AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: YVETTE E. AGUILAR
PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
ALISON DOBAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER
SUBJECT:
title
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY MEASURE A GRANT FOR THE HILLBROOK PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
summary
Summary:
The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) is responsible for implementing and administering the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks, and Beaches Measure 2016 (Measure A). Measure A was developed to meet current and future park needs throughout Los Angeles County and reflects the findings of the Countywide Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment completed in 2016. Voters approved Measure A in 2016 which includes both formula-based allocations to agencies throughout the study area as well as competitive grants open to public agencies, non-profit organizations, and schools.
The City is eligible to apply for Measure A grants funds in the amount of $225,000. If awarded, staff would utilize this grant for the Hillbrook Park Improvement Project. To apply for the formula-based allocation funds, the RPOSD requires the City to adopt a resolution. Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing staff to apply for the Measure A Grant Annual Allocation Program for the Hillbrook Park Improvement Project.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s public infrastructure.
Goal No. 5 High Functioning Government: Ensure an enhanced quality of life for the residents.
recommendation
Recommendations:
1. Adopt a resolution, entitled:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL APPROVING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A FUNDING FOR THE HILLBROOK PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
2. Authorize the City Manager to accept grant funding from the Measure A Annual Allocation Grant Program, and appoint the City Manager/Public Works Director, or designee to execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, and amendments for completion of the Project.
body
Fiscal Impact:
The City’s estimated Measure A Annual Allocation for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 is approximately $225,000; identified as a source of fund in the current Capital Improvement Program (CIP) adopted budget. Staff proposes utilizing the awarded funds to offset expenditures related to the Hillbrook Park Improvement Project.
Background:
Measure A
In 1992 and 1996, Los Angeles County voters approved two local park funding measures, otherwise known as Proposition A. The 1992 iteration of Proposition A created the Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) and generated annual revenue of $52 million until its expiration in 2015. The 1996 iteration of Proposition A generated $28 million annually and expired in 2019. Since 1992, RPOSD has awarded grant funds for more than 1,500 projects for parks, beaches, open spaces, and recreational, cultural, and community facilities throughout the County.
As Proposition A ended, Los Angeles County launched a Countywide Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment (PNA) to determine park needs countywide. The PNA included a countywide inventory of parks, analysis of park needs, and community engagement. Measure A, also known as the Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks, Open Space Beaches, Rivers Protection, and Water Conservation Measure, was developed to meet current and future park needs as identified in the PNA. Measure A is funded through an annual parcel tax of 1.5 cents per square foot of improved property. Voters approved Measure A in 2016, which generates more than $90 million per year. Unlike Proposition A, Measure A does not have an expiration date.
The RPOSD is responsible for implementing and administering Measure A. Measure A makes funding available to cities through a formula-based annual allocation for capital improvement projects that repair and upgrade parks and recreational facilities, create new parks, preserve, and protect open spaces and beaches, and support recreational programming. Additional annual allocations are available under the Maintenance and Servicing Program to offset Proposition A and Measure A-funded capital projects.
Hillbrook Park Planning Process
In February 2021, the City Council approved the 2021 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The PIP authorized staff to create a Prioritization and Implementation Plan (PIP) to clearly define goals, objectives, and priorities for the Parks, Recreation, and Library Services Department. The City Council adopted the PIP in January 2022. The PIP capital improvement priorities include the redesign and rehabilitation of Hillbrook Park. The priorities listed for this project include repurposing the entire lot, such as removing the dry creek bed and redesigning the playground by expanding it to include new, natural play equipment and a swing bay. The approved improvements would add shelter coverings to the existing cement picnic tables and elements to encourage interaction with nature.
On October 28, 2022, staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Hillbrook Park Renovation Design Services on PlanetBids via the City’s online portal. The City deemed Architerra Design Group (ADG) to be the most qualified firm to provide the requested services. On January 16, 2023, the City entered into an agreement with ADG to prepare concept plans, conduct community outreach, and develop the Hillbrook Park construction plans and technical specifications. Staff and ADG collaborated on the below listed outreach activities held in 2023 to garner feedback regarding the redesign of the park.
Based on the feedback received during outreach meetings and through various design reviews, staff presented a final concept to the City Council in June 2023. Following City Council direction, ADG proceeded to develop construction plans for the project. The final construction plans for the new park include the following improvements:
• Repurposing the entire lot, including regrading, and removing the dry creek bed, and replacing this with an open turf area in the center of the park and a paved walkway that routes around the perimeter of the site.
• Removing and replacing playground equipment with ADA enhancements and pouring a new rubberized surfacing with unique colorways. The proposed play structure would take advantage of the natural topography of the site for several play elements. The playground was designed with a 6-point shade sail structure providing enhanced comfort and more tolerable surface temperatures during the summer months.
• Installation of a vegetated swale on the south side of the park to treat stormwater generated directly from the park.
• Install two Contech Modular Wetland Stormwater Quality systems on the east side of the park.
• New turf and landscaping utilizing a new drip irrigation system.
• Barrier fencing paved walkways and colored concrete with design patterns.
• New electrical system offers lighting for pedestrians, including at shade sails.
• New site amenities including a new drinking fountain, trash receptacles, picnic benches with shade sail structures, colored concrete with design patterns, new park sign, replacement of corner ramp to ADA standards, replacement of adjacent sidewalks, and the addition of a handicap accessible street space.
Analysis:
The Measure A Maintenance and Servicing Annual Allocation grant programs use a formula to provide funds to public agencies on an annual basis. As part of the community-based park investment program, the City’s annual allocation is approximately $45,000-$50,000 per year. Agencies that receive annual allocation funds have several options for the use of this funding, including spending, accrual, bonding, as well as sharing or transferring funds with other eligible agencies. In 2020, the City Manager authorized the accrual of this annual allocation to allow for an increased funding balance for the Hillbrook Park Capital Improvement Project.
Including the most recent allocation from FY 23-24, the City's current available balance of the allocated Measure A funds is $294,434.83. The Hillbrook Park Improvement Project budget identified $225,000 to be used from the Measure A allocations, but the current available Measure A fund balance is likely higher than anticipated due to an increase in property value and assessment rates. Staff recommends using the total available Measure A funding for the Hillbrook Park Improvements Project, which was approved by the City Council on February 27, 2024. Should the City receive funding above the budgeted amount, the City could use these funds to further offset the cost of the Hillbrook Park Improvement Project.
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing staff to apply for the Measure A Grant Annual Allocation Program for the Hillbrook Park Improvement Project. Pending City Council’s approval, staff would submit the grant application in March 2024, and anticipates receiving the grant award by April 2024. This timeline would enable the Hillbrook Park Improvement project to remain on schedule.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
_________________________
Sharon del Rosario
Attachment:
A. Resolution