REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Approving Application(s) for “Per Capita” Grant Funds from the California State Department of Parks and Recreation
BACKGROUND
The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation has statewide grant funds available for local governments to rehabilitate, create and improve local parks on a per capita basis. This grant program originates from Proposition 68 (the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018), approved by state voters in June 2018. The funds are available to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and to address deficiencies in neighborhoods lacking access to the outdoors. Sixty percent of the funds are allocated to local governments based on population with a minimum allocation of $200,000.
To be eligible, projects must be for recreational purposes, either acquisition or development, and grantees are encouraged to partner with other grantees on projects. The Per Capita grant funds must be used to supplement existing expenditures, rather than replace them.
To apply for this non-competitive grant opportunity, the Per Capita program requires that Council adopt the attached Resolution and submit it no later than November 1, 2019. The complete grant application must be submitted by January 31, 2020.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 3, Goal LT-9, “Adequate and Balanced Open Space - provide and maintain adequate and balanced open space and recreation facilities for the benefit of maintaining a healthy community based on community needs and the ability of the city to finance, construct, maintain, and operate these facilities now and in the future.”
Council Policy 7.1.5, “Grants, Donations, Contributions and Sponsorships”
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adopting a resolution authorizing staff to submit a grant application alone does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
Prior to undertaking, the project(s) for which the grant funds are being sought, the City will perform the necessary environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
DISCUSSION
One grant application for a single project is planned. A potential project initially identified for the Per Capita grant application are based on scope, location, and timing relative to the grant cycle requirements. Staff is considering use of the grant funding towards one of the following projects: Project 825850 - Relining and Deck Replacement of the Sunnyvale Middle School pool, Project 830340 - Fair Oaks Park Renovation and Enhancement, or Project 820270 - Playground Equipment Replacement.
If all requirements of the grant application are complete and submitted prior to the deadline (January 31, 2020), at least $200,000 will be awarded. The Per Capita grant funds must be used to supplement, not replace, existing funding sources. During the grant application process (November 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020), the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services will indicate how much funding has been allocated to the City.
The Per Capita Grant program requires that the City Council adopt a Resolution in the form attached. Staff must submit the Resolution to the State no later than November 1, 2019 in order to submit a project application. The Resolution serves two primary purposes:
1. It confirms that the City has the funding to complete, operate and maintain the project to be proposed in the application.
2. It authorizes the City Manager to take all actions and execute all documents necessary to implement the project proposed for grant funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
Projects not serving a “severely disadvantaged community” (median household income less than 60% of the statewide average) have a 20 percent matching requirement, which can be achieved through the budgeted capital project selected for augmentation. Funds must be used to supplement, not supplant, local funds in existence for the proposed project. A budget modification will be prepared to reflect the final grant award.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Adopt the attached Resolution approving the City’s application for Per Capita grant funds.
2. Do not adopt the attached Resolution
3. Take other action as directed by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1: Adopt a resolution approving the City’s application for Per Capita grant funds.
Staff
Prepared by: Elijah Mermin, Management Analyst/Grant Writer
Reviewed by: Damon Sparacino, Superintendent of Community Services
Reviewed by: Cherise Brandell, Interim Director, Library and Community Services
Reviewed by: Jennifer Ng, Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Reviewed by: Chip Taylor, Director, Public Works
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Approving Application(s) for Per Capita Grant Funds