HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6d. Mitchell Park Per Capita Grant Project Update Item 6d
Department: Parks and Recreation
Cost Center: 7001
For Agenda of: 10/19/2021
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director
Prepared By: Devin Hyfield, Recreation Manager and Aleah Bergam, Parks and
Recreation Analyst
SUBJECT: MITCHELL PARK PER CAPITA GRANT PROJECT UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve a Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo, California, approving an amendment to the Mitchell Park Per Capita Grant
Project and related budgetary appropriations; and
2. Authorize the Finance Director to return any remaining Quimby Funds to fund balance
upon project completion.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2018, the State of California invested in the largest grant funding for critically
underserved communities with the passage of Proposition 68: California Drought, Water,
Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act. Recognizing the need
for underserved communities to have equitable access to outdoor recreation facilities, the
bond also provides funds for new parks and rehabilitation of current parks that will help
attract new and diverse visitors.
On October 20, 2020, Council authorized staff to submit a project proposal to apply for a
grant to revitalize Mitchell Park with new amenities, such as pickleball courts and
authorized the Assistant City Manager to execute the necessary grant documents and
appropriate the grant funds into the Parks and Recreation Department’s budget upon
grant award, Resolution No. 11179 (Attachment B). Staff received notice in December
2020 that the project was approved, and the City was awarded a contract with State Parks
for $177,952 in per capita grant funding to be spent on Mitchell Park pickleball courts.
The full proposed project budget was estimated to be more than the grant award, and
additional funding in the amount of $32,048 was approved and appropriated by Council
from the Parkland-in-lieu fund (Quimby) for a combined project budget of $210,000.
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Item 6d
Preliminary Project Selection
Staff reviewed feedback from multiple public outreach meetings surrounding the update
to the Parks and Recreation Blueprint for the Future to determine project scope for this
grant application. Throughout the public outreach process, t he community expressed
desire for more activities within downtown parks and identified a lack of inventory of
pickleball courts. Mitchell Park is a centrally located park an d is utilized as a gathering
place near downtown. In addition, City staff and members of the Parks and Recreation
Commission have received concern from the public regarding the condition and low
activation of the park. Staff proposed installing pickleball courts with the Per Capita Grant
funding which would activate the park and provide more multi-generational recreational
opportunities for members of the community to help address public concern.
Mitchell Park Community Workshops
Parks and Recreation staff hosted a virtual community workshop on May 19, 2021, to
discuss the proposed project at Mitchell Park and show community members the draft
site plans of the pickleball courts. Approximately 20 members of the public provided
feedback regarding the location of the pickleball courts and the potential addition of other
amenities within Mitchell Park. Overall, the public did not support the installation of the
two pickleball courts and expressed ideas for other passive amenities to revitalize the
park such as the installation of shade structures at the BBQ seating area, bocce courts
and chess tables. The public expressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the
park for social gatherings, special events, open green areas, and rallies. There were also
concerns regarding the impact to the parking lot reserved for SLO Senior Center
members as well as surrounding neighborhoods if pickleball courts were to be installed.
Staff hosted an on-site community workshop on September 16, 2021, to discuss and
finalize the proposed project update. Staff utilized visual aids with examples of a variety
of passive recreational amenities and incorporated an on -line survey for the public to
provide input on specific types of passive recreational amenities to replace the pickleball
courts. 25 community members attended the workshop and 58 responded to the survey.
The results of the workshops and survey demonstrated that the public is in support of the
installation of chess/checker tables, bocce ball courts, shade structures and stage
installation at the social gathering area, additional benches, interactive educational
signage, and pathway safety lighting.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
On October 20, 2020, Council authorized staff to submit a project proposal to apply for a
grant to revitalize Mitchell Park with new amenities, such as pickleball courts and
authorized the Assistant City Manager to execute the necessary grant documents and
appropriate the grant amount into the Parks and Recreation Department’s budget upon
grant award (Attachment B).
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Item 6d
On February 2, 2021, Council authorized Resolution No. 11218 (Attachment C)
authorizing initiation of project planning and design for pickleball courts at Mitchell Park
and Appropriating Project Budget with the expectation for staff to continue to conduct
community outreach prior to final design
On July 7, 2021, staff presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and made
recommendations regarding moving forward with pickleball courts at Mitchell Park or
revising the project application to include passive recreational amenities, as suggested
by the community at the public outreach meetings. Commissioners recommended not
moving forward with pickleball courts and advised staff to conduct an additional public
meeting to determine specific alternative recreational amenities. Staff presented
September public workshop and survey results summary at the October 6, 2021 Parks
and Recreation Commission meeting and will provide Council with the recommendation
and draft minutes of the meeting via Council Correspondence.
Policy Context
The City’s Charter under Section 804 allows City Council to amend or supplement the
budget by motion adopted by majority vote of the council. The project budget is not
recommended to change, but rather project scope and title will need to be amended by
Council Resolution. Partial funding for this project comes from fees
imposed by the Quimby Act within the subdivision Map Act (Cal. Gov. Code § 66477),
which requires the fees be used for developing new or rehabilitating existing
neighborhood, community parks, or recreation facilities that serve the specific subdivision
paying the fees.
Public Engagement
Staff have conducted two public outreach events, (May 19 and September 16, 2021), as
well as an on-line survey. The public have expressed their desire for passive recreational
amenities and to maintain the integrity of the park for social gatherings, special events,
open green areas, and rallies. The majority of the public in attendance at the public
engagement meetings were not in support of pickleball courts.
CONCURRENCE
The Public Works Department concurs with this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in
this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines
Sec. 15378.
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Item 6d
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2021-22
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $2,000
State $177,952 $177,952 $0
Federal
Fees
Other: Quimby
Parkland-in-lieu
Fund
$32,048 $32,048 $0
Total $210,000 $210,000 $0 $2,000
The City has received a signed contract with State Parks for $177,952 in Prop 68 Per
Capita funding for the Mitchell Park Pickleball Court project. If Council approves the
project modifications, staff will re-submit the project application. Staff has already worked
with State Parks to ensure the updated scope still satisfies the grant requirements so
there should be no issues re-submitting the grant application. Staff would like to keep the
budget of $210,000 and will return any un-used funding to the Parkland-in-lieu fund.
Maintenance for the proposed passive recreational amenities is minimal, and staff only
anticipates $2,000 in on-going annual operations and maintenance costs once the
amenities are constructed. This can be accommodated for within the current fiscal year
budget.
ALTERNATIVES
1. The City Council could request additional information or analysis from staff.
2. The City Council could deny the amendment to the Mitchell Park Grant Project
forfeiting the grant award.
ATTACHMENTS
A – Draft Resolution adopting new project scope for Mitchell Park Grant Project
B – Resolution No. 11179 (2020 Series)
C – Resolution No. 11218 (2021 Series)
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2021 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
MITCHELL PARK PER CAPITA GRANT PROJECT AND RELATED
BUDGETARY APPROPRIATIONS
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2020, the City Council authorized staff to submit a
grant application for Prop. 68 Per Capita Funds and authorize d the Assistant City
manager to execute the necessary grant documents; and
WHEREAS, On February 2, 2021, the City Council authorized staff to initiate
project planning and design for Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park and appropriate d
$177,952 in Per Capita grant funding into the Parks and Recreation Capital Budget and
$32,048 from the Parkland-in-lieu (Quimby) Fund; and
WHEREAS, staff has conducted two public outreach meetings surrounding the
Mitchell Park Pickleball Project; and
WHEREAS, the public is not in support of the installation of Pickleball Courts at
Mitchell Park and instead proposes alternative recreation and support amenities be
installed such as chess/checker tables, bocce ball courts, shade structures and stage
installation at the social gathering area, additional benches, interactive educational
signage, and pathway safety lighting; and
WHEREAS, staff suggests amending the Mitchell park Per Capita Grant Project;
and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Commission concurs with staff
recommendation to amend the Mitchell Park Per Capita Grant Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council authorizes staff to amend the Mitchell Park Per
Capita Grant project and replace Pickleball Courts with the installation of chess/checker
tables, bocce ball courts, shade structures and stage installation at the social gathering
area, additional benches, interactive educational signage, and pathway safety lighting.
Page 39 of 850
Resolution No. _____ (2021 Series) Page 2
R ______
SECTION 2. The City Council authorizes the Finance Director to return any
remaining Quimby Funds to working fund balance upon project completion.
Upon motion of Council Member ___________, seconded by Council Member
___________, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _______________ 2021.
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
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R 11179
RESOLUTION NO. 11179 (2020 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR PER
CAPITA GRANT FUNDS
WHEREAS, the State Department of Parks and Recreation has been delegated the
responsibility by the Legislature of the State of California for the administration of the Per Capita
Grant Program, setting up necessary procedures governing the application; and
WHEREAS, said procedures established by the State Department of Parks and Recreation
require the Applicant to certify by resolution the approval of the project application before
submission of said application to the State; and
WHEREAS, the grantee will enter into a contract with the State of California to complete
project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo hereby:
SECTION 1. Approves the filing of project application for per capita program grant
project; and
SECTION 2. Certifies that said grantee has or will have available, prior to
commencement of project work utilizing Per Capita funding, the sufficient funds to complete the
project; and
SECTION 3. Certifies that the grantee has or will have sufficient funds to operate and
maintain the project, and
SECTION 4. Certifies that all projects proposed will be consistent with the park and
recreation element of the City’s general or recreation plan (PRC §80063(a)), and
SECTION 5. Certifies that these funds will be used to supplement, not supplant, local
revenues in existence as of June 5, 2018 (PRC §80062(d)), and
SECTION 6. Certifies that it will comply with the provisions of Section1771.5 of the
California Labor Code, and
SECTION 7. (PRC §80001(b)(8)(A-G)) Considers, to the extent practicable, as identified
in the “Presidential Memorandum--Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Our National Parks,
National Forests, and Other Public Lands and Waters,” dated January 12, 2017, a range of actions
that include, but are not limited to, the following:
Page 41 of 850
Resolution No. 11179 (2020 Series) Page 2
R 11179
A. Conducting active outreach to diverse populations, particularly minority, low income,
and disabled populations and tribal communities, to increase awareness within those
communities and the public generally about specific programs and opportunities.
B. Mentoring new environmental, outdoor recreation, and conservation leaders to increase
diverse representation across these areas.
C. Creating new partnerships with state, local, tribal, private, and nonprofit organizations
to expand access for diverse populations.
D. Identifying and implementing improvements to existing programs to increase visitation
and access by diverse populations, particularly minority, low-income, and disabled
populations and tribal communities.
E. Expanding the use of multilingual and culturally appropriate materials in public
communications and educational strategies, including through social media strategies,
as appropriate, that target diverse populations.
F. Developing or expanding coordinated efforts to promote youth engagement and
empowerment, including fostering new partnerships with diversity-serving and youth-
serving organizations, urban areas, and programs.
G. Identifying possible staff liaisons to diverse populations.
SECTION 8. Agrees that to the extent practicable, the project will provide workforce
education and training, contractor, and job opportunities for disadvantaged communities (PRC
80001(b)(5)).
SECTION 9. Certifies that the grantee shall not reduce the amount of funding otherwise
available to be spent on parks or other projects eligible for funds under this division in its
jurisdiction. A one-time allocation of other funding that has been expended for parks or other
projects, but which is not available on an ongoing basis, shall not be considered when calculating
a recipient’s annual expenditures. (PRC §80062(d)).
SECTION 10. Certifies that the grantee has reviewed, understands, and agrees to the
General Provisions contained in the contract shown in the Procedural Guide; and
SECTION 11. Delegates the authority to the Assistant City Manager, or designee to
conduct all negotiations, 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(s); and
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Resolution No. 11179 (2020 Series) Page 3
R 11179
SECTION 12. Agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws,
ordinances, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Upon motion of Council Member Pease, seconded by City Council Member Christianson,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Member Christianson, Pease, Stewart, Vice Mayor Gomez and
Mayor Harmon
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 20th day of October 2020.
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
Page 43 of 850
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R 11218
RESOLUTION NO. 11218 (2021 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING INITIATION OF PROJECT
PLANNING AND DESIGN FOR PICKLEBALL COURTS AT MITCHELL
PARK AND APPROPRIATING PROJECT BUDGET
WHEREAS, on June 2, 2020 the City Council adopted the 2020-21 Financial Plan
Supplement and Budget Appropriations; and
WHEREAS, Mitchell Park Pickleball Courts are not listed in the adopted FY 20-21
Capital Improvement Plan; and
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2020, the City Council authorized staff to submit a grant
application for Prop. 68 Per Capita Funds and authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute the
necessary grant documents; and
WHEREAS, staff received project approval from state parks and has signed and executed
a contract with State Parks in $177,952 in state funding for construction of Mitchell Park Pickleball
Courts; and
WHEREAS, staff is requesting Council authorize the appropriation of the grant funding
into the Parks and Recreation Capital Budget; and
WHEREAS, staff estimates a project budget of $210,000 to design and construct the
project; and
WHEREAS, subdivisions within the Mitchell Park Neighborhood have paid fees enacted
by the Quimby Act, within the Subdivision Map Act (Cal. Gov. Code § 66477) for the purpose of
developing new or rehabilitating existing neighborhood, community parks, or recreation facilities
that serve the specific subdivision; and
WHEREAS, staff has identified addition funding to be appropriated in the amount of
32,048 from the Parkland-in-lieu (Quimby) Fund; and
WHEREAS, the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
because it does not constitute a “project” as defined by CEQA. The action does not include
approval of the design or physical construction of the Mitchell Park Pickleball Courts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
as follows:
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Resolution No. 11218 (2021 Series) Page 2
R 11218
SECTION 1. The City Council authorizes staff to begin design and public input for the
Mitchell Park Pickleball Court Project; and authorizes allocating $177,952 in State Parks Grant
funding and $32,048 in Parkland-in-lieu (Quimby) funds for the Mitchell Park Pickleball Court
capital improvement project.
Upon motion of Council Member Pease, seconded by Vice Mayor Stewart, and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Member Marx, Pease, Vice Mayor Stewart, and Mayor Harmon
RECUSED: Council Member Christianson
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 2nd day of February 2021.
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, on ____________________________.
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
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