Approve American Rescue Plan Community Benefit Grant proposals totaling $87,000, delegate authority to staff to enter into the necessary agreements, and delegate authority to the Manager of Procurement to sign the agreements. (No general fund impact) (Pinedo/Espitia)

Background
On July 25, 2023, the Board of Supervisors received an update on the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and a set of recommendations from staff for the use of remaining funding. At that time, staff recommended setting aside $500,000 for the Community Benefit Equal Allocation Plan. The Plan equally allocated a portion of that funding to each of the five supervisorial districts, allowing each Supervisor to provide grants to local Community-Based Organizations (CBO) operating within their districts. The Board approved the plan at that meeting, further augmenting the funding to a total of $750,000.  

A brief description of the funding proposal follows: 
Friends of the Woodland Public Library
This agreement would provide $4,000 each from Districts 3 and 5, for a total of $8,000. The Friends of the Woodland Public Library, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, have collaborated with Woodland artist Linda S. to craft the Bee's Knees public art sculpture prominently displayed in front of the Woodland Library.

Yolo Healthy Aging Alliance
This agreement would provide $30,000 from District 4. YHAA a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, serves older adults in Yolo County. The funds will support operation demands, including payroll and grant expenses. 

Cache Creek Conservancy
This agreement would provide $6,000 from District 3. Cache Creek Conservancy is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Due to the Covid 19 restrictions, the Conservancy's elementary environmental education program was put on hold. With the generous community benefit funding, they can provide for approximately five classes in the 2024 school year.

Community Care Car, Inc.
This agreement would provide $10,000 from District 3. The Community Care Car is a non-profit organization based in Woodland at the Woodland Community/Senior Center that provides door-to-door shuttling services to Woodland seniors (55+). Funds will provide for van maintenance for 2024.

Woodland Boxing Club
This agreement would provide $5,000 from District 3. The Woodland Boxing Club is a program offered through the City of Woodland that provides boxing workouts and training classes for residents aged ten through adult. These programs are offered Monday through Friday from 4 - 9 pm at the Woodland Community & Senior Center.

Knights of Columbus - Holy Cross Council
This agreement would provide $2,000 from District 3. The funding request will help in their efforts to clean up the increase in graffiti in their area. The Knights have taken the lead in cleaning up and sustaining a program to help their community overcome the hardship. Over the past several years, they have seen an increase in the Broderick & Bryte area since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Woodland Recreation Foundation
This agreement would provide $5,000 from District 3 for the Woodland Girls Fastpitch new softball fields. This donation will be used to purchase and install the backstop for field one.

Empower Yolo
This agreement would provide $8,000 from District 5. Empower Yolo’s Knights Landing Resource Center provides families access to an array of essential programs, services, and information. Funding will be used for renovations and new furniture. New flooring is needed to replace old and worn-out floors, improve the overall aesthetics of the office, and address safety concerns from damaged flooring.  Office furniture is needed to improve the overall look and feel of the office, making it more inviting for clients or visitors in the waiting room. New office furniture is needed to create a functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment for our clients.

Woodland Babe Ruth
This agreement would provide $5,000 from District 5. The Woodland Babe Ruth Baseball League is a youth baseball organization that operates in the community of Woodland. Babe Ruth Baseball is a program for players aged 13–15, providing them with the opportunity to participate in organized baseball leagues and tournaments. Providing funding to the Woodland Babe Ruth Baseball League can significantly contribute to the enhancement of the league's operations. Specifically, funds can be allocated to support the purchase of uniforms and equipment for the players. This includes jerseys, pants, caps, bats, gloves, helmets, and other essential gear. Adequate funding ensures that the league can provide quality equipment, creating a safer and more enjoyable experience for young athletes, particularly for low-income families.

Capay Valley AYSO
This agreement would provide $8,000 from District 5. The American Youth Soccer Organization is the oldest national youth soccer program in the United States and a nonprofit. Their mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs throughout the country which promote a fun, family environment built on the foundation of our Six Philosophies. Capay Valley American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is the sole recreational soccer club serving the youth in Esparto, Capay Valley, and surrounding areas. The requested funds will help enhance the inclusivity of our soccer programs, particularly for low-income families, by providing scholarships that cover registration fees, uniform costs, and other essential expenses.

Recommended Action
Staff are requesting authority to complete and sign the agreements with the named organizations in the amounts described above. Agreements will utilize the language shown in Att. A. Agreement Template.

Grant recipients are selected by the Supervisor's Districts and reviewed by the County Administrator's Office. County Counsel and the Department of Financial Services reviewed and approved the benefit agreement language in Att. A. Agreement Template.

The respective Supervisors' District staff review potential beneficiaries of the available ARP funding, and the Supervisor selects beneficiaries and funding amounts. District Staff then begin preparation of the agreements. The County Administrator's Office reviews the spending proposals and verifies that the proposed beneficiary meets any necessary requirements under federal and state laws. The proposal is then brought to the Board for delegation of authority to complete and sign the agreement in advance of any funding disbursement.