Title
Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Execution of the State Standard Agreement for the Housing Related Parks Grant from the State Department of Housing and Community Development for Playground Improvements in the Amount of $124,310. (Recreation and Parks 91621)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Execution of the State Standard Agreement for the Housing Related Parks Grant from the State Department of Housing and Community Development for Playground Improvements
BACKGROUND
The Housing Related Parks grant program (HRP) from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is designed to encourage cities and counties to develop new residential housing that is affordable to lower-income households and are in compliance with State housing element law. The program awards funds on a per-bedroom basis for each residential unit affordable to very low- and low-income households permitted during the designated program year. The program provides funds for parks and recreation projects that benefit the community.
On March 7, 2017, the City Council adopted a resolution to apply for the HRP grant program.
The HCD does not use a competitive process to award funds; all cities and counties who meet the eligibility requirements outlined below will be funded.
1. Have a Housing Element that has been adopted by the governing body and determined to be in substantial compliance with State Housing Element law.
2. Submit the required Annual Progress Report (APR) for the Designated Program Year.
3. Eligible units must be occupied by households whose incomes are within the published income limits for extremely low-, very low- or low-income households. Funds are awarded on a per-bedroom basis for each eligible housing unit.
On July 1, 2017, the City of Alameda was awarded $124,310 from the HRP grant program for playground improvements and all funding connected to that grant must be expended by June 30, 2019.
DISCUSSION
Funds from this grant will be used toward renovating the Littlejohn Park playground in 2018. This playground is intended to be fully inclusive for children of all physical, cognitive and socio-emotional abilities. Design options will be developed and reviewed for community input at a neighborhood meeting with final design reviewed by the Recreation and Parks Commission.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The estimated total cost to replace the Littlejohn Park Playground is $150,000. Estimated revenue and appropriations are included in the Capital Improvement Project Budget (91621) for Fiscal Years 2017-19. Funds for construction come from this grant as well as a donation from the Alameda Friends of the Parks Foundation.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action has no effect on the Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of this resolution is not a project under California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) as it creates a government funding mechanism that does not involve any commitment to a specific project for which environmental review has not already occurred. CEQA Guideline, section 15378(b)(4).
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolution authorizing execution of the State Standard Agreement for the Housing Related Parks Grant from the State Department of Housing and Community Development for Playground Improvements.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director