Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER AN UPDATE ON FUNDING PLANS FOR FOISIA PARK PROJECTS (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
Over the last few years, the City has made a concerted effort to locate opportunities to support needed improvements at Foisia Park. In 2019 and 2020, applications were submitted for Round Three and Round Four of the Proposition 68 grant cycles. Unfortunately, neither proposal was selected by the State of California. Despite these setbacks, a strong foundation has been laid for future funding opportunities as this project is shelf ready: Conceptual models, engineering estimates, and community engagement are complete, and civil engineering/surveys, permits, and construction drawings are the only outstanding elements. The City is currently in the application review process for a State of California Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) matching grant that would bring $4.25 million in funding for Foisia Park improvements. Additionally, staff has identified $1 million in the Annual Allocations portion of Measure A with the LA County Regional Park and Open Space District. Finally, staff has located support in the Development Impact Fees Fund, approximately $1 million, and Park Development (Quimby) Funds, approximately $565,000, for this project.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
RECEIVE and FILE.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
The City of Carson is acutely aware of the need for improvements at Foisia Park. Among the many identified areas that require work are the athletic fields, ADA upgrades to the restrooms, the playground, and walkways. During a Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Master Plan workshop held at Foisia Park, attendees indicated a desire to have a dog park, bike path, pickleball courts, and a gymnasium added to the facility, as well as enhancements to the pool and the picnic areas.
With an anticipated cost of $8.5 million needed for areas that have been identified, staff has been diligently seeking alternative opportunities to fund this project. However, with the surrounding community exceeding the median income level that would make it readily eligible for grants and other funding sources, locating these opportunities has been challenging.
Despite this circumstance, the City has applied for three grants over the course of the last few years. In 2019, the City applied for Round Three of the Proposition 68 grant cycle; however, the project was not selected. In 2020, the City worked with a consultant, Interwest, to assist with community outreach, preparing the grant application, and applying for Round Four, the last and final Proposition 68 grant cycle. Unfortunately, given the large and highly competitive turnout for this cycle, the City was again not selected for funding. The City submitted and is currently completing the process for the State of California’s Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. Should the City’s proposal be successful, a matching grant award of $4.25 million would be received.
The City has reached out to several state and/or local officials, including Assemblyman Mike Gipson and Senator Steve Bradford for assistance. Staff is waiting for responses to these requests.
Staff has located funding in the Annual Allocations portion of Measure A with the LA County Regional Park and Open Space District. Finally, staff has located support in the Development Impact Fees Fund, approximately $1 million, and Park Development (Quimby) Funds, approximately $565,000, for this project.
Moving forward staff will complete an RFP for engineering design and construction documents in May 2022 to ensure that the project is marketable and shovel ready for future grant opportunities. In that effort and with City Council approval, staff recently applied for a Land Water Conservation Grant from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS), and were invited to a site visit with a state grants project manager on at the end of the month at Foisia Park.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
None at this time.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Foisia Park Map, Final Design & Budget Estimates (pg. 3 to 7)
1.
Prepared by: Luchie Magante, Prin. Admin. Analyst, Michael Whittiker Community Services & P&R Director