DATE: November 28, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sally Gomez, Interim County Librarian
SUBJECT: Retroactive California State Library Grant Application, Resolution, and Acceptance Letter
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Retroactively authorize the County Librarian’s previous submittal of a grant application to the California State Library for Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program grant funding for Fresno County Public Library - Central Library Improvements ($4,226,916);
2. Approve and adopt a Resolution approving acceptance of the California State Library Building Forward grant funds for the Fresno County Public Library - Central Library ($4,195,847), and designating the Chairman of the Board as the Authorized Representative who is allowed to enter into the grant agreement on behalf of the County; and
3. Approve and ratify the County Administrative Officer’s execution and submittal of a letter to the California State Library confirming that the County will accept and administer the grant funds, and identifying the County’s mailing address, project contact, authorized representative, and acknowledgement that a formal resolution will be required.
REPORT
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. On May 13, 2023, the County Librarian submitted a grant application to the California State Library (CSL) for Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program grant funds, contingent upon your Board’s approval. The grant provides funding for much-needed repairs to the Central Library branch, which includes roof replacement, electrical system assessment, improved lighting, and replacement windows. Applicants that are selected for funding will be notified upon receipt of your Board’s approval of the Grant Resolution in Action Item 2. The Department will bring additional grant-related documents, the grant agreement and budget resolution back to your Board at later Board dates. This item affects District 3.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board not approve the recommended action, the grant application will be rescinded, and the CSL would not provide grant funding for much-needed repairs to the Central Library branch.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The grant requires a 1:1 match or in-kind contribution. All costs associated with the CSL Facilities Improvement Program will be reimbursed under the Grant Agreement in the amount of $4,195,847; Match contributions from Measure B Fund Balance Reserve are $4,195,847 with terms to complete the Project no later than June 30, 2027. Staff costs associated with grant administration, contract coordination, and project oversight have been included in the FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget Org 7511 and will be included in subsequent FY budget requests. If approved by your Board, the Library will return to your Board to execute the necessary agreement and increase the appropriations and estimated revenues.
DISCUSSION:
As a California public research institution, the CSL’s mission is to empower all people of California by preserving and providing access to California’s unique history to enrich the lives of current and future generations. The CSL received grant funding from the State of California Budget Act of 2022 AB 179 (Chapter 249 Statutes of 2022) and 2023 SB101 for the Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program II, which broadens eligibility to allow projects addressing critical maintenance needs, improving energy efficiency and sustainability, and expanding physical access to use library facilities. Grantees will have until June 30, 2027, to spend any funds received under this grant program.
The grant funds will give the Library the opportunity to make much-needed repairs to the Central Library branch, including roof replacement, electrical system assessment, lighting upgrade, and replacement windows. CSL requires the County, through the Library, to provide a quarterly report that must include both a fiscal report and expenditure detail, as well as narrative progress reports for even-numbered quarterly reports. CSL also required a letter from the County confirming the acceptance of grant funds and that the County will administer the grant, which had to be submitted to the CSL by November 8, 2023.
On April 3, 2023, the Library was made aware of the grant opportunity. To meet the grant application deadline of May 18, 2023, the Library submitted the application on May 16, 2023, contingent upon your Board’s approval. On October 9, 2023, the CSL issued an intent to award notification tentatively approving the application by the Library. The recommended actions will authorize the Librarian’s previous signature on the grant application, as the Librarian signed the application in order to meet the grant application deadline.
Successful grant applicants will be notified upon receipt of your Board’s approval of the Grant Resolution in Action Item 2. The Department will return to your Board with the necessary grant agreement by the CSL no later than the deadline of January 18, 2024.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - CSL Grant Application
On file with Clerk - Grant Resolution
On file with Clerk - Grant Acceptance Letter
CAO ANALYST:
Fine Nai