HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-15-2018 Item 14, Authorize Grant Applications for Wildland-Urban interfaceMeeting Date: 5/15/2018
FROM: Derek Johnson, City Manager
Prepared By: Robert Hill, Interim Deputy Director, Office of Sustainability
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR WILDLAND–URBAN
INTERFACE FUEL REDUCTION AND OPEN SPACE LAND MANAGEMENT PURPOSES
RECOMMENDATION
1.Author ize the Office of Sustainability to prepare and submit grant applications for wildland -
urban interface fuel reduction and open space land management purposes.
2.Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any other required grant application-
related documentation.
Background
The City of San Luis Obispo owns approximately 3,500 acres of open space lands for
conservation purposes within the City’s Greenbelt. The City provides funding for management
and maintenance through the Open Space Maintenance CI P, as well as the operating budgets of
both the Natural Resources Program and Ranger Service. In consideration of recent catastrophic
fires this past year in Napa and Sonoma County, as well as Santa Barbara and Ventura County,
staff has prioritized open space fuel reduction activities in the wildland-urban interface, as well
as other land management activities that can address climate change adaptation and resilience
strategies.
DISCUSSION
At this particular point in time, grant opportunities are available or anticipated that can augment
City funds for the purposes described above, including: 1.) the California Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection; 2.) the California Wildlife Conservation Board; 3.) the Fire Safe Council;
and 4.) PG&E.
The City’s Financial Management Manual, Section 740, requires City Council authorization to
submit grant applications in excess of $5,000. In particular, section 3(d) states:
For grants in excess of $5,000, prepare a Council Agenda Report requesting authorization
to seek grant funding. This report should describe the grant program's conformance with
this policy, including the results of the cost/benefit analysis.
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Staff finds that submittal of grant applications for open space fuel reduction and open space land
management meets the City’s Grant Management Policy outlined in Section 740 because there is
an opportunity to significantly leverage City funds on balance with only modest staff time
required to prepare the grant application; the proposed grant applications wo uld result in
additional priority work efforts being implemented; and, all grant administration, tracking, and
reporting will be conducted in accordance with applicable City policy and any requirements
specified in an awarded grant contract.
CONCURRENCES
The Fire Chief, Parks and Recreation Director, City Biologist, and Sustainability Manager
concur with submitting grant applications in support of the City’s efforts to accomplish the
objectives stated herein.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
There is no environment al review required for grant submittals. If successful, open space fuel
reduction is typically considered Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental
Quality Act, and would be conducted in a manner consistent with adopted property-specific
Conservation Plans and the Open Space Vegetation Management technical appendix of the
City’s Open Space Maintenance Plan (2015).
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s Office of Sustainability has time allocated within its normal work program to prepare
and submit grant applications. If successful, these grant facilities will significantly leverage and
augment the City’s funds budgeted for this purpose, a substantial portion of which were
generated through the City’s Local Revenue Measure.
ALTERNATIVES
1.The City Council could request additional information or analysis from staff.
2.The City Council could deny the request to submit grant applications.
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