20020507_m



COUNTY OF SAN MATEO Inter-Departmental Correspondence
Environmental Services Agency

DATE:			April 2, 2002
BOARD MEETING DATE:			May 7, 2002

TO:		Honorable Board of Supervisors
FROM:		Marcia Raines, Director, Environmental Services Agency
SUBJECT:		Skylonda Fire Station

Recommendation
Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) and the County, which provides for the construction of a new dormitory and office building at the Skylonda Fire Station at such time as State funds are available to reimburse the County for the proposed work.

Key Facts
The existing Skylonda Fire Station office and dormitory are near the end of their economic and useful life and should be replaced. The State has tentatively programmed funds for the FY 2003-04 that may be available to finance the proposed reconstruction of these facilities. CDF believes a MOU which provides for the construction of the new facilities will help guarantee that funds will be available for this purpose in FY 2003-04.

Background
CDF has provided fire service in the Skyline area from the Skylonda Fire Station since the 1960's. The Skylonda Fire Station was built in the 1930's. In 1995 a feasibility report on the Skylonda Fire Station recommended the replacement of the existing dormitory and office building with a new structure and upgrades to the equipment apparatus building due to the age and condition of the structures. Plans were prepared and the project was bid in 1997. Only one bid at $1,511,000 was received, and that bid was almost double the pre-bid estimate of $799,000. The replacement of the dormitory and office building did not go forward but work was done at that time to seismically strengthen the apparatus building, which is a newer structure.

Discussion
We are recommending that your Board authorize the execution of a MOU with CDF to help guarantee that State funds, proposed to be programmed in FY 2003-04, will be appropriated to finance the proposed new facilities at the Skylonda Fire Station. County participation is needed since the County owns the land and the current building. The most recent evaluation of County facilities estimated the cost of rehabilitation of the building to be in the range of 71% of it replacement value. However, the structures would still be over 70 years old after rehabilitation. If your Board chooses not to authorize adoption of the MOU, the prospect of this funding may be placed in jeopardy. Several issues will need to be addressed before the project can proceed. The plans will need to be reviewed to ensure they meet current codes and a new construction cost estimate determined. However, Public Works believes that the bid will be in the same range as the previous bid since we are currently in a more competitive construction climate. We will also want the County's Environmental Health Division to evaluate the property to ensure that the current wastewater management system on the property is satisfactory, as the storage pond of the local water system is located down slope from the station. Environmental Health may also recommend other options if the current system proves inadequate.

Vision Alignment
The MOU with CDF keeps the commitment of ensuring basic health and safety for all and contributes to goal number seven: maintaining and enhancing the public safety of all residents and visitors. The MOU contributes to this commitment and goal by providing a modern facility from which fire personnel will be able to provide fire and emergency services.

Fiscal Impact
There are no immediate fiscal impacts to any fund of the County by your Board authorizing execution of the MOU. The County will incur costs to upgrade the construction plans and to finance the initial cost of construction only if the project goes forward. However, we would not recommend calling for bids until such time as the State funding in the amount of $1.5 million is guaranteed. We will also need to return to your Board with an agreement for the sharing of costs as total project costs may be in the range of $2 million. At that time we will request that funds be included in the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list in FY 2002-03 to finance the review of plans and construction of the station. A form of resolution and the MOU have been approved by County Counsel. The Department of Public Works concurs in our recommendation.

Attachments
1.	Standard COBCP Elements, December 11, 2000
2.	Internal memo to M. Raines, from N. Cullen, March 8, 2002
3.	Draft MOU between the State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the County of San Mateo

COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

The existing Skylonda Fire Station office and dormitory are near the end of their economic and useful life and should be replaced.

The State has tentatively programmed funds for the FY 2003-04 that may be available to finance the proposed reconstruction of these facilities.

CDF believes a MOU which provides for the construction of the new facilities will help guarantee that funds will be available for this purpose in FY 2003-04.

Attachments