Consent Item 4k
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: January 17, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Cameron Mull, Director of Parks & Recreation
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Approve United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Loan and Grant Assistance Program Applications for River Lodge Improvements
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve grant applications for submittal to the USDA’s Rural Development Loan and Grant Assistance program for River Lodge improvements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Fortuna River Lodge is supported by the City’s General Fund, and the facility has a current annual budget of $16,750 for Building Maintenance and Repairs. The River Lodge is in need of multiple repairs and/or upkeep, and this annual budgeted amount will not cover any significant repairs or improvement expenses.
The USDA has federal grants available to government entities for project upgrades through their Rural Development Loan and Grant Assistance program that will cover up to 55% of total projects costs, with a maximum grant request of $50,000 per project. The USDA now requires approval from governing bodies in order to proceed with application submittals. If approved by City Council, the Director of Parks & Recreation will be submitting three applications for various projects at the River Lodge Conference Center:
1. Replacement of all interior window coverings/ blinds: $31,165
2. Replacement of wheelchair lift with a vertical (only) lift: $50,000 a. Vertical wheelchair lift: $39,362
b. The project would require carpentry work on the existing stairwell: $10,638
3. Exterior Wood Stain: $25,190
FISCAL IMPACT:
If any of the approved grants are awarded to the City by the USDA, the cost/ responsibility of the City will be to provide 45% of total project costs. At this point, staff recommends the City’s required contribution come from General Fund Reserves. It is possible that, if approved, Measure E funding could also provide a portion (if not all) of the required matching funds in FY23/24. If/ when the grant is approved, staff will bring back to the Council a Supplemental Budget Request Consent Item 4k
for the total amount of the grant and required matching funds. The amount of match required for each project would be as follows:
1. Blinds: $14,024.25
2. Wheelchair lift: $22,500
3. Exterior stain: $11,335.50
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve grant applications for submittal to the USDA’s Rural Development Loan and Grant Assistance program for River Lodge improvements. Consent agenda vote.