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HomeMy WebLinkAbout _ 4.6(a)--Adopt Resolution re_ Application for CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grant GI �" Y C� F � � �- ' � ° � � i � CITY OF REDDING �� REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: August 4, 2025 FROM: Travis Menne, Director of ITEM NO. 4.6(a) Community Services ***APPROVED BY*** ��v���m �._ .N,.� e � �� ,��H� �� � ,��..w� -� � �w��� � . „�� �„�.�^ � ��J� �� ��� �� Tr�v�s° c,���c,Lzrcc or�a#��rnmunity��rr=ice� 711��,`2��5 lppin,�C"i � at1 � '�� 7/�0/242� :�� tmenne@cityofredding.org btippin@cityofredding.org SUBJECT: 4.6(a)--Adopt Resolution Authorizing Submittal of an Application for the CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grant Pro am Recommendation Adopt Resolution approving the City of Redding's application to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Wildfire Prevention Grants Program in the amount of$950,000, for vegetation management and reduction of fuel loads on City of Redding-owned properties for a project known as the City of Redding Priority Hazardous Fuel Management Project. Fiscal Impact The City of Redding's (City) California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Wildfire Prevention Grants (CAL FIRE WPG) Program application requests $950,000 for vegetation management and reduction of fuel loads on City-owned properties for a project known as the City of Redding Priority Hazardous Fuel Management Project(Project). No match is reguired for this grant program. Due to the Community Services Department's current workload and the projected expenses to undertake this effort, staff is unable to treat the project sites included in this grant application. However, the project wi11 fund approximately one and one-half years of staff time for the recently created second fuels crew, which is also funded by a mix of grants and Redding Electric Utility funds. If awarded, the grant will stretch a two-year effort to a three and one-half-year effort. Alternative Action The City Council could decline to apply for the funds from this grant or provide staff with alternate direction. Report to Redding City Council July 31, 2025 Re: 4.6(a)--Adopt Resolution re:Application for CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grant Page 2 Background/Analysis The CAL FIRE WPG 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. The funding allows the City to reduce fire fuels on City-owned property identified as having high fuel loads. The project includes key sites in west Redding with approximately 150 acres that require work to remove vegetation and prevent undesired re- sprouting of invasive vegetation. If funded, activities will include reducing hazardous fuel loads in at-risk areas, followed by annual grazing. After initial treatments, undesired re-sprouted vegetation will be treated with appropriate herbicide applications. During treatments, areas will be re-evaluated to determine if additional fuel reduction is needed. The proposed activities are consistent with the CAL FIRE WPG Program's mission to avoid or reduce the severity of potential wildfires, thereby liiniting greenhouse gas emissions. The project is also consistent with the recently adopted City's Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which identifies and prioritizes areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and recommends the types and methods of treatment that will protect one or more at-risk communities and essential infrastructure. The CWPP prescribes ladder fuels reduction to most areas included in the project. The grant will fund the initial heavy-lift work on the identified sites so that staff will be able to adequately maintain the locations upon completion of the project, reducing the maintenance burden and allowing for more effective grazing. EnviNonmental Review Accepting the CAL FIRE WPG Program funds is not a project defined under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and no further action is required. If accepted, staff will process the applicable CEQA determination based on the eligible locations and scope of work. 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 2025- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDDING AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO ENTER A CONTRACT WITH CAL FIRE ON BEHALF OF THE AGENCY TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION FOR THE REDDING READY PROJECT WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of California in cooperation with the California State Legislature has enacted State of California Climate Investment, which provides funds to the State of California and its political subdivisions 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 application by local agencies, non-profit organizations, and others under the program; and WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the State of California to carry out the Redding Ready project; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Redding authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to execute all Grant Agreements and any amendments thereto with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; and 1. Approves the filing of an application for "California Climate Investments Wild�ire Prevention Grants Program"; and 2. Certifies that said applicant has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the proj ect; and 3. Certifies that funds under the jurisdiction of the City Council of the City of Redding are available to begin the project; and 4. Certifies that said applicant will expend grant funds prior to February 15, 2029; and 5. Appoints the City Manager, or their designee, to conduct a11 negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to applications, amendments, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned proj ect. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was introduced and adopted at a special meeting of the Redding City Council on the 4th day of August, 2025,by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: JACK MUNNS, Mayor ATTEST: FORM APPROVED: SHARLENE TIPTON, City Clerk CHRISTIAN M. CURTIS, City Attorney