DATE: March 28, 2017
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Margaret Mims, Sheriff-Coroner
SUBJECT: Boating Safety and Enforcement Annual Contract for FY 2017-18
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize Chairman to execute the Boating Safety and Enforcement Financial Aid Program Agreement with the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways for FY 2017-18 in the amount of $452,764; and
2. Authorize the Sheriff, or her authorized representative, to sign quarterly claims for reimbursement and annual activity reports.
REPORT
There is no change in the grant award from the current year. On October 11, 2016 your Board approved the submission of an application for the continuation of the Boating Safety and Enforcement Financial Aid Contract with the California Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways. The recommended actions will approve the contract in the amount of $452,764.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If your Board does not approve the recommended actions, this item will result in the loss of the Boating and Waterways grant funds for FY 2017-18. This will impact the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office Boating Safety Unit’s ability to support an adequate and effective boating safety and law enforcement program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The grant award of $452,764 is at the same level as the current year and will continue to fund the direct costs associated with the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office Boating Safety Unit. This includes three full- time positions (one Sheriff’s Sergeant and two Deputy Sheriffs), up to ten extra-help seasonal employees, operational costs, and equipment. The grant award of $452,764 also includes a five percent administrative fee that the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office includes with the quarterly claims. Revenue and appropriations in the amount of $452,764 will be included in the Sheriff-Coroner’s FY 2017-18 Requested Budget for Org 3111.
DISCUSSION:
The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office Boating Safety Unit has the primary responsibility for the enforcement of laws and regulations relating to the operation of watercraft within the County of Fresno. The Boating Unit patrols the areas of Shaver Lake, Pine Flat Lake, Huntington Lake, and the Kings River. The Boating Unit enforces the California Harbors and Navigation Code, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Federal Code of Regulations 33 USC, and those provisions of the Fresno County Ordinance that relate to water related activities. The Boating Unit enforces these provisions by means of patrol vessel, surface vehicle and foot patrol. The Boating Unit also uses and maintains a fleet of eleven vessels which range from inflatable rescue boats, jet skis, jet powered river boats, and ocean capable lake patrol boats.
The Boating Unit’s patrol function is to promote a safe boating experience for all involved. While on patrol the Deputies conduct inspections of vessels for required equipment and registration. The Boating Unit’s goal is to educate the public on water safety. The Boating Unit utilizes “The Aqua Smart Program” which is one of the most current and up to date water safety programs in the state. The water safety program is presented to children and young adults in their classroom (grades K-8). The Boating Unit also gives presentations on boating laws and water safety to all age groups.
The Boating Safety and Enforcement Financial Aid Program was established to provide a supplement for the expenses of local government agencies whose waterways have a high transient boating usage and lack a sufficient tax base to support an adequate and effective boating safety and law enforcement program. On January 20, 1982, your Board approved the initial Boating Safety and Enforcement aid application, and an annual contract has been authorized each fiscal year thereafter.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI # 25, October 11, 2016
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Boating Safety and Enforcement Financial Aid Program Agreement
CAO ANALYST:
Jeannie Z. Figueroa