Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Approve the Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Public Safety
• Sustainability & Resiliency
• Fiscal Sustainability and Transparency
SUMMARY
This resolution will allow the City of San Leandro to obtain federal financial assistance for any existing or future grant programs.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends authorizing the City Manager, Police Chief, and Public Works Director to apply for grants with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for all open and future disasters up to three (3) years following the date of approval.
BACKGROUND
Cal OES frequently solicits applications for grant funding of projects that reduce or mitigate the impact of natural disasters before they happen and for projects related to recovery after a natural disaster occurs. Applicants for grants must submit a form to Cal OES certifying that the City Council has made a resolution as to the staff who are authorized to apply for these grants and the type of authorization that is granted. Cal OES recognizes two types of authorizations: universal authorization that is effective for all open and future disaster funding up to three years following the date of approval and disaster specific authorization that is effective only for specific named disasters. Grants, if awarded, may require commitment of matching funds. Matching fund levels vary widely from 0% (none) to 50%. Cal OES is currently seeking applications for its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which requires a 25% match.
Analysis
The City Manager is generally authorized to sign agreements on behalf of the City and apply for grants. The Public Works Director manages the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and has detailed knowledge of CIP projects that allows them to determine when a project is likely to be competitive for grants, the amount of grant money needed, and the amount of matching funds authorized by the City Council.
A universal authorization will allow staff to apply for funding for a period of three years from the date of this action.
A disaster specific authorization cannot be approved until after a disaster is declared and therefore does not allow the City to apply for grant funding of projects that reduce or mitigate the impact of natural disasters before they occur.
Current Agency Policies
Maintain and enhance San Leandro’s infrastructure.
Previous Actions
In October 2017 CAL OES Form 130 was approved by Council and expired in 2020.
Applicable General Plan Policies
Policy EH-1.7 Reducing Flood Hazards. Work collaboratively with County, State, and federal agencies to develop short and long-term programs that reduce flood hazards in the City.
Financial Impacts
There are no immediate financial impacts with this action. Authorizing staff to apply for and receive funds related to emergency services and other disasters will facilitate the application and administration of Cal OES grants. Future grants that require matching funds or other expenditure obligations must be approved by City Council before a commitment can be made.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Draft Resolution - Cal OES Form 160
Attachment B - Cal OES - form 130 - Rev - 3-9-22
PREPARED BY: Elizabeth Bessman, Emergency Services Specialist, City Manager’s Office