CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
_____________________________________________________________________________________ DATE: JANUARY 18, 2022
DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
FROM: KRISTAN LUNDQUIST, LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR BY: ANA AMBRIZ, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
TITLE: THE HEBBRON FAMILY CENTER REVITALIZATION PROJECT RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution authorizing the submission of the Project Information Package; and acceptance of California general fund grant funds in the amount of $8.1 million; and the establishment of a new fund appropriation of $8.1 million and corresponding revenue budget for the Hebbron Family Center Revitalization Project with no matching funds required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Council approve a resolution authorizing the Library Community Services Department to submit the Project Information Package to the California Natural Resources Agency; and accept $8.1 million of California general fund grant funds; and the establishment of a new fund appropriation of $8.1 million and corresponding revenue budget for the Hebbron Family Center Revitalization Project with no matching funds required.
BACKGROUND:
In July of 2019, the Salinas City Council adopted the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Master Plan. The Master Plan represents a community engagement effort that connected with thousands of residents and community leaders over 18 months. The plan assessed the state of our current park, recreation, and library facilities and engaged resident to prioritize the need for maintenance. The Hebbron Family Center is not only identified in the Master Plan to have “no architectural value” but scored and ranked the highest in priorities due to its current structural conditions as well as community feedback. In addition, the Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP) also adopted by the City Council in 2019, is an action-oriented, comprehensive strategy for the City of Salinas’ (City’s) East Salinas (Alisal) neighborhoods. Created with equity at its core, the AVP is a community-driven plan to alleviate and reverse decades of neglect and underinvestment in the 95% Hispanic/Latino Alisal neighborhoods of the City and to improve the quality of life for residents by building upon the social and cultural wealth of the Alisal. Rebuilding the Hebbron Family Center was identified by the community as a top priority in the AVP as a vital community resource that is in serious disrepair.
The Hebbron Family Center has served residents since the 1960s, the Center was once a community church and then repurposed as a community center in the 1970s. The center has provided many critical programs and services for the community, including after-school recreation and homework assistance programs, a teen lounge, martial arts training, food bank distribution, citizenship classes, a pre-kinder program, and much more. Unfortunately, the Hebbron Community Center closed in 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic and critical safety issues such as roof leaks, potential mold, and significant foundation problems.
Following the recommendations of the Master Plan staff has worked diligently to secure funding sources to rebuild the Hebbron Family Center. In 2019 and 2020, LCS submitted a Prop 68 application to the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) and was unsuccessful in securing funds for the renovation of the Hebron Family Center. In addition to seeking grant funding, the City submitted a direct request for funds from the State of California through Assemblymember Rivas’ office. The City was notified in September 2021 that the Hebbron Family Center Revitalization Project would receive $8.1 Million from the State.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
The City of Salinas has determined that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15302 et al., Class 2 because the project proposes the replacement and reconstruction of an existing structure.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This item supports the following City Council Goals:
Investment Strategies / Risk Management
Operational Efficiencies
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Library & Community Services Department has coordinated and collaborated with the City Manager’s Office, Public Works, and Community Development Departments to actively advocate and secure California general fund grant funds and in how to supports implementation of the Parks, Recreation and Library Master Plan and the Alisal Vibrancy Plan.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
No matching City funds required; however, this is a reimbursement-based grant and expenses are incurred and paid by the city prior to submitting reimbursement.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution and Project Information Package