DATE: November 2, 2021
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Authorizing Resolution for the Regional Park Program Grant Funds
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Authorize the Chairman to execute a Resolution approving the filing of an application for Regional Park Program Grant Funds ($3,000,000); and
2. Authorize the Director of Public Works and Planning to conduct all negotiations, sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the Grant Scope.
REPORT
The State Department of Parks and Recreation requires those applying for Regional Park Program Grant Funds to certify by resolution the approval of the application before submission. Approval of the first recommended action will adopt said Resolution to apply for funding for the Choinumni Park and Campground Improvements Project and to accept the terms and provisions of the contract. The approval of the second recommended action will authorize the Director of Public Works and Planning to act on behalf of the County of Fresno as described in the fourth provision of the Resolution. This item pertains to a location in District 5.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may choose not to approve the recommended actions, in which case an application would not be submitted for the Regional Park Program Grant Funds pertaining to the Choinumni Park and Campground Improvements Project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase to Net County cost associated with the recommended actions. The cost to complete the improvements will be 100% funded through the Regional Park Program Grant Funds. The County will be responsible for funding the total project cost of $3,000,000 upfront and be reimbursed by the State following the completion of the project. This contract requires the grantee to ensure operation and maintenance of the project site for 30 years. Future maintenance requirements will be allocated within the Parks Org 7910 Budget. If grant funds are approved by the State, a budget resolution will be brought back to the Board of Supervisors at a later date.
DISCUSSION:
The Department of Public Works and Planning would like to pursue a grant opportunity through the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grant and Local Services for the maximum amount of $3,000,000 to provide extensive improvements to Choinumni Regional Park. The campgrounds and day use area of the park are antiquated and do not meet today’s standards, current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and lack recreational amenities. Despite the current conditions of the park, the Choinumni Campgrounds are highly popular locations and generate annual revenue through park entrance and camping fees, particularly during the holiday weekends and summer months. Investing in the renovation of the park will make the location more desirable for regular clientele and bring in new customers. These improvements include renovations of existing campsites, fixtures, restrooms, roads and parking lots, and installation of play structure equipment and group activity shelter area. These projects are long overdue and could otherwise not be completed through the Parks annual budget if not for additional grant funding.
Approval of the recommended action adopts a Resolution authorizing the filing of an application for the Choinumni Campground Improvements Project and
1. Certifies that the County has or will have available, prior to commencement of any work on the project included in this application, the sufficient funds to complete the project.
2. Certifies that if the project is awarded, the County has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project for 30 years.
3. Certifies that the County has reviewed, and understands, and agrees to the General Provisions contained in the contract shown in the Grant Administration Guide (Attachment A).
4. Delegates the authority to the Director of Public Works and Planning to conduct all negotiations, sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the Grant Scope.
5. Agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and guidelines.
6. Will consider promoting inclusion per Public Resources Code §80001(b)(8)(A-G).
With the Board’s approval of the recommended actions, the Parks Unit will move forward with a grant application submission for the Regional Park Program. If the Department is awarded grant funds, it will return to the Board with an agreement for approval with the State to complete the Choinumni Campground Improvements project.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Attachment A
On file with Clerk - Resolution (Org 7910)
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander