City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: November 7, 2022
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Acting City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2022-78 Accept $500,000 in Grant Funding from the California Public Utilities Commission's "Local Agency Technical Assistance Program"
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-78, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Accepting $500,000 in Grant Funding from the California Public Utilities Commission’s “Local Agency Technical Assistance Program,” and Execute A Memorandum of Understanding with Golden State Connect Joint Powers Authority to Support the City’s Involvement in the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority.
BACKGROUND
At your May 16, 2022 Meeting, the City Council approved joining the South Salinas Valley Broadband Joint Powers Authority (SSVBA) with the cities of Soledad, Greenfield and King City and the County of Monterey to work together to improve internet access in the region for residents and businesses.
The SSVBA JPA was formed on May 27, 2022 and its Board of Directors is comprised of a Council member from each city and the District 5 County Supervisor. Staff with the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) provides Executive Director services and Gonzales City staff have provided support services including preparing a Request for Qualifications for Legal Counsel Services that was issued on October 12, 2022.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
Monterey County is a member of the Golden State Connect Joint Powers Authority (GSCA), which was established to support and assist rural counties with the advancement of broadband internet service. With support from MBEP and the GSCA, each of the four cities and the County of Monterey submitted grant AGENDA
ITEM
14 applications to the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) under their Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) program. In mid-October, each agency was awarded a $500,000 LATA grant for a total of $2.5M.
There are two actions needed to obtain and use the LATA grant funds:
1. As indicated in the October 17, 2022 grant award letter from the PUC, the City needs to submit a Consent Form and Agency Tax Payer ID Form to receive the grant funding.
2. And each agency needs to execute the attached Memorandum of Understanding with the GSCA for grant management and project development services. GSCA will contract with a professional network design firm for the development of internet designs, oversee development of work product, manage the grant cash flow, and provide required grant reports to the SSVBA agencies for timely submittal and reimbursement.
Staff recommends that the Council accept the $500,000 in grant funding from the California Public Utilities Commission’s “Local Agency Technical Assistance Program” and Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Golden State Connect Joint Powers Authority.
Explain Recommendation and How it 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: Participating in the Broadband JPA supports the City’s Vision because it will allow the city to partner with the rest of South County cities, to develop and implement a Broadband Network that will provide the necessary and affordable internet and broadband needed by our residents and businesses.
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.
Explain: Participating in the creation of a Broadband JPA supports the Mission because it would allow the city to repurpose existing funds to enhance the quality of life for our diverse community.
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.
Explain: Please see Vision and Mission 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: Please see Vision and Mission above.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could decide to not accept this grant funding.
BUDGET IMPACT
Accepting this grant funding will provide significant funding to begin the process for improving internet service in the South Salinas Valley.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-78, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Accepting $500,000 in Grant Funding from the California Public Utilities Commission’s “Local Agency Technical Assistance Program,” and Execute A Memorandum of Understanding with Golden State Connect Joint Powers Authority to Support the City’s Involvement in the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No.2022-78
2. Oct. 17, 2022 Letter form the Public Utilites Commission Announcing Grant Award
3. Memorandum of Understanding with the Golden State Connect Joint Powers Authority