title
Adopt a resolution approving participation in the California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways 2020/21 grant cycle; Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request of $46,563 in unanticipated revenue from the Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment grant and related appropriations to purchase boating safety equipment (4/5 vote required); 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 State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways 2020/21 grant cycle;
2. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request of $46,563 in unanticipated revenue from the Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment grant and related appropriations to purchase boating safety equipment (4/5 vote required); and
3. 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 2020, 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 FY2020/2021 California Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment Grant Program (BSEE). 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 17, 2020, the Sheriff’s Office received notice from the DBW that it is eligible to receive $46,563 for repairs to Marine Patrol Vessel 28 (M28) including the purchase and installation of replacement boat seats, replacement side panel windows and the repair of the rub rail. The DBW requires a Board-certified resolution be submitted with Solano County’s grant application to finalize the acceptance process.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The BSEE requires the Sheriff’s Office expend the grant award of $46,563 to complete the purchase of equipment and services for Marine Patrol by August 31, 2021 and to maintain and operate the equipment for 15 years from the date the grant agreement is fully executed. The BSEE does not include a match provision and no additional impact to the County General Fund.
An Appropriations Transfer Request will increase appropriations by $46,563 to purchase and install the following improvements to M28: $28,793 for replacement boat seats; $10,232 to replace the rub rail; and $7,538 to replace the side panel windows. The new appropriations will be entirely offset with unanticipated grant revenue. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to maintain M28 and will absorb future maintenance costs in its operation budget. Grant expenditures will be reimbursed on a quarterly basis and should not significantly impact cash flow.
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2020/21 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to the Sport Fish Restoration Act, the federal government collects revenue from various sources such as excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels and transfers that revenue to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. These 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, 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.
BSEE grants funds awarded in the past have been used by Solano County to maintain Marine Patrol’s three-vessel fleet. These vessels are in the latter stages of their useful life and remain in good working condition in part due to past BSEE funding of proactive maintenance and timely repair. Previous funding was used to purchase two new engines for the Marine Patrol S.A.F.E. boat (M29), sonar equipment, jet dock improvements including the addition of a hydro hoist, replacement inflatable boat tubes, positive buoyancy body armor specifically designed for law enforcement maritime use, a new boat trailer for a patrol vessel and two search and rescue personal watercraft.
This fiscal year BSEE funds will be used for M28 vessel maintenance. M28 is in good operating condition but requires maintenance to enhance its usefulness. M28 patrols the waters of San Pablo Bay, Grizzly Bay, Suisun Bay, Honker Bay, the Carquinez Straits, Mare Island Straights, Suisun Slough, Miner/Steamboat Slough, Prospect Slough, Cache Slough and numerous small back sloughs and tributaries. The equipment planned for purchase will ensure M28 remains an asset in prime condition. The replacement seats will decrease the fatigue rate of personnel aboard the vessel, allow for longer safe enforcement patrols, reduce injuries and protect the working longevity of the vessel. The current seats provide insufficient protection against the jarring experienced when the vessel hits waves in these tidally influenced waterways. Repair of the rub rail and the corrosion underneath the rail will extend the life of the vessel and prevent more costly future repairs that could result from situations where M28 comes into contact with another vessel or marine debris. Replacement of the windows and frames will aid in hearing protection for personnel within the vessel. Decibel readings within the vessel average between 80-90 decibels and can increase to 120 decibels when the boat crashes into a wave. The high decibel level is a direct result of the aging weather stripping and overall worn condition of the thin aluminum window frames which reduce sound dampening. Additionally, the window glass is etched from exposure to the saltwater which reduces visibility and increases glare. Replacement with new glass will enable personnel to more easily identify violations of the law, potential navigational hazards and distressed boaters and swimmers.
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 vessels operating on the 150 miles of navigable waterways of Solano County. Deputies patrol the waterways seven days per week and are on call 24 hours per day to respond to emergency situations. The Sheriff’s Office must continue to maintain and preserve the integrity of its marine vessels to provide optimal boating safety, law enforcement and search and rescue. 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 $46,563 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