SR-802-011
RMD:EDD:MR:DM:F:RESOURCE/STAFFREPORTS/Carousel Grant Application.doc
Council Meeting: October 23, 2001 Santa Monica, California
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Staff
Subject: Authorize staff to prepare and submit grant application for improvements
to the Santa Monica Carousel Building (Looff Hippodrome), and the
restoration of carousel and band organ.
Introduction
This report requests that City Council authorize staff to apply to the California
Department of Parks and Recreation for funds available through the Urban Recreational
and Cultural Centers, Museums, and Facilities for Wildlife Education or Environmental
Education Program (URCC) under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean
Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000.
Background
Through the URCC the state provides grant funds, on a highly competitive basis, to
cities, counties and nonprofit organizations to enhance, develop and rehabilitate urban
recreational and cultural centers, museums and other eligible facilities throughout
California. This program does not require the City to provide matching funds.
City staff will prepare an application seeking approximately $175,000 in grant funds for
upgrades to the carousel building (Looff Hippodrome), mechanical refurbishment of the
carousel and restoration of a Wurlitzer 153 band organ. The carousel building is a
structure of recognized historic and cultural significance, and its preservation as a
prominent public asset is a compelling community priority. City staff completed a series
1
of carousel and building maintenance and repair projects during the current calendar
year. The projects proposed in URCC grant application are separate and of additional
benefit to this public asset.
Discussion
A completed application package including the attached resolution approving the
application for grant funds must be submitted to the California Department of Parks and
Recreation by November 1, 2001. Applications will be reviewed and a prioritized list will
be submitted to the State Legislature for funding by April 2002. If granted, the funds
would be used within and on the carousel building for a series of projects not otherwise
budgeted including but not limited to rehabilitation and repair of the carousel drive rods,
gears and bearings; restoration and repair of the Wurlitzer 153 band organ; replacement
of deteriorating exterior stairways; replacement of deteriorating exterior doors and
windows; and refurbishment of interior woodwork and trim.
Budgetary/Financial Impact
If the $175,000 grant is awarded, a subsequent Council action will be required to
accept the grant and make appropriate budget changes. An expenditure and revenue
account would be established at that time.
2
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize staff to prepare and submit an
application to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation for $175,000
in URCC grant funds.
Prepared by: Jeff Mathieu, Director of Resource Management
Mark Richter, Economic Development Manager
Elana Buegoff, Senior Administrative Analyst
3