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SR-6-I (118) 6- . , I CARS:ADMIN:BS:calpaw/pc MAY 11 1993 Council Meeting: May 11, 1993 . Santa Monica, California TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: city staff SUBJECT: Approval of Resolution in support of the Proposed CALPAW 94 Park and Wildlife General Obligation Bond Act Initiative INTRODUCTION This report provides information about CALPAW 94 (Californians for Parks and Wildlife) -- a proposed new bond act that would provide funding for park projects. The report also recommends approval of a resolution in support of the State ballot initiative needed to effectuate this proposed bond act. BACKGROUND Earlier this year, City staff was contacted by the Planning and Conservation League (a statewide wildlife and parks advocacy organization based in Sacramento) with information about a proposed $2 billion park and wildlife general obligation bond act to be placed on the State ballot by initiative in June of 1994. If passed, this would be the largest park bond act in California history with a significant portion of the funds going to local agencies. The Act would provide for a wide range of funding possibilities as follows: Local Funding: Two types of entitlement funding would be available to localities including (l) Per capita Grants which 6-1 .= - 1 - MAY 1 1 1993 - - - -- -- -- - -~- - ~ - - ..+~ -- -- .... ----------,....... - , would be based on population and be awarded automatically to all counties, cities and special park districts (Santa Monica would received approximately $280,000 and also could compete for a portion of funds awarded to the county of Los Angeles), and (2) ROberti-Z'berq-Harris Grants which would be allocated to urban areas (Santa Monica would receive approximately $132,000 and could compete for a portion of the county's award of $9 million). Direct Grants for Reqional projects: The initiative identifies projects across the state that are of regional significance and guarantees a specified amount for direct funding in the Act itself. The City was 1nvited to nominate a number of projects for inclusion in the Act. City staff proposed funding for palisades Park Reconstruction, Lincoln Park/Miles Playhouse Improvements, Virginia Avenue Park Expansion, Santa Mon1ca State Beach Facility Improvements, and Santa Monica Beaches. The city was recently notified that $2 million has been specified in the Bond Act for "the restoration and rehabilitation of Santa Monica beaches and related facilities. 11 This project was selected by a statewide selection comm1ttee due to its regional significance. This funding component also specifies direct awards to the Coastal Conservancy ($30 million) and for Coastal state Parks ($22 million) . The City could also compete for additional funding in these areas. - 2 - -- ~ cate90rical Fundin9: The Act would fund a range of categorical programs that would allocate grants on a statewide competitive basis in the following areas: Trails, Urban Streams, Historic Preservation, Archaeological Preservation, Urban Tree Planting, Local River Parkways and Greenways, At-Risk Youth Park and Recreation Programs, and Local Conservation Corps. To date, it is estimated that at least $880 million would be awarded in Los Angeles County through the Categorical Programs. A range of City proj ects may be competitive under categories such as Historic Preservation, Urban Tree Planting, and At-Risk Youth Park and Recreation Programs. DISCUSSION In order to gain the necessary broad-based support for this initiative, the Planning and Conservation League is asking non-profit groups and governmental entities to endorse the effort. The attached resolution indicates the city council's support for this initiative. Further, the city staff will continue to monitor the progress of this initiative as well as be prepared to propose projects under all relevant funding categories for Council approval should the funds become available. BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT If the initiative passes, the city of Santa Monica would receive an entitlement of approximately $2.4 million in bond act funds as well as the opportunity to compete for additional grants. - 3 - -- RECOMMENDATION City staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached resolution in support of the CALPAW 94 Park and wildlife General Obligation Bond Act initlative. Prepared by: Susan McCarthy, Director Barbara stinchfield, Manager, community & Neighbor- hood services Department of Cultural and Recreation services - 4 - -- - - ~- - - - RESOLUTION NO. (CITY COUNCIL SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA IN SUPPORT OF THE CALPAW 94 PARK AND WILDLIFE GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ACT INITIATIVE WHEREAS, the Planning and Conservation League is proposing a $2 billion park and wildlife general obligation bond act to be placed on the state ballot by initiative in June of 1994; and WHEREAS, a direct grant of $2 million to the City of Santa . Monica for the restoration and rehabilitation of santa Monica beaches and related facilities is specified in the proposed initiative; and WHEREAS, a Competitive Program will also be a part of the proposed bond act that would provide the City with additional opportunities for improving Santa Monica's parks and recreational and cultural fac~lit1es; and WHEREAS, this initiative will need broad-based local and statewide support to ensure its passage by voters, NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council supports this initiative and encourages its passage in order to promote the rehabilitation and enhancement of the State's and this community's most valuable natural resources. - 1 - -------- -- - -- --- -- -~ \ ~ . , SECTION 2. The city Clerk shall certify to the adoption of .tnis resolution, and thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be; in \. full force and effect. APPROVED AS TO FORM: ~.Q~ ~ J e wrence ting City Attorney :calpawr - -- - 2 - - - ~ ------- - -- _.--- -~---