Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Apply for and Authorization to Accept if Awarded Grant Funds of $150,000 from the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) for the Development of a City-Wide Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to apply for $150,000 in grant funding from the Central Valley Community Fund (CVCF) for the development of a Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan. The grantor requires the adoption of a resolution in support of the development and implementation of a new Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan. Authorization is required by council to accept funding if awarded.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2024-35, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving a Grant Application with the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) for the Development of a Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan; and,
If awarded,
B. Authorizing the acceptance of the 2024 CVCF Grant Funds in the amount of $150,000; and appropriating the funding to revenue and expense in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services in the amount of $150,000; and,
C. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the expenditures until Grant Funds are reimbursed; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents, including any amendments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff, identify specific findings; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future City Council Meeting (date and time to be specified in Council motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This action is consistent with the City Council adopted FY 2023-2024 Goals and Priorities, and the Parks & Community Services Department Mission Goals and Objectives.
DISCUSSION
Merced City Council prioritized the development of a Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Master Plan in 2022/2023. The most current parks master plan was adopted in 2004. Community growth patterns, priorities, and demographics have all seen significant changes in the past 20 years and require an updated vision for how parks, open space, and recreation can best serve the community’s needs, interests, and priorities.
City staff shared the goal of an updated PROS Master Plan with several community stakeholders. Through this process, Central Valley Community Fund was identified as a potential funder, showing a shared interest in developing the new Master Plan. Central Valley Community Foundation encouraged City staff to apply for a $150,000 grant to fund the project.
This grant affords the City of Merced Parks and Community Services Department the opportunity to lead the development of a Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Master Plan in conjunction with an outside consultant, linking the PROS Master Plan to the General Plan and serving as a roadmap to current operations & maintenance as well as future development. PROS Master Plans formalize community input, assess agency capacity, and streamline partnerships between various departments and stakeholders that are asked to recreate, maintain, and secure parks for community use. They also plan for financial sustainability. A revised PROS Master Plan will help to inform council direction, standardize future development and guide both public and private investment to ensure that the City of Merced is meeting its recreational mission of enhancing the quality of life in Merced through equitable & sustainable means.
The anticipated timeline for the development of the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan is as follows:
• Summer 2024- Release Request for Proposals for consultant to guide PROS Master Plan development.
• Fall 2024- Consultant works with Parks & Rec. to develop stakeholder task force and create project milestones timeline.
• Winter 2024- Implementation of plan begins with collection of assessment data.
• Spring 2025- Analysis of data with community stakeholder groups.
• Summer 2025- Environmental review of draft plan & amendments made.
• Fall 2025- Plan Adoption by City Council.
• 2025- 2035- PROS Plan Implementation.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
If grant is awarded funds will be used to update the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. No Match is required by the City. Any appropriation of funds needed will be reimbursed by the CVCF grant funds.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2024-35