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CC - FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $ 509,097.73 from the Los Angeles County Measure W Safe Clean Water Parcel Tax.
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Meeting Date: March 22, 2021
Contact Person/Dept: Sean Singletary/Public Works - EPO
Phone Number: (310) 253-6457
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 (03/18/2021);
Department Approval: Charles D. Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer (03/10/2021)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a budget amendment (requires a four-fifths vote) in the amount of $509,097.73 for the receipt of Measure W Safe Clean Water Program funds from Los Angeles County Flood Control District.
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.
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.
On July 13, 2020, City Council approved a Resolution to authorize 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. The budget amendment was not requested at that time as the exact amount of funding was not known until receipt of funds, due to credits, exemptions, reductions, and deferments.
The City received $509,097.73 from the Measure W Safe Clean Water Municipal Program in early February 2021. These funds will assist the City with the completion of the Culver Boulevard Stormwater Project which is currently in construction.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
A budget amendment is requested for Measure W Safe Clean Water Program funds for the Culver Boulevard Stormwater Project in the amount of $509,097.73. Funds received will be deposited in account 434.80000.343836.PR002. Funds will be expended in accordance with program requirements from account 434.80000.730100 PR002. A budget amendment requires a four-fifths vote.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTION
That the City Council:
Approve of budget amendment (requires a four-fifths vote) in the amount of $509,097.73 for the receipt of Measure W Safe Clean Water Program funds from Los Angeles County Flood Control District.