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UPDATE ON COUNCIL PRIORITY PROJECTS FUNDS
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
Informational item only.
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Summary
At the Council meeting on January 23, 2024, the City Council reviewed the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Fourth Quarter Budget Status Update, approved $17,450,000 in Council priority projects, and directed $4,000,000 to be brought back to the City Council for allocation after review by the Council Budget/Finance/Economic Development Committee. Resolution 2024-01-23-1501 (Attachment A) allocated the $17,450,000 to projects.
At the Council Budget/Finance/Economic Development Committee on March 29, 2024, City staff provided an update on the approximately $51 million that has been allocated to 67 Council Priority projects since Fiscal Year 2020-21. In addition, the Committee discussed the use of the $4,000,000.
The Committee recommended a motion to go to the City Council for consideration of $1,000,000 to be allocated to the Stockton Shelter Navigation Center, leaving a balance of $3,000,000 for other discretionary projects. The Council Committee provided directions to city staff to return with additional information and cost estimates for the following projects.
1. Haggin Museum Repairs - $550,000
• Restoration of old asphalt and addition of a new decorative concrete/brick walkway.
2. Grupe Park Pickleball Courts - $302,500
• Pickle ball courts, converting current courts or adding new courts.
3. Lincoln Rd meets Alexandria Clean-up (5 Mile Creek) - $65,000
• Clean up on east side.
4. Mormon Slough Improvements - $1,500,000
• Extensive sidewalk repairs.
5. Chamber of Commerce - Stockton Takes Action Against Retail Theft (STAART) Program - $20,000
• The STAART program is a public private partnership leverages existing efforts in combating retail theft in Stockton and San Joaquin County by proactively engaging in activities and actions to mitigate crime. The City currently has reporting mechanisms for theft and would not be able to support a recommendation for an app or website reporting that would require integration. However, we can support crime prevention workshops and local business education on how to be a good witness. The City currently sponsors the Chamber at the $8,000 level for marketing purposes, this funding could be added to that agreement.
6. Gospel Center Rescue Mission (GCRM) Shelter Request - Not Recommended
• Staff has engaged with GCRM to better understand the needs of the GCRM emergency shelter program. At the time of publication, GCRM has submitted an excel spreadsheet and a short description of their program. GCRM has indicated it costs $87,212 per month to run the shelter which is much higher than what was proposed in the annual NOFA process as well as verbalized at the first Budget/Finance/Economic Development meeting by the Executive Director. In an effort to support GCRM’s request, staff has requested multiple times documentation that would verify the costs included in the budget. It is important to note that the City does not typically fund 100 percent of any program on a short- or long-term basis. Nonprofits that serve the community traditionally seek gap funding from the City and can provide evidence of other sources of funding. Maximum impact to the community is achieved when nonprofits are able to have sustainability plans and funding sources that minimize City funding needs given the ebb and flow of City resources. For these reasons and in consideration of GCRM’s organizational capacity, staff does not recommend funding the request.
7. NOFA for Food Insecurities- Not Recommended
• The City of Stockton issued a community wide NOFA on January 9, 2024 and received 20 applications, of which three were centered around food distribution and insecurity. Two were fully funded at the requested amounts and one did not meet the application minimum threshold. In addition, there are several Countywide programs that support food insecurity that residents can tap into if needed. Given the low application turnout, other resources and staff capacity, staff does not recommend an additional NOFA for food insecurities.
The total costs for the above projects is $2,437,500. This is in addition to the projects previously identified and shared with the committee that totaled $4,000,000.
From the previously provided list, the Committee expressed interest in a variety of parks projects. These included:
|
Name |
Description |
Dept. |
Amount |
|
Playground at Anderson Park |
Install a new playground at Anderson Park. |
Public Works |
300,000 |
|
Playground at Loch Lomond Park |
Install a new playground at Loch Lomond Park replacing a structure that was burned. |
Public Works |
300,000 |
|
Van Buskirk Tennis Court Lighting Replacement |
This project would replace the stolen wire, controls, and lights at VB tennis courts. |
Public Works |
185,000 |
|
Van Buskirk Park Playground Replacement |
Playground area enhancements. |
Public Works |
375,000 |
|
Williams Brotherhood Handball Court Lighting Replacement |
This project would replace the stolen wire, controls, and lights at Williams Brotherhood handball courts. |
Public Works |
80,000 |
|
Oak Park Magpie Fencing Replacement |
Remove and replace damaged ornamental fencing surrounding picnic area. |
Public Works |
80,000 |
|
Total |
1,320,000 |
The Council Budget/Finance/Economic Development Committee is to discuss the possible allocation of the remaining $3,000,000 and making a recommendation that will be brought back to the full City Council.
Attachment A - Approved Resolution 2024-01-23-1501