Title
a. Receive an update on the Proposition 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) Grant Application for San Lorenzo County Park; and
b. Support PWFP’s recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to ratify the grant application submittal request for $8.5 million in competitive SPP grant funding for the proposed project at San Lorenzo County Park.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission:
a. Receive an update on the Proposition 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) grant application for San Lorenzo County Park; and
b. Support PWFP’s recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to ratify the grant application submittal request for $8.5 million in competitive SPP grant funding for the proposed project at San Lorenzo County Park.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On February 4, 2021, the Parks Commission received a report on the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) grant application for San Lorenzo County Park and recommended approval of the grant application and required Resolution to the Board of Supervisors. On February 26, 2021, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 21-049 authorizing the Department of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks (PWFP) to submit a SPP grant application for up to $7.5 million in competitive grant funding for a proposed project at San Lorenzo County Park. Subsequent to the Board’s action, the project cost estimate was received from The Gordian Group which was higher than anticipated. The scope of the project was reduced to maintain the contingency and staff time allowable under the grant and the funding request was increased. The group barbecue area was removed and the outdoor classroom area was reduced to include the hardscape only.
On March 10, 2021, Public Works, Facilities, & Parks (PWFP) submitted the grant application request to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for $8.5 million. PWFP staff returns today to provide an update to the Parks Commission and to request its support of a recommendation to the Board to ratify the grant application submittal request of $8.5 million for the proposed project.
The final proposed project scope included the following:
New Recreation Features and Additions
Splash pad; restroom building with showers; outdoor classroom (MCARLM) hardscape; and perimeter recreation trail around the park.
Replacement of Existing Recreation Features and Support Amenities
Replace play structures and develop a larger play area; replace and expand the individual barbeque area; removal of invasive eucalyptus trees; native plant restoration; interpretive signs; and enhance park entrance and parking lot area.
The location of the above features is shown on Attachment A-Concept Level Site Plan.
The Parks Commission is asked to support PWFP’s recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to ratify the grant application submittal request for $8.5 million in competitive SPP grant funding for the proposed project at San Lorenzo County Park.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County has an Agreement with Nossaman, LLP for grant and funding advocacy services. Nossaman LLP reviewed the SPP application and provided feedback which was incorporated into the final application. This item is scheduled for Board consideration and approval on April 20, 2021.
FINANCING:
As previously reported to the Board, upfront costs for staff to prepare the grant application and define the project scope are anticipated at $7,600. Sufficient funds are available to cover these costs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 RMA Adopted Budget, Fund 001, Department 8510 Parks, Appropriation Unit RMA104.
The County must complete a CEQA analysis for the proposed Project and submit compliance documentation (compliance certificate and a copy of a Notice of Exemption or Notice of Determination filed with the County Clerk) to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) within three months of the application due date to demonstrate project readiness. PWFP is working to identify an on-call consultant to fulfill the CEQA requirements. The cost for this service has not been determined; however, will be part of the County’s in-kind match for grant funds.
If a grant award is made and the proposed Project is completed, the estimate of $82,000 for ongoing annual costs of materials and supplies to operate and maintain the new project features remains unchanged by the minor scope adjustment. Once the amenities are installed, they become park assets and are folded into ongoing park maintenance and operations. Each asset is identified along with the required associated time standards for maintenance operations as well as staff costs. Future operating and maintenance costs associated with the new features will be requested through the annual budget process. Should additional funds otherwise be required, staff will return to the Board of Supervisors, via the appropriate Commissions and Committees, to request increases in appropriations and/or contributions from the General Fund. The new recreational features and amenities are anticipated to increase park visitation, and a corresponding increase in revenue will be realized.
Prepared by: Janie Bettencourt, Management Analyst II (831) 755-5184
Reviewed by: Gustavo Flores, Parks Administrative Operations Manager
Approved by: Shawne Ellerbee, Assistant Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks
Attachment A - SLP Concept Level Site Plan