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CC - (1) 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 Funds for Two Regional Infrastructure Projects: Mesmer Low Flow Diversion Project and Washington Boulevard Stormwater Diversion Project; and (2) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of Related Budget Amendments.
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Meeting Date: November 9, 2020
Contact Person/Dept: Kim Braun/PW
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 (11/04/2020)
Department Approval: Charles Herbertson, PW Director/City Engineer (10/29/2020)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) 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 Funds for two regional infrastructure projects: Mesmer Low Flow Diversion Project and Washington Boulevard Stormwater Diversion Project; and (2) approve related budget amendments (requires a four-fifths vote).
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.
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.
In July 2020, Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City to Enter into an Agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the transfer of approximately $540,000 Measure W Municipal Program funds annually through FY 23/24. In addition to this municipal program transfer of funds, Measure W also provides municipalities, county unincorporated areas and other agencies opportunities to apply for funds for regional infrastructure programs, scientific studies and technical resources.
Public Works Environmental Programs & Operations Division ( EPO) applied for Measure W Regional Infrastructure Funds for two projects: Mesmer Low-Flow Diversion Project and Washington Boulevard Stormwater Diversion Project. The applications were reviewed by a scoring committee, the watershed area steering committee and the regional oversight committee. Final project award recommendations were provided to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for consideration and were approved on October 13, 2020. The Board of Supervisors approved $3.6M over three years to fund the Washington Boulevard Stormwater Diversion Project and $950,000 over two years to fund the Mesmer Low Flow Diversion Project.
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 Transfer Agreements for the Regional Infrastructure Project Funds.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
A budget amendment is requested for the transfer of Measure W Safe Clean Water Funds for Regional Infrastructure Projects for the Washington Boulevard Stormwater Diversion Project in the amount of $3,600,000. Funds received will be deposited in account 434.80000.313705.PR001 Marina Del Rey Harbor Stormwater Project as follows:
FY 20/21 $ 1,200,000
FY 21/22 $ 1,200,000
FY 22/23 $ 1,200,000
Funds will be expended from account 434.80000.730100. PR001. A budget amendment requires a four-fifths vote.
A budget amendment is also requested for the transfer of Measure W Safe Clean Water Funds for Regional Infrastructure Projects for the Mesmer Low-Flow Diversion Project in the amount of $ 950,000. Funds received will be deposited in account 434.80000.313710.PR005 Mesmer Low Flow Diversion Project as follows:
FY 20/21 $ 237,500
FY 21/22 $ 712,500
Funds will be expended from account 434.80000.730100. PR005. A budget amendment requires a four-fifths vote.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City to enter into agreements with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the transfer of Measure W Safe Clean Water Regional Infrastructure Program Funds for both the Washington Boulevard Stormwater Diversion Project and the Mesmer Low-Flow Diversion Project ; and
2. Approve related budget amendments ( requires four-fifths vote); and,
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents: and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City