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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: March 20, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Charles A. Montoya, City Manager
Lydie Gutfeld, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Department: Parks & Recreation & Community Services
Subject: Approving the Application for the California
Department of Parks and Recreation - Outdoor Equity
Grants Program (OEP) – Round 2
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-055 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, to approve the submittal of an application for the California Department of Parks and Recreation – Outdoor Equity Program (OEP) Round 2 competitive program to the State of California.
Executive Summary
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department was awarded grant funds from the California State Parks and Recreation Outdoor Equity Program (OEP) in 2022. The department applied for Round 2 funds in hopes of extending the opportunities. An approval of submittal of application is required for Round 2 of the competitive grant program.
Background
The California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services grant programs funding increased by $57 million through Assembly Bill 209.
This increase has significantly impacted our community by enhancing the Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP), designed to improve the accessibility of outdoor experiences for residents in low-income urban and rural areas.
The primary objective of the OEP is to connect underserved communities to natural areas, promoting health and wellness among Californians. Through this program, our department seeks to foster a sense of community and appreciation for public lands, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for our residents. 1 9
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In the Fall of 2021, our dedicated staff applied for the first round of OEP funding, submitting a request for $607,000. We are delighted to inform the City Council that in February 2022, we received notification from the granting agency that our city was chosen as one of the 150 cities to be awarded the three-year OEP Grant. This grant will allow us to facilitate over ten trips and community clean-up initiatives for our residents, promoting environmental stewardship and outdoor engagement.
To build on the success of the initial grant, we have submitted an application for Round 2 funding. The additional funding from Round 2 would extend our ability to provide outdoor recreational opportunities, further enhancing the well-being and connection of our community members to the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Discussion
The State requires that an applicant include a resolution of support in the grant application. The grant program conditions include the requirement for the Council to adopt a resolution before application with certain conditions including:
1. The City certifies that it has reviewed, understands, and agrees to the General Provisions contained in the contract shown in the Grant Administration Guide.
2. The Council delegates the authority to the City Manager to conduct all negotiations, and sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the Grant Scope.
3. The City agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
4. The City will consider promoting diversity and inclusion at the park per Public Resources Code §80001(b)(8 A-G).
Staff has reviewed the requirements and has determined that the City complies with all grant conditions.
The Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP) improves the health and wellness of Californians through new educational and recreational activities, service learning, career pathways, and leadership opportunities that strengthen a connection to the natural world. OEP’s intent is to increase the ability of residents in underserved communities to participate in outdoor experiences within their community, at state parks, and other public lands.
Round Two (2) of OEP provides funding for California’s underserved communities which will continue to advance the goals of the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom 1 9
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and the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative.
The OEP grant involves a complex application process and project selection criteria; Point Value Project Selection Criteria Title 30 1. Community Home Base 15 2. Community Planning 20 3. Outdoor Program Goals 15 4. Service Learning, Career Pathway, Leadership Opportunities
10 5. Partnerships and Capacity Building 10 6. Mentoring Youth Leaders after the GRANT Total Points: 100*
*All applications start with zero points and can gain up to 100 points rather than starting with 100 points and losing points.
The scope of the proposed project will include the following:
- Overnight Camping (Youth, Teen, and Family)
- Environmental Club; Workshops, Community Clean-ups
- Day Trips; Hikes, Beach, Amusement Parks
The maximum grant award amount of $687,268.00 will be requested for offering diverse outdoor recreation programs and activities. If awarded, the OEP grant would allow the City to provide a diverse range of activities, from painting trees outdoors to encountering ocean animals, ensuring that participants have a variety of experiences that can broaden their perspectives and create lasting memories. 2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
This request aligns with Key Target 1.c. Financial Stability – Grant focuses on providing funding for transportation, program operations, and capacity costs associated, Key Target 2.a. Focused, Aligned Leadership and Unified Community – Provide service learning, career pathways, and leadership opportunities. Key Target 3.b. Improved Quality of Life- Increase the ability of residents in underserved areas, as well as improve their health and wellness through educational and recreational activities.
Fiscal Impact
Outdoor Equity Program funds 100% of the proposed program cost for three (3) years.
Conclusion
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-055 of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, to approve the submittal of an application for the California Department of Parks and Recreation – Outdoor Equity Program (OEP) Round 2 competitive program to the State of California.
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Attachments
Attachment 1 - RESOLUTION, No.2024-055 Approve OEP Grant Application
Attachment 2 - OEP_ Application
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
March 16, 2022 – The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-61 to approve the submittal of the application for the California Department of Parks and Recreation-Outdoor Equity Program (OEP)
June 15, 2022 – The Mayor and City Council approved and accepted the awarded grant funds for the Outdoor Equity Program (OEP) in the amount of $605,321.26