COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Environmental Services Agency

 

DATE:

November 28, 2001

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 11, 2001

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Marcia Raines, Director, Environmental Services Agency

SUBJECT:

Approval of a Local Assistance Grant Application to the California State Parks and Recreation Department for the Midpeninsula YMCA East Palo Alto YMCA Project in the Amount of $295,500

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing:

 

1.

Approval of a Local Assistance Grant Application to the California State Parks and Recreation Department for the Midpeninsula YMCA East Palo Alto YMCA Project in the Amount of $295,500.

2.

Authorize the Director of Environmental Services Agency to execute the grant agreement, and agreement between the County and Midpeninsula YMCA and any other documents required by and for the project described in the grant.

   

Background

Through the kind assistance of the San Mateo County state legislative delegation, the Legislature and the Governor approved $300,000 in the Fiscal Year 2001-2002 state budget for work on the East Palo Alto YMCA Project. State Parks will deduct 1.5% ($4,500) from the appropriated amount for administrative fees, leaving County Parks and Midpeninsula YMCA with $295,500 for the project.

 

The East Palo Alto YMCA Project is not related to County Parks activities or lands. Midpeninsula YMCA (Midpen) is leading the effort to complete the project. However, the State Budget Act of 2001 identifies the County as the fund recipient for this project.

 

Discussion

County Park staff is coordinating with Midpen staff to complete the application including a required resolution from the governing board (San Mateo County Board of Supervisors). As the Grantee, the County will be entering into the contract with State Parks. As a result, the County will be responsible for compliance with the grant contract. However, an agreement between the County and Midpen will detail the parties' responsibilities including assurances that Midpen will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the facility and will require that Midpen comply with all grant requirements.

 

In cooperation with the City of East Palo Alto, the YMCA will construct a 40,000 square foot multi-purpose recreational facility at Bell Street Park in East Palo Alto. The facility will serve primarily East Palo Alto residents and other members of the YMCA.

 

The YMCA will raise the funds for construction and operate the new facility. The YMCA and the City of East Palo Alto have signed a 55-year land lease and operating agreement. The YMCA will be solely responsible for construction, operation and maintenance and for compliance with all state grant requirements.

 

Fiscal Impact

There is no impact on the County Parks budget.

 

The Local Assistance Grant funds for this project have been suspended pending a change in the condition of the 2001-2002 State Budget. Submission of this application will prepare this project for contracting with State Parks should the funds be made available. At that time, County Parks will contract with State Parks to encumber the funds and secure their use for this project. With a fully executed contract, Count Parks will reappear before the Board with an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) to budget the funds properly.

 

The total estimated cost of the project is $9 million. Approximately $5.5 million has been raised for the project. Midpen anticipates raising the remainder of the needed funds from the current contributors. The County will not be expected to provide any funds for the project.

 

The existing County Park staff resources will be used to administer the grant reporting requirements of the project.