DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 5 & 7
SUBJECT:
Grant Acceptance from Texas Parks and Wildlife
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of $1,750,000.00 in Local Park Grant Program funds in support of Woodlawn Lake and Monterrey Parks from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). This ordinance also authorizes the Parks and Recreation Director to execute any and all related documents, appropriates funds and amends the FY 2017-2022 Adopted Capital Improvement Program budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In the 2015 Texas legislative process funds were included in the Texas Park and Wildlife Department budget for park improvements at Woodlawn Lake Park for $1,500,000.00 and Monterrey Park for $250,000.00. These locations and funds are not transferable and matching funds are required for each of these grants before any state funds can be accessed. Matching funds for each of the parks has been identified in the recently approved 2017 Bond Program and the grant funds will leverage the bond funding.
Woodlawn Lake Park The 2017 Bond program includes $5 million for a Multigenerational Center at Woodlawn Park. The grant will add $1.5 million to this project for a total project budget of $6.5 million; the grant requires a community recreation center be located at or near the park.
Monterrey Park The 2017 Bond program includes $475,000 for parks improvements. The grant will add $250,000 million to this project for a total project budget of $750,000. The proposed scope of work for Monterrey Park will be coordinated with the residents living around the park. The park has a recreation center, soccer fields, walking track, playground, basketball court, picnic tables and parking. The proposed scope of work could be improvements to any of the existing amenities or new amenities.
ISSUE:
The TPWD grant is consistent with City policy to accept grants to enhance service delivery by supplementing local funds. Grant funds will be utilized for development of park amenities at Woodlawn Lake and Monterrey Parks consistent with projects identified in the voter approved 2017 Bond program and any master plans for the park.
ALTERNATIVES:
TPWD grant funds are awarded on a limited basis and if the City chooses not to accept the grant, the City will lose the opportunity to leverage local funds. The alternative of utilizing only local funds for these park improvement projects is possible however the ability for an enhanced scope of work for these projects utilizing other funds would be lost.
FISCAL IMPACT:
TPWD requires a one-to-one match in funds as part of the grant request; matching funds are included in the recently approved 2017 Bond Program. Grant funds of $1,500,000.00 will be added to the Woodlawn Lake Park Multi-Generational Center Project for a total project budget of $6,500,000.00; and grant funds of $250,000.00 will be added to the Monterrey Park Project for a total project budget of $725,000.00. This action appropriates funds and amends the FY 2017-2022 Adopted Capital Improvement Program budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the acceptance of grant funds from TPWD in the amount of $1,750,000.00, authorizing $1,750,000.00 from 2017 Park Bond Funds for required matching funds, and appropriating funds.