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CC - Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City to Enter into an Agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the Transfer of Measure W Safe Clean Water Program Funds
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Meeting Date: July 13, 2020
Contact Person/Dept: Kim Braun/Public Works
Phone Number: 310-253-6421
Fiscal Impact: Yes [x] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [x]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (07/08/2020);
Department Approval: Charles D. Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer (07/02/2020)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the transfer of Measure W Safe Clean Water Program funds (“Transfer Agreement”).
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In November 2018, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure W, Los Angeles County’s Safe Clean Water Program (the “Program”) to improve water quality, increase local water supply, and enhance communities. The Program provides local dedicated funding to increase local water supply, improve water quality, and protect public health.
Developed in collaboration with public health, environmental groups, cities, businesses, and labor and community-based organizations, the Program will update community stormwater systems to capture more of the billions of gallons of rainwater lost to the ocean each year. Capturing and cleaning this stormwater can greatly increase local water supply and make the community more sustainable for decades to come. The Program will help fund stormwater projects that modernize old stormwater system infrastructure using a combination of nature, science and new technology that could triple the amount of rainwater currently captured.
The Program helps protect our coastal waters and beaches from the trash and contaminants in stormwater that are unhealthy and threaten marine life. Every day in Los Angeles County, and especially when it rains, trash and contaminates pollute the waterways and the ocean. Paved-over and flood-prone communities are especially at risk of exposure to contaminants found in stormwater runoff. The Program will provide funding to help capture and clean stormwater, reducing the risk that dirty, polluted runoff poses to our community and marine life.
Neighborhoods with the most pavement are the most vulnerable to the negative health effects of extreme heat. The Program will invest in community greening projects and improving flood management.
Measure W generates up to $285 million per year from a parcel tax of 2.5 cents per square foot of impermeable surface area on private property in the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. Measure W includes strict accountability requirements. All money must stay local to clean stormwater and protect our water bodies while also increasing our local water supply. Annual reports and independent audits are required.
Under the Safe Clean Water’s Municipal Program, 40% of the funding is allocated to cities as a local return. Cities will receive direct funding via the Municipal Program proportional to the revenue generated within their boundaries. The Municipal Program is flexible and is designed to maximize the ability of local governments to address local Stormwater and Urban Runoff challenges and opportunities. Projects and programs are required to include a water quality benefit; multi-benefit projects and nature-based solutions are strongly encouraged.
The funding can be used for eligible activities such as project development, design, construction, effectiveness monitoring, operations and maintenance, as well as for other programs and studies related to protecting and improving water quality in lakes, rivers and streams.
Approximately $540,000 will be transferred to the City from the Measure W Safe Clean Water Municipal Program annually through FY 23/24. These funds will assist the City with design and construction of several stormwater projects including but not limited to the Culver Boulevard Stormwater Filtration Project which is currently in construction; the Washington Boulevard Stormwater Diversion Project, the Mesmer Stormwater Diversion Project, and operations and maintenance of these projects and others once constructed.
Pursuant to Section 16.05.A.1 of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District Code, prior to City’s receipt of Program funds, the City must enter into a Transfer Agreement.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Safe Clean Water Program will distribute approximately $540,000 to the City annually through FY 23/24. The City shall hold the distribution in a separate interest-bearing account and shall not combine with other funds. Interest earned from the account shall be used by the City only for eligible expenditures consistent with the requirements of the Program.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2020-07-13_ATT_Resolution Authorizing LACFCD Transfer Agreement
MOTION
That the City Council:
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the transfer of Measure W Safe Clean Water Program funds.