PURPOSE

Staff requests City Council approval authorizing the Park, Recreation and Community Services Director to execute a grant agreement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and to accept grant funds in the amount of $72,168.

BACKGROUND

During the past eleven years, staff has worked closely with legislators and State of California officials in an effort to develop additional funding sources for the Robert Ovrom Park Project.   This project provides an opportunity to create a highly functional park in an under-served and blighted area, converts a previous industrial use to a recreational use, and meets the priority needs of the City.  The project has always been considered a viable candidate for grant funding opportunities through the State of California and Federal Government.

ANALYSIS

On December 8, 2004 President Bush signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005, which provided the Department of Housing and Urban Development with Economic Development Initiative (EDI) funds for certain special projects specified in the Conference Report accompanying the Act.  Congressman Adam Shiff nominated the Ovrom Park Project to be included in the Conference Report. 

In May 2005, staff was notified that the City�s Ovrom Park Project was specified in the Conference Report to receive grant funding in the amount of $72,168.  These funds will be used to offset the costs associated with the neighborhood park playground; including the site preparation, rubberized surface to be installed in fall zone areas and to allow access to playground equipment, installation of permanent playground equipment and a shade structure.

FISCAL IMPACT

The City�s additional grant funding of $72,168 will assist in offsetting the costs for the neighborhood park playground.  The proposed resolution accepts the grant funds, which will be appropriated through the FY 2007-08 Budget process.   

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution authorizing the Park, Recreation and Community Services Director to execute a grant agreement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and to accept grant funds.

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