CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
November 19, 2024 5c
ADOPTION OF “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORONADO,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO FOR FISCAL YEARS 2025-26 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR JOHN D. SPRECKELS CENTER AND LAWN BOWLING GREEN EMERGENCY GENERATOR PROJECT”
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, authorizing the filing of an application to the County of San Diego for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Community Development Blog Grant (CDBG) Funding for the John D. Spreckels Center and Lawn Bowling Green (JDSC) Emergency Generator Project.”
BACKGROUND:
The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the CDBG entitlement program, which provides annual grants on a formula basis to cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by creating programs that primarily serve low- and moderateincome persons. Locally, the County Housing and Community Development Services (HCDS) department is responsible for administering the program. Because the funds target low- and moderate-income individuals, many of the typical projects are not viable in Coronado.
Over the past few years, the City has utilized CDBG funds for projects that increase accessibility, such as pedestrian ramps and automated doors. In addition to projects that increase accessibility, those benefiting historically vulnerable populations, such as senior citizens, are also eligible. The three prior years of CDBG funds were authorized for use for the John D. Spreckels Center and Lawn Bowling Green emergency generator capital improvement project, the COVID-related Meals on Wheels meal delivery project, and ADA Facilities Upgrades.
On October 19, 2021, Council authorized an application for the John D. Spreckels Center and Lawn Bowling Green (JDSC) Emergency Generator Project. The project has encountered delays for various reasons and as a result, in compliance with the expenditure requirements associated with the project, the funds were returned to the County Housing and Community Development Services (HCDS) for future reallocation. This staff report seeks authorization to reallocate the returned funds, along with the City's newly allocated funds for the FY 2025-26 period, to allow the project to resume and proceed to completion.
ANALYSIS:
Based upon the application timeline, eligibility, and expenditure guidelines, staff recommends that FY 2025-26 CDBG funding be approved for the John D. Spreckels Center Emergency Generator project. Per HCDS staff, the City has a total of $409,514 available during the FY 2025-26 cycle which includes the prior years’ allocations and the $89,159 annual appropriation for this grant term. It is anticipated that the total estimated project cost is $610,000 but City staff are awaiting updated cost estimates. An updated project budget and request to appropriate the additional funds to the project will be brought back to City Council at the time of environmental review. The increase in project costs is related to a number of factors including increases in equipment and construction costs as well as the necessary redesign to mitigate tree and visibility obstruction concerns. These upgrades will ensure emergency backup electrical capacity for the facility, which serves as a City refuge and cooling center, providing critical infrastructure for shelter seekers, including backup power for the commercial kitchen and refrigeration units for medication storage, and flood mitigation protocols during rain events.
FISCAL IMPACT:
HCDS anticipates the City has a total of $409,514 available during the FY 2025-26 grant cycle.
This includes the annual allocation for the FY 2025-26 grant term and prior year allocations that were returned or unspent.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council could decline staff's request or direct staff to utilize the CDBG funds on an alternative project.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution 2024-65
Submitted By: Public Services and Engineering Department / Sean Harris