CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH

MEMORANDUM

 

 

DATE:                        January 20, 2010

 

TO:                 D. Mike Good, City Manager

 

FROM:            John Chidsey, Director, Public Works

 

SUBJECT:     A Resolution of the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida, Authorizing the Submission of a Proposal for the 2010-2011 Forest Health Improvement Initiative Grant Program; and Entering into a Grant Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry once Grant is Awarded

 

 


PURPOSE

 

For the City Commission to adopt a resolution authorizing an application for financial assistance with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services through the Division of Forestry under the 2010-2011 Forest Health Improvement Initiative Grant Program for the reforestation of Joe Scavo Park in the amount of $24,000.00; and entering into a grant Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) once the grant is awarded. 

 

BACKGROUND

 

During the 2005-2006 hurricane season, three hurricanes caused widespread damage to the urban forest component of community infrastructure in the southern portion of the State of Florida.  The trees in Joe Scavo Park have not fully recovered from these devastating storms.  The City Commission has dedicated funds during the past fiscal years to restore the tree canopy throughout the City, and many trees have been planted through the City to replace the trees destroyed by the storms.  However, through this grant program the City could benefit from replacing damaged trees that have not recovered and by planting new trees in Joe Scavo Park.  This project will aim at restoring the park back to its glory days. 

 

DISCUSSION

 

The Florida Division of Forestry is utilizing 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding from the US Forest Service to conduct a competitive grant process inviting eligible participants to apply for funding to reforest public rights-of-ways, parks or other natural areas, as well as to provide opportunities for tree remediation work.  The City plans on utilizing this funding mechanism to complete the reforestation/rehabilitation project at Joe Scavo Park.  This grant application will pursue funds for the removal, purchase and installation of new trees. 

 

The grant application is due to the Department of Agriculture on February 12, 2010.  Grant request may not exceed $24,000; the minimum grant amount that may be requested is $2,000; no match is required from the City.  The City will apply for the maximum amount of $24,000.00.  Once awarded, the grant funds will become available to the City after March 31, 2010; and the project close out report should be completed by September 31, 2010.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

The City Commission to

 

  1. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City’s application for financial assistance with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services through the Division of Forestry under the 2010-2011 Forest Health Improvement Initiative Grant Program for the reforestation of Joe Scavo Park in the amount of $24,000.00; and

 

  1. Authorize the City Manager to execute all related documents;

 

  1. Authorize the City Manager to establish accounts and make expenditures to implement the project.

 

Prepared By: ___________________

                         Mary Francis Jeannot

                                                                                              Administrative Analyst II

 

Reviewed:

 

  

_______________________________                                                          __________

D. Mike Good, City Manager                                                                           Date

 

 

_____Approved                _____Disapproved                _____Hold for Discussion