Title
Environmental Solutions for Communities Grant Application (NB)
This item involves a request to accept an Environmental Solutions for Communities Grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation (NFWF), if awarded, to support invasive non-native plant removal in eight city nature parks.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) Department submitted an application for an Environmental Solutions for Communities Grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation on December 10, 2014 for funding that becomes available June, 2015 and extends for a two-year period. The proposed project will fund an invasive non-native plant removal project for City of Gainesville Nature Parks. Specifically this grant application, if successful, will fund: 1) a dedicated Project Coordinator for two years; 2) a hydraulic dump trailer; 3) a portion of staff salaries directly associated with the project; and 4) four backpack sprayers for herbicide application.
Fiscal Note
The City is requesting $60,890 in grant funds from NFWF. A match is required for this grant. PRCA will meet the match requirements using a combination of funds in its FY14-15 operating budget as well as in-kind funding. No additional funds will be necessary to facilitate this request.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the request to accept a grant, if awarded, from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation; and 2) if the grant is awarded, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the grant award agreement and other grant-related documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.