REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 13, 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 Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for funding from the Urban and Community Forestry grant program as provided through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for the Maxie L. Parks Center Improvements (District 3)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for funding from the Urban and Community Forestry grant program as provided through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for Maxie L. Parks Center improvements, and authorize the Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (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 is proposing to submit a California Climate Initiative Project Application for the Maxie Parks Center Urban Forest Improvements to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Upon adoption of the attached Resolution, staff will submit an application requesting $350,500 in Greenhouse Gas Reduction funds.
The proposed project will allow for the acquisition and improvements of .29 acres of property adjoining the Maxie L. Parks Center, which will add additional green space to the existing facility, and provide irrigation, landscaping, and lighting for the entire park site.
BACKGROUND
The State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection California Climate Initiative focuses on the use of trees and associated vegetation through the development of multiple-objective projects as specified in the California Urban Forestry Act of 1978 (Public Resources Code, §§ 4799.06-4799.12). The projects will further the goals of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), and result in a net greenhouse gas (GHG) benefit to the needs of urban communities.
PARCS proposes to submit a grant application to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for the Maxie Park Center Urban Forest improvements.
A preliminary concept proposal was approved by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and PARCS has been invited to submit an application. Adoption of the attached resolution is required for all application submittals and subsequent participation in the program. Upon adoption of the Resolution, staff will submit the application requesting $350,500 in Greenhouse Gas Reduction funds. The final application filing date is April 26, 2017.
The Maxie Parks Center Urban Forest Improvements will:
1. Remove approximately 11,000 square feet of asphalt and 1,400 square feet of concrete
2. Add .29 acres of green space to Maxie L. Parks Community Center
3. Create a new urban forest and install low water use landscaping
4. Install drip irrigation system to improve water efficiency
5. Remove a concrete masonry wall
6. Install solar lighting to improve safety and efficiency
The City has dedicated funds to improve the Maxie L. Parks Center and recently completed the construction of a new playground. Targeted improvements also call for a new score board, new carpeting, and outdoor park furnishings including a drinking fountain, picnic tables, benches and a BBQ pit. The concern however, is that there is limited green space since the park site is only 2.12 acres and the center occupies the majority of the property.
Based on grant criteria, staff believes this project site will score high given the multiple-objectives that the project will address including, but not limited to the deficiency of park/green space in an underserved community.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
Submitting this grant application does not constitute a “project” for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because this item does not include an award of a construction or consultant contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is a 25 percent match requirement for this grant; however because of the location of the park this can be waived. The Maxie Parks Center is currently maintained by PARCS and Public Works Departments. Proposed improvements will increase the size of the park property by .29 acres and thus increase annual maintenance costs by approximately $3,500 for additional landscape maintenance and utility costs.
Attachment:
Resolution
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