Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks or designee to accept a donation from the Parks Foundation of Monterey County in the amount of $140,000 which are restricted to be used for the Toro Park Environmental Center ($40,000), Lake San Antonio South Shore Harris Creek Picnic Site ($25,000), San Antonio Horse Facility Roof ($20,000), San Lorenzo Park Youth Overnight Area ($30,000) and South County parks capital projects ($25,000); and
b. Approve and authorize the Auditor-Controller to restrict the $140,000 in General Fund, Recreation and Culture Restricted Fund Balance (001-3045-PFMC) for use in subsequent fiscal years.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks or designee to accept a donation from the Parks Foundation of Monterey County in the amount of $140,000 which are restricted to be used for the Toro Park Environmental Center ($40,000), Lake San Antonio South Shore Harris Creek Picnic Site ($25,000), San Antonio Horse Facility Roof ($20,000), San Lorenzo Park Youth Overnight Area ($30,000) and South County parks capital projects ($25,000); and
b. Approve and authorize the Auditor-Controller to restrict the $140,000 in General Fund, Recreation and Culture Restricted Fund Balance (001-3045-PFMC) for use in subsequent fiscal years.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
County of Monterey Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) - Parks Division received notification of a donation from the Parks Foundation of Monterey County (Parks Foundation) in the amount of $140,000 (Attachment A).
The Parks Foundation was formed more than twenty years ago to assist the Parks Department in fulfilling its mission and accomplishing its goals and objectives by enhancing the Parks Department’s ability to provide varied park and recreation programs and facilities. It has also assisted the Parks Department by funding park and recreation projects that benefit the Park system and provide the residents of Monterey County with outdoor recreational opportunities through interpretation, acquisition, development, maintenance, and operations of County Park facilities. The Parks Foundation dissolved in 2023.
The Parks Foundation donation indicated the following restricted uses: Toro Park Environmental Center ($40,000), Lake San Antonio South Shore Harris Creek Picnic Site ($25,000), San Antonio Horse Facility Roof ($20,000), San Lorenzo Park Youth Overnight Area ($30,000) and South County parks capital projects ($25,000).
Staff requests the Board of Supervisors approve and authorize the Director of PWFP to accept the donation of $140,000 from the Parks Foundation and authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to restrict the $140,000 in General Fund, Recreation and Culture Restricted Fund Balance for use in subsequent fiscal years.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This report was reviewed by the County Administrative Office Budget & Analysis Division.
FINANCING:
If the Board of Supervisors accepts the $140,000 donation, the funds will be restricted (set aside) permanently for the purpose outlined in the donor letter. Public Works, Facilities and Parks anticipates utilizing the $140,000 donation in fiscal year (FY) 2024-25. Staff will return to the Budget Committee and Board of Supervisors to request appropriations, if needed, funded with the donation. Adjustments to the Restricted Fund Balance will be made annually to recognize the amount spent from the donated funds.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action supports the following Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives for Administration, Health and Human Services, Infrastructure and Public Safety. Repairing County Park facilities and appurtenances ensures the continuity of County operations and management. This in turn increases the safety of park visitors and Parks personnel and provides recreational opportunities to improve the health and quality of life for park patrons.
__ Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Micah Beardsall, Interim Administrative Operations Manager, (831) 755-4911
Reviewed by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - Parks Foundation Donation Letter
(Attachments are on file with Clerk of the Board)