REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: SANTINO DANISI, MBA, City Controller/Finance Director BY: COURTNEY ESPINOZA, Business Manager Finance Department, Grants Management Unit SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to the Valley Dream Center (VDC): 1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301/Class 1 for proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 2. Approve an agreement with VDC allocating $200,000 in ARPA funding for capital improvements to the Valley Dream Center's gymnasium located at 1835 N Winery Avenue. ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Council adopt a CEQA exemption for improvements to the Valley Dream Center's gymnasium located at 1835 N Winery Avenue, approve an agreement with VDC allocating $200,000 in ARPA funding for these capital improvements, and authorize the City Manager to execute agreements, amendments, and modifications pertaining to this grant program. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Staff recommends Council approve an agreement with VDC allocating $200,000 in ARPA funding for capital improvements to the Valley Dream Center's gymnasium that was previously approved by Council through the budget process on June 22, 2023. As a beneficiary of ARPA funding, VDC will complete much needed facility improvements in order to provide additional usage of the gymnasium to the community. BACKGROUND In 2021, the City of Fresno was awarded American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $170,808,029. Of this funding, $200,000 was identified in a resolution passed by Council on June 22, 2023 to allocate to the VDC to make capital improvements to the onsite gymnasium specifically the HVAC system. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the VDC has been negatively impacted by decreased revenue from donations, financial insecurity, increased costs, limited capacity to weather financial hardship and/or challenges covering operating costs. With this funding, VDC will be able to renovate its gymnasium by adding HVAC units, insulations and other climate control measures making the gym usable during the summer months. Upgrades to lighting, flooring and seating will also allow residents from the community to participate in games, tournaments, practices and other activities centered on wellness and health program through sports. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING This project is exempt under Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. LOCAL PREFERENCE This organization has been previously approved by Council. FISCAL IMPACT This program will be funded through American Rescue Plan Act funding and will not impact the general fund. Attachments: Valley Dream Center Categorical Exemption - CEQA ARPA CBO Agreement with Valley Dream Center