City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MAY 7, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: HASHIM TAYLOR, 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, 2025, to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Litter Prevention and Recycling Program, for funding in the approximate amount of $30,108 for the Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Program (the exact amount to be determined by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality by September 30, 2025); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
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 33 park areas are being maintained and monitored through this program in 2025. The program had one (1) new group to join, Alexandria Celebrates Women, and one (1) additional park, 1301 Powhatan Park. 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 conduct monthly inspections and rate 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 2025 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, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
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 no requirement for the City to provide a cash match or an in-kind match for the grant funds. There is a positive fiscal impact on the City as the citizen group efforts provide a donated value of contributed goods and volunteer services to the City.
FY 2025 grant monies will determine the point values earned at the end of the program year. The City is responsible for the 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 $30,336 in FY 2026 for this project (Attachment 3). The exact amount of this year's grant will be determined by September 30, 2025. All grant funding will be expended in FY 2026. No funds will be carried out for the next fiscal year.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: FY 2026 Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Procedures
Attachment 2: FY 2025 Adopt-A-Park Litter Control Awards
Attachment 3: FY 2025 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