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HomeMy WebLinkAbout _ 4.2(c)--Resolution re Application for CalFire Wildfire Prevention Grant Program CITY OF REDDING REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL Recommendation Authorize the following: (1) Adopt Resolution authorizing the City of Redding to submit an application to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Wildfire Prevention Grants Program in the amount of $5 million; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to apply for the grant, appropriate funds should the grant be awarded, and execute any agreements necessary to implement the project. Fiscal Impact The grant application will request up to $5 million for vegetation management and reduction of fuel loads on City of Redding (City)-owned properties for a project entitled the City of Redding Priority Hazardous Fuel Management Project (Project). No match is required for this grant program. The project would potentially span over the next three to four years. Alternative Action The City Council could decline to apply for the funds under this grant opportunity or provide staff with alternative direction. Due to staff workloads and expense, these sites would not be able to be cleared without the funding this grant could provide. Background/Analysis CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides funding for wildfire prevention projects and activities in and near fire threatened communities that focus on increasing the protection of people, structures, and communities. Funded activities include hazardous fuel reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education with an emphasis on improving public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. MEETING DATE: March 7, 2023 ITEM NO. 4.2(c) FROM: ***APPROVED BY*** sbade@cityofredding.org btippin@cityofredding.org SUBJECT: 4.2(c)--Resolution Authorizing Submittal of Application for CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grant Program Steve Bade, Assistant City Manager Report to Redding City Council February 28, 2023 Re: 4.2(c)--Resolution re Application for CalFire Wildfire Prevention Grant Program Page 2 The funding, if awarded, will allow the City to remove fuels on City-owned property previously identified as having high fuel loads. There are 15 identified areas (approximately 946 acres) that require work to remove vegetation and prevent undesired re-sprouting of invasive vegetation. The multi-step approach to the project would combine funding with previously allocated funds from Redding Electric Utility ($80,000 per year) to clear spaces of vegetation, hire a private contractor to work alongside Parks Division staff to target these sites for grazing and clearing, and apply herbicide as necessary to prevent future overgrowth. The proposed activities are consistent with the Wildfire Prevention Grants Program’s mission to avoid or reduce the severity of potential wildfires, thereby limiting greenhouse gas emissions . The funds from this grant, if awarded, would allow the identified sites to be cleared such that City staff would be able to adequately maintain the locations upon completion of the project. Council Priority/City Manager Goals • Government of the 21st Century – “Be relevant and proactive to the opportunities and challenges of today’s residents and workforce. Anticipate the future to make better decisions today.” Attachments ^Resolution RESOLUTION NO. 2023-_____ RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDDING APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION (CAL FIRE) WILDFIRE PREVENTION GRANTS PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of California , in cooperation with the State Legislature , has enacted State of California Climate Investment, which provides funds to the State of California and its political subdivision for fire prevention programs ; and WHEREAS, the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has been delegated the responsibility for the administration of the program within the State, setting up necessary procedures governing the application by local agencies, non -profit organizations, and o thers under the program ; and WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the State of California to carry out th e City of Redding Priority Hazardous Fuel Management Project; NOW, TH EREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cit y Council of the City of Redding hereby: 1. Approves the filing of an application for the “California Climate Investment Fire Prevention Grant Program ;” 2. Certifies that said applicant has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project; 3. Certifies that funds under the jurisdiction of the City Council of the City of Redding are available to begin the project; 4. Certifies that said applicant will expend grant funds prior to March 15, 202 9; and 5. Appoints the City Manager, or designee, to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to , applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests , and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned project. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redding on the 7th day of March, 2023, and was duly adopted by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MICHAEL DACQUISTO, Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: PAMELA MIZE, City Clerk BARRY E. DeWALT, City Attorney