title
Adopt a resolution approving participation in the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways, Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment Grant Program for the period from the date of execution through September 30, 2032; Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) of $62,518 in unanticipated grant revenue and related appropriations to purchase boating safety and law enforcement equipment (4/5 vote required); Approve fixed assets purchase totaling $9,396 for the purchase of a down scan sonar unit; and Authorize the Sheriff or his designees to sign grant award agreements and any associated amendments, operational contracts, or reimbursement claims that remain within budgeted appropriations
body
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, Division of Boating and Waterways, Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment Grant Program from the date the grant agreement is fully executed through September 30, 2032;
2. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) of $62,518 in unanticipated grant revenue and related appropriations to purchase boating safety and law enforcement equipment (4/5 vote required);
3. Approve fixed assets purchase totaling $9,396 for the purchase of a down scan sonar unit; and
4. Authorize the Sheriff or his designees to sign grant award agreements and any associated amendments, operational contracts, or reimbursement claims that remain within budgeted appropriations
SUMMARY:
In April 2017, the Sheriff’s Office submitted an online grant application for the California Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment (BSEE) Grant Program. The California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) allocates State funds administered through the BSEE Grant Program for local government agencies to purchase equipment necessary to maintain boating safety and enforcement activities. On August 14, 2017, the Sheriff’s Office received notice of award from the DBW. Solano County is to receive $62,518 for the installation of sonar equipment, reconfiguration of electronics and painting of the underside of Marine Patrol Vessel 28 (M28), the installation of 2 engines on Marine Patrol Vessel 29 (M29), and installation of LED spotlights on both vessels. The DBW requires a Board certified resolution to be submitted with Solano County’s application to finalize the acceptance process.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The BSEE requires that Sheriff’s Office expend the grant award of $62,518 to purchase equipment or services for Marine Patrol within the first 12-months of the grant agreement and maintain or operate the equipment through the grant period of September 30, 2032. The BSEE Grant Program does not include a match provision. There will be no additional impact to the County General Fund.
The Appropriations Transfer Request will increase appropriations by $62,518 to install fixed assets sonar equipment ($9,396), reconfigure electronics ($4,271) and paint the underside of M28 ($2,002), install 2 engines on M29 ($41,333), and install LED spotlights on both M28 and M29 ($5,516). The new appropriations are entirely offset with unanticipated grant revenue. The Sheriff’s Office will maintain the equipment and will absorb any maintenance costs in its operating budget. Grant expenditures will be reimbursed on a quarterly basis and should not significantly impact cash flow.
DISCUSSION:
In accordance with Title 14, section 6594.1 of the California Government Code of Regulations, enacted in 2003, 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. Under the BSEE, agencies may purchase law enforcement patrol boats, marine patrol equipment, personal watercraft, search and rescue equipment, dive gear, and maintenance parts. Previous BSEE grant funds were used by Solano County to fund jet dock improvements including the addition of a hydro hoist, replacement of inflatable tubes on Marine Patrol’s 21’ R.H.I.B, positive buoyancy body armor specifically designed for law enforcement maritime use, a new boat trailer for a patrol vessel, an engine replacement for a patrol vessel and two Search and Rescue personal watercraft (PWC).
To maintain boating safety, enforcement and search and rescue efforts within Solano County waterways, the Sheriff’s Office must maintain and preserve our inventory of reliable vessels. The purchase and installation of two engines for M29 will extend the viable service life of the vessel. The current engines are nearing the end of their serviceable life with over 1,000 hours of service. New engines will ensure the continued availability and reliability of this vessel to respond to boaters or swimmers in need of assistance or rescue. The repainting of the bottom of M28 will maintain the integrity of the vessel and contain environmental additives to reduce risks of corrosion into the marine ecosystem in the future.
In addition to maintenance to our vessels, the purchase of safety equipment and gear with BSEE funds will help the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol personnel safely and effectively provide enforcement of maritime laws and search and rescue efforts in our waterways. To provide added safety and security for nighttime operations on the waterways, grant funds will purchase three LED spotlights, two for M28 and one for M29. The acquisition of these new spotlights will increase the vessel operator’s ability to locate vessels and victims in need of rescue. In addition to the spotlights, a permanently fixed down scan sonar unit and upgraded software will be purchased and installed onto M28. The purchase and installation of this unit will help facilitate and improve the likelihood of locating, identifying and recovering drowning victims and critical evidence in search and rescue operations and will increase the efficiency of our current side scan sonar unit on the same vessel. With the installation of the down scan sonar unit, reconfiguration of electronics on M28 is necessary and will create a more ergonomic and operable platform for Marine Patrol personnel. The current positioning of the radios and radar screen frequently intervenes in normal operations and current light bar positioning has allowed for fissures to the cabin structure allowing water to seep into the cabin. The reconfiguration of the equipment and refitting of the light bar will maintain the integrity and useful life of the equipment in the cabin allowing personnel to safely patrol county waterways.
The requested equipment is necessary for Marine Patrol to remain a highly successful program of aquatic law enforcement. Marine Patrol provides public safety and resources to recreational boaters and commercial vessels operating on the 150 miles of navigable waterways of Solano County.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board can choose not to participate in the program; however, this alternative is not recommended. Nonparticipation will result in the loss of $62,518 in grant funding necessary to protect and preserve one of our patrol vessels and equipment to help effectively administer boating safety, enforcement and rescue on County waterways. 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