Title
a. Adopt a Resolution accepting a Housing Related Parks Program (HRPP) grant in the amount of $589,600;
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year 2015-16 Economic Development Department’s adopted budget for Community Development, Fund 013, and Appropriation Unit DEO003, Unit 8200 to increase estimated revenues and appropriations by $589,600 (4/5ths vote required); and
c. Authorize the Director of Economic Development to sign a $315,264 Subrecipient Agreement with the Aromas Community Foundation to utilize a portion of the HRPP funding to complete parking lot improvements at the A.R. Wilson Community Park in Aromas.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Adopt a resolution accepting a Housing Related Parks Program (HRPP) grant in the amount of $589,600;
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year 2015-16 Economic Development Department’s adopted budget for Community Development, Fund 013, and Appropriation Unit DEO003, Unit 8200 to increase estimated revenues and appropriations by $589,600 (4/5ths vote required); and,
c. Authorize the Director of Economic Development to sign a $315,264 Subrecipient Agreement with the Aromas Community Foundation to utilize a portion of the HRPP funding to complete parking lot improvements at the A.R. Wilson Community Park in Aromas.
SUMMARY:
In response to an application for an HRPP grant in the amount of $584,150, the County of Monterey was awarded a $589,600 grant and, per Board authorization, executed a Standard State Agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in the amount of $589,600 to implement the HRRP grant. The Board is asked to adopt a subsequent resolution, as required by HCD, to reflect the amount of the grant actually awarded. It is also asked to approve a subrecipient agreement to use HRPP grant funds to improve the A.R. Wilson Community Park in Aromas.
DISCUSSION:
On January 14, 2014, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution that approved an HRPP application for $584,150 and authorized the Director of Economic Development to sign the application and subsequent grant documents. After the grant application was submitted, HCD awarded the County an actual grant of $589,600, more than originally sought. On November 14, 2014, per Board authorization, the Director of the County’s Economic Development Department executed a Standard State of California Agreement with HCD accepting $589,600 to implement the HRPP grant. HCD is now requiring all HRPP recipients to adopt additional resolutions that reflect the actual amount of the award.
The State of California established the HRPP to construct parks in underserved communities based on the creation of new affordable housing. Grant funding was based upon the issuance of building permits or Certificates of Occupancy for housing units that were restricted to occupancy by extremely low-, very low-, or low-income households. The HRPP award is based upon a variety of factors including the number of units and bedrooms that were permitted or occupied during the eligible time period. Bonus funds are available for a park where: 1) the units are newly constructed; 2) the affordable housing units can be classified as infill; 2) the park is in support of infill developments or are in compliance with an adopted Regional Blueprint; 3) the park is located in a Disadvantaged Community, as identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; or 4) the park is built in park-deficient communities. HRPP funds do not have to be used in the community where the qualifying housing units were built.
Three projects created affordable housing which qualified the County to receive HRPP funds: Cynara Court (the balance of 11 units that were not previously funded by the HRPP) and Sea Garden Apartments (58-units) in Castroville, and Manzanita Place (65-units) in East Garrison. The County also qualified for bonus funding for all three projects based on the fact that they were new construction and considered infill developments. Additionally, the proposed parks are located in park deficient communities.
The A. R. Wilson Community Park project is located at 300 Aromas Road in Aromas. The park has a total acreage of 18.6 acres and is in the beginning stages of development. The civil engineering, architectural plans, and site grading are complete. The park will eventually include 2 baseball fields, 2 soccer fields, a playground, a par course, 3 pavilions with picnic tables, a concession stand, a storage building, parking lot, landscaping, and a turn lane. The County previously provided HRPP funding for a restroom facility at the park. The new HRPP funding of $315,264 will allow the Aromas Community Foundation to construct parking lots and perimeter fencing.
The remainder of the HRRP grant will be utilized to improve a community soccer field in Chualar. The proposed improvements in Chualar consist of improvements to a community soccer field situated on Chualar Union School District property which is adjacent to a public street and also serves as a community park. The HRPP grant will contribute $274,336 towards the removal of an inoperable sprinkler system, installation of artificial turf, and, to the extent possible, fencing and gates for the field. Staff is preparing to issue a contract for design, engineering and construction management services for this project. This agreement is not expected to exceed the threshold that it will require Board of Supervisors approval. Once the design work is completed the County will issue a RFP for the actual construction of the improvements.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County staff has consulted with representatives from both the Aromas Community Center Foundation, owners of the park land, and the Chualar Union School District. Both agencies are supportive of their respective projects. All future maintenance of the facilities will be the responsibility of the Foundation and the Chualar Union School District, respectively. County Counsel reviewed the resolution and subrecipient agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
The HRPP does not require a local match to qualify for funding. Revenue and appropriations for the HRPP grant need to be budgeted in Fund 013 (Community Development) Organizational Unit 8200 (Community Development Grants) Appropriations Unit DEO013. However, there are no administrative funds provided with the grant. The County’s cost to manage this grant is funded out of the General Fund support for the Economic Development Department (Fund 001, Organizational Unit 8221).
Prepared by: __________________________________________________________
Darby Marshall, RHO Project Analyst II, Ext. 5391
Approved by: __________________________________________________________
David Spaur, CEcD, EDFP, Economic Development Director, Ext. 5387
Attachments:
Attachment A HRPP Resolution Adopted January 14, 2014
Attachment B HRPP Proposed Resolution accepting higher amount actually awarded
Attachment C Subrecipient Grant Agreement between the County of Monterey and the Aromas Community Center Foundation
(Exhibit to Subreceipient Grant Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board)