Item 3H: Resolution Authorizing PW/POS Staff Application to OPRD's Local Government Grant Program for WJ Skatepark

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Public Works/Parks and Open Space Staff Application to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Local Government Grant Program for Washington-Jefferson Skatepark and Urban Plaza Meeting Date: April 8, 20013 Agenda Item Number: 3H Department: Public Works, Parks and Open Space Staff Contact: Neil Bjorklund www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-4909 ISSUE STATEMENT Public Works Parks and Open Space Planning staff plans to apply for $122,000 in matching grant funds from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s (OPRD) Local Government Grant Program for the Washinton-Jefferson (WJ) Skatepark and Urban Plaza project. The application requires a council resolution stating support for the project and the matching funds as part of the packet. The application is due on Wednesday, April 12, 2013, and this short timeline, together with the motion unanimously passed by the council in support of the project on October 24, 2012, are the reasons this has been placed on the council’s consent calendar. The City’s IGR Committee reviewed and approved this request on April 3, 2013. BACKGROUND The WJ Skatepark and Urban Plaza project, will be located under the I-105 Bridge in Washington- Jefferson Park, as identified in the PROS Project and Priority Plan adopted by the council in 2006, where it is a Priority 1 Project. As a result, the project was identified in the 2009/2010 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for $292,000 in City Parks Systems Development Charges (SDC) funding and in October 2012 the council directed staff to proceed with the project, and to submit a supplemental budget request to appropriate additional capital funds. OPRD Local Government Grant funding is being requested for the final phase of the WJ Skatepark and Urban Plaza project which includes construction of key connecting facilities and infrastructure, such as entry paths, bike racks, drinking fountains, benches, an emergency call box, and other essential site elements. While staff continues to coordinate and support private community partnerships to raise funds for the skatepark, these grant funds, if awarded to the project, will relieve pressure on the City’s partners for raising funds in a very difficult economy. S:\CMO\2013 Council Agendas\M130408\S1304083H.doc