Agenda Date: 03/05/2019
Subject:
Title
Resolution 16-2019: authorizing an application to the Arapahoe County Open Spaces Grant Program for playground renovations at Options Secondary at Whitman School
Body
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Presented By: |
Keith Reester, Public Works Director |
POLICY QUESTION:
Does city council support submitting an application on behalf of Littleton Public Schools (LPS) for playground improvements at Options Secondary at Whitman School?
BACKGROUND:
The city council has partnered with LPS to address playground improvements at Field, Centennial, and Damon Runyon Elementary Schools, and Euclid Middle School, providing $50,000 in matching funds to each project and submitting grant applications on behalf of LPS. This project continues this trend and partnership. Staff proposes to address playground improvements at Options Secondary at Whitman School through a grant application to Arapahoe County Open Spaces (ACOS). This playground is the only remaining LPS playground that has not been updated or improved.
ACOS requires the resolution for the grant application.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
None.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The city recognizes the role of school playgrounds in providing community recreation areas. In some instances, school playgrounds serve as the closest parks for children and their families to recreate and play.
LPS is not an eligible applicant for ACOS funds, but Arapahoe County allows the city to apply on behalf of LPS. Should the grant request be funded, the city will provide up to $50,000 in funds toward the project. LPS staff will administer the project and prepare all reports for ACOS. The city is a pass-through administrator for the project reviewing and submitting the reports that LPS prepares for the county. The city staff will review and sign the reports prior to submission to ACOS.
As a condition of the grant, council will be asked to approve a public use agreement with Littleton Public Schools for the playground at Options Secondary at Whitman School, ensuring the playground is available to the public outside of school use.
OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES:
If approval is given for the grant application, the playground equipment at Options Secondary at Whitman School will be replaced. If approval is denied, the playground equipment will not be replaced.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The grant application requires a 25% cash match. The total project cost will be $398,034. The LPS match will be up to $50,000 and the city’s match will be up to $50,000, for a total match of up to $100,000. The grant request is for $298,034.
It is anticipated that a supplemental budget appropriation will be presented to council during the second quarter of 2019 to appropriate the city’s match of up to $50,000 from the Open Space Fund, as well as the grant amount of $298,034 from Arapahoe County. The estimated fund balance for the Open Space Fund at the end of 2019 is $2,632,201. There is adequate fund balance in the Open Space Fund for this matching grant.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval.
PRESENTATIONS:
i. Staff Presenter: Keith Reester
ii. Applicant Presenter: N/A
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution authorizing an application by the city on behalf of Littleton Public Schools for an Arapahoe County Open Spaces Grant Program for playground renovations at Options Secondary at Whitman School.