LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
title
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE GRANT AWARD FOR ALICE S. WILLIAMS LIBRARY RESTORATION PROJECT - GRANT NO. 23.S.AA.900.072
end
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the acceptance of the African American Cultural and Historical (AACH) Grant from the State of Florida Department of State (DOS), Grant No. 23.s.aa.900.072, in the amount of $500,000 for the Alice S. Williams Library Restoration Project. Also, that City Council adopt a supplemental budget resolution appropriating the grant funds for the project. Further, that City Council authorize the Mayor to take the actions necessary to execute and administer this grant, consistent with the terms of the grant and the Mayor’s Executive Powers as granted in the City Charter.
end
body
HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
In November 2021, City staff submitted an AACH grant application to the DOS for the repair and restoration of the Alice S. Williams Library building at 1015 N. E Street. The City was notified of their success in securing the grant funding in June, and the grant agreement was remitted in late September. These grant funds will be utilized to bring the building back to a state of occupancy while restoring and preserving as many of the historical elements of the building as possible. A supplemental budget resolution appropriating the grant funds will be provided in an accompanying action item to the City Council.
Opening its doors in August 1952, the Alice S. Williams Public Library was the first library service for African-American citizens in Pensacola. Named after an esteemed local high school teacher committed to the education of Pensacola's African American youth, the Alice S. Williams Public Library provided access to a wealth of knowledge and experience to a segregated, underserved population. In 1976, years after segregation was declared unconstitutional, Alice Williams closed its doors as a public library branch with services transferred to the downtown branch. The building has fallen into disrepair after shuttering some years ago after its last use as a daycare ended.
PRIOR ACTION:
None
FUNDING:
Budget: $ 500,000 AACH Grant - Alice Williams Library Project
Actual: $ 500,000 AACH Grant - Alice Williams Library Project
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The AACH grant for Alice S. Williams Library Restoration Project will provide $500,000 to the City. Adoption of a Supplemental Budget Resolution by the City Council will appropriate the grant funds.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
9/26/2022
STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
Amy Lovoy, Finance Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Grant Award Email - June 2022
2) Grant Award Agreement
PRESENTATION: No end