Title
a. Receive an update on the Proposition 68 California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) Grant Application for San Lorenzo County Park; and
b. Ratify the grant application submittal request for $8.5 million in SPP competitive grant funding for the proposed project at San Lorenzo County Park.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
a. Receive an update on the Proposition 68 California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) Grant Application for San Lorenzo County Park; and
b. Ratify the grant application submittal request for $8.5 million in SPP competitive grant funding for the proposed project at San Lorenzo County Park.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
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 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) grant application for up to $7.5 million in competitive grant funding for the 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, 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 Board and to request the Board 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 Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum (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 County is not approving any project by this action and maintains all discretionary authority with respect to project approval. If the San Lorenzo County Park Project is selected to receive SPP grant funding, staff will return to the Board for approval to accept the grant award and approve the Project. State notification of funding awards is anticipated four to six months after the March 12, 2021 application period close.
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 grant application. On April 1, 2021, the Parks Commission received an update regarding the project scope and grant application submittal and supported this recommendation to the Board.
FINANCING:
As indicated in the February 26, 2021 Board Report, 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 Adopted Budget, General Fund 001, Department 8510 Parks, Appropriation Unit RMA104.
The County must complete a California Environmental Quality Act (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 estimated cost for this service is $15,000 which 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.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives for Administration, Health and Human Services, Infrastructure, and Public Safety by promoting transparency in government and proactively seeking grant funding to enhance the County’s ability to offer expanded, safe, and accessible public recreation experience to the South County community.
Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Janie Bettencourt, Management Analyst II (831) 755-5184
Reviewed by: Gustavo Flores, Parks Administrative Operations Manager
Approved by: Shawne E. Ellerbee, Assistant Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks
Attachment:
Attachment A- San Lorenzo County Park Proposed Project Concept Level Site Plan
(Attachment is on file with the Clerk of the Board)