REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
January 29, 2015
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
CORRINA NUNEZ, Project Manager
Housing and Community Development Division
JENNIFER CLARK, AICP, Director
Development and Resource Management Dept.
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development and acceptance of 2014 Housing-Related Parks Program grant funds in the amount of $1,305,825 and authorizing execution of documents by the PARCS Director or designee (Districts 3, 4, and 5)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) 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 Vinland, Mosqueda, and Frank H. Ball Parks, as well as the California Elm Gym.
2) 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 December 10, 2014, 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 $1,305,825 in Housing-Related Parks 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, 2014.
On December 10, 2014, 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 $1,305,825 in program funds, the maximum amount allowed under the NOFA. The final application filing date with HCD is February 5, 2015.
As listed below, HRP program funds will help complete park improvements that will provide new recreational opportunities, increase green space, and most importantly improve the overall quality of life in our community:
· Vinland Park (4611 N. Woodrow) - $135,650 for Splash Park equipment, court resurfacing, roof improvements, and park furnishing.
· Mosqueda Park (4676 Butler Avenue) - $370,000 for renovations to auditorium, restrooms, landscaping, and new walking path.
· Frank H. Ball Park (760 Mayor Street) - $464,725 for aquatics improvements including restrooms, pool, pump & filters, drains, interior lighting upgrades, and new gym bleachers.
· California & Elm Gym (1802 E. California) - $335,450 for new playground equipment, irrigation, landscaping, park furnishings and gym improvements including a score board.
The four park sites are located in park deficient community areas with less than three (3) acres of usable parkland per 1,000 residents. Vinland Park has 1.4 acres, Mosqueda Park has 2.5 acres, Frank H. Ball Park has 1.05, and the California Elm Gym has 1.27 acres per 1,000 residents within a half mile radius. 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 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.
Community and neighborhood parks are a priority of the City's 2035 General Plan Update. Additionally, development of affordable housing is a priority of the City's Housing Element of the General Plan and 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan to HUD.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a project for purposes of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. Upon approval of the grant funds, staff will return to Council with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination for the park projects as necessary.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable based upon conditions of federal funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the City's General Fund and there is no match requirement. The grant program funds would be made available in 2016, and will help address much needed PARCS capital improvements.
Attachment: Resolution