provided for by the passage of Proposition 1C (Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006). Upon adoption of the attached Resolution, staff will submit an application requesting up to $1.2 million in HRP Program funds.
BACKGROUND
The State’s HRP Program is designed to encourage cities and counties to develop new low-income housing by rewarding those jurisdictions that create affordable housing, with program funds. The HRP is a non-competitive, no-match grant with funds available based on building permits for residential units and substantial rehabilitation of affordable housing completed from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2015.
On December 10, 2014, the HCD issued a NOFA for the 2014 HRP Program. There is approximately $35 million available statewide for the 2014 funding round. Adoption of the attached resolution is required for application submittal and subsequent participation in the program. Upon adoption of the Resolution, staff will submit an application requesting $1,144,950 in program funds, the maximum amount allowed under the NOFA based on the residential infill projects completed by the City of Fresno. The final application filing date with HCD is February 4, 2016.
The HRP Program will fund the rehabilitation of existing park sites and include energy efficient measures that will provide long term cost savings:
• Chandler Park (1225 S. Crystal) - New shade structure and park furnishings.
• Frank H. Ball Park (760 Mayor Street) - Restroom improvements, resurface basketball court, wader pool improvements, new doors, replace floor tiles, and energy efficiency improvements including LED lighting and new HVAC,
• Highway City Community Science Center (5140 N. State Ave.) Replace roof, slurry seal parking lot, resurface basketball court, park furnishings and energy efficiency improvements including LED lighting and new HVAC.
• Mary Ella Brown Community Center (1350 E. Annadale) - Energy efficiency improvements including lighting upgrades, new HVAC and exterior doors.
• Mosqueda Community Center (4676 E. Butler) - Slurry seal parking lot, and LED lighting.
The park sites are located in park deficient community areas with less than three acres of usable parkland per 1,000 residents. All of the park sites are located in or adjacent to disadvantaged park deficient communities as identified by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These are census tracts having at least 51 percent of its residents at low- or moderate-income levels. The parks were identified based on their proximity to eligible low income in-fill housing units. By meeting all eligible criteria, the targeted park sites allow the City of Fresno to obtain the maximum amount of funds available under the grant application.
Parks and open space for recreation are a priority of the City’s General Plan. Additionally, the City will soon initiate a Parks Master Plan process that will affirm Fresno’s commitment to creating and maintaining a park system that continues to enhance the quality of life in Fresno.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
Staff will return to Council with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination for the park projects before contracts are awarded.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because this Resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund and there is no match requirement. The grant program funds will be made available in 2017, and will address cost saving capital improvements.
Attachment:
Resolution