Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: BENJAMIN DICKOW, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COLUMBIA
MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER
DATE: JULY 23, 2024
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ACCEPTANCE OF
GRANT FUNDS FOR THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER IN
THE CITY OF DOWNEY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider adopting a resolution approving the acceptance of grant funds from the California General Fund Grant GF2337-0 administered by the California Natural Resources Agency for the Columbia Memorial Space Center in the City of Downey. The funds were encumbered by the State of California in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023- 2024 to be used for the construction of the additional building of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Funds are to be used by March 1, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Adopt Resolution No. 24-8257, Approving the Acceptance of General Fund Grant Funds for the Columbia Memorial Space Center Building Expansion.
BACKGROUND
As part of the 2023-2024 California State Budget, the City of Downey was allocated $2,714,000 for the expansion of the Columbia Memorial Space Center, specifically to assist in expenses associated with the construction of a new building. Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco informed the City of this allocation in June 2023, which is being administered by the California Natural Resources Agency. The new Space Center building will include exhibits, additional youth STEM programming, increased public meeting space, and house the Space Shuttle “Inspiration.” The project covered by the grant funds will significantly increase the capability and capacity of the Columbia Memorial Space Center to serve the public and fulfill its mission “to ignite a community of creative and critical thinkers.”
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING THE APPLICATION
FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER IN THE CITY OF DOWNEY JULY 23, 2024
PAGE 2
2 ANALYSIS
In order to secure the State grant funds, the City Council must adopt a resolution accepting the general fund allocation, which will then allow staff to move forward with the fund reimbursement process. Once the resolution is passed and the process begins with the California Natural Resources Agency administering the grant, the City of Downey will be required to expend all of the funds by March 1, 2026. Also, as required, the City of Downey will agree to submit quarterly reports to the California Natural Resources Agency updating that agency on the progress of the project.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Quality of Life, Safety & Neighborhood
Economic Vibrancy
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. Funds from the grant will be used to reimburse the City of Downey for approved, project-related expenses.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Columbia Memorial Space Center Expansion grant.
RESOLUTION NO. 24-8257
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING THE ACCEPTANCE OF GENERAL FUND
GRANT FUNDS FOR COLUMBIA MEMORIAL SPACE CENTER
BUILDING EXPANSION 2
WHEREAS, the Legislature and Governor of the State of California have approved a grant for the project shown above; and
WHEREAS, the California Natural Resources Agency has been delegated the responsibility for the administration of the grant project, setting up necessary procedures; and
WHEREAS, said procedures established by the California Natural Resources Agency require the Grantee to certify by resolution the approval of a Project Information Package before submission of said package to the State; and WHEREAS, the Grantee will enter into an agreement with the State of California for the above project.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above Recitals are true and correct and by this reference incorporated herein.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby:
A. Approves the acceptance of a general fund allocation for local assistance for the above project(s).
B. Certifies that said agency understands the assurances and certification in the Project Information Form.
C. Certifies that said agency will have sufficient funds to develop, operate and maintain the project consistent with the land tenure requirements of the Grant Agreement; or will secure the resources to do so.
D. Certifies that said agency will comply with the provisions of Section 1771.5 of the California Labor Code.
E. If applicable, certifies that the project will comply with any laws and regulation including, but not limited to, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), legal requirements for building codes, health and safety codes, disabled access laws, environmental laws and, that prior to commencement of construction, all applicable licenses and permits will have been obtained.
F. Certifies that said agency has reviewed and understands the General Provisions contained in the sample Grant Agreement contained in the Procedural Guide.
RESOLUTION NO. 24-8257
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G. Appoints the City Manager or her/his designee as agent to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to the Project Information Form, agreements, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned project(s).
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of July, 2024:
Mario Trujillo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Maria Alicia Duarte, CMC
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
John M. Funk
City Attorney
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Downey at a Regular Meeting held on the 23rd day of July, 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
Maria Alicia Duarte, CMC
City Clerk