STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of September 13, 2022
TO: The Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBMITTED BY: Dante Hall, City Manager
Michael Roberts, Public Works Director/City Engineer
SUBJECT: Agreement with MIG in the Amount of $190,845 to Complete a Parks Master Plan and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Assessment for Park Facilities RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with MIG for a not to exceed amount of $190,845 to complete a Parks Master Plan and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Assessment for Park Facilities Approve an appropriation of $15,845 in General Fund monies to fully fund the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) assessment for Park Facilities COMMISSION/SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION AND RECOMMENDATION:
There was no commission or subcommittee review of this item. However, both the Community and Library Services Commission and Planning Commission will play key supporting roles to the City Council in the creation of the Parks Master Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT OF RECOMMENDATION:
The Adopted FY 22-23 Budget includes $150K of General Fund monies for the Parks Master Plan and $25K for an ADA assessment from Lighting & Landscaping Assessment District 83-2, Zone 10 “City-wide Parks.” Given the low fund balance in Zone 10, staff is recommending an appropriation of $15,845 from the General Fund to complete the ADA assessment and fully fund the contract amount.
DISCUSSION:
Parks and recreation facilities in Hercules are public spaces where all members of the community are welcome. Outdoor parks provide the opportunity to exercise, play sports, commune with nature, socialize with loved ones, and participate in community-building events. Indoor recreation facilities house a variety of structured activities including court sports, fitness, dance, art, and music activities. Hercules is well known for its diverse parks that are located throughout the City, and its recreation facilities house programs that are highly valued by the community.
The last decade has been challenging financially for the City. During this time, capital maintenance in parks was deferred and only the most pressing repairs were made on a pay-as-you-go, annual basis. As a result, the parks in Hercules are showing their age and wear and tear, which has accumulated over time. Additionally, trends in parks and facilities usage have changed, as can be seen by the increase in popularity of pickleball. Much of this demand is driven by demographics, which has also changed over the past decade. In recent public meetings, it has been voiced that the younger population needs more recreational opportunities in Hercules.
Given the gradual financial recovery of the City and one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, staff is recommending that a Parks Master Plan be completed at this time. The Parks Master Plan will provide the information for the City that is needed to take a proactive approach over the next decade in addressing aging park facilities, responding to the need for inclusive parks, and anticipating the future recreation needs of the community. It will capture the infrastructure and facility needs as well as community priorities for the future. This information will support informed discussion and decision-making related to park needs and opportunities. This will allow the City to strategically allocate resources and leverage grant opportunities to ensure the needs of the community are met in the future.
Specifically, the Parks Master Plan will evaluate and provide direction for:
City parks, including their outdoor recreation amenities and facilities and ADA compliance; Indoor recreation facilities with regards to accommodating current and future activities (but not building condition, improvements, ADA access, or maintenance); and Recreation programs and events as these affect facility needs.
The Parks Master Plan process will include a robust public participation and outreach effort, including a potential Steering Committee, made up of Community and Library Services Commissioners, Planning Commissioners, and members of the community. The Steering Committee would be advisory to the City Council. Staff will provide more detail and a recommendation for the structure of the Steering Committee at a future City Council meeting.
The specific phases, scope, and associated budget that will be used to develop the Parks Master Plan consist of:
Phase 1: State of the Park System
Phase 2: ADA Assessment (Parks, but not Buildings)
Phase 3: Park Needs and Opportunities
Phase 4: Recommendations and Prioritization
Phase 5: Plan Development
Please refer to the attached contract and scope of work attached to this report.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution Authorizing Agreement with MIG Inc.to complete a Parks Master Plan and ADA Assessment Consultant Agreement
Date Page 1