DATE: November 14, 2017
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Jean M. Rousseau, County Administrative Officer / Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Continuation of Tree Mortality Local Emergency Status in Fresno County and Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution Renewal
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Adopt Resolution proclaiming continuation of the local emergency status relating to the extremely high levels of tree mortality and hazardous conditions created by the drought and request that the Governor continue to provide resources and support to mitigate risk of falling trees and increased fire hazard.
2. Approve and authorize the Clerk to the Board to certify a Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies (Cal OES 130).
REPORT
Approval of the first recommended action will ensure the local emergency status remains in effect and permit the potential recovery of eligible costs. Approval of the second recommended action will renew the Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution, which expires on December 14, 2017, for an additional three years to continue drawing down tree mortality related grant funds and future Federal or State disaster assistance grant funds.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available. Should your Board not approve the recommended actions, the County will not be eligible to continue to receive California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) grant funds for tree mortality or other Federal or State disaster assistance grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The first recommended action is necessary to ensure specific liability protection, emergency powers of the Emergency Services Director, and potential recovery of eligible costs, if any, from State and Federal emergency funds. The second recommended action will continue to allow the County to submit claims for reimbursement for State and Federal disaster assistance grants. The County is currently drawing down CDAA funds for the removal of dead and dying trees.
DISCUSSION:
On December 16, 2014, your Board authorized the Clerk to the Board to certify a Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies (Resolution) for open and future disasters, effective for three years. The designation allows the County to submit claims for reimbursement for State and Federal disaster assistance grants. The renewal of the Resolution for an additional three years will continue the submittal of claims for reimbursement. The proposed Resolution designates the County Administrative Officer, Assistant County Administrative Officer, Director of Public Health as the Assistant Emergency Services Director, and the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector to engage the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) for current and future disaster assistance grant applications. Further, it allows a minimum of two Governing Body Representatives to be listed; the two Board Members listed are in year one of their first term, reducing the need to resubmit the recommended Resolution, should there be a change in Board Members. It is recommended that the Clerk to the Board certify the Resolution to avoid self-certification should a Board Member certify.
On September 22, 2015, your Board approved a resolution requesting a state of emergency be proclaimed in the County due to the degraded forest conditions and imminent threat from catastrophic fires and extreme drought.
On May 24, 2016, your Board approved the Emergency Services Director’s submittal of an Application for State financial assistance under CDAA to the California OES to mitigate tree mortality.
On December 5, 2016, tree removal commenced on Huntington Lake Road using CDAA funding.
On January 31, 2017, your Board approved 13 revenue agreements with CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and the Fire Prevention) to receive the TM (Tree Mortality) grants for the removal of dead and dying trees that are within 300 feet of permanent private structures, roadways, and public or private infrastructure. The assessment, identification, and removal of dead and dying trees is underway. Additionally, your Board increased the Purchasing Manager’s previous authorization to contract for services related to tree mortality from $2,000,000 to $6,600,000.
The County OES has coordinated an emergency response-planning meeting with all organized camps operating in the County. Additionally, the Office worked with CAL FIRE and the Sheriff’s Office to conduct pre-fire evacuation planning meetings for communities in high hazard areas.
Forest degradation conditions have not improved as the tree mortality disaster has continued and escalated in eastern Fresno County. Mountain communities continue to be threatened by the potential of falling trees and wildfires.
Fresno County Ordinance Code, Chapter 2.44.060 requires your Board to review the need to continue the local emergency at least once every 30 days until terminated; state law requires the same. The local emergency must be terminated at the earliest possible date when conditions warranting proclamation have ended.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #38, October 17, 2017
BAI #37, January 31, 2017
BAI #13, May 24, 2016
BAI #21, September 22, 2015
BAI #25, December 16, 2014
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Resolution
On file with Clerk - Map of Affected Area
On file with Clerk - Proclamation of State Emergency
On file with Clerk - Designation
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa