Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicholas J. Calderon, Parks Director
Subject: Measure K: Grant Agreement with Fire Safe San Mateo County
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The President of the Board of Supervisors to execute a grant agreement with Fire Safe San Mateo County to provide Community Emergency Response Team (“CERT”) equipment and supplies; to dispense educational materials and supplies; and to reduce hazardous fire fuels along evacuation routes in high-risk communities throughout San Mateo County, for the initial term of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, with County-held options to renew for two additional one-year terms, and in a total amount not to exceed $600,000; and
B) The Parks Director, or the Parks Director’s Designee, to exercise the County-held contractual options at their discretion and to execute contract amendments which modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or service is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by the San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended in November 2016 for a total of thirty years.
In response to Board direction, County staff gathered community input regarding priorities for the allocation of Measure K funds. Staff collected feedback from Community Based Organizations, County departments and conducted a countywide survey and listening sessions to obtain resident input. At the October 3, 2023, Measure K study session, staff presented a report produced by InterEthnica, summarizing the results of the surveys and listening sessions which provided valuable input for the Board.
On October 17, 2023, after considering the County’s needs and community input, this Board finalized and approved the following priority areas for FY 2024-25 Measure K funding: Children, Families, and Seniors; Housing and Homelessness; and Emergency Preparedness. Mental Health is a component of each priority area rather than a stand-alone item. In addition to the approval of the priority areas, this Board authorized the County Executive to develop and proceed with a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process to obtain applications for funding within the approved priority areas and subcategories identified by the Board.
On March 27, 2024, this Board approved those recommended applications received pursuant to the NOFO, and authorized the County Executive to negotiate agreements with applicants to be returned to this Board for approval. By this action, the application of Fire Safe San Mateo County was approved for an award of Measure K funds under the Emergency Response Priority Area.
DISCUSSION:
Fire Safe San Mateo County is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that was founded in 1991 by the fire chiefs of San Mateo County to assist high-risk communities throughout San Mateo County by conducting specialized hazardous fuel reduction work along evacuation routes; creating fuel breaks near neighborhoods; assisting residents in creating defensible space around homes; assisting neighborhoods with maintenance of evacuation route and emergency preparedness; and educating residents about fire prevention and related issues.
The proposed agreement will allow Fire Safe San Mateo County to continue to aid high-risk communities throughout San Mateo County by providing residents with the equipment, supplies, and educational materials necessary to better prepare for, and respond to, disasters. Residents completing CERT classes will receive CERT backpacks, which include first aid kits, personal protective equipment, and basic tools. Each bag with first aid supplies and equipment will be able to aid a small neighborhood during a disaster. Residents who attend the CERT classes will be trained on how to use the materials and supplies in the backpack.
Additionally, grant monies will be used to create and maintain critical evacuation routes throughout the county by reducing hazardous fuels adjacent to roadways. To create safer evacuation routes, prevent wildfire ignitions, and promote more resilient communities, Fire Safe San Mateo County will select contractors to perform several services, including removal of hazardous trees, reduction of fire fuels, creation of shaded fuel break, and chipping services.
The majority of grant funds (83.8%) will go towards professional services to reduce fire fuels along evacuation routes. Approximately 8.7% of grant funds will go to administrative and overhead-related costs; 5% of funds will be spent on CERT bags, supplies, and equipment; and approximately 2.5% of funds will be used on educational supplies and notices.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Estimated |
FY 2025-26 Projected |
FY 2026-27 Projected |
|
Percent of survey respondents that receive CERT certificates in San Mateo County rating their ability to effectively respond to a disaster within the next six to 12 months as prepared or better. |
90% |
92% |
95% |
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the proposed agreement and resolution as to form.
EQUITY IMPACT:
This grant agreement will positively impact high risk communities in San Mateo County by providing the resources and knowledge necessary to prepare for, and respond to, disasters. Fire Safe San Mateo County will meet with residents from high-risk communities so they have the opportunity to learn more about projects and available resources. Overall, Fire Safe San Mateo County will target those communities most at risk of being affected by a wildfire.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The initial term of the agreement is from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The County will have the sole option to extend the term of the grant agreement for up to two (2) additional one (1) year terms: (i) from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, and (ii) from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, such options of which the County (through the Parks Director or their designee) may exercise by providing written notice to Fire Safe San Mateo County on or before May 31 of each year the grant agreement is in effect.
The agreement is for grant amounts not to exceed $600,000 in total, which is limited to $200,000 per fiscal year plus any remaining unclaimed grant amounts from the previous fiscal year(s) if approved by the County in writing. Thus, if the County does not extend the grant agreement beyond its initial 1-year term, grant disbursements would be limited to no more than $200,000.
The entire agreement amount will be funded through Measure K funds. The Measure K funds will be included in the FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget under Non-Departmental Services but will be transferred to the San Mateo County Parks Department’s budget during the September Revisions budget later this calendar year.
There is no Net County Cost associated with approving this recommendation.