DATE: December 3, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: David Luchini, RN, PHN, Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT: Acceptance of Funding and Execution of Agreement with the California Department of Water Resources
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Public Health to execute a funding agreement with the State of California Department of Water Resources, subject to review and approval by County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, for the County of Fresno Emergency Operation Center Project and additional projects for Tulare, Kings, and Kern Counties, effective upon execution by the State of California Department of Water Resources through final payment plus three years, in the amount of $500,000; and
2. Adopt and authorize the Chairman to execute a Resolution authorizing the Director of Department of Public Health or designee to execute the funding agreement and to submit all necessary documents, and execute any agreements or amendments thereto, subject to review and approval by County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, required to obtain funds for the County of Fresno Emergency Operation Center Project and related projects in Tulare, Kings, and Kern Counties.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Approval of the recommended actions will allow the Director of the Department of Public Health’s Office of Emergency Services to execute the funding agreement and any related documents with the California Department of Water Resources. This item is Countywide and includes areas outside of the County, but within Mutual Aid Region V that includes the County of Fresno.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There are no viable alternative actions. Should your Board not approve the recommended actions, the Department will be limited in the ability to support the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) project and additional projects by surrounding Counties included in the funding agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The total funding amount is $500,000, of which $171,000 will be retained by the Fresno County Department of Public Health for use in the Emergency Operation Center Project. The remaining $329,000 will be distributed to the Counties of Tulare, Kings, and Kern to support their respective emergency response projects outlined in the draft funding agreement. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Department’s Org 5620 FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget and will be included in subsequent budget requests.
DISCUSSION:
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has made funds available to Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties for enhancing flood response capabilities. These funds aim to support local emergency responders in improving coordinated flood emergency preparedness and response efforts. Recognizing the importance of active engagement by local responders, DWR has collaborated with various county agencies to enhance flood emergency preparedness and response infrastructure.
The Fresno County Office of Emergency Services (OES) has identified critical needs to establish a permanent EOC to bolster its emergency management and response capabilities. This funding will be utilized to purchase essential equipment for the EOC, including furniture such as tables and chairs, as well as technological equipment like microphones, speakers, cameras, TV monitors, and PCs.
Additionally, Fresno County OES has taken the administrative lead in coordinating this effort, working closely with the Counties of Tulare, Kings, and Kern, each of which has identified specific requirements for strengthening their flood response and preparedness infrastructure. Tulare County has a need for updated communications equipment in their EOC, Kings County seeks to enhance its flood response and preparedness capabilities, and Kern County has recognized the benefit of conducting a Flood Response Tabletop Exercise.
A comprehensive project proposal has been developed and submitted to DWR for the necessary equipment and associated projects for Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern Counties.
The funding agreement attached is currently a draft and will be finalized after the Board of Supervisors has approved the Resolution, subject to review by County Counsel and the Auditor Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector.
The term of this funding agreement will be effective upon execution by the State and will continue through the date of the final payment plus an additional three years, unless it is otherwise terminated or amended as provided in the agreement. However, all project work must be completed by January 1, 2027, and no further funds may be requested after July 1, 2027. This timeline ensures the timely completion of project activities while allowing a set period for final payments and compliance.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Draft Funding Agreement
On file with Clerk - Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander