City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: OCTOBER 18, 2022 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARD: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT WITH RIVERSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT-FUNDED COMMODITY BOXES FOR SENIORS, AT-RISK TEENS, AND FRIENDLY STARS PARTICIPANTS FOR A CONTRACT AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $396,000 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024 ISSUE:
Approve the agreement with Riverside Unified School District to provide American Rescue Plan Act-funded Commodity Boxes for seniors, at-risk teens, and Friendly Stars participants, for an amount not to exceed $396,000 through December 31, 2024.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve the agreement with Riverside Unified School District to provide Commodity Boxes for seniors, at-risk teens, and Friendly Stars, for an amount not to exceed $396,000 through December 31, 2024; and, Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
BACKGROUND:
On November 9, 2021, City Council approved the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Expenditure Plan for the first allocation of grant funds. The Commodity Box Program was allocated $396,000. The funds allow the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCSD) to provide food security assistance for seniors, at-risk teens, and Friendly Stars participants.
DISCUSSION:
The Riverside Unified School District’s (RUSD) Nutrition Services Division provides Commodity Boxes that help secure food for the community. The boxes will include produce and dairy products and will be distributed at several community centers throughout Riverside: Bryant Park, La Sierra Senior Center, Friendly Stars Program, Villegas Park, Nichols Park, Bordwell Park, Reid Park, Youth Opportunity Center, and Dales Senior Center. Distribution will take place on a monthly basis for each center and will serve 500+ residents.
Pursuant to Purchasing Resolution No. 23812, Section 602(g), which states, “Competitive Procurement through the Informal Procurement and Formal Procurement process shall not be required in any of the following circumstances...(g) Where payment for Goods is to be made to a Federal, State and/or other public entity.” The agreement with RUSD guarantees a lower cost than private sector companies who will charge more for revenue generating purposes.
The Purchasing Manager concurs that the recommendation is in accordance with Purchasing Resolution No. 23812, Section 602(g).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The agreement with Riverside Unified School District Nutrition Services aligns with Strategic Priority 1 – Arts, Culture, and Recreation, which aims to provide diverse community experiences and personal enrichment opportunities for people of all ages.
The agreement with Riverside Unified School District Nutrition Services contributes to Strategic Goal 1.5 “Support programs and amenities to further develop literacy, health, and education of children, youth and senior throughout the community;” action 1.5.2 “Expand volunteer opportunities and program offerings for seniors” and action 1.5.3 “Expand Project Bridge program to reduce rates of dropout, gang recruitment and similar”.
These actions align with each of the Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust –The Riverside Unified School District’s Nutrition Services Division commodity boxes help secure food for the community and benefits the City’s diverse populations, and result in greater public good.
Equity – ARPA funded food boxes promote food security and equity to seniors, at risk teens and disabled adults.
Fiscal Responsibility – This item ensures fiscal responsibility of ARPA funds by utilizing funds as intended and approved by City Council.
Innovation –The partnership between the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and RUSD to provide food commodity boxes addresses food insecurity within the community.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department’s distribution of ARPA funded food commodity boxes addresses the present needs of the community without compromising the needs of the future and ensures the community’s’ capacity to persevere, adapt and grow during good and difficult times alike.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund. This agreement will be funded through ARPA grant funds in the amount of $396,000. Funds are available in the Commodity Box ARPA account: 8810900-421040.
Prepared by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Interim Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachment: Agreement with Riverside Unified School District, Nutrition Services Riverside Unified School District AgreementPage 1