Report Prepared by: Derek Parker, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Acceptance of Grant Award for a Maximum of $25,000 From CalOES Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as the Administering Organization for the Listos California CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Support Grant
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting a grant award for a maximum of $25,000 from CalOES Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as the administering organization for the Listos California CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Support Grant.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting grant funds up to a maximum of $25,000 from CalOES Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as the administering organization for the Listos California CERT Support Grant; and,
B. Confirming and Authorizing the City Manager’s execution of the contract/standard agreement, including any amendments, and other necessary documents pertaining to the life of the grant; and,
C. Increasing revenue in the amount of $25,000, and appropriating the same in Fund 1000-General Fund-Fire, and;
D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and
E. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve with modifications; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by Council; or,
4. Continue to a future Council meeting; or,
5. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Municipal Code Section 200; Local Government Planning Support Grants Program pursuant to Chapter 3.1 of Health and Safety Code (Sections 50515.05; Chapter 159, Statutes of 2019).
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This grant program aligns with the City Council’s FY 2023/24 Goals and Priorities to continue enhanced community engagement.
DISCUSSION
Annually the State of California offers grants to support the Cal Listos program. Anchored at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) since 2019, Listos California has succeeded in reaching millions of Californians who otherwise wouldn’t have access to lifesaving emergency preparedness information. Providing tools to help vulnerable Californians not only survive, but also thrive post-disaster, is what makes Listos California so vital. While many may know, Listos is Spanish for ready. In Merced, we are aimed to make all areas of Merced Listos.
The grant which the Merced Fire Department applied for is the Listos California CERT Support Grant. In 2003 Merced Fire Department established a CERT program identified as Merced CERT in cooperation with Merced County OES. The program remained active for approximately 10 years however a lack of funding and resources diminished the program significantly. Currently the CERT program is active with FEMA and the CalOES with minimal activity.
Due to a short timeline to apply for the Listos California CERT Support Grant, MFD requested to apply. City Manager Dietz approved the action and now MFD is bringing the award to City Council for the awarded $25,000.
The flood events in 2023 brought to light the need for community organization and support in the emergency setting. Listos allows Merced CERT to expand its reach to those who do not speak English or do not use English as a first language. Every resident, regardless of age, ability income or language, deserves culturally competent education to prepare for floods, heat, cold, and MFD is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and this is an excellent step forward in ensuring equity.
Thanks to this grant, we will be able to work with our residents to boost resiliency, provide new accessible in-language information and advance a new culture of disaster preparedness. The funding will be directed towards outreach of non-English speaking members of the community, specifically Spanish and Hmong speaking to teach emergency preparedness in the home and to form community emergency response teams to reach the vulnerable population which does not speak English as a first language.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Increasing revenue in the amount of $25,000 and appropriating the same in Fund 1000-General Fund-Fire. No match is required.
ATTACHMENTS
1. FY 22 CERT Award Letters City of Merced
2. CERT - City of Merced - LC22 02 1506