Title
Authorize the Director of the Department of Emergency Management or designee to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with North County Fire Protection District governing the use of all equipment purchased on its’ behalf under Assembly Bill 102.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Director of the Department of Emergency Management or designee to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with North County Fire Protection District governing the use of all equipment purchased on its’ behalf under Assembly Bill 102.
SUMMARY:
On March 10, 2023, the unincorporated community of Pajaro experienced major flood damage which impacted households, businesses, local infrastructure, and personal property. California Assembly Bill 102 (AB 102) allocated $20,000,000 funding to the County of Monterey to support flood relief, preparedness, and resilience for the community of Pajaro. In December of 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved an allocation of $500,000 for the purchase of flood fighting equipment for the North County Fire Protection District (NCFPD). These equipment and training purchases are necessary to improve NCFPD’s response capabilities in and during floods and other natural disaster events. The attached Memorandum of Understanding sets out their ownership and use.
DISCUSSION:
In December of 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved an allocation of $500,000 for the purchase of critical equipment to improve the ability of the community of Pajaro to respond to future flood events. This allocation includes the purchase of the following: a high-water vehicle and emergency communications radio; a compact track loader and trailer; an emergency rescue boat and trailer; a generator; helmets, life preservers and dry suits; and swiftwater emergency rescue training. This equipment and training were identified to increase the capabilities of NCFPD to respond to future flood events.
On January 7, 2025, the Board approved the purchase of a High-Water Vehicle for NCFPD (see A 24-581). On March 18, 2025, the Board approved the purchase of the compact track loader and trailer (see A 25-096). DEM has also finalized smaller purchase orders to procure an emergency rescue boat/trailer, a generator, a radio, other personal safety equipment and the swiftwater emergency rescue training for NCFPD staff.
DEM has, in consultation with NCFPD drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), that sets out the terms by which NCFPD will own, use and dispose of this equipment and training. The MOU is included in Attachment B.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel, the Auditor-Controller’s Office, and Risk Management have reviewed the Agreement as to form, fiscal provisions, and insurance and indemnification, respectively.
FINANCING:
There will be no impact on the General Fund from this action. The project is funded by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) 2023 Winter Storm Flood Relief (WS) Program #WS23 01 0270 Grant and is included in the Department of Emergency Management FY 2024-25 appropriations. NCFPD will take ownership of all the equipment purchased and will be responsible for any additional future obligations and maintenance.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
___ Economic Development
___ Administration
___ Health & Human Services
___ Infrastructure
_X_ Public Safety
Prepared by: Damian Bye, Management Analyst II, x1909
Reviewed by: Laura Emmons, Emergency Services Manager, x1992
Approved by: Kelsey A. Scanlon, Director of Department of Emergency Management, x1902
Approved by: Nick Chiulos, Chief Assistant Administrative Officer: x 5145
Attachments:
Attachment A: Resolution
Attachment B: Memorandum of Understanding