Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Parks and Recreation Department Special Revenue Fund (Ordinance No. 20230816-008) to accept and appropriate $3,125,000 in grant funds from the National Park Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program for the Montopolis Pool replacement project and amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Parks and Recreation Department Capital Budget (Ordinance No. 20230816-008) to transfer in and appropriate $3,125,000.
De
Lead Department
Parks and Recreation Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $3,125,000 is available from the National Park Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program. A City match of $3,125,00 is required and is available in the FY 2023-2024 Budget. A fiscal note is attached.
Prior Council Action:
September 2, 2021 - Council conducted a public hearing and approved Resolution No. 20210902-053 authorizing and directing the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department to act on the City's behalf in working with the National Park Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and to apply for an ORLP grant of up to $3,125,000, to be matched by the City, to partially fund the cost of the Montopolis Pool replacement project. The resolution was approved on a 10-0 vote with Council Member Alter absent.
For More Information:
Suzanne Piper, Chief Administrative Officer, (512) 974-6753; Liana Kallivoka, Assistant Director, (512) 974-9455; Steven Linett, Capital Improvement Program Manager, (512) 974-9321; Tim Dombeck, Business Process Specialist, (512) 974-6716.
Additional Backup Information:
The ORLP grant is a nationally competitive grant funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. Its purpose is to leverage local funds and support for creating new outdoor recreational opportunities targeting economically disadvantaged neighborhoods with an emphasis on projects having an economic benefit, particularly for short- and long-term job creation. The program provides 50% matching funds on a reimbursement basis to eligible applicants.
The ORLP grant will cover a portion of the expected costs of the Montopolis Pool replacement project. The Austin Aquatics Master Plan, approved by Council in 2018, recommended that the existing pool be upgraded to a community pool through a full renovation. The preferred pool concept arrived at through community engagement in the summer and fall of 2022 includes a seven-lap lane pool, a zero-depth entry activity pool (tot pool), a water slide, a renovated restroom building to be accessible year-round, a new building with family changing rooms, deck space, and a rain garden. The City will provide its grant match through 2018 Proposition C general obligation bond funding and parkland dedication funding.
PARD anticipates construction on the pool will begin in calendar year 2024 and the facility will open for the summer 2025 swim season.
The General Fund will not be required to contribute additional funds beyond those currently budgeted to this grant. When the grant funds expire, the department’s need for continuing funding will be evaluated and may be denied.