SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize Parks and Recreation Department staff to request an amendment to the approved Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) project grant agreement removing the dock from the project and requesting that the funds be used to widen the sidewalk along the west side of Edgewater Drive as part of the renovations and improvements of Edgewater Drive Park, 1923 Edgewater Drive and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
On August 31, 2023, the City’s Parks & Recreation Department submitted Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program Grant Application Package to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the purposes of securing funding for the renovations and improvements of Edgewater Drive Park. Edgewater Drive Park is currently a passive park with limited functionality and use. The grant application included the construction of a dock, reconfigured and expanded parking lot, improved stormwater management, new sidewalks, new bike racks, trash receptacles, benches, environmental educational signage, and an ADA accessible drinking fountain.
Prior to submitting the application package to the State, staff met with the Edgewater Drive Homeowners Association to get their input and support for the project.
On July 3, 2024, the City received formal notice of the granting of the award by the State. On October 3, 2024, the State sent a Standard Grant Agreement for the Edgewater Drive Renovation Project (FDEP Agreement Number P5077) which awards $200,000 dollars and requires matching funds from the City of $200,000. Additionally, on October 3rd the City Council authorized a purchase order to Pennoni Associates, Inc. for professional services to complete design work for renovations of Edgewater Drive Park.
On November 21, 2024, Council approved the noted Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) project grant agreement.
At a recent meeting attended by city staff an overwhelming majority of residents informed the City that rather than including the dock, they would prefer funds be allocated to a widened sidewalk.
Due to a change in neighborhood support for the construction of the dock, staff is now seeking approval to submit an amendment proposal to modify the scope of FDEP Grant Agreement Number P5077 for the removal of the dock from the project to be substituted with the increase in the overall length of widening the sidewalk to 10 feet along the west side of Edgewater Drive for approximately 2,400 feet.
Upon council approval staff will submit an amendment proposal request to FDEP. The primary expected responses include either an approval or denial of the request by FDEP. A denial of the request does not void the agreement. A denial of the request would mean that the City could decide to continue with the provisions of the agreement including the construction of the dock or, conversely, the City could opt to decline the grant award effectively nullifying the agreement and proceed with the project with the proposed noted amendments without any grant funding.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of the purchase order supports several Strategic Plan Objectives, including:
• 1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
• 1.3: Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
• 3.2: Preserve community livability through responsible development standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
• 4.3: Protect the conservation of urban forests and public green spaces to promote biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint.
