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Adopt a resolution approving participation in the federally funded 2017 Homeland Security Grant Program for the period September 1, 2017 through May 31, 2020 and authorizing the Sheriff or his designees to execute any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining Federal Financial Assistance through this grant; Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) of $510,683 to recognize the unanticipated allocation of federal funds to Solano County and related appropriations to enhance catastrophic incident planning, response and recovery in the Solano Operational Area (4/5 vote required); Approve $376,343 for Solano Operational Area joint-agency response teams and non-county agencies to purchase equipment, training, and protective gear; Approve fixed assets purchases totaling $134,340 to purchase a search and rescue trailer and up to five automated license plate reader cameras for the Solano County Sheriff’s Office; and Authorize the Sheriff or his designees to execute any service contracts and subsequent amendments necessary to fulfill the County’s responsibility under the 2017 HSGP Expenditure Plan and which 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 federally funded 2017 Homeland Security Grant Program for the period September 1, 2017 through May 31, 2020 and designating the Sheriff or his designees to execute any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining Federal Financial Assistance through this grant;
2. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) of $510,683 to recognize the unanticipated allocation of federal funds to Solano County and related appropriations to enhance catastrophic incident planning, response and recovery in the Solano Operational Area (4/5 vote required);
3. Approve $376,343 for Solano Operational Area joint-agency response teams and non-county agencies to purchase equipment, training, and protective gear;
4. Approve fixed assets purchases totaling $134,340 to purchase a search and rescue trailer and up to five automated license plate reader cameras for the Solano County Sheriff’s Office; and
5. Authorize the Sheriff or his designees to execute any service contracts and subsequent amendments necessary to fulfill the County’s responsibility under the 2017 HSGP Expenditure Plan and which remain within budgeted appropriations.
SUMMARY
The State of California’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) on November 21, 2016 released notification to Counties of the opportunity to participate in the non-competitive 2017 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). Cal-OES allocates the federal funds administered through the State’s HSGP for the purpose of improving prevention and protection capabilities at the state, local, tribal, and territorial levels to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events and to prepare for threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States. The federal funds, originating from the Department of Homeland Security, have been secured by the State and each California County’s allocation was included in the State’s HSGP announcement. The application deadline is scheduled for October 20, 2017 but is subject to change based on Federal approval. Cal-OES requires a Board certified resolution (Attachment A) to be submitted with Solano County’s application to finalize the acceptance process. The Sheriff’s 2017 HSGP Expenditure Plan (Plan) is summarized below and a more detailed description of the Plan is enumerated in the Discussion section of this report and Attachment B.
2017 HSGP Expenditure Plan
Community Emergency Response Training and personal protective equipment $ 10,000
HAZMAT Training and logistical support equipment $ 40,000
Urban Search and Rescue Training and personal protective gear $ 48,356
Swift Water Rescue Training and personal protective equipment $ 27,872
Vacaville Police Department Radio interoperability study $ 5,000
Benicia Fire Department Portable multiband radios (6) $ 34,115
Fairfield Fire Department Urban search and rescue vehicle $ 148,000
Fairfield Fire Department Simulation table (1) $ 63,000
Subtotal for joint agency and non-county agencies $ 376,343
Solano County Sheriff’s Office Mass search and rescue trailer (1) $ 6,665
Solano County Sheriff’s Office Automated license plate reader & cameras(5) $ 127,675
Subtotal for County $ 134,340
GRANT TOTAL $ 510,683
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Cal OES announcement outlined the 2017 HSGP allocations. Solano County’s allocation is $510,683 with 25% of the total award to be allocated to Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention-oriented activities and equipment. The HSGP does not include a match provision. The Appropriation Transfer Request will increase appropriations by $510,683 to make enhancements to catastrophic incident planning, response and recovery. The new appropriations will be used to purchase necessary equipment and provide training and will be entirely offset with unanticipated grant revenue. Therefore, Board approval will not impact the County General Fund.
Twenty-nine percent (29%) of the grant funds or $148,000 will be used to purchase an urban search and rescue vehicle. Another thirteen percent (13%) or $63,000 will be used to purchase a mobile emergency management simulation table. Eighteen percent (18%) or $92,115 will be used to purchase personal protective gear and mobile radios. These projects will benefit the joint agency response teams, local law enforcement and fire agencies. Each agency will be financially responsible for the repair or replacement costs necessary to maintain the grant equipment distributed to them.
Twenty-five percent (25%) or $127,675 of the grant funds will be used to purchase up to five automated license plate readers, and two percent (2%) or $6,665 will be used to purchase an ATV trailer. The Sheriff’s Office will absorb the cost to maintain this equipment within its operating budget.
Grant expenditures will be reimbursed by Cal-OES as expenses are incurred, or on a quarterly basis, and will not significantly impact the Public Protection Fund’s cash flow.
DISCUSSION:
The 2017 HSGP plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System by supporting the building, sustainment, and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient Nation. The building, sustainment, and delivery of these core capabilities are not exclusive to any single level of government, organization, or community, but rather, require the combined effort of the whole community. The 2017 HSGP supports core capabilities across the five mission areas of Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. California’s HSGP administers funds for the purpose of improving prevention and protection capabilities at the state, tribal, and local levels to address critical infrastructure protection and strengthen medical surge and mass prophylaxis.
The 2017 HSGP Expenditure Plan was developed in consultation with the Solano HSGP Approval Authority Body composed of the Solano County Sheriff, the County Public Health Officer, Fairfield City Fire Chief, Vacaville Fire Protection District Chief, and the Vallejo City Police Chief. Members of the Approval Authority Body are selected by the Police and Fire Chief’s Association. A detailed description of the Plan is enumerated below:
$148,000 to purchase an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) vehicle for the Fairfield Fire Department to safely transport team members, tow the USAR trailer, and tow vital equipment which will increase response capabilities and improve incident response time.
$127,675 to purchase up to five fixed assets ALPR cameras for the Solano County Sheriff’s Office which will be deployed at major County avenues of entrance and egress and allow public safety personnel the opportunity to record and review the motor vehicle activity at pre-established locations. The direct and accurate surveillance supports identification of vehicles associated with terrorist or criminal activity.
$126,228 to provide training and to outfit joint-agency and non-county agency personnel with protective gear and support equipment necessary to ensure the teams are response ready, maintain certifications, and have enhanced response capabilities. These purchases are needed for the safety and effectiveness of first responders.
$63,000 to purchase a mobile simulation table for the Fairfield Fire Department which will enable users to access geographical information system data and current technology to simulate and model disaster scenarios for teaching, testing and improving first responder capabilities.
$34,115 to purchase six portable multiband radios for the Benicia Fire Department to enhance interoperability communications among Benicia, Solano, Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
$6,665 to purchase a fixed assets ATV trailer for the Solano County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team used to transport the OES ATV for remote location rescues.
$5,000 to help fund a multi-agency sponsored radio interoperability study commissioned by the Vacaville Police Department to engage a consultant to determine the most efficient steps to bring trunked radio communications to all parts of Solano County.
The Solano County OES will manage and coordinate the program projects. The OES may initiate a reallocation of certain expenses to meet the needs of specific projects.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to authorize participation in the program, however, this alternative is not recommended as non-participation may negatively impact the County’s preparedness to secure the Solano Operational Area. Additionally, this alternative is not fiscally prudent as funds would be redistributed to other counties and without the funds, the Sheriff’s Office would not have sufficient appropriations to carry out the activities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Approval Authority Body within the Solano Operational Area approved the proposed application and expenditure plan. The Solano Operational Area, which includes the entire County, is represented by the Solano County Sheriff, the County Public Health Officer, city police departments, city fire departments, and local fire protection districts.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION