City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 20, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: JAMES B. SPENGLER, DIRECTOR,
RECREATION, PARKS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of the Submission of a Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Litter Prevention and Recycling Program for Funding of the Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Program.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Litter Prevention and Recycling Program, for funding to support the Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Program.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Approve a non-competitive grant application due June 30, 2023, to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Litter Prevention and Recycling Program, for funding in the approximate amount of $20,640 for the Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Program (the exact amount to be determined by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality by September 30, 2023);
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required; and
3. Thank all the organizations participating in this program for their support and efforts to improve the appearance of the City parks and, thereby, experience of the citizens visiting these parks.
DISCUSSION: The City's Adopt-A-Park program began in 1978, with the first litter grant award. Through this program, local citizen groups enter into an agreement with the City to pick up litter (broken glass, bottles, cans and paper) in their assigned park areas. This program has been very successful in increasing cleanliness in the parks, controlling litter, and involving citizens in their neighborhood park. Approximately 30 park areas are being maintained and monitored through this program in 2023. We have increased participation by one additional group on the West End. This was accomplished by following-up with past participating Home Owners Association (HOA) and Civic Associations. The marketing efforts will continue with increased social media presence as well as direct mail marketing to more HOA and Civic Association on the West End of Alexandria and throughout the City.
The Adopt-A-Park program is managed by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA). RPCA staff makes monthly inspections and rates the park areas for cleanliness based upon the points rating system described in the program procedures (Attachment 1). The amount of the cash award is determined by the amount of grant funding received each year and the rating system. A list of the participating groups and the amount of their Litter Control awards for FY 2023 is provided (Attachment 2). Attachment 3 reflects the total potential cost of this program if all parks receive the maximum award. The grant period is July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
Awards are not required to be used to improve public amenities. Most often, groups support their own initiatives, however several groups voluntarily use their funds to support the park often by planting trees and seasonal flower beds and purchasing park furniture such as benches and picnic tables. Groups will continue to use their funds as they want, and RPCA will continue to work with individual groups who use the funds towards the park.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is positive fiscal impact on the City as the citizen group efforts provide a donated value of contributed goods and volunteer services to the City. There is no requirement for the City to provide a cash match or an in-kind match for the grant funds.
FY 2024 grant monies will determine the point values earned at the end of the program year. The City is responsible for administrative costs associated with this grant, including monitoring the operation of the program and financial oversight. These costs are absorbed in staff time.
It is anticipated that the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Litter Prevention and Recycling Program, will provide grant funding of approximately $22,080 in FY 2024 for this project (Attachment 3). The exact amount of this year's grant will be determined by September 30, 2023. All grant funding will be expended in FY 2024. No funds will be carried over to the next fiscal year.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: FY 2024 Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Procedures
Attachment 2: FY 2023 Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Awards
Attachment 3: FY 2024 Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Budget
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Jack Browand, Deputy Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Bethany Znidersic, Division Chief, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Jose Ayala, Principal Planner, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Lucresha Murphy, PARKnership Manager, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Faye Maslaki, Fiscal Officer, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Karen Snow, Senior Assistant City Attorney, City Attorney’s Office