To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Supplemental Budget Request Regarding Phase II of the Humboldt Community Wildfire Protection Plan Implementation Project (4/5 Vote Required)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and direct the Humboldt County Auditor-Controller to process, the attached supplemental budget request regarding Phase II of the Humboldt Community Wildfire Protection Plan Implementation Project (4/5 vote required).
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Natural Resources (1720)
DISCUSSION:
On December 18, 2018, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 18-138 authorizing the Humboldt County Department of Public Works Director to apply for, and accept, if awarded, funding made available through the California Climate Investment Fire Prevention Grant Program (“Grant Program”) in order to fund implementation of the Humboldt Community Wildfire Protection Plan (“CWPP”). The Grant Program provides funding for local projects and activities that address the risk of wildfire and reduce wildfire potential to forested and forest adjacent communities and is administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (“CAL FIRE”). Public Works staff submitted an application for the Phase II - CWPP Implementation Project and was selected for funding. A grant agreement in the amount of Four Hundred Ninety-Seven Thousand One Hundred Two Dollars ($497,102) was subsequently executed between the County of Humboldt and CAL FIRE for the period of June 19, 2019, through March 15, 2022.
The Phase II - CWPP Implementation Project is designed to kick off the implementation of the recently updated Humboldt County CWPP with a burst of activity. Specific model project locations will be selected through the evaluation of the action plans developed for each of the fourteen (14) CWPP planning units within Humboldt County which have been developed for the purposes of localized fire planning. Funded activities within each of the fourteen (14) model project locations, include, without limitation: holding a “chipper day” to assist with the disposal of green waste generated from residents creating and maintaining their own defensible space; providing defensible space assistance to approximately twenty-eight (28) homes of elderly, disabled and/or low income residents; and mailing educational materials to those residing within the focus area. A localized brochure, explaining how to fire-safe (or “harden”) Humboldt County homes will be designed, produced and distributed throughout the project areas. In addition, ninety-nine (99) days of roadside fuels reduction work will be completed to support safe evacuation and firefighter response to support this effort.
It is anticipated that during the first year, most of the effort will be invested in: reviewing community identified projects in the 2019 CWPP and selecting locations for model projects and roadside fuels reduction work; completing environmental compliance review and documentation; recruiting and establishing agreements with contractors; securing landowner agreements for work on private land; and developing the educational brochure and project outreach materials. The second year of the project is when most of the on-site work will take place.
Accordingly, staff recommends that the Board approve, and authorize the Humboldt County Auditor-Controller to process, the attached supplemental budget request regarding Phase II of the CWPP Implementation Project.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The California Climate Investment Fire Prevention Grant Program, in the amount of Four Hundred Ninety-Seven Thousand One Hundred Two Dollars ($497,102), has been awarded to Natural Resources. The attached supplemental budget request will create a new revenue line item in the approved fiscal year 2019-20 budget for the Public Works Natural Resources Planning budget unit (1720289) with an appropriation for the full grant amount of Four Hundred Ninety-Seven Thousand One Hundred Two Dollars ($497,102). Approval of the attached supplemental budget request will not impact the General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by protecting protecting vulnerable populations , building inter-jurisdictional and regional cooperation, providing for and maintaining infrastructure, creating opportunities for improved safety and health and seeking outside funding sources to benefit Humboldt County needs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Humboldt County Fire Safe Council.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Fully Executed Grant Agreement
2. Supplemental Budgets Request Regarding Phase II of the Humboldt Community Wildfire Protection Plan Implementation Project
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-23
Meeting of: December 18, 2018
File No.: 18-1637