1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 28, 2025
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director VIA: Grace Coronado, Assistant Park, Recreation and Community Services Director
BY: Dena Moon, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Blanket Authority to File Applications for Grant Funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park Open Space District for Measure A Funding for Projects and Programs and Approve the Annual Allocation Grant Agreement to Accept Funding
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK
APPROVING THE BLANKET AUTHORITY TO FILE APPLICATIONS FOR
GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND
OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A FUNDING FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS (Attachment 1).
2. Approve the Measure A Annual Allocation Grant Agreement with the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (Attachment 2).
BACKGROUND
In November 2016, 75% of Los Angeles County (County) voters approved the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches Measure (Measure A).
Funding through the Measure A grant program is generated in perpetuity through the collection of a p arcel tax, with an estimated total annual funding of $96.8 million across the County.
2 The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) for Measure A Funding is a program that provides funding for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of parks, open space, and trails in the County. RPOSD was established to oversee the implementation of Measure A and ensure that funds are used for intended purposes. RPOSD works in partnership with local cities, community groups, and other organizations to identify and prioritize park and open space projects that will provide the most benefit to County residents.
Like many grant programs, this opportunity requires that the applicant receive authorization from their governing body (City Council) via resolution to authorize participation in the grant program and designate an authorized representative to negotiate and execute all necessary documents, including submittal of necessary application materials.
Since inception of Measure A in 2016, the City of Burbank (City) has received $1,374,227 in reimbursement funds for facility maintenance and playground replacements throughout the City. Table 1 shows completed and in process Measure A funding requests to date.
PROJECT NAME MEASURE A
FUNDED AMOUNT
Earthwalk Park Playground Replacement and Landscape Project $241,507 McCambridge Park War Memorial Project $ 208,493
Santa Anita Playlot Park Improvement Project $357,655
Ovrom Community Center Playground Replacement $487,188
Ovrom Community Center Floor Resurfacing $26,042
Ovrom Community Center Basketball Court Resurfacing $8,445 Adaptive Sports Equipment $40,000
McCambridge Park War Memorial Plaque Replacement $4,897
DISCUSSION
In January 2024, RPOSD updated its Grants Administration Manual to include a new streamlined format for agencies to access and expend their Annual Allocation funds. This new format eliminates the need for a grant agreement for each individual project. Instead, RPOSD requires agencies to execute an Annual Allocation Agreement (Agreement).
Once the Agreement is executed, individual projects are reviewed and approved through a Notice to Proceed (NTP). Agencies may have multiple NTPs simultaneously , streamlining the process by eliminating the need for separate grant agreements for each project. This approach allows agencies to begin projects immediately upon reviewing an NTP.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This Project has been determined to be Categorically Exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to § 15302 of the State 3 CEQA Guidelines pertaining to replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities, where the new structures and facilities will be located on the same site and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structures and faci lities being replaced.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to this report. No project recommendations are currently required. The resolution will allow for future streamlined grant funding requests.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that Council approve a resolution granting the City Manager or designee blanket authority to file applications for grant funds with RPOSD. Additionally, staff recommends that Council approve the Annual Allocation Grant Agreement to receive funding f rom RPOSD Measure A. This program provides opportunities for the City to leverage local funds to renovate playgrounds and facilities, enhancing the City’s park system and continuing to attract residents of all ages to enjoy its wonderful amenities.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - Resolution (Blanket Authority)
Attachment 2 - RPOSD Measure A Annual Allocation Agreement