To: Board of Supervisors
From: Clerk of the Board
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
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Humboldt County Fire Safe Council Membership and Resolution Update
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Review the staff report and supporting documentation regarding the resignation and appointment of new Humboldt County Fire Safe Council members;
2. Approve the attached list of Humboldt County Fire Safe Council member appointees and alternates; and
3. Adopt the attached resolution expanding the membership of Humboldt County Fire Safe Council.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Title III of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act
DISCUSSION:
The Humboldt County Fire Safe Council (“HCFSC”) was formed in November 2002 for a term of two (2) years to oversee the preparation of the Humboldt County Master Fire Protection Plan, which was renamed the Humboldt County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (“CWPP”) in 2013 and subsequently updated in February of 2019. Since its initial formation, the HCFSC has proven to be an invaluable resource for the county as strategies are developed and funding is sought to carry out the recommendations of the CWPP. The term of the HCFSC has been extended eight (8) times so that the HCFSC could continue to guide the maintenance and implementation of the CWPP. The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors last extended the term of the HCFSC on October 11, 2016, with the adoption of Resolution No. 16-119. The current term of the HCFSC will end on October 11, 2021.
The HCFSC membership consists of individuals representing a variety of groups in fire management and community emergency preparedness. While representation of these groups generally remains constant, HCFSC members change over time as current HCFSC members move on to other positions and new partners emerge. Recent developments in HCFSC membership are described below.
Long time at-large member Barbara Darst, representing the Willow Creek Fire Safe Council, is resigning from the HCFSC. Mrs. Darst has been a member of the HCFSC since 2011, serving as Chair or Vice Chair for much of her tenure. Although Mrs. Darst will continue to work with, and provide guidance to, the Willow Creek Safe Council, as able, she has nominated one (1) new member to replace her on the HCFSC; her alternate, Joe O’Hara, will remain in his role. The Willow Creek Fire Safe Council supports the nomination. Staff is recommending that Tom O’Gorman be appointed as the primary member, with Joe O’Hara as alternate, to fill the at-large vacancy left by Mrs. Darst.
Secondly, Mike Lake, Fruitland Ridge Fire Protection District Chief, is no longer able to devote the time required to be an active member of the Council HCFSC. Chief Lake, has been an at-large member since 2016, nominated by and representing the Southern Humboldt Fire Chiefs’ Association. He participated in and provided support for the most recent update of the CWPP and the development of several grant-funded projects currently being implemented to advance its ambitious goals. A new nomination from the Chiefs’ Association to fill the vacancy is forthcoming.
Finally, staff recommends adding the Humboldt County Department of Planning & Building to the HCFSC membership to facilitate integrated maintenance and implementation of the CWPP, General Plan, local hazard mitigation plan, fire safe regulations and ordinances, and more. Senior Planner, John Miller was a valuable asset to the most recent update of the CWPP and the efforts to support sustainable local fire services and has continued to serve as an effective liaison between Planning & Building and Public Works/HCFSC. Staff is recommending that Mr. Miller be appointed as the primary member for the Humboldt County Department of Planning & Building with no alternate appointed at this time.
At the February 2020 HCFSC meeting, separate motions were passed unanimously nominating Tom O’Gorman and John Miller, respectively. Accordingly, staff now recommends that the Board approve all of the above-mentioned nominations as set forth in the attached list of HCFSC member appointees and alternates.
It is also recommended that the Board adopt the attached resolution expanding the membership of the HCFSC (substantive changes to the previous Resolution No. 19-75 are marked in track changes). Recommended membership changes include the addition of the Planning & Building representative. These actions will allow the HCFSC to continue to provide guidance to the county as the CWPP is implemented and maintained.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The work of the HCFSC gives the County of Humboldt a competitive advantage when seeking grant funds related to the CWPP. Maintaining an active HCFSC is expected to have a net positive financial impact for the County of Humboldt and other program recipients. County staff will only provide the level of support to the HCFSC allowed by the availability of Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, Title III funds (revenue line 1720289-505010) and/or other grant funding sources as they become available. As a result, the recommended actions will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Humboldt County Fire Safe Council
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board Discretion
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Updated Humboldt County Fire Safe Council Member and Alternate Appointments 2016-2021
2. Humboldt County Fire Safe Council Member Resignation and Nomination Letters
3. Updated Humboldt County Fire Safe Council Resolution
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-2, C-10, C-8, C-10, C-19, C-4
Meeting of: September 21, 2010; September 4, 2012; September 2, 2014; October 11, 2016, July 30, 2019, February 11, 2020
File No.: N/A