DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: KEN MACKEY, FIRE CHIEF
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A COMMUNITY RESILIANCE
CENTER TO REBUILD EVALYNN BISHOP HALL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City of Ione to apply to the California Strategic Growth Council for a Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Round 2 Implementation Grant of up to $10,000,000 to replace Evalynn Bishop Hall; authorizing the City Manager to submit the application and, if awarded, to accept and execute grant documents subject to the conditions in the resolution; and committing the replaced hall to community-serving resilience use for 15 years after project completion. Evalynn Bishop Hall currently serves as an emergency shelter through the Red Cross.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No match is required to apply. Application costs are staff time and a modest contract for a draft floor plan and cost opinion. If awarded, CRC is generally reimbursement-based. The City will need cash-flow during design and construction. Prevailing wage applies to CRC construction. A 15-year use restriction will apply to the new hall. Staff will return to Council if award terms require new local matching funds.
BACKGROUND:
Evalynn Bishop Hall is a 12,000-square-foot City building at Howard Park. It is Ione’s community hall and designated American Red Cross emergency shelter. The hall is two California State Fair metal buildings from the 1940s. In 1973 Ione residents disassembled them and rebuilt them at Howard Park with $37,500 in State Park funds. The buildings meet at the roof hip that has frequent leaks and cannot be repaired. The facility lacks showers which are necessary for an emergency shelter. The restrooms were not engineered and have chronic flow problems. The kitchen is large; aging industrial equipment would be replaced with efficient commercial appliances.
CRC Round 2 Implementation Grants are $1 million to $10 million, funded by Proposition 4.
Applications are due September 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. A public-agency applicant must submit a Council resolution. This is the last regular meeting before that deadline. No local cash match is required.
DISCUSSION:
Staff recommends replacing the hall on the same site. Planning capacities are 150 overnight shelter occupants, 250 daytime resilience-center occupants, and 400 seated banquet guests. The kitchen area will be updated and restrooms will have shower rooms adjacent to the restrooms.
Weddings and civic events continue. The City Manager, Fire Chief, or Police Chief may preempt a reservation when the hall is needed as a shelter. City rental fees for displaced events would be refunded.
The City must apply with at least two Partners, including a 501(c)(3) community-based organization that receives CRC program funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
A — Resolution No. 2026-34
B — Project proposal, Evalynn Bishop Hall Community Resilience Center.