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Anaheim, CA 92805
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: NOVEMBER 19, 2024
FROM: COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL
OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL
ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION (EEM) PROGRAM FOR
THE RIVER PARK PROJECT
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 13
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. By Resolution, approve the submittal of an application, in an amount of $750,000, to the Natural Resources Agency for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation (EEM) Program for the River Park Project; authorize the Director of Community Services, or designee, to act as the Agent of the City of Anaheim (City) on all matters concerning the grant program; accept such funding on behalf of the City in the amount of $750,000; and increase the Community Services Department budget accordingly for the fiscal year in which grant funds are awarded; and
2. By Motion, determine that this action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15306 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (Information Collection).
DISCUSSION:
In 2023, the City acquired approximately 3.3 acres of vacant land from the County of Orange located directly north of Orangewood Avenue between the Angels Stadium property and the Santa Ana River Trail (Attachment 2). Community Services staff worked with the community to develop a design and a vision for the site, known as the future River Park (Attachment 3). River Park (Project) will be the City’s 69th park and will transform the parcel into a valuable space that includes walking paths, native landscaping, a small amphitheater, a play area, exercise equipment, public art, and other park amenities. The estimated total Project construction cost is $4,200,000.
The City has been actively seeking funding to implement this Project and was awarded a $1,900,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Recently, staff identified this Project as a competitive candidate for the California Natural Resources Agency’s Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation (EEM) grant program. Staff Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of a Grant Application for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation (EEM) Program for the River Park Project
November 19, 2024
recommends approval of the grant application requesting $750,000 for this funding opportunity. Award announcements are expected this winter.
Staff is currently working with a consultant to refine the design, develop construction documents and obtain plan check approval, which is estimated to take 18 months. The last phase of the Project entails bidding and construction with an anticipated park completion in 2027.
This Project is in line with City’s Strategic Plan Goal C, Invest in Infrastructure and Amenities, Strategy 11 - Review and implement the Parks Master Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The Community Services Department recommends that the City Council determine that this action is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15306 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, which pertains to information gathering purposes leading to an action that a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
If awarded, the Community Services Department budget will be increased by the amount of the grant in the fiscal year in which the grant funds are awarded.
Respectfully submitted,
Sjany Larson-Cash
Community Services Director
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. Location Map
3. Master Plan