Report Prepared by: Janet German, Secretary III, Fire Dept.
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or His Designee to Sign a Letter of Commitment for a Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Planning (LHMP) Grant
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his Designee to sign a LHMP Letter of Commitment for a Multi-Jurisdictional LHMP Grant through the Merced County Operational Area (OA).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2019-37, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California authorizing the City Manager or his Designee to sign a letter of commitment for the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Planning grant.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for consideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article II - Powers of City, Section 200 - Powers
Charter of the City of Merced, Article IV - City Council, Section 405 - Powers Vested in the City Council
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety as provided for in the 2019-20 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
As a result of 2018 California Wildfires in Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties, the President declared a major disaster (DR-4407) for the State of California pursuant to his authority under the T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Through this declaration, grant program funds were made available under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, whereby the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) became eligible to provide financial assistance for the State of California to implement mitigation measures to reduce the risk of life and property from future disasters during the recovery from the major disaster.
FEMA and the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) both encourage multi-jurisdictional planning for hazard mitigation. Such planning efforts require all participating jurisdictions to fully participate in the process and formally adopt the resulting planning document. For the Merced County Operational Area, a planning partnership (Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) was formed to leverage resources to meet requirements of the federal Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) of 2000. The DMA also requires all local governments to create such a disaster plan in order to qualify for funding in the future and the County’s HMP expires in September 2020.
The HMP identifies risks and ways to minimize damage by natural and manmade disasters. The plan is a comprehensive resource document that serves many purposes such as:
• Enhancing public awareness
• Creating a decision tool for management
• Promoting compliance with State and Federal program requirements
• Enhancing local policies for hazard mitigation capability, and
• Providing inter-jurisdictional coordination.
The federal DMA requires all local governments to create such a disaster plan in order to qualify for future funding and the HMP grant application process requires the OA to submit a formal request during the grant application request period along with a letter of commitment from each participating jurisdiction. Therefore, the City of Merced must submit the Letter of Commitment by July 5, 2019.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. Should the City be successful in receiving a HMPG grant from the State through the County, and item will be brought to the Council for a budget adjustment. The local operational area requires a 25% local match, which may be met with staff time costs.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan Grant Process
2. Resolution Authorizing Designated Signature Authority
3. Letter of Commitment