DATE: June 6, 2017
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Interagency Agreement with the Forest Service for use of Avocado Lake Park as a Fire Camp
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a multi-year Standard Use Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service for use of Avocado Lake Park as a Fire Camp.
REPORT
Approval of recommended action will authorize the Forest Service to use Avocado Lake Park as an Incident Command Post/Incident Base Camp in the event of a fire emergency, as determined by the Federal agency. Presently, the Forest Service has a multi-year agreement to use Choinumni Campgrounds as an Incident Command Post/Incident Base Camp; however, due to poor cell phone reception at the campgrounds, the Forest Service is requesting moving the Incident Command Post/Incident Base Camp to Avocado Lake Park.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
The Board may not approve the recommended action. If not approved, the Forest Service will find an alternative site to set up their fire camp.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. To compensate the County for loss of vehicle entry fees while the park is being used as a fire camp, the Forest Service has agreed to pay a negotiated daily rate of $1,037 for use of Avocado Lake Park. The rate is based on the park’s daily average vehicle entry fees. Additionally, the Forest Service has agreed to compensate the County to mow undeveloped portions of Avocado Lake Park and for damages they may cause to the park. The negotiated rate for mowing and repairs include costs for labor and overhead. Costs for materials will be submitted to the Forest Service’s Contracting Officer for reimbursement. The Forest Service will also be financially responsible for providing additional water and portable bathrooms facilities to accommodate the large number of firefighters that would use the park to rest, bathe and for meals.
DISCUSSION:
In March 2017, Forest Service representatives contacted County staff with a proposal to use Avocado Lake Park as an Incident Command Post/Incident Base Camp in the event of a fire emergency. Parks staff negotiated a daily rate charge for the use of the park and the Forest Service has agreed to the daily rate. Additionally, the Forest Service will be financially responsible for providing additional water and portable bathrooms facilities to accommodate the large number of firefighters that would use the campgrounds to rest, bathe and for meals.
Presently, the Forest Service has a multi-year agreement, which extends through October 30, 2019, to use Choinumni Campgrounds as an Incident Command Post/Incident Base Camp; however, due to poor cell phone reception at the campgrounds, the Forest Service is requesting moving the Incident Command Post/Incident Base Camp to Avocado Lake Park. Should your Board approve this agreement, the existing agreement to use Choinumni Campgrounds, as an incident command center will be terminated. Avocado Lake Park will be closed to the public during these times in the interest of public safety and to allow fire fighters to respond to fires without unnecessary delays.
The terms and conditions of both agreements are very similar with the location of the fire camp being the only material difference.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI # 37, August 25, 2015 - Agt. 15-408
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with U.S. Department of Agriculture
CAO ANALYST:
John Hays