REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
February 9, 2017
FROM: KRISTINA CHAMBERLIN, Assistant Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: IRMA YEPEZ-PEREZ, Senior Management Analyst
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 up to $127,600 in Housing-Related Parks Program grant funds and designation and approval of the PARCS Assistant Director as signatory for execution of program participation documents (DISTRICT 3)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends 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 (Proposition1C) grant funds for improvements to Dickey Playground Park,
2. Authorize acceptance of up to $127,600 program grant fund award; and
3. Authorize the PARCS Assistant 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 November 16, 2016, 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 $127,600 in HRP Program fund for the construction of a new tot-lot and turf rehabilitation.
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, 2017.
On November 16, 2016, the HCD issued a NOFA for the 2016 HRP Program. There is approximately $35 million available statewide for the 2016 funding round. It is anticipated that this will be the final round of HRP funds. 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 $127,600 in program funds, which reflects 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 23, 2017.
The HRP Program application assigns bonus points and funds on a per-bedroom basis for park projects that are in support of an infill development. All of the new eligible affordable housing projects constructed in 2016 are located in the Lowell community. Therefore, staff recommends that the funds be dedicated to Dickey Playground Park located at 50 N. Calaveras in downtown Fresno. The proposed project improvements include a new tot-lot and turf rehabilitation to help improve water efficiency. The City of Fresno completed over $350,000 of improvements at Dickey Playground in 2015 that included the demolition of the barracks and restroom, construction of new public restroom with concession area, irrigation improvements, tree planting, resurfacing of the basketball court and park furnishings. The tot-lot was improved in 2003 in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Dickey Playground Park was dedicated to the City in 1910. Dickey Playground is located in a park-deficient, disadvantaged community area with just .86 park acres per 1,000 residents. The General Plan calls for 3 acres or more per 1,000 residents. By targeting Dickey Playground Park, the City of Fresno will be able to obtain the maximum amount of funds available under the grant application, and improve recreational opportunities for children and families in downtown Fresno.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
This grant application is not a project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
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 for this grant program. The grant program funds will help provide cost savings of future capital improvement funds needed to replace the tot-lot at Dickey Playground Park.
Attachment:
Resolution