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CC - FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: (1) Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Application for Habitat Conservation Program Funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation for the Culver City Nature Trail Rehabilitation Project in an Amount Not-To-Exceed $200,000; and, (2) Approval of a Budget Amendment to Appropriate the Funding for this Project Upon Receipt of the Fully Executed Grant Agreement.
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Meeting Date: 09/26/2016
Contact Person/Dept: Daniel Hernandez, PRCS Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-6655
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (09/20/16); (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (09/20/16); (E-Mail) Updates - Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (09/20/16)
Department Approval: Daniel Hernandez (09/13/16)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) adopt a resolution (Attachment) approving an application for Habitat Conservation Program funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for the Culver City Nature Trail Rehabilitation Project (the “Project”) in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000; and, (2) approve a budget amendment to appropriate the funding for this project upon receipt of the fully executed grant agreement.
A BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRES A FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE
BACKGROUND
The Culver City Park Nature Trail
The Nature Trail is an approximately 1,600 linear foot wood boardwalk, located within Culver City Park, which was constructed during the period 1993 - 1995. The Project had two major grant funding sources at that time, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (a Federal grant administered by the State), and Los Angeles County Proposition A - Per Parcel Discretionary Funds. Since the Nature Trail was originally constructed using Proposition A Funds, it is eligible for Proposition A Maintenance and Servicing (Prop A M&S) Funds. In addition to a requesting funding for regularly scheduled maintenance, grantees may claim Prop A M&S reimbursement for “extraordinary” expenses, which include repair and replacement costs related to the “gradual physical or functional deterioration, obsolescence” of amenities.
During the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 budget process, both the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commission and the City Council expressed support for the Culver City Nature Trail Rehabilitation Project through the review, recommendation, and ultimately, City Council approval of the allocation of $244,366 of the City’s Prop A M&S Funds for the “CC Nature Park Trial” (sic; Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Budget Book, page 164). The funding is intended to replace the existing wood treads, rails, handrails and caps of the Nature Trail.
The Ballona Creek Connection Project
As part of a separate Project, the Culver City/Park to Playa - Ballona Creek Connection Project (PZ551; funded by a Baldwin Hills Conservancy Proposition 84 grant, and the City’s General Fund), approximately $70,500 of needed improvements to the Nature Trail will be done in order to better integrate it as the mid-section of the trail. Those improvements include the implementation of measures for erosion control, retaining wall construction, and the resurfacing of the upper and lower Nature Trail landings. The objective of the Ballona Creek Connection Project is to compete Segment 7 of the Park to Playa Trail, creating a more accessible connection from the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, through Culver City Park, to the Ballona Creek Bike & Pedestrian Path.
DISCUSSION
Staff is requesting the City Council’s approval to apply for grant funds under the Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) Program Trails category. Eligible projects in the Trails category must create or rehabilitate trails that bring people to a park or wildlife environment. To be considered, the application must be postmarked by October 3, 2016. The goal is to apply for approximately $200,000 in HCF Program funds in order to supplement the existing Prop A M&S budget of $244,366. If the additional funding is approved, two new elements can be added to the Nature Trail Project: (1) the Boardwalk can be rehabilitated using composite decking made of recycled materials, instead of treated redwood; and, (2) interpretive signage, which was an important feature of the original Project, can be fabricated and re-installed.
For example, Trex® is a composite decking material that is a blend of 95% recycled wood and plastic film. Using a product such as Trex® for the Nature Trail Rehabilitation is consistent with the City’s sustainability goals. In addition, it is more durable and requires less maintenance than wood, thus making the initial investment cost-effective over time.
As originally constructed, the Nature Trail was referred to as the “Interpretive Nature Trail.” However, it is staff’s understanding that the interpretive signage was vandalized many years ago, and never replaced. The re-installation of interpretive signage on, or immediately adjacent to, the Nature Trail would add both value and interest to the Project. Interpretation opportunities include those related to the natural, cultural, historic and/or scenic aspects of the site. The new signage would be designed to be consistent with the wayfinding signage that will be incorporated into the Ballona Creek Connection Project.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
A dollar-for-dollar match is required for Habitat Conservation Fund Program projects. Staff anticipates that approximately $200,000 of the $244,366 in Prop A M&S Funds (account number 41430907.346330), a local funding source, will be utilized as matching funds for the Project. At the time that this report was submitted, a cost estimate reflecting the substitution of the composite decking material for treated redwood, and adding the fabrication and installation of interpretive signage was still being developed. The majority of the increase in the cost estimate for the revised scope of work will be due to the cost of the composite decking material.
Staff is requesting that the City Council approve a budget amendment to be processed upon receipt of the fully executed Grant Agreement to add both the grant revenue and appropriation in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000. NOTE: This budget amendment will only be processed when a fully executed grant agreement is received. If for some reason, the fully executed grant agreement is not received, the budget amendment will not be processed.
ATTACHMENT
Proposed Resolution
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution approving an application for Habitat Conservation Program funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation for the Culver City Nature Trail Rehabilitation Project in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000; and,
2. Approve a budget amendment to appropriate the funding for this Project upon receipt of the fully executed grant agreement (budget amendment requires a four-fifth vote).