REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Chris Slama, Director of Community & Library Services
Subject:
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Adopt Resolution No. 2021-57 approving City Staff to Apply to the State Department of Parks and Recreation for the Outdoor Equity Grants Program Grant Funds
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Statement of Issue:
There is a need to adopt Resolution No. 2021-57 approving staff to apply to the State Department of Parks and Recreation for the Outdoor Equity Grants Program Grant Funds opportunities for local day trips, access to environmental educational and skill enhancement programs, and overnight experiences.
Financial Impact:
The grant program request is not to exceed $700,000 and may cover multiple fiscal years through FY 2025/26. Should the City be awarded the grant, another Request for Council Action (RCA) to accept the grant award and appropriate the funds will be submitted for City Council approval. No matching funds are required and all grant expenditures are fully reimbursable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2021-57, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Approving the Application for Outdoor Equity Grants Program Grant Funds.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the resolution, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
Existing law requires the Division of Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation of the Department of Parks and Recreation to develop and implement a grant and cooperative agreement program to support the planning, acquisition, development, maintenance, administration, operation, enforcement, restoration, and conservation of trails, trailheads, areas, and other facilities associated with the use of off-highway motor vehicles, and programs involving off-highway motor vehicle safety or education.
Assembly Bill No. 209 requires the Director of Parks and Recreation to establish the Outdoor Equity Grants Program to increase the ability of underserved and at-risk populations to participate in outdoor environmental educational experiences at state parks and other public lands where outdoor environmental education programs take place. The grant program shall award grants to public organizations, including local governments and local educational agencies, joint powers authorities, open-space authorities, regional open-space districts, other relevant public agencies, or nonprofit organizations, with a focus on funding transportation, logistical, and program operations and capacity costs associated with reaching historically underserved communities.
City staff is proposing a multi-year program, operating from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026. The program will include opportunities for local day trips, including access to environmental educational and skill enhancement programs, and as well as overnight experiences with a goal to build in volunteer and career opportunities at the conclusion. No matching funds are required for this fully reimbursable grant. Staff will work to develop partnerships to further enhance the program.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Community Engagement
Attachment(s):
1) Resolution No. 2021-57, “A Resolution of the City Council of the city of Huntington Beach Approving the Application for Outdoor Equity Grants Program Grant Funds.”