City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: January 18, 2022
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: René L. Mendez, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution 2022-02 Authorizing a Grant Application for the Community Center Complex
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that your Council Approve Resolution No. 2022-02, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving a Grant Application for the proposed Community Center Complex for the California Rural Recreation and Tourism Program; and Authorize the City Manager to Submit Grant Documents to the State Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services.
BACKGROUND
City staff completed a comprehensive Community Outreach effort to obtain input for the programing and layout of the proposed Community Center Complex, which City Council approved at its December 6, 2021, meeting. The preparation of design criteria and basis for design documents is underway and will be presented to the City Council for approval on February 21, 2022. The Community Center Complex will be constructed on a city-owned parcel just east of Fairview Middle School and will include the following elements:
1. Community Center with a large multi-purpose room, raised platform stage, flexible meeting and classrooms, restrooms, offices, a commercial kitchen, and a stand-alone gymnasium.
2. Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) – Gonzales Branch Library.
3. Teen Innovation Center.
4. On-site parking, landscaping, courtyard amphitheater and areas for outdoor activities.
AGENDA
ITEM
15 A project webpage was created at the City website with background materials and other information on the project. https://gonzalesca.gov/engaged-community/gonzales-community-center-complex
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The Legislature and Governor of the State of California have approved and allocated $23,125,000 for competitive grants under the Rural Recreation and Tourism Program (RRT) in support of projects which promote economic, tourism, health, and cultural enrichment for rural communities.
The maximum individual grant award is $3,000,000. Competitive projects will improve the “Health of Residents” and “attract out of town visitors.” Based upon the size of the Gonzales community and median household income, Gonzales would be required to provide 20% matching funds.
The Community Center Complex includes several grant eligible improvements such as:
• Amphitheater/performing arts dance, music, and theater stage • Gym exercise equipment and outdoor exercise amenities • Playground and tot lots
• As well as support amenities such as restrooms, parking lot and landscaping and lighting.
The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services requires the City to certify by resolution, approval of an application submittal, with the application package.
GRANT CRITERIA
Grant applications will be scored based on the following summarized selection criteria:
1. Median Household Income and Low Population Density
2. Residents Health and Significant Visitor Attraction
3. New Recreation features
4. Community Engagement with programming/design input, employment opportunities and Partnerships/committed funding
5. Environmental design
6. Public use fees and hours of operation
7. Community funding challenges/need for project and project readiness
SCHEDULE
The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services Grant schedule is as follows:
1 Project Information Package and Council Resolution submitted January 20, 2022 2 State Reviews Grant Application Package and issues Grant Awards February thru June 2022 How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: Constructing a Community Center will provide residents with a facility for a wide variety of public and private functions, recreation programs and other activities which will enhance the quality of life of Gonzales residents.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes No N/A
Explain: Please see explanation above for the Mission.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes No N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: See above.
ALTERNATIVES
The alternative is to not apply for this grant and the City would fund 100% of the Capital Improvements requested in the Grant Application.
BUDGET IMPACT
The total Cost Estimate for the Grant Eligible work scope of the Community Center Complex is $3,750,000 and if the City is awarded a grant, it would receive 80% of these eligible costs or $3,000,000.
The remaining funds will be provided by Measure X revenue proceeds.
CONCLUSION
Approve Resolution 2022-02 Approving a Grant Application for the proposed Community Center Complex for the California Rural Recreation and Tourism Program and authorize the City Manager to Submit Grant Documents to the State Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services.
Attachments:
1. Public Resources Code - Section 80001(b)(8 A-G)
2. Excerpt of Rural Recreation and Tourism Program Application Guide
3. Resolution No. 2022-02