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Adopt a resolution approving participation in the California Department of Parks and Recreation, FY2023/24 grant cycle; Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request of $85,878 in unanticipated revenue from the Boating Safety and Enforcement Grant and related appropriations to purchase capital asset boating safety and law enforcement equipment (4/5 vote required); and Authorize the Sheriff, Undersheriff, and the Director of Administrative Services to sign the grant award agreement and any associated amendments, operational contracts, or reimbursement claims that remain within budgeted appropriations
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Sheriff recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt a resolution approving participation in the California Department of Parks and Recreation, FY2023/24 grant cycle;
2. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request of $85,878 in unanticipated revenue and related appropriations to purchase capital asset boating safety and law enforcement equipment (4/5 vote required); and
3. Authorize the Sheriff, Undersheriff, and the Director of Administrative Services to sign the grant award agreement and any associated amendments, operational contracts, or reimbursement claims that remain within budgeted appropriations.
SUMMARY:
The Sheriff’s Office has a need for two new outboard motors to replace the two existing worn motors currently installed on Marine Patrol’s SAFE Boat M-29. In April 2023, the Sheriff’s Office submitted an online competitive grant application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) for participation in the FY2023/24 California Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment Grant Program (BSEE) to fund the purchase and installation of two new replacement outboard motors and the removal of the old motors. The BSEE grant process allows the DBW to distribute funds it receives from the Federal Government to local government agencies for the purchase of boating safety and law enforcement equipment (e.g., patrol boats, personal watercraft, engines, and search and rescue equipment and dive gear).
On September 5, 2023, the DBW notified the Sheriff’s Office that it was selected to receive $85,878 to purchase two new outboard motors. The DBW requires a Board-certified resolution be submitted with Solano County’s grant award agreement to finalize the acceptance process.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The BSEE grant requires the Sheriff’s Office to expend the award of $85,787 to purchase two new outboard motors by September 30, 2024 and to maintain and utilize the motors for 7 years from the effective date of the grant agreement. The BSEE does not include a match provision so there will be no additional impact to the County General Fund. The Sheriff’s Office has informally solicited a proposal and the grant amount should be sufficient to cover the purchase, installation, and removal costs. Upon approval of the grant award agreement a competitive bid process as identified by the grant and County’s purchasing policy will be followed to procure the motors.
An Appropriations Transfer Request (ATR) is being requested to increase appropriations by $85,787 for the purchase and installation of two new outboard motors on SAFE Boat M29 and the removal of the M29’s existing motors. These appropriations will be entirely offset with unanticipated grant revenue. Grant expenditures will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the grant purchase. The Sheriff’s Office will maintain the motors and absorb any future maintenance and repair costs that occur.
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The BSEE grant funds are apportioned to states under the Federal Recreational Boating Safety Grant. In accordance with Title 14, section 6594.1 of the California Government Code of Regulations, enacted in 2003, and through the California’s Law Enforcement Safety and Enforcement Equipment grant, the DBW provides BSEE grant awards to local government agencies to purchase boating safety and law enforcement equipment through the State’s Law Enforcement Equipment Grant Program.
For FY2023/24 the Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $85,878 in BSEE grant funds to purchase two Mercury Verado 300 HP outboard motors to replace the existing two outboard motors currently installed on the Solano County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol vessel SAFE Boat (M-29). Each of the existing Mercury Verado motors has approximately 1,300 hours of service use and are fast approaching their 1,500 - 2,000 hours service life limit.
Deputies patrol the waterways seven days per week and are on call 24 hours per day to respond to emergency situations and provide boating safety, law enforcement and search and rescue services. In the last calendar year Marine Patrol Deputies conducted 25 separate search and rescue missions for vessels and persons that were lost, disabled, or involved in an accident. The Sheriff’s Office must continue to maintain its marine vessels to ensure preparedness. The new engines will enhance the service of M-29 by enabling the vessel to increase time on the water, improve reliability, reduce in-shop engine repair time and provide a more efficient power source for vessel propulsion.
In the previous grant cycles, Marine Patrol secured grant funding for the purchase of a new forward looking infra-red thermal camera and a new shallow-draft vessel to assist the Sheriff’s Office in providing safer and more efficient patrols and emergency responses in the numerous shallow water areas of Solano County’s jurisdiction. This vessel is currently being manufactured and when complete will enable more effective navigation of hazards, such as floating and submerged debris which become even more dangerous at night when visibility is limited.
Solano County’s participation in BSEE over the years has significantly enhanced Marine Patrol’s effectiveness to provide public safety and resources to recreational boaters and commercial vessel operating on the 150 miles of navigable waterways of Solano County. The requested equipment will ensure that Marine Patrol remains a highly successful program of aquatic law enforcement in Solano County.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board can choose not to participate in this grant program; however, this alternative is not recommended as nonparticipation will result in the loss of $85,878 in grant funding that would be used to repair and preserve one of Solano County’s patrol vessels needed for Marine Patrol to safeguard and rescue citizens on the County waterways. Moreover, the grant funding will be obligated to other Counties and no longer available to Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION