City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: MAY 14, 2024 FROM: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION FY2024/25 URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT UP TO $1.5 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A LONG-TERM URBAN FORESTRY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN ALL APPLICABLE GRANT APPLICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION DOCUMENTS IF AWARDED ISSUE:
Consider adopting a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to submit an application and associated documents for funding from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection FY2024/25 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program for an amount up to $1.5 million for development of a long-term urban forestry management plan, and authorization for the City Manager or designee to sign any and all applicable application and documents if the Grant is awarded.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to conduct negotiations, execute and submit all documents including applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests and other documents which may be necessary for the filing of an application for the funding from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection FY2024/25 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program for an amount up to $1.5 million for development of a long-term urban forestry management plan.
DISCUSSION:
In April 2024, Cal Fire released grant guidelines for their California Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act including the Urban Forest Management Activities Grant whose purpose is to fund the development and implementation of urban forest management activities carried out by a local government jurisdiction to optimize the multiple benefits of its urban forest. As part of the application process, an approved resolution is required before the application will be accepted.
A grant writer from the City Manager’s Office pool is assisting with preparation of the application, which is due to CalFire no later than May 30, 2024.
The maximum grant award is $1,500,000. If successful, a grant award will allow staff to:
Develop a long-term urban forest management plan built around our existing urban forestry policy, including setting a tree canopy cover goal, Conduct tree planting and associated activities; and
Conduct education and outreach activities.
If awarded, Public Works staff will work with other City departments and the community to develop the plan and implement associated programs.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item supports Strategic Priority 4 – Environmental Stewardship and Goal 4.5 – Maintain and conserve 30% of Riverside’s natural lands in green space including, but not limited to, agricultural lands and urban forests in order to protect and restore Riverside’s rich biodiversity and accelerate the natural removal of carbon, furthering our community’s climate resilience.
This item aligns with each of the Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – Management of the city’s urban forest and landscapes benefit all city residents, businesses and visitors by helping to remove gaseous air pollutants and sequestering carbon.
Equity – Approval of this action (and subsequent grant award) will benefit all who live in or travel through the city.
Fiscal Responsibility – Maintaining city owned landscapes and their infrastructure supports Public Works’ efforts to minimize inefficiencies and maximize reliability.
Innovation – Public Works’ Urban Forestry division is focused on implementing the newest technologies that allow us to maximize our sustainability efforts which include tree planting, inventory management and canopy cover goals.
Sustainability & Resiliency – Public Works’ Urban Forestry division values the need of sustainability and resiliency with fulfilling the current operational needs by utilizing resources such as applying for available grants, that will provide the tools needed for long term planning and guidance to benefit future generations by having advanced technologies, policies and procedures in place to help in the advancement of the urban forest.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If awarded, the total fiscal impact of the grant application could be $1.5 million. If awarded, staff will return to the City Council to request acceptance of the grant funds, execution of contract awards, and a breakdown of grant-funded projects and programs.
Prepared by: Robert Filiar, Urban Forester Manager
Approved by: Gilbert Hernandez, Public Works Director
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachment: Resolution
CalFire FY2024/25 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program Resolution ● Page 2