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Report regarding a resolution approving the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $2,254 from the County of San Mateo’s Office of Sustainability 4Rs Grants Program for a garden project at the Parks and Recreation Department’s REAL After School Program at Martin Elementary School, and amending the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget pursuant to Budget Amendment # 23.014. (Greg Mediati, Parks and Recreation Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt resolution accepting a grant in the amount of $2,254 from the County of San Mateo’s Office of Sustainability 4Rs Grants Program for a garden project at the Parks and Recreation Department’s REAL After School Program at Martin Elementary School, and amending the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget pursuant to Budget Amendment # 23.014.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot and Compost) Grant Program is administered by the County of San Mateo’s Office of Sustainability with the goal of diverting waste from being sent to the landfill by financially supporting eligible entities to create and implement projects in San Mateo County that focus on the 4Rs - reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. The program offers two tiers of funding: (1) Mini Grant ($2,000 to $5,000) and (2) Mega Grant (up to $25,000).
Parks and Recreation Department staff recently applied and was awarded a Mini Grant in the amount of $2,254 for the purpose of reviving an existing garden plot at Martin Elementary School. The garden will be a collaboration between South San Francisco Unified School District’s Martin Elementary School and the Parks and Recreation Department’s REAL (Recreation, Enrichment and Learning) After School Program. The purpose of the REAL Program is to expand learning beyond the school day and complement, support, and enhance daily classroom instruction. The REAL Program focuses on creating educational projects that make learning fun by offering students the opportunity to participate in a balance of individual activities, small and large group activities, indoor and outdoor activities, and quiet as well as active play.
Staff intend to use the garden as a teaching platform for the 4R’s curriculum, as well as teaching healthy eating and active living for the children in the school and after school program. Garden and compost supplies including gardening tools, gloves, soil, fruit and vegetable plants, and other items will be purchased to support hands-on learning activities and experiences to help students build important lifelong social skills, learn responsibility, communication, teamwork, ownership, leadership, and community.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of this grant has no net fiscal impact to the general fund. However, the grant acceptance will require Council’s approval to amend Parks and Recreation Department’s FY 2022-23 operating budget of $2,254 per budget amendment 23.014. The estimated staff time of $1,500 for this project will be covered by the existing budget appropriation.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this grant will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2 by helping to build a robust recreation program.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution approving the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $2,254 from the County of San Mateo’s Office of Sustainability 4Rs Grants Program for a garden project at the Parks and Recreation Department’s REAL After School Program at Martin Elementary School and Budget Amendment # 23.014.
The Parks and Recreation Department appreciates contributions from the County and other partners that help continue and enhance the Department’s mission to provide opportunities for physical, cultural and social well-being; protect and enhance the physical environment; and ensure the effective and efficient use of public facilities and open space.