CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
May 20, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Gutierrez, City Manager
Submitted By: Mark Gluba, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM GRANT PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-67 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM GRANT PROGRAM 2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents related with this action, with approval of the City Attorney as to form.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Adoption of the Resolution (Attachment No. 1) will allow staff to apply for grants funds through the California Museum Grant Program.
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $250 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $250 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Matching funds are required for public agencies in an amount not less than 5% of the requested grant amount and must be incurred during the project performance period. In the event of receiving the grant, it will necessitate matching funds in an amount ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The source of the match has not yet been identified, but will go to City Council for action approval, if awarded.
DISCUSSION:
Assembly Bill (AB) 716 established the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) in 2002. Funds for the CCHE came from Proposition 40, the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002. The Budget Act of 2021 (AB 128) appropriated $50 million for museum grants and directed the California Natural Resources Agency to continue prioritizing the funding for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title 1 of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
The intent of the California Museum Grant Program is to solicit proposals for program projects or capital projects that assist and enhance museums that are deeply rooted in, and reflective of, previously underserved communities. Approximately $27.7 million is available and grant proposal requests must be between $50,000 and $500,000 for program projects and $100,000 to $1 million for capital projects. Matching funds are required for public agencies in an amount not less than 5% of the requested grant amount and must be incurred during the project performance period.
After a thorough review of the grant guidelines, eligibility, and criteria, staff confirmed the City's eligibility to apply for a capital project aimed at improving a historic museum. In collaboration with Community Services and Public Works, a meeting was convened with Deborah Clifford, President of the Historical Society of Pomona Valley to discuss the grant opportunity. During the meeting, a comprehensive assessment of various historic properties was conducted to identify the most suitable site for the application. Following careful deliberation, it was determined that the property site encompassing Casa Primera and the Barbara Greenwood Kindergarten is in the greatest need of renovations and rehabilitation. A project has been proposed to address these needs, with the following project scope:
Installation of informative signs, interpretive aids, labeling for trees and plants, information boards, and plaques to enhance visitor experience and understanding.
Implementation of drought-tolerant landscaping throughout the site to promote water conservation and sustainability.
Construction of a trellis for an outdoor plaza to accommodate events, school tours, and shaded areas for visitors.
A comprehensive irrigation system, including piping, valves, drip irrigation.
Enhancement of the orchard with trees and plants to support agricultural activities and educational initiatives.
Integration of historical landscaping featuring era-style vegetation to highlight the site's heritage and character.
Installation of a wooden “horse ranch-style” fence around the perimeter to enhance the site's aesthetics and to delineate boundaries for safety.
ADA improvements, including the addition of a ramp and a new front porch to ensure accessibility to the property and its amenities, with a focus on accessing restroom and entrance.
Create an exhibit for the Model T truck that can be showcased and secured when not in use.
Add picnic tables for visitors to enjoy outdoor leisure activities, gatherings, and school tours.
A brick walking path for the house, school, and orchard, offering an accessible route for exploration and discovery.
This initiative represents a collaborative effort between the City and the Historical Society of Pomona Valley to preserve and enhance Pomona’s historic sites for the benefit of present and future generations.
In the event of receiving the grant, the City is obligated to furnish matching funds comprising not less than 5% of the total project costs. Based on calculations, matching funds will range from $5,000 to $50,000. City staff and the Historical Society of Pomona Valley will collaborate on drafting the grant proposal and upon approval of this action; staff will proceed with the submission of the grant application through the California Museum Grant Program. Anticipated announcement of grant awards will be spring 2025.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS:
This item supports the 2021-2022 City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal C: Obtain additional grant funding and other revenues to help achieve City goals and Priority 4: Safe and Clean Community – Goal M: Improve safety and cleanliness at parks and public spaces.
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Monica Belloso
Management Analyst
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment No. 1 – Resolution No. 2024-67
Authorization to Submit a Grant Application for the California Museum Grant Program