PREPARED BY: VICKY COOPER DATE OF MEETING: 01/19/21
SUBJECT:
TITLE
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO APPLY FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION PROPOSITION 68 GRANT FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF THE PARK AT 2600 MORAGA ROAD, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE APPLICATION AND ANY NECESSARY AGREEMENTS RELATED TO THIS GRANT
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance statements
Build a Healthy Community: Develop Public Facilities for Active Living (Parks, Open Space, Sidewalks, Trails, Bike Lanes, etc.) - (100.11) is an adopted policy item under the adopted FY 2019-21 Council Priority Workplan, amended May 18, 2020.
CEQA Compliance Statement
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the adoption of the subject resolution authorizing Public Works to submit a grant application is exempt from CEQA requirements. Under Guidelines section 15378, “project” does not include the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities, which do not involve any commitment to any specific project, which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. The redevelopment of the park may require further CEQA review, which will be completed as part of the proposed project.
BACKGROUND
On June 5, 2018, voters in California passed Proposition 68 (Prop 68) - Parks, Environment and Water Bond Act of 2018, which would provide $4 billion in funds for new park and park revitalization throughout the State. In 2019, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, released a call for projects (Round 3) for a total of $254 million. The City of San Pablo submitted an application for this funding to revitalize and expand the park at 2600 Moraga Road, currently known as the El Portal Soccer Fields. The Statewide Park Program (SPP) received over 400 applications for park renovations and revitalizations but unfortunately, the City of San Pablo’s application was not selected for funding.
On July 1, 2020, an additional $395 million was released for Round 4 through the Statewide Park Program. The City of San Pablo will be submitting an application to revitalize the park at 2600 Moraga Road. Recently, the City entered into contract to sell a portion of this parcel. The application will be proposing a park revitalization on the northwest side, the remaining city-owned green space at this address.
The park at 2600 Moraga Road does not currently meet the community’s needs for park infrastructure in that it lacks bathrooms, adequate parking, shade structures and other basic amenities; in fact, the park is just a grass field. Due to the COVID pandemic, the SPP will be allowing applicants who are re-submitting their application for Round 4 funding, to utilize the outreach results obtained at past public meetings. Additionally, the City staff developed an online survey, will be distributing a paper survey to seniors and doing a presentation to the Youth Commission to gain input from the community regarding the desired features for the potentially revitalized park. Staff will be proposing a grant application that potentially funds the features listed below at a revitalized park at 2600 Moraga Road (as staff receives input from the community, some proposed park features may change):
• an adult sized soccer field;
• an amphitheater;
• a playground area; and
• basic park amenities such as bathrooms, tables, BBQ area, lighting and more.
To improve this community green space resource, staff is requesting approval to apply for up to $8.5 million in Prop 68 grant funding from the State Department of Parks and Recreation through their Statewide Park Program. Grant applications are due by March 12, 2021. It is anticipated that these grant funds for projects will be awarded in late summer 2021.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff seeks City Council authorization to apply for a Proposition 68 grant from the State Department of Parks and Recreation through their Statewide Park Program. If awarded, it is anticipated that the City will receive up to $8.5 million dollars in funding, which will increase General Fund revenues in the FY 2021/22 budget year. If the project proposal is successful, staff will return to Council to accept and appropriate all grant funds and request the required matching funds.