STAFF REPORT - CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY

The U.S. Department of the Treasury released the Final Rule on January  6, 2022, governing the use of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) as established under the American Rescue Plan. 

The City of Coalinga has $3,248,569.30 of SLFRF available.

The City of Coalinga held a public workshop on October 21, 2021 regarding ARPA/SLFRF spending ideas and the following list was created:

1.  Repair/relocate water transmission line ($40,000,000);

2.  Expand sewer plant land ownership (Varies);

3.  Storm drain relief ($2,300,000);

4.  Hold funds for future drought relief (Varies);

5.  Recycled water pipe infrastructure ($30,000,000);

6.  Broadband infrastructure expansion ($5,000,000);

7.  TTHM facility at water plant ($1,200,000 included in recommendation);

8.  Filter beds 1, 2, & 4 at water plant ($1,100,000);

9.  Moss screen repair/replacement at water plant ($1,200,000);

10.  Digital traffic trailer message signs for City entrances ($60,000 for 2 included in recommendations);

11.  Diesel exhaust system at Fire department ($100,000 submitted as federal budget request);

12.  Update alert system at Fire department ($100,000 included in recommendations);

13.  Chamber of Commerce grant of $15,000 ($15,000 per year included in recommendations);

14.  COVID related gas/water utility relief (Varies.  Water relief already provided through state funding);

15.  Water conservation investment (Varies but estimate $1,750,000 for turf replacement, No-Des neutral output discharge elimination, and SMART water meters);

16.  Water wells at college, schools, parks (Varies);

17.  Community enrichment (Varies, but Splash Pad estimate of $1,054,580 included in recommendations)

18.  City benches installed throughout City (approx $2,500 per bench included in recommendations);

19.  Civic Center (To be incorporated once current animal shelter location vacated)

Following the meeting, Councilman Adkisson submitted the following ideas via email:

1.  Solar panels for various City buildings (Not feasible as energy costs are minimal per Energy Efficiency Analysis in 2019);

2.  BMX track (Varies);

3.  Low flow showerheads and sprinklers to be provided to residents ($30 per set);

4.  Animal shelter ($219,000 included in recommendations).

Since, Council has also directed staff to explore the following which may be an allowable use of funds:

1.  Dog Park (approx $100,000 if dog park at Sports Complex can be used/$200,000 if new property must be purchased.  Included in recommendations)

Lastly, a looming General Fund expense that will need to be completed within the next couple of years is as follows:

1.  General Plan Update ($500,000 included in recommendations)

Under the SLFRF, funds must be used for costs incurred on or after March 3, 2021. Further, costs must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and expended by December 31, 2026.

Staff recommends the following uses:

1.  New Animal Shelter Property Rehabilitation - $219,000

2.  Splash Pad Park - $969,580 (Remaining funds to come from park impact fees)

3. TTHM Project at Water Plant (if not approved as state or federal budget requests)- $1,200,000

4.  General Plan Update - $500,000

5.  2 Portable Electronic Message Board Signs - $60,000

6.  Fire Department Alert System - $100,000

7.  Annual Recurring Coalinga Area Chamber of Commerce $15,000 Stipend for FY 22-FY27 - $90,000

8.  Installation of Ten (10) Benches throughout City to improve walkability - $25,000

9.  Dog Park Rehabilitation at Sports Complex (Pending CHRPD approval) - $85,079