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CONSIDERATION OF DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED AGENTS TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY TO OBTAIN STATE OR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-048 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED AGENTS TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY FOR PURPOSES OF OBTAINING STATE OR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
On January 18-23, 2017, the City of Chula Vista was impacted by a severe winter storm that caused significant damage throughout the city and required an extensive emergency response operation. The City activated its emergency operations center (EOC) and exhausted several City resources to protect life and property during the disaster.
The City of Chula Vista is eligible to receive public assistance funding to pay part of the costs incurred as a result of the storm. Assistance may include funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and public services, and repair or replacement of damaged public property. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) ensures state and federal support is provided to eligible applicants in an efficient and timely manner in order to assist in recovery from a major disaster or emergency.
In order to receive funding, the City of Chula Vista must submit an application package to Cal OES that includes appropriate supporting documentation. Cal OES requires the City to have designated agents authorized by the City to coordinate with state and federal agencies for the purposes of financial assistance as it relates to disasters.
To meet state requirements, the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Emergency Services Coordinator have been identified as appropriate individuals to serve as designated agents authorized to operate on behalf of the City of Chula Vista for financial assistance from state and federal agencies as it relates to disasters.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
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Environmental Determination
The proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and it has been determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the state CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to the CEQA. Notwithstanding the foregoing it has also been determined that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to the CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
On January 18-23, 2017, the City of Chula Vista was impacted by a severe winter storm that caused significant damage throughout the city and required an extensive emergency response operation. The City activated its emergency operations center (EOC) and exhausted several City resources to protect life and property during the disaster.
On March 7, 2017 Governor Brown Governor Brown declared a State of Emergency and requested Presidential Major Disaster Declaration due to damages caused throughout the state of California by severe winter storms. On March 16, 2017, President Donald J. Trump declared a major disaster making federal disaster aid available to San Diego County for the Late January 2017 Storms. As a result, Governor Brown also made California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) funding available as well.
The City of Chula Vista is eligible to receive public assistance funding to pay part of the costs incurred as a result of the storm. Assistance may include funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and public services, and repair or replacement of damaged public property. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) ensures state and federal support is provided to eligible applicants in an efficient and timely manner in order to assist in recovery from a major disaster or emergency.
In order to receive funding, the City of Chula Vista must submit an application package to Cal OES that includes appropriate supporting documentation. Cal OES requires the City to have designated agents authorized by the City to coordinate with state and federal agencies for the purposes of financial assistance as it relates to disasters.
Per the municipal code, the City Manager serves as the Director of Emergency Services and the Deputy City Managers have been appointed to serve as the Assistant Director of Emergency Services during and emergency and/or disaster. Additionally, the City’s Emergency Services Coordinator is responsible for preparing, overseeing, and tracking reimbursement claims to state and federal agencies. Therefore, it has been determined that these positions should also function as the City’s authorized agents to coordinate on behalf of the City for financial assistance from state and federal agencies.
This resolution and Cal OES Form 130, Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies will identify the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, and the Emergency Services Coordinator as the City of Chula Vista’s Authorized Agents.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision for purposes of determining a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City of Chula Vista City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. Designating authorized agents to coordinate with state and federal for disaster financial assistance supports the City’s Strong and Secure Neighborhoods goals as it seeks to maintain a responsive emergency management program, which includes recovery operations. Recovery includes restoring a community to its pre-disaster condition or better through providing the necessary resources and financial support. Designating authorized agents allows the City to pursue recovery funding to recover and reimburse the City’s expenditures as a result of disaster response, ultimately restoring the City to its pre-disaster condition financially.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current year fiscal impact for adopting this resolution.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact for adopting this resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Cal OES 130 Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies
Staff Contact: Marlon King, Emergency Services Coordinator, Fire Department