May 17, 2022
Library and Community Services
DATE: May 17, 2022
TO: Mayor Butt and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Melinda Cervantes, Interim Deputy Director of
Community Services – Library
Christopher Larsen, Librarian II
Subject:
Accept and Appropriate Any Federal Communications
Commission Emergency Connectivity Fund Monies That
May Be Awarded Into the FY 2021-2022 And FY 2022-
2023 Library Budget
FINANCIAL IMPACT: If awarded, the funds would positively affect the Library’s budget for the purchase of internet connectivity devices for use by residents. No impact on General Fund.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
City staff members are seeking City Council approval to Accept and Appropriate into the budget any Federal
Communications Commission Emergency Connectivity
Fund that may be awarded to the Library for purchase of internet connectivity devices for use by Library patrons.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution approving the Library’s request for
Emergency Connectivity Funds for the purchase of
internet connectivity devices for use by residents; and, if funds are awarded, to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE into
the budget – Community Services, Library (Melinda
Cervantes/Christopher Larsen 510-620-5524).
AGENDA
REPORT
May 17, 2022
DISCUSSION:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has offered funding through the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) for the purchase of internet connected devices by libraries for the use of residents. The Richmond Public Library has applied for funding to purchase laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems to make the Library’s Book Van a mobile hotspot, and service for the devices. All purchased devices are to enhance internet connectivity for residents while away from Library buildings, in accordance with the requirements of the ECF. The FCC has recently extended the service period for the use of funds to June 2023.
City staff members are seeking City Council approval to accept and appropriate into the budget any funds which may be awarded. To date, 23 applications have been submitted totaling approximately $11,128,162 in funding requests.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – FCC ECF Certified Application