To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: STEPHANIE MEYER, INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR
TITLE
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ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2411-108, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH’S AUTHORITY TO FILE APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A FUNDING FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Los Angeles County voters approved the Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks, Open Space Beaches, Rivers Protection, and Water Conservation Measure (Measure A) on November 8, 2016. Measure A designated the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSP) to administer these funds. The RPOSP sets policies and procedures governing the application for grant funds under Measure A, and administers allocations to government entities in Los Angeles County. Measure A continues the intent of prior local parks funding measures Proposition A (1992) and Proposition A (1996) which expired in 2015 and 2019 respectively. Measure A has no sunset date.
In May 2024, the RPOSP notified the City of a change in the process to request grant fund allocations for parks projects. This requires the City’s governing body to adopt a resolution approving authority to file applications for grant funds. Following adoption of the Resolution, the City’s authorized representative will sign the Measure A Allocation Agreement which will allow the City to begin requesting funding for qualifying projects. This procedural change streamlines the application process for agencies and will simplify the use of program funds.
Following approval of the item, the City will have access to approximately $1.8 million of initial Measure A park project funding and $0.9 million in Measure A and residual Prop A maintenance and servicing funding. These funds will be programmed as part of the City’s annual capital and operating budget approval process.
BACKGROUND
In 1992 and 1996, LA County voters approved two local parks funding measures, both called Proposition A. Proposition A from 1992 created the Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) and generated annual revenue of $52 million prior to its expiration in 2015. Proposition A from 1996 generated $28 million annually and expired in 2019. Measure A, which was approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2016, generates more than $90 million per year for the county’s local parks, beaches, and open space areas. Unlike Proposition A, Measure A does not have an expiration date. Similar to both Proposition A Measures, Measure A authorizes dedicated local funding for park, recreation, and open space projects and their maintenance. In prior years the City has completed approximately $5 million in Proposition A funded projects.
The City receives annual funding allocations according to its Los Angeles County Countywide Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment (PNA) score. Annual allocations are for capital funding (approximately $200,000-$300,000) and maintenance and servicing funding (approximately $60,000-$70,000). Staff is able to apply maintenance and servicing funding to the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of any Proposition A, or Measure A, funded project in perpetuity.
Staff will work internally to identify potential uses for available funds and will submit these recommendations to Council through the City’s regular operating and capital budget processes. Should Council adopt the Resolution as recommended, staff will proceed with the Annual Allocation Master Agreement, included as an attachment, and will move forward with the process to identify qualifying funding uses and prepare project applications.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the Master Agreement, and notes terms are strongly favorable to Los Angeles County: for example, providing broad authority to the RPOSP in terms of project cancellation and placing project-related liability with the City. Staff has discussed these concerns with County staff who indicated that their primary goal is to work with cities to spend funding to improve parks and recreational opportunities throughout the County. They have been very few examples of canceled projects or issues related to agreements in place with other cities. The City has not experienced issues working with RPOSD to carryout Proposition A funded projects.
COORDINATION
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form. Financial Services coordinated with the Community Services and Public Works Departments to prepare the report.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adopting the Resolution will provide access to project funding opportunities to enhance parks, recreation, and open space in the City.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Reso - No. CC-2411-108 Approving Authority to File Applications for Grant Funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Parks and Open Space District for Measure A Funding for Projects and Programs
• Agmt - Measure A Annual Allocation Master Agreement
• List - Proposition A Funded Projects