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Home My WebLink AboutItem 5.1 Amer Recovery & Reinv Act~~~~~ ~~ ~-~ //, /~ CITY CLERK File # ^~~~-~ Q~ AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 3, 2009 SUBJECT: Approve Letter of Support for Inclusion of Local Parks and Recreation Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Report Prepared by Jordan Figueiredo, Public Service Employee ATTACHMENTS: RECOMMENDATION: FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Draft Letter of Support. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Draft Letter of Support for Inclusion of Local Parks and Recreation Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as H.R. 1, and authorize Mayor Sbranti to sign the letters. None. DESCRIPTION: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as H.R. 1, is an expansive plan to stimulate our economy and create jobs. Unfortunately, the bill, released January 23rd, 2009, does not include programs to strengthen our nation's local parks and recreation infrastructure. As the population of Dublin has expanded, the demand and need for park and recreation facilities have expanded with it. Currently, the City is planning to begin construction of two significant park and recreation facilities in the next few years. The first of these two projects is Fallon Sports Park, which is slated to be a 60 acre multiuse facility. The park, which is currently shovel-ready, will consist of little league fields, softball fields, lighted basketball courts, tennis courts, lighted soccer fields, children's play area, volleyball courts, bocce ball courts, BMX track, jogging or walking loop, and parking, restroom and concession areas. The second of these two projects is the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex. This complex will consist of a 35,898 square foot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified facility. The complex will include a gymnasium, fitness center, two large swimming pools one of which will become enclosed for year-round use, teen center, group exercise studio, special events room, juice bar, locker rooms and administrative offices. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COPY TO: Page 1 of 2 ~ ' ITEM NO. • C:\Documents and Settings\jordanflMy Documents\other city docs and stufflEconomic Stimulus Plan\finals for 2-3-08 meeting\ARRA agenda statement.doc There are several expected positive impacts of these facilities. First, the two facilities will undertake considerable near-term construction and long-term maintenance efforts thereby creating many jobs. Secondly, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices will be applied with the use of synthetic turf, recycled water and LEED certified design thereby providing more efficient and environmentally sound facilities. Thirdly, in addition to children's sporting events, venues such as Fallon Sports Park and Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex provide the needed space to attract and hold City and community events. As a result, the parks will enhance the local environment, economy and quality of life by helping the City attract visitors and revenue and by giving the expanding community space for sports and recreation. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Stateside Assistance program provides matching federal grants to states and local communities to develop outdoor recreation facilities and resources such as those mentioned above. This competitive grant program provides funds to the states that choose local projects based on need and quality of the project. Unfortunately, funding for the state assistance program has decreased significantly from $140 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 to $23 million in (FY) 2008. An inadequate funding level for this program has had detrimental effects on communities across America, a number of which have been unable to begin certain new projects or to complete recreational planned projects without delay. This lack of funding would also mean that the growing number of youth sports teams trying to access more facilities to relieve the stress of over-crowded fields, won't be able to find such fields. Staff feels that Parks and recreation projects, such as those planned in Dublin, are ideally suited to achieve the goals of the proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 by creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and putting people back to work. Given these impacts, and the greater future need for park facilities in expanding cities such as Dublin, Staff is proposing to send the attached Draft Letter that will be sent to Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman Jerry McNerney in support of parks and recreation infrastructure funding. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Draft Letter of Support for Inclusion of Local Parks and Recreation Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as H.R. 1, and authorize Mayor Sbranti to sign the letters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COPY TO: Page 2 of 2 C:\Documents and Settings\jordantlMy Documents\other city dots and stuf}~Economic Stimulus Plan\finals for 2-3-08 meeting\P.RRA agenda statement.doc ti~ ~I~V ~~ ~~~ CITY OF DUBLIN 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568 Website: http://www.ci.dublin.ca.us February 3, 2009 The Honorable Dianne Feinstein U.S. Senate 331 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 SUBJECT: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Dear Senator Feinstein: As Congress considers measures to stimulate our economy and create jobs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as H.R. 1, we urge you to also invest in the health and vitality of local communities by strengthening our nation's local public parks and recreation infrastructure. Unfortunately, the bill, released January 23rd, 2009, does not include programs to strengthen such infrastructure. On behalf of the City Council of the City of Dublin, I would like to convey to you our support in the strongest possible terms to include programs for job creation and facility development in community park settings as well as funds for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Stateside Assistance Program in the American Recovery. and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Why are these funds important to the City of Dublin? As you may know, with expanding population comes the need for more park and recreation facilities. As the population of Dublin has expanded from approximately 32,000 in 2000 to approximately 47,000 today, demand and need for park and recreation facilities have expanded with it. In addition, with the continued increase in population, the need for more park facilities is not expected to decline. Currently, the City is planning to begin construction of two significant park and recreation facilities in the next few years. The first of these two projects is Fallon Sports Park, which is slated to be a 60 acre multiuse facility. The park, which is currently shovel-ready, will consist of little league fields, softball fields, lighted basketball courts, tennis courts, lighted soccer fields, children's play area, volleyball courts, bocce ball courts, BMX track, jogging or walking loop, and parking, restroom and concession areas. The second of these two projects is the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex. This complex will consist of a 35,898 square foot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified facility. The complex. will include a gymnasium, fitness center, two large swimming pools one of which will become enclosed and year-round, teen center, group exercise studio, special events room, juice bar, locker rooms and administrative offices. There are several expected positive impacts of these facilities. First, the two facilities will undertake considerable near-term construction and long-term maintenance efforts thereby creating many jobs. Secondly, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices will be Area Code (925) City Manager 833-6650 City Council 833-6650 Personnel 833-6605 Economic Development 833-6650 Finance 833-6640 Public Works/Engineering 833-6630 Parks & Community Services 833-6645 Police 833-6670 Planning/Code Enforcement 833-6610 Building Inspection 833-6620 Fire Prevention Bureau 833-6/6~0-6 ~/~ Printed on f~ecycled Paper ~ +~' ""~'~ mQ-elf' 2~C~ applied with .the use of synthetic turf, recycled water and LEED certified design thereby providing more efficient and environmentally sound facilities. Thirdly, in addition to children's sporting events, venues such as Fallon Sports Park and Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex provide the needed space to attract and hold City and community events. As a result, the parks will enhance the local environment, economy and quality of life by helping the City attract visitors and revenue and by giving the expanding community space for sports and recreation. The LWCF Stateside Assistance Program provides matching federal grants to states and local communities to develop outdoor recreation facilities and resources such as those mentioned above. This competitive grant program provides funds to the states that choose local projects based on need and quality of the project. Unfortunately, funding for the state assistance program has decreased significantly from $140 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 to $23 million in (FY) 2008. An inadequate funding level for this program has had detrimental effects on communities across America, a number of which have been unable to begin certain new projects or to complete recreational planned projects without delay. This lack of funding would also mean that the growing number of youth sports teams trying to access more facilities to relieve the stress of over-crowded fields, won't be able to find such fields. The LWCF Stateside Assistance Program has aided local recreation projects in over 98% of all U.S. counties, and the federal investment has been matched many times over with local funds in 40,000 sports fields, community recreation facilities, and natural parks. It is one of, if not the, most successful partnership programs, in the history of the Department of Interior, with state, and local communities. The LWCF matching grants especially help those communities that are facing the problems associated with exploding growth such as a critical lack of sports fields and lack of necessary community planning. Parks and recreation projects, such as those planned in Dublin, are ideally suited to achieve the goals of the proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and putting people back to work. Given these impacts, and the greater future need for park facilities in expanding cities such as Dublin, we strongly urge you to support programs for job creation and facility development in community parks settings and an additional appropriation of $125 million for the LWCF Stateside Assistance Program in The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Sincerely, Tim Sbranti Mayor cc: The Honorable Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senate The Honorable Jerry McNerney, U.S. House of Representatives City Council Joni L. Pattillo, City Manager ti~~~ ~I~V ~~ February 3, 2009 3~G CITY OF DUBLIN 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568 Website: http://www.ci.dublin.ca.us The Honorable Barbara Boxer U.S. Senate 112 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 SUBJECT: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Dear Senator Boxer: As Congress considers measures to stimulate our economy and create jobs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as H.R. 1, we urge you to also invest in the health and vitality of local communities by strengthening our nation's local public parks and recreation infrastructure. Unfortunately, the bill, released January 23rd, 2009, does not include programs to strengthen such infrastructure. On behalf of the City Council of the City of Dublin, I would like to convey to you our support in the strongest possible terms to include programs for job creation and facility development in community park settings as well as funds for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Stateside Assistance Program in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Why are these funds important to the City of Dublin? As you may know, with expanding population comes the need for more park and recreation facilities. As the population of Dublin has expanded from approximately 32,000 in 2000 to approximately 47,000 today, demand and need for park and recreation facilities have expanded with it. In addition, with the continued increase in population, the need for more park facilities is not expected to decline. Currently, the City is planning to begin construction of two significant park and recreation facilities in the next few years. The first of these two projects is Fallon Sports Park, which is slated to be a 60 acre multiuse facility. The park, which is currently shovel-ready, will consist of little league fields, softball fields, lighted basketball courts, tennis courts, lighted soccer fields, children's play area, volleyball courts, bocce ball courts, BMX track, jogging or walking loop, and parking, restroom and concession areas. The second of these two projects is the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex. This complex will consist of a 35,898 square foot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified facility. The complex will include a gymnasium, fitness center, two large swimming pools one of which will become enclosed and year-round, teen center, group exercise studio, special events room, juice bar, locker rooms and administrative offices. There are several expected positive impacts of these facilities. First, the two facilities will undertake considerable near-term construction and long-term maintenance efforts thereby creating many jobs. Secondly, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices will be Area Code (925) City Manager 833-6650 City Council 833-6650 Personnel 833-6605 • Economic Development 833-6650 Finance 833-6640 Public Works/Engineering 833-6630 Parks & Community Services 833-6645 Police 833-6670 Planning/Code Enforcement 833-6610 Building Inspection 833-6620 Fire Prevention Bureau 833-6606 Printed on Recycled Paper ~~~ applied with the use of synthetic turf, recycled water and LEED certified design thereby providing more efficient and environmentally sound facilities. Thirdly, in addition to children's sporting events, venues such as Fallon Sports Park and Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex provide the needed space to attract and hold City and community events. As a result, the parks will enhance the local environment, economy and quality of life by helping the City attract visitors and revenue and by giving the expanding community space for sports and recreation. The LWCF Stateside Assistance Program provides matching federal grants to states and local communities to develop outdoor recreation facilities and resources such as those mentioned above. This competitive grant program provides funds to the states that choose local projects based on need and quality of the project. Unfortunately, funding for the state assistance program has decreased significantly from $140 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 to $23 million in (FY) 2008. An inadequate funding level for this program has had detrimental effects on communities across America, a number of which have been unable to begin certain new projects or to complete recreational planned projects without delay. This lack of funding would also mean that the growing number of youth sports teams trying to access more facilities to relieve the stress of over-crowded fields, won't be able to find such fields. The LWCF Stateside Assistance Program has aided local recreation projects in over 98% of all U.S. counties, and the federal investment has been matched many times over with local funds in 40,000 sports fields, community recreation facilities, and natural parks. It is one of, if not the, most successful partnership programs, in the history of the Department of Interior, with state, and local communities. The LWCF matching grants especially help those communities that are facing the problems associated with exploding growth such as a critical lack of sports fields and lack of necessary community planning. Parks and recreation projects, such as those planned in Dublin, are ideally suited to achieve the goals of the proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and putting people back to work. Given these impacts, and the greater future need for park facilities in expanding cities such as Dublin, we strongly urge you to support programs for job creation and facility development in community parks settings and an additional appropriation of $125 million for the LWCF Stateside Assistance Program in The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Sincerely, Tim Sbranti Mayor cc: The Honorable Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senate The Honorable Jerry McNerney, U.S. House of Representatives City Council Joni L. Pattillo, City Manager ti/~~ ~I~V ~~ 5a~ (~ CITY OF DUBLIN 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568 Website: http://www.ci.dublin.ca.us February 3, 2009 The Honorable Jerry McNerney U.S. House of Representatives 312 Cannon House Office Building Washington D.C. 20515 SUBJECT: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Dear Congressman McNerney: As Congress considers measures to stimulate our economy and create jobs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as H.R. 1, we urge you to also invest in the health and vitality of local communities by strengthening our nation's local public parks and recreation infrastructure. Unfortunately, the bill, released January 23rd, 2009, does not include programs to strengthen such infrastructure. On behalf of the City Council of the City of Dublin, I would like to convey to you our support in the strongest possible terms to include programs for job creation and facility development in community park settings as well as funds for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Stateside Assistance Program in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Why are these funds important to the City of Dublin? As you may know, with expanding population comes the need for more park and recreation facilities. As the population of Dublin has expanded from approximately 32,000 in 2000 to approximately 47,000 today, demand and need for park and recreation facilities have expanded with it. In addition, with the continued increase in population, the need for more park facilities is not expected to decline. Currently, the City is planning to begin construction of two significant park and recreation facilities in the next few years. The first of these two projects is Fallon Sports Park, which is slated to be a 60 acre multiuse facility. The park, which is currently shovel-ready, will consist of little league fields, softball fields, lighted basketball courts, tennis courts, lighted soccer fields, children's play area, volleyball courts, bocce ball courts, BMX track, jogging or walking loop, and parking, restroom and concession areas. The second of these two projects is the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex. This complex will consist of a 35,898 square foot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified facility. The complex will include a gymnasium, fitness center, two large swimming pools one of which will become enclosed and year-round, teen center, group exercise studio, special events room, juice bar, locker rooms and administrative offices. There are several expected positive impacts of these facilities. First, the two facilities will undertake considerable near-term construction and long-term maintenance efforts thereby creating many jobs. Secondly, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices will be Area Code (925) City Manager 833-6650 City Council 833-6650 Personnel 833-6605 Economic Development 833-6650 Finance 833-6640 Public Works/Engineering 833-6630 Parks & Community Services 833-6645 Police 833-6670 Planning/Code Enforcement 833-6610 Building Inspection 833-6620 Fire Prevention Bureau 833-6606 Printed on Recycled Paper ~~~ ~ applied with the use of synthetic turf, recycled water and LEED certified design thereby providing more efficient and environmentally sound facilities. Thirdly, in addition to children's sporting events, venues such as Fallon Sports Park and Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex provide the needed space to attract and hold City and community events. As a result, the parks will enhance the local environment, economy and quality of life by helping the City attract visitors and revenue and by giving the expanding community space for sports and recreation. The LWCF Stateside Assistance Program provides matching federal grants to states and local communities to develop outdoor recreation facilities and resources such as those mentioned above. This competitive grant program provides funds to the states that choose local projects based on need and quality of the project. Unfortunately, funding for the state assistance program has decreased significantly from $140 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 to $23 million in (FY) 2008. An inadequate funding level for this program has had detrimental effects on communities across America, a number of which have been unable to begin certain new projects or to complete recreational planned projects without delay. This lack of funding would also mean that the growing number of youth sports teams trying to access more facilities to relieve the stress of over-crowded fields, won't be able to find such fields. The LWCF Stateside Assistance Program has aided local recreation projects in over 98% of all U.S. counties, and the federal investment has been matched many times over with local funds in 40,000 sports fields, community recreation facilities, and natural parks. It is one of, if not the, most successful partnership programs, in the history of the Department of Interior, with state, and local communities. The LWCF matching grants especially help those communities that are facing the problems associated with exploding growth such as a critical lack of sports fields and lack of necessary community planning. Parks and recreation projects, such as those planned in Dublin, are ideally suited to achieve the goals of the proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and putting people back to work. Given these impacts, and the greater future need for park facilities in expanding cities such as Dublin, we strongly urge you to support programs for job creation and facility development in community parks settings and an additional appropriation of $125 million for the LWCF Stateside Assistance Program in The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Sincerely, Tim Sbranti Mayor cc: The Honorable Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senate The Honorable Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senate City Council Joni L. Pattillo, City Manager