Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: 4/5ths
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Jonathan Cox, Deputy Fire Chief, San Mateo County Fire / CAL FIRE
Subject: Acceptance of Fire Prevention Grant from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to:
A) Adopt a resolution authorizing the County Executive Officer, or the County Executive’s designee, to accept and implement the grant award from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for $298,755 to purchase vegetation management equipment for fire prevention efforts in the Santa Cruz mountains; and
B) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) in the amount of $298,755 from unanticipated revenue to a corresponding appropriation in fixed assets for the purchase of new vegetation management equipment.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 1962, the County has contracted with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to provide fire protection services in County Service Area #1 (CSA #1) and other unincorporated areas of the County not protected by cities or fire districts. In addition to fire and emergency medical services, CAL FIRE provides fire protection planning for new construction, fire prevention activities, and life safety inspection in the County areas. CAL FIRE also oversees the operations of three volunteer fire companies located in La Honda, Kings Mountain, and Loma Mar.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of Recommendation A of the memo will allow the County Executive Officer, or the County Executive’s designee, to accept the grant award from CAL FIRE. This grant award will allow the County to purchase two pieces of equipment to be used on fire prevention efforts in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Specifically, the County could purchase a Cat 309 Excavator with masticating head and a 500-gallon water trailer. This new equipment would facilitate the County’s efforts to better manage vegetation and reduce the risk of wildfires in the region.
Approval of Recommendation B of the memo will allow the County Executive Officer, or the County Executive’s designee, to appropriate funding necessary for the equipment purchase.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
EQUITY IMPACT:
The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to several unincorporated communities in the county (e.g., La Honda and Loma Mar) that are particularly vulnerable to wildfires due to dense vegetation. Given the relative isolation of these communities from more urbanized areas of the county, evacuation and recovery operations in the event of a wildfire are more challenging. Better vegetation management with the purchase of new equipment would therefore allow the County to ensure that these rural communities receive equitable protection.
Staff does not anticipate negative impacts from this initiative.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the General Fund.
Attachments:
1) Grant Award Letter from CAL FIRE