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March 26, 2002
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SUBJECT: |
Approval of Resolution Required to Submit Applications for Grant Funds for the Roberti-Z’Berg-Harris Urban Open Space and Recreation Program under the Bond Act 2000 (a.k.a. Proposition 12) |
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REPORT IN BRIEF |
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The Sunnyvale Department of Parks and Recreation is planning to submit project applications to the State Department of Parks and Recreation for local assistance funds from the Roberti Z’Berg-Harris Urban Open Space and Recreation Program under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000. As a first step, the State of California requires the City to submit a Council-approved resolution authorizing staff to apply for the grant funds on behalf of the City. Staff requests Council approve the attached resolution authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for the funds from the Roberti Z’ Berg Harris Grant Program (Attachment A). Staff recommends the City Manager as the agent to conduct all negotiations and execute and submit all documents related to this program as noted in the proposed Resolution. |
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BACKGROUND |
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The Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 was approved by California voters in March, 2000 as a response to the recreational and open-space needs of a growing population and expanding urban communities. It is intended to revive state stewardship of natural resources by investing in neighborhood and state parks, clean water protection, coastal beaches and scenic areas. As a means of addressing critical neighborhood park needs, the Bond Act provided funds to implement the Roberti Z’Berg-Harris Urban Open Space and Recreation Program. The block grant funds are allocated on a population-based formula and local governments in urbanized areas received the greatest portion of the total statewide Roberti-Z’Berg Harris Program (RZH) funds. |
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EXISTING POLICY |
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Open Space Sub-Element Policy B.4: Identify revenue sources and increase revenues, where possible which can be allocated to parks and open space operating budgets and capital improvements. Action Statement B.4.d: continue to monitor all governmental agencies for potential open space grants and prepare applications as appropriate. |
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DISCUSSION |
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The purpose of RZH grants local assistance program is to fund high priority projects that satisfy the most urgent park and recreational needs in California, with emphasis on unmet needs in the most heavily populated and most economically disadvantaged areas within each jurisdiction. RZH grants are intended to supplement, and not to supplant local expenditures for park and recreation facilities. A portion of the Roberti Z’Berg- Harris Block Grants were allocated to cities, counties, and park and recreation districts on a population-based formula determined by the State of California Department of Finance. The City of Sunnyvale qualifies for these Block Grant funds, which require matching funds. The minimum local match, all of which must come from non-state monies, is 3/7 times the jurisdiction’s allocation, which represents thirty percent (30%) of the total cost of each project. In other words, the local match equals $3 local money for every $7 in RZH grant money. The portion of the state allocation of RZH grants funds to the City of Sunnyvale is $387,830, so there will be a required local match of $166,213. Another important point is that the City must have a fully executed contract with the State by June 30, 2004 to be eligible for these funds. The approval of this Resolution gives staff the authority to apply for these funds and enter into such a contract. Once a contract is approved and specific projects are identified, the City has until March 1, 2009 to document expenditures for reimbursement. |
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FISCAL IMPACT |
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The Roberti-Z’Berg-Harris Urban Open Space and Recreation Program provides additional funds in the amount of $387,830 to the City for important park and open space projects. Council will have a number of options with regard to use of this grant funding. At least one of those options will require no additional funding- that is, grant funds could be allocated to existing park projects already supported by City funds, thereby eliminating the need for additional matching funds. Regardless, the City does not need to determine how it will allocate this funding at this time. This proposed resolution is simply the first step required by the State in order to receive funding. The next step, which cannot be pursued until a resolution has been adopted by Council and accepted by the State, will be to submit specific project applications to the State for approval. Prior to taking this step, staff will return to Council with options and a recommendation regarding proposed projects to be funded by these monies. |
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PUBLIC CONTACT |
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This report was included In the publication and posting of the Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, the City‘s web page, and the San Jose Mercury News. This report is also available at the Sunnyvale Public Library and the City Clerk’s Office. |
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ALTERNATIVES |
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RECOMMENDATION |
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Staff recommends Alternative No. 1. |
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Prepared by: |
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Reviewed by:
Mary J. Bradley |
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Approved by: Robert S. LaSala City Manager |
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Attachments |
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