HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/15/2010, C9 - AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RE t �
council
j acEnaa Report �p
C I T Y OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck,Assistant City Manager
Prepared By: Neil Havlik,Natural Resources Manager
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT
FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
AND RECREATION'S NATURE EDUCATION FACILITIES
PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution authorizing staff to complete and submit an application for grant monies in the
amount of $100,000 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation's Nature Education
Facilities Program to supplement City monies in the design, manufacture, and installation of
informational kiosks at various City open space properties.
DISCUSSION
The Nature Education Facilities Program (NEFP) is a bond-funded program of the State of
California intended to provide for facilities at parks, open spaces, preserves, etc., which "may be
used for buildings, structures, and exhibit galleries that present collections to inspire and educate
the public..."
In 2008, using City Measure Y funds, the City of San Luis Obispo initiated a program of
informational kiosks at the Johnson Ranch Open Space which do educate and inspire our citizens
about the cultural and natural history of the Johnson Ranch. In 2009 this program was expanded
using funds from the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) to design, manufacture, and
install additional signage of this type at two other locations, South Hills Natural Reserve and Irish
Hills Natural Reserve. (Signage for a third new location, on the Bob Jones Trail, has been done
using Cal Trans grant monies and is currently awaiting delivery; the kiosk to house the
informational panels has already been constructed.) Unfortunately, the cost of these structures has
been higher than estimated, and therefore only one kiosk will be able to be installed at each location
rather than the three anticipated at South Hills and two at Irish Hills. The NEFP is therefore seen as
a timely financial support measure for a desirable public educational effort. Our expectation is that
$100,000 would fund the design of five additional open space kiosks (at $5,000 each), and the
manufacture and installation of fifteen new kiosks, also at a cost of $5,000 each. Each of the
kiosks would be modeled after the attractive and informative kiosk at the Johnson Ranch. Staff
anticipates new designs for Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis, Reservoir Canyon, Sterner Springs, and
Laguna Lake. At total of fifteen kiosks would be installed at these locations, plus the additional
sites originally anticipated at South Hills and Irish Hills.
G:ViavliAcouncilagendaWature Education Facilities Program grant app
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Council Agenda Report—Nature Education Facilities Program grant app Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT
The grant, if successful, will provide outside funding to support a City-sponsored project benefiting
the City's Natural Resources Protection Program, and providing educational opportunities for our
citizens, thereby providing a beneficial fiscal effect. There is no match requirement, however; City
staff will undertake all necessary administrative details of the project, which will provide perhaps a
10-15% match in actuality. In addition, further PCC funding is anticipated that would augment the
grant funds and allow the City to complete the kiosk program in the event that the State grant funds
are not sufficient to do so.
The grant deadline is July 1, 2010; the application packet states that it will require about six months
to evaluate the grant requests and determine which are successful.
If the City's application is successful, the project itself would begin as soon as the Department of
Parks and Recreation gives us permission to proceed.
ALTERNATIVE
The Council could decide not to pursue the grant monies. This is not recommended as the project
is a valuable one, benefiting the community's natural environment, and submitting the application
does not commit the City in any way; if, however, we choose not to apply we will lose the
opportunity entirely.
Attachments
1. Resolution
2. Grant Program Summary
GMavllAcouncilagendaWature Education Facilities Program grant app
ATTACHMEW 1
RESOLUTION NO. (2010 Series)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR NATURE EDUCATION FACILITIES
PROGRAM FUNDS FROM THE SAFE DRINKING WATER,WATER QUALITY AND
SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL,RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF
2006 IN SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO'S
EDUCATIONAL KIOSK INSTALLATION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the California Department of Parks and Recreation has been delegated the
responsibility by the Legislature of the State of California for the administration of the Nature
Education Facilities 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 applications before submission of said
applications to the State; and
WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into a contract with the State of California to complete
the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo hereby approves the filing of an application for grant funds from the California Department
of Parks and Recreation's Nature Education Facilities Program in support of the City's existing
educational kiosk installation program; and
1. Certifies that said applicant has or will have , prior to commencement of any work on
the project included in this application, sufficient funds to complete the project should
this grant be awarded; and
2. Certifies that the applicant has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the
project; and
3. Certifies that the applicant has reviewed, understands, and agrees to the General
Provisions contained in the contract shown in the Grant Administration Guide; and
4. Certifies that this project is consistent with applicable City planning documents; and
5. Delegates the authority to the City Manager to conduct all negotiations, execute and
submit all documents, including, but not limited to, applications, agreements,
amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of
the aforementioned project.
On motion of seconded by and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES`:
NOES`.
ABSENT:
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--' ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. (2010 Series)
Page 2
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of ,2010.
David F. Romero,Mayor
ATTEST:
Elaina Cano, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
(Yhristine
Dietrick, City Attorney
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-- - ATTACHMENT 2
I. NATURE EDUCATION FACILITIES PROGRAM INFORMATION
Competitive Program Intent
The impacts of climate change and population growth pose significant challenges to
California's environmental resources. The challenges must be addressed and solutions
must be provided in order to protect those resources for future generations. Therefore,
facilities that educate visitors and inspire environmental stewardship are critically
needed for the future health of California.
In response to that need, the Nature Education Facilities Program will award
competitive grants for development projects that will increase public understanding and
knowledge of California's resources.
The underlying concepts for the program are derived from the applicable sections of
Proposition 84 as enacted in the following Public Resources Code (PRC) sections:
PRC §75063 Introduction
". . . to protect the resources (of the State of California) for future generations, and to
increase public understanding and knowledge of those resources . . . `
PRC §75063 (b) Nature Education Facilities
Funds shall be available ". . . for grants for nature education and research facilities and
equipment to non-profit organizations and public institutions, including natural history
museums, aquariums, research facilities and botanical gardens. Eligible institutions
include those that combine the study of natural science with preservation,
demonstration and education programs that serve diverse populations, institutions that
provide collections and programs related to the relationship of Native American cultures
to the environment, and institutions for marine wildlife conservation research. Grants
may be used for buildings, structures and exhibit galleries that present collections to
inspire and educate the public and for marine wildlife conservation research equipment
and facilities."
PRC §75003.5 General Provisions
"The people of Califomia further find and declare that the growth in population of the
state and the impacts of climate change pose significant challenges. These challenges
must be addressed through careful planning and through improvements in land use and
water management that both reduce contributions to global warming and improve the
adaptability of our water and flood control systems. Improvements include better
integration of water supply, water quality, flood control and ecosystem protection, as
well greater water use efficiency and conservation to reduce energy consumption."
PRC §75004. General Provisions
"It is the intent of the people that investment of public funds pursuant to this division
should result in public benefits."
Nature Education Facilities Guide 55 Program Information
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ATTACHMENT 2
Eligible Applicants
• Cities • DISTRICTS
• Counties • NON-PROFIT Organizations
• California State Agencies
A JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY will also be considered an eligible APPLICANT if at least one of
the members otherwise qualifies as an eligible APPLICANT, and subject to review and
approval of the underlying JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY agreement.
Eligible APPLICANTS include public institutions as listed above, and NON-PROFIT
organizations that increase public understanding and knowledge of California's
resources, inspire ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP and that meet one or more of the
following objectives:
• Combine the study of natural science with preservation, demonstration and
education programs that serve diverse populations
• Provide collections and programs related to the relationship of Native American
cultures to the environment
• Conduct MARINE wildlife conservation research
Eligible Projects
Eligible PROJECTS are DEVELOPMENT, including construction and renovation, Of NATURE
EDUCATION facilities, buildings, structures and exhibit galleries that present collections to
inspire and educate the public and MARINE wildlife conservation research equipment and
facilities. The PROJECT must provide NATURE EDUCATION that includes focused learning
about the natural environment that inspires ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP and meet one
of one of the following objectives:
• Combine the study of natural science with preservation, demonstration and
education programs that serve diverse populations
• Provide collections and programs related to the relationship of Native American
cultures to the environment
• Conduct MARINE wildlife conservation research
Acquisition PROJECTS are not eligible under this program. GRANT funded PROJECTS must
be open to the general public, or, for MARINE research facilities and equipment, support
facilities that are open to the general public. In addition, GRANTS must be used for
CAPITAL OUTLAY only. Therefore, GRANTS may be used to construct facilities and
structures that house programs, but they can not be used to develop or fund programs.
Similarly, GRANTS may be used to build EXHIBITS, but can not be used to purchase
collections or specimens.
Eligible PROJECT types include the following:
1. FACILITIES and buildings
2. Exhibit Galleries, including but not limited to;
• Annex, wing, or room added to or, renovated in, an existing building to house
INTERPRETIVE EXHIBITS
Nature Education Facilities Guide 6 Program Information
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• Installation of new EXHIBITS and related fixed equipment within an existing
building
3. Structures, including but not limited to:
• Freestanding INTERPRETIVE EXHIBITS, either indoor or outdoor
• Outdoor structures used for NATURE EDUCATION, e.g., arbors, ramadas, pavilions
4. MARINE RESEARCH FACILITIES and MARINE RESEARCH EQUIPMENT used to:
• Conduct, Or facilitate MARINE wildlife conservation research.
• Provide public access and/or interaction, and/or provide support to a public
NATURE EDUCATION FACILITY.
Application Deadline
APPLICATIONS must be postmarked or delivered by the deadline posted on our websites
at www.i)arks.cagov/grants/qrants.
Grant Performance Period
The GRANT PERFORMANCE PERIOD begins on the date Of APPROPRIATION and extends for
eight years from 07/01/09 to 06/30/17. During this time period, ELIGIBLE COSTS may be
incurred by the GRANTEE and charged to the GRANT. However, costs incurred before a
CONTRACT is fully ENCUMBERED are at the APPLICANT'S own risk.
The CONTRACT ENCUMBRANCE period also begins On the date Of APPROPRIATION but only
extends for the first three years Of the GRANT PERFORMANCE PERIOD. Therefore, all
CONTRACTS must be fully ENCUMBERED,that is signed by both the GRANTEE and by DPR,
by 06/30/12.
Nature Education Facilities Guide 7 Program information
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