City of Gonzales
FIRE DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: April 1, 2024
FROM: Jason Muscio, Fire Chief
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2024-09 Grant Application to Department of Water Resources for the Flood Emergency Response Program
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2024-09, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the California Department of Water Resources for the Flood Emergency Response Program Upgrade.
BACKGROUND
The City is responsible for emergency response within its geographical boundaries. The California Emergency Services Act requires the City to manage and coordinate the overall emergency response and recovery activities within its jurisdiction. The City’s Emergency Management Team has been tasked with evaluating and improving our plan to respond to and mitigate hazards associated with all types of emergencies including flooding. The City of Gonzales has experienced catastrophic flooding in the past and remains susceptible to potentially devastating flooding events. The Emergency Management Team has identified deficiencies within our Flood Emergency Response Program and has sought funding from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to improve our readiness and response capabilities.
This includes a mass text messaging system to help notify the public of emergencies, which has been on the City’s wish list for a while.
In January, a letter of intent was submitted to the DWR. The DWR responded to our request and advised that we were eligible to receive funding for the specified projects, and we would need to submit a complete application including a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit the formal application. The projects we are requesting funding for are as follows:
AGENDA
ITEM
9 1. Funding for the set up, and five years of operating cost, for an emergency mass notification system, valued at $39,000.
2. Funding for the purchase of flood fighting materials and a storage container that will be positioned on the East side of the City, valued at $8,500.
3. Administrative time in preparing the grant application and implementing the programs at $2,375.
4. For a total funding request of $49,875.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: A comprehensive Flood Emergency Response Program is vital for maintaining the health and safety of our residents during times of emergency.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: The proposed funding will increase our capability to notify our residents of potential life threatening or damaging flooding, and provide tools and materials to respond to and mitigate hazards associated with flood emergencies.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: All costs involved with implementing the program will be funded by the grant.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could direct staff to take no further action on this item, however this is not recommended as this funding will provide vital resources necessary to keep our residents safe and prevent property damage.
BUDGET IMPACT
As stated above, the costs involved in implementing the upgrades to the Flood Emergency Response Program, and completing the required application are included in the grant funding request.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2024-09, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the California Department of Water Resources for the Flood Emergency Response Program Upgrade.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2024-09