09-04-2012 - Authorization to Apply for Funding Under Californi - Item 5 (2).doc City of West Covina
Memorandum
A G E N D A
ITEM NO. 5
DATE September 4, 2012
TO: Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manager
and City Council
FROM: Chris Freeland, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR FUNDING UNDER CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION URBAN FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. _____A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM THE URBAN FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM ENTITLED, “HERITAGE
PARK CITRUS GROVE”, AS PROVIDED THROUGH PROPOSITIONS 40 AND/OR 84.
DISCUSSION:
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has announced several grant programs under its Urban & Community Forestry Program. The funding for these grants
has been allocated to cities, counties, qualifying districts, or nonprofit organizations through voter approved Propositions 40 and 84.
Recently, the City Council authorized City staff to seek funding from the County of Los Angeles to replace trees destroyed in the storms of December 2012 and at various sites throughout
the City. City staff is seeking approval to apply for additional funding under CAL FIRE’s “Green Trees for the Golden State Program.”
The purpose of the Green Trees for the Golden State grant program is to provide funding for tree planting projects in urban areas and up to two years of initial maintenance. Preference
is be given to tree planting projects that provide multiple benefits, with an emphasis on greater air quality benefits and greater energy conservation benefits. Partnerships with other
agencies and non-profits receive additional credit.
If approved, City staff will seek funding up to $75,000 to plant a Citrus Grove at Heritage Park, subject to final approval from CAL FIRE that this project is eligible for funding.
A citrus grove was approved as part of the park’s master plan, but funding has not been available to complete this project. In addition, the City of West Covina will also partner with
the West Covina Rose Float Foundation and potentially students from Mt. San Antonio College to make the grant application more competitive and provide an educational component to the
project.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council can decline the authorization of grant submittal.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The minimum grant request is $30,000, and the maximum is $75,000. City staff is proposing to apply for a grant of $75,000 and will include two years of post-maintenance for tree establishment
period. There is a matching fund requirement of 25% ($18,750), which can come from current City expenditures (i.e. staff time administering the project), volunteer service hours, and
from other non-State grants. There will be no General Funds used.
Prepared by:
LaShonda Smith
City Manager’s Office Intern
Approved by:
Chris Freeland
Deputy City Manager
Attachment A – Resolution Authorizing Application of CAL FIRE Grant