REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Universal Resolution of Authorized Agents for Disaster Recovery Funds [Council Pillar: Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure]
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara has the ability to request and receive financial assistance from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a public entity established under the laws of the State of California. This is in accordance with Public Law 93-288 as amended by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 and/or state financial assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act. The City must have a valid Authorized Agent Resolution Form 130 on file with Cal OES to apply for and receive financial assistance from Cal OES and FEMA.
DISCUSSION
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the President declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020 and in accordance with section 502 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §5192, certain emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency at the direction or guidance of public health officials may be reimbursed under Category B of FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Providing the Authorized Agent Resolution Form 130 to Cal OES will allow the City to apply for disaster funds to offset its costs associated with responding to the pandemic.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost to submit the Authorized Agent Resolution Form 130 to Cal OES. Efforts to maximize the City’s reimbursement is ongoing and underway. The City’s eligible costs to respond to the pandemic by conducting emergency protective measures are expected to be covered by FEMA at a 75% cost share. Additional information will be brought forward at a later date to the Council, with corresponding appropriation actions for any future revenue received from FEMA reimbursements.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize City Manager, Fire Chief and/or Director of Finance to act as designated agents of the City of Santa Clara for all matters pertaining to state disaster assistance by approving the attached Cal OES form 130 “Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies”
Staff
Reviewed by: Kenn Lee, Director of Finance
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Cal OES Form 130 “Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies”