Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/2007, C8 - FREEZE DAMAGE REIMBURSEMENT PROCESSING C • council. Wdm D ` March 6,2007 j AQ6n6a REpoRt 1�Nb� e 90, CITY O F SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM: Jay D. Walter, Public Works Director SUBJECT: FREEZE DAMAGE REIMBURSEMENT PROCESSING CAO RECOMMENDATION Adopt a Resolution naming the Public Works Director as the City's agent to work with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) on reimbursement claims for damage due to the freeze in January 2007. DISCUSSION Background The Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency (CDAA 2007-02) as a result of Extreme Cold Temperatures in each of the 58 counties during January 2007. The Governor's Proclamation makes state financial assistance available to local governments, including cities and special districts. Local governments and special districts that sustained damage as a result of the event must submit an application to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) for state financial assistance. The Project Application (CDAA Form 1) and List of Projects (OES 95) must be submitted by March 12, 2007. Briefings have been scheduled for the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) program for the Extreme Cold Temperatures Event designated as CDAA 2007-02, which occurred in all 58 counties. The briefings provide information on the application procedures, cost eligibility, documentation requirements, payment processing, and deadlines specific to the CDAA 2007-02 event. The City was not informed in time to attend the briefing closest to us on February 8`h, but Ron Alsop, County Emergency Services Coordinator, assures us - and the State OES contact concurs - that it was not critical to attend. The State OES representative is going to provide us with an applicant's packet from the briefing for our use. The State OES area representative for public agency disaster recovery (Don Cardenas) and the analyst who works with him (Pam Rarick) have been the representatives for our area for many years and they both have worked with the local jurisdictions here in San Luis Obispo County on several disaster recovery efforts over the past few years, so the process should go pretty smoothly. Our Situation Damage to City facilities was minor, but costly. Parks Maintenance reports that 12 backflow prevention devices in the irrigation system were damaged beyond repair, and had to be replaced at an estimated cost of $11,000. A water line in the lunch room at the Corp Yard burst, and caused damage to the walls and floors in the lunch room. Initially staff estimated the repair to be about $5,000. However, while the damage was being evaluated, it was discovered that the glue ee—1 0 0 Freeze Damage Reimbursement Page 2 used to secure the floor tiles had asbestos in it, so abatement needs to occur before repairs can be completed. The original estimate will likely increase as a result. City Arborist, Ron Combs, estimates we had about $70,000 in damages in the Urban Forest due to the freeze. This includes trimming branches killed by the freeze on downtown trees as well as throughout the City. Many of the smaller trees that had been planted more recently (in medians areas and the Commemorative Grove) appear to have been killed by the freeze and may need to be replaced if they do not show signs of recovering this spring. The City can expect to be reimbursed up to 75% of its costs to repair or replace damaged assets due to the freeze. Damage totals must be at least $2,500 to be eligible for reimbursement. Part of the disaster reimbursement process requires that the Agency requesting reimbursement must, by Council Resolution, name an agent to represent the City for the reimbursement process. CONCURRENCES The Fire Chief has been in contact with the County Office of Emergency Services to submit our damage estimates and was given these instructions to follow in order to ensure the City can be reimbursed. FISCAL IMPACT The request for reimbursement is estimated to be about $64,000 (75% of the total.) Funds for the Corp Yard flooring and the damage to backflow devices are already being spent out of the Department's operating budget to facilitate repairs. Tree trimming and replanting costs will begin to accumulate as we move into spring. Accurate records and documentation will be maintained in order to qualify the City for the maximum level of reimbursement. The reimbursement payment, when received, will be to the City General Fund and will offset the loss of the operating revenue for other activities. ALTERNATIVES The City could choose not to seek reimbursement for the damage caused by the freeze. This is not consistent with the Council's direction to pursue outside sources of funding for City projects and activities where feasible. As the Governor declared San Luis Obispo County a disaster area because of the severity of the recent freeze conditions, it is lawful and appropriate to seek reimbursement in this instance. ATTACHMENT Resolution G:\Staff-Reports-Agendas-Minutes\_CAR\2007U'arks-Trees\Freeze Damage Reimbursement\CAR Freeze Damage Reimbursement.doc c�-z O Laachment 1 RESOLUTION NO. (2007 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DESIGNATING AN AGENT FOR DISASTER REIMBURSEMENT WHEREAS, The Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency (CDAA 2007-02) as a result of Extreme Cold Temperatures in each of the 58 counties during January 2007; and WHEREAS, The City of San Luis Obispo suffered damage to many of its facilities as a result of the freezing temperatures; and, WHEREAS, The City of San Luis Obispo, as an eligible agency under the State guidelines, seeks to be reimbursed for some portion of the costs to repair said damage from the freezing temperatures; and, WHEREAS, The City of San Luis Obispo needs to authorize an agent to act in their behalf as required to seek state financial assistance under the Natural Disaster Assistance Act. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo that the Public Works Director is hereby designated as the City's agent to provide to the State Office of Emergency Services for all matters pertaining to such state disaster assistance the assurances and agreements required. Upon motion of seconded by , and on the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 2007. Mayor David F. Romero ATTEST: Audrey Hooper City Clerk // 2 R O • Resolution No. (2007 Series) Page 2 APPROVED AS TO FORM: Jona owell City Attorney