Title
Staff Report for Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a State Standard Agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development for Housing-Related Parks Program Grant in the Amount of $1,376,600
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a State of California Standard Agreement to secure the $1,376,600 Housing-Related Parks Program Grant that the State of California - Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded to the City.
BACKGROUND
On October 2, 2013, the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released the Notice of Funding Availability for the Housing-Related Parks (Parks) Program grant funds. The Parks Program is funded through Proposition 1C, the Housing Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006. A total of $25 million is available for the 2013 funding round.
At its January 6, 2014 Council meeting, the City Council authorized the submission of the City's Parks Program Application to HCD. The City submitted its Application prior to HCD's January 22, 2014 deadline.
The Parks Program is an innovative incentive program designed to reward local governments that approve housing for very low- [50% of Area Median Income (AMI)] and low-income (80% AMI) households between the period of January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013 and are in compliance with State housing element law with grant funds to create and/or renovate community parks and recreational facilities. Low-income and very-low income housing units that were substantially rehabilitated, converted from market rate to affordable, or preserved with certificates of occupancy were considered in the calculation of total approved housing figures.
HCD has awarded the City a Parks Program Grant in the amount of $1,376,600 based on the creation of 746 low-income and 84 very low-income units and three "Qualifying Park Projects", which are City park and recreation facilities that meet the eligible use criteria for funding through the Parks Program.
Analysis
To secure the $1,376,600 Parks Program Grant, the City must execute and deliver to HCD a State of California Standard Agreement (Standard Agreement) as well as any and all other documents, including all amendments, required or deemed necessary or appropriate (collectively, the "Parks Grant Documents").
HCD must receive a fully-executed Standard Agreement before the City is authorized to encumber charges against the grant award. HCD must also receive the adopted resolution before any actual funds are disbursed to the City.
Per the City's Standard Agreement, the City will be authorized to use its grant award to rehabilitate two of its community parks, Siempre Verde and Thrasher Park, and to create a science-based innovative and interactive Exploratorium art exhibit at Joaquin Plaza in downtown San Leandro. The City will replace outdated playground equipment and renovate the group picnic area at Siempre Verde. At Thrasher Park, the City will modernize equipment and install a new safety fence. The expenditure deadline for all awarded funds is June 30, 2016.
Applicable General Plan Policies
The Parks Program provides an opportunity for the City to pursue and achieve its General Plan goals and objectives related to City parks and recreational facilities:
Goal 21: Rehabilitation of Existing Parks
Policy 21.01: Park Rehabilitation
Encourage the rehabilitation of the City's parks to provide residents of all ages and physical capabilities with access to as wide variety of recreational experiences as possible. Park improvements should maintain a balance between active and passive recreation areas and should ensure that the park system benefits a diverse range of interest groups.
Policy 21.02: Park Maintenance
Provide for the regular, systematic maintenance of San Leandro's parks and recreational facilities to prevent deterioration, ensure public safety, and permit continued public use and enjoyment.
Policy 21.03: Priority on Renovation
Where cost savings and equivalent benefits would be achieved, rehabilitate existing recreational facilities before building entirely new facilities. A priority should be placed on renovating athletic fields and swimming pools, and replacing outdated facilities with new facilities that are safe, attractive, and better meet current needs.
Fiscal Impacts
There is no fiscal impact on the City to accept the $1,376,600 HRP grant award from HCD.
PREPARED BY: Steve Hernandez, Housing Specialist II, Community Development Department