Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Monica Cepero
Department: County Administration Division: Parks & Recreation
Information
Requested Action
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A. MOTION TO APPROVE Grant Agreement (“Agreement”) between Broward County and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (“FDACS”) in the amount of $15,094 for the restoration and enhancement of approximately half an acre at Easterlin Park; to authorize Mayor and Clerk to execute same; to authorize the County Administrator to execute subsequent change orders and amendments to the Agreement that impose no additional financial obligations on the County, and to execute certifications or other similar supporting documentation requested by FDACS relating to the Agreement, all subject to review for legal sufficiency by the County Attorney’s Office; and to authorize the County Administrator to take the necessary administrative and budgetary actions to implement and administer the Agreement. (Commission District 8)
ACTION: (T-11:05 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Commissioner Furr was not present.
B. MOTION TO ADOPT budget Resolution within the Fund for the Parks and Recreation Division in the amount of $15,094 for the restoration and enhancement of approximately half an acre at Easterlin Park.
ACTION: (T-11:05 AM) Approved Resolution No. 2025-479.
VOTE: 8-0. Commissioner Furr was not present.
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Why Action is Necessary
Pursuant to Section 20.31(b)(3) of the Broward County Administrative Code, grant agreements to be executed by Broward County must be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. Section 129.06(d), Florida Statutes, requires Board approval to recognize grant funding not anticipated in the current budget.
What Action Accomplishes
Approves the $15,094 Grant Agreement for the restoration and enhancement of approximately half an acre at Easterlin Park and authorizes the County Administrator to approve and execute subsequent change orders and amendments, and to take administrative and budgetary actions to implement the Agreement.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
The requested action supports the Board’s goal of ensuring accessible, seamlessly integrated investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices, manufacturing, resilient infrastructure, and environmental protection; specifically, as it relates to environmental protection.
The USDA Forest Service, through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (“FDACS”), awarded Broward County a $15,094 Urban and Community Forestry-Plantings, Preservation, and Invasives Control (UCF-PPIC) grant to be used for the restoration and enhancement of approximately half an acre at Easterlin Park (the “Project”). The funding for the grant will be distributed by the FDACS on a reimbursement basis, and no matching of funds is required by the County.
The primary purpose of the UCF-PPIC grant program is to promote better urban forest management and to provide resources necessary for the retention and expansion of community tree canopy throughout the State of Florida. Trees are a vital component of urban infrastructure but must be properly managed to maximize the benefits they provide the community. By properly managing their tree infrastructure, communities can increase property values, tourism appeal, and the physical and mental health of residents, while reducing storm water runoff, energy consumption, and air and water pollution. Community forest management also helps to identify public safety hazards to residents and structures and is a useful tool in storm preparation.
The Project is in the northwest corner of Easterlin Park, 1000 N.W. 38th St., Oakland Park, FL 33309. The site is in a remanent cypress dome wetland that has been degraded over time due to development, disturbance events, and invasive species encroachment. The site is bordered by NW 38th Street to the north, a canal to the west, and a disc golf trail and nature trail to the south and east. It is approximately .347 acres but, depending on invasive treatment costs, the Project may be expanded southward to .603 acres. The objective is to help restore this wetland ecosystem by treating and removing invasive species that currently dominate this section of the park and replace the cleared areas with native plantings.
This grant agreement is on FDACS’ standard form and does not include the County’s standard terms and conditions. The agreement requires the County to indemnify FDACS for claims alleged to be called in whole or in part by the County but does not require the County to indemnify FDACS for any portion of any loss or damage caused by the negligent act or omission of FDACS.
Source of Additional Information
Dan West, Director, Parks and Recreation Division, (954) 357-8106
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
This $15,094 grant is funded by USDA Forest Services, managed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. There is no County match required.