Subject:
Title
Grant agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the removal of invasive plants at Lealman Community Park through the 2023 Urban and Community Forestry- Plantings, Preservation, and Invasive Control grant program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator for a no cost extension of the Grant Agreement for the 2023 Urban and Community Forestry- Plantings, Preservation, and Invasive Control (UCF-PPIC) grant funding.
• The Agreement provides $71,488 in funds from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) UCF-PPIC program, with no matching requirement from the County.
• The project includes removal of invasive trees and plants along a pond at the Lealman Community Park and replacement with native vegetation.
• This funding is a federal pass-through grant, and FDACS is a recipient of funds from the USDA Forest Service.
• The extension of this agreement shall end on September 30, 2025. This is sufficiently budgeted for in the FY25 Operating Budget within Parks and Conservation Resources in the General Fund. This is a reimbursement grant, with no match required.
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Approval and execution of this Agreement will provide $71,488 in funding for the removal of invasive plants along a pond by the Lealman Community Park and replanting of the area with native species of plants.
Background/Explanation:
This project is located in an area that is identified as marginalized and is subject to a heat disparity of +8.4 degrees. Removing the invasive plants and replacing them with native species will not only improve the appearance of the County-owned park, but will also create a safer environment, as the overgrown areas have become hiding spots for criminal activity.
Fiscal Impact:
This is a reimbursement grant, with no match required. The revenue and expense were included in the FY24 Amended Budget for the Parks and Conservation Resources Department (PCR) within the General Fund. The unspent grant revenue and expense funds were included in the FY25 Carryover Budget Resolution on February 11, 2025.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Pamela Leasure, Environmental Lands Manager, Parks and Conservation Resources
Partners:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Attachments:
Amendment of Contract #31178 Extension
Grant Agreement
Grant Application
Grant Award Letter