BACKGROUND:
Congress, through Public Law 93-288 as amended by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relieve and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 (Stafford Act) has established programs and procedures to provide an orderly and continuing means of assistance to State and Local governments during major disasters.
Assistance under the Stafford Act is managed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and distributed throughout California by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
In order to receive funding, the City, as Applicant, must identify certain Staff to act as Agents authorized to execute and provide all Cal OES forms, agreements, and other assurances as may be required to receive funding.
DISCUSSION:
Cal OES has created a standard form resolution (Cal OES 130) for the designation of Agents. The Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies is required for all Applicants to be eligible to receive funding.
Due to the type of assistance normally provided under the Stafford Act pertaining to disasters, Staff recommends the City authorize the City Manager, Financial Services Director, as well as the Director of Public Works to manage the information between the City and Cal OES.
The immediate need for filing this Resolution is due to Staff coordination with FEMA and Cal OES in order to receive federal assistance related to the March 13, 2020 Presidential Disaster Declaration due to the on-going Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid- 19) pandemic and the November 22, 2023 Presidential Disaster Declaration due to the emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Hilary (August 19-21).
By completing this form, this is a universal resolution and is effective for all open and future disasters up to three (3) years following the date of this approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this action. The Authorized Agents will be provided the authority to submit forms, assurances, and execute agreements with Cal OES pertaining to receiving federal assistance during a disaster declaration.
Purchases related to responding to these disasters will still follow normal City protocols.