AGENDA ITEM REPORT
TITLE:
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A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST REQUIRED TO RECEIVE FLORIDA FOREVER FUNDS FOR LAND ACQUISITION RELATED TO THE EXPANSION OF OAK TRAILS PARK.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2017, the City of Coconut Creek acquired two parcels of land for $2,795,000 adjacent to Oak Trails Park for the purpose of expanding that facility at some point in the future. Shortly after acquisition, the City became aware of an opportunity to pursue a grant with the Florida Communities Trust through the Florida Forever Program, which would allow the City to seek reimbursement for acquisition of these parcels, subject to utilizing the property consistent with the mission of the Florida Communities Trust Act.
Recognizing that this was achievable, the City made an application with the Florida Communities Trust in September of 2018. After the ranking of this very competitive grant program, the City finished just outside the grouping of projects recommended for funding. However, we were assured by the State that even though we finished outside the project list recommended for funding, they would keep us advised if any projects were removed from the funding list, allowing the City project to become eligible for funding.
DISCUSSION:
In January of this year, staff received notification from the Florida Communities Trust Program Manager, informing us that several projects approved for funding either closed below budget or completely withdrew from the program, allowing the City’s Oak Trails Expansion Project to be funded at the originally requested amount of $1,135,649.10. The funds will be used to reimburse the City for the land acquisition cost.
While a significant amount of time has passed, the commitments we made in our grant application remain applicable and consistent with the City’s recently approved Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The attached grant agreement establishes the necessary conditions and restrictions for the project site and will allow the City to be reimbursed once we have provided all support documentation.
For reference, the grant agreement requires the City to provide the following components:
• Permanent FCT Recognition Signage
• Multi-Purpose Fields
• Picnic Area
• Exercise Stations
• Trails
• Minimum 1,000 Square Foot Building for Environmental Education at least 6 times per year
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT:
REVENUES: $ 1,135,649
EXPENDITURES: $ 0
BUDGETED? No
NOTES: Funds will be deposited to 01-V33486 FDEP GRANT, reimbursement for land acquisition, and 65-V33486 FDEP GRANT, all other reimbursable development costs.