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.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator 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 revenue and expense were not included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Adopted Budget for the Parks and Conservation Resources Department (PCR). A resolution supplementing the FY24 Operating Budget was adopted by the Board on July 16, 2024, to recognize and appropriate the additional funds within Parks and Conservation Resources and the General Fund. This is a reimbursement grant, with no match required.
Body
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:
The revenue and expense were not included in the FY24 Adopted Budget for the Parks and Conservation Resources Department (PCR). Agenda Item 24-0968A was submitted on July 16, 2024, for Board approval of a resolution supplementing the FY24 Operating Budget, recognizing and appropriating the additional funds within PCR and the General Fund. The Board Adopted this budget amendment on July 16, 2024. This is a reimbursement grant, with no match required.
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:
Grant Agreement
Grant Award Letter
Grant Application