Item No: 4.C.4.

Meeting Date: April 9, 2012

From: Christopher Edwards, CRA Coordinator/Project Manager

Subject: Resolution authorizing execution of a Community Development Block Grant Agreement among Lake County, West Leesburg Community Development Corporation, Community Redevelopment Agency for the Carver Heights/Montclair Area, and City of Leesburg for improvements to Berry Park.

Staff Recommendation:

Staff recommends approval to execute a Community Development Block Grant Agreement among Lake County, West Leesburg Community Development Corporation, Community Redevelopment Agency for the Carver Heights/Montclair Area, and City of Leesburg for improvements to Berry Park.

Analysis:

In January 2012, Lake County solicited applicants for the 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). A proposal was submitted to Lake County by the West Leesburg Community Development Corporation (CDC) and Carver Heights/Montclair Area Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on Monday, February 27, 2012. As of March 12, 2012, the Lake County CDBG Review Committee has recommended a grant award in the amount of $75,000 for the purpose of enhancing Berry Park, a City of Leesburg public park.

Based on several neighborhood meetings and visioning workshops with key community members, improvements were prioritized which include the following: (1) Large fully equipped Pavilion and (2) playground equipment.

.The large pavilion will be constructed as a multi-purpose area for activities such as; community picnics, events, family gatherings, and a central meeting point for neighborhood cleanup events. Playground equipment includes items such as: slide, swing set and jungle gym. Currently, the park lacks the variety of facilities required to properly engage children and sustain their interest over a long-term period of time. By enhancing the facilities, it is the expressed goal of West Leesburg Community Development Corporation (CDC) in partnership with Carver Heights CRA, City of Leesburg and Lake County Community Development to provide increased opportunities for the youth of the neighborhood to lead active lives by allowing access to activities, both organized and unstructured, designed to improve the fitness of the neighborhood.

The following cost analysis provides detail into the total project cost:

(1) Large 40’ x 80’ fully equipped pavilion

(Grills, picnic benches/tables, trash receptacles) $90,000

Playground Equipment $40,000

Infrastructure for Pavilion and Playground $10,000

Electrical outlets and lighting $10,000

Total Project Cost: $150,000

Funding Sources:

Lake County CDBG Funding $75,000

Carver Heights/Montclair Area CRA 2008 Bond Proceeds $75,000

City of Leesburg $0

Options:

1. Approve the resolution to execute a Community Development Block Grant Agreement among Lake County, West Leesburg Community Development Corporation, Community Redevelopment Agency for the Carver Heights/Montclair Area, and City of Leesburg for improvements to Berry Park and providing a total CRA grant match of $75,000 from CRA 2008 bond proceeds; or

2. Such alternative action as the Commission may deem appropriate

Fiscal Impact:

If awarded the CRA must match $75,000 of funding for the project which is available in the Carver CRA 2008 revenue note.

Submission Date and Time: 4/5/2012 3:14 PM____

Department: ______________________ Prepared by: ______________________ Attachments: Yes____ No ______ Advertised: ____Not Required ______ Dates: __________________________ Attorney Review : Yes___ No ____ _________________________________ Revised 6/10/04

Reviewed by: Dept. Head ________ Finance Dept. __________________ Deputy C.M. ___________________ Submitted by: City Manager ___________________

Account No. __017-0000-331-56-00 Project No. __________________ WF No. _____________________ Budget _____________________ Available ____________________

RESOLUTION NO._______________

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LEESBURG, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AGREEMENT AMONG LAKE COUNTY, WEST LEESBURG COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR THE CARVER HEIGHTS/MONTCLAIR AREA, AND THE CITY OF LEESBURG FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BERRY PARK; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LEESBURG, FLORIDA:

THAT the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to execute a Community Development Block Grant Agreement among Lake County, West Leesburg Community Development Corporation, Community Redevelopment Agency for the Carver Heights/Montclair Area, and the City of Leesburg for improvements to Berry Park and providing a total Carver CRA grant match of $75,000 from CRA 2008 bond proceeds.

THAT this resolution shall become effective immediately.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission of the City of Leesburg, Florida, at a regular meeting held the __9th___ day of _April________ 2012.

__________________________

Mayor

ATTEST:

__________________________

City Clerk