DATE: January 11, 2022
DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
FROM: KRISTAN LUNDQUIST, LCS DIRECTOR
BY: MILA RIANTO, DEPUTY LIBRARIAN
TITLE: EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND GRANT REIMBURSEMENT AWARD RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to accept the Emergency Connectivity Fund grant reimbursement award in the amount of $24,000 and authorize the execution of all grant acceptance documents.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the acceptance of the Emergency Connectivity Fund grant reimbursement award in the amount of $24,000 and the establishment of the Emergency Connectivity Fund appropriation of $24,000 and corresponding revenue budget for the purchase of laptop devices for a Public Lending Program at Salinas Public Libraries with no matching funds required.
BACKGROUND:
In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act established the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) through Federal Communications Commission’s E-rate program, which would reimburse eligible libraries the costs of providing telecommunications and internet access to its patrons outside of the library. The Salinas Public Library was already providing this service through its Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending Program and is looking to expand its effort to support remote learning and professional development of Salinas residents. A grant application was submitted on August 10, 2021 for $31,545, to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) who administers the ECF funding. The grant application identified the need to purchase laptop and Chromebook devices as tools to establish a Device Lending Program at all City libraries.
The Salinas Public Library received a funding commitment letter from the USAC on November 23, 2021, for approval of a reimbursement award in the amount of $24,000. With this grant funding secured, the Salinas Public Library is ready to move forward the Device Lending Program.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
The proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The grant will help advance the following City Council strategic goals:
Operational Efficiencies; and
Investment Strategies/Risk Management
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Library & Community Services Department will work with the Finance Department and Information System Division on grant management and procurement of devices.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The $24,000 grant award establishes a larger laptop lending inventory for Salinas residents with no City funds are required.
ATTACHMENTS:
ECF Funding Commitment Letter dated November 23, 2021
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