Report Prepared by: Janet German, Administrative Assistant III, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Allowing the Designation of an Authorized Agent to File an Application and Execute Documents Required to Obtain Disaster Relief Assistance from the California Covid -19 Pandemic (DR-4482)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Resolution allowing the designation of an authorized agent to file an application and execute documents required to obtain disaster relief assistance from the California Covid-19 Pandemic (DR-4482).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2020-21, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, designation of authorized agent to file applications and execute documents required to obtain disaster relief assistance.
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 reconsideration of specific items or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety, as provided for the in 2019-20 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of Merced is currently providing extraordinary emergency protective measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to take steps to receive financial assistance from the federal government. The President declared a major disaster for California for the COVID-19 pandemic on 03/22/20 thereby allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to “assist state, local, tribal, territorial governments and other eligible entities with the health and safety actions they take on behalf of the American public.” To be eligible to recover costs, there are certain steps that the City needs to pursue.
File a Request for Public Assistance Form by 04/17/20
o The City of Merced filed the form on 04/15/20
Adopt a Resolution Designating an Agent (Cal OES Form 130 or its equivalent)
o Form has been attached for Council’s approval
Submit Cal OES Form 89 (“Project Assurances for Federal Assistance” form)
o Form has been attached for Assistant City Manager’s Signature
Resolutions
Throughout California, multiple municipalities have declared a local emergency due to the current pandemic. On 03/16/20, City Council approved Resolution 2020-10 declaring a local emergency, thereby providing a mechanism enabling the City to mobilize local resources, coordinate interagency responses/partnerships, accelerate procurement of vital supplies, and to use mutual aid.
The State of California, Cal OES requires a Resolution authorizing a public entity to submit applications for the purpose of obtaining federal financial assistance, under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. If the attached Resolution is approved, it will serve as a universal resolution which will be effective for all open and future disasters up to three (3) years following the date of City Council Approval and allows a state to request up to a 75 percent federal cost-share for expenses, which also applies to local cities. The prior universal resolution expired on April 4, 2020. Resolution No 2020-21 designates the City Manager or the Assistant City Manager to serve as the City’s Authorized Agent with respect to applications for financial assistance for disasters.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
There is no General Fund fiscal impact related to submission of this Resolution. The City may receive reimbursement or other federal aid in the future.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 2020-21
2. Cal OES 89