COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

AREA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

DATE:

October 22, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 12, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Sheriff Don Horsley, OES Area Coordinator

SUBJECT:

Approval of a State Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant for the San Mateo Operational Area

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing:

1. The OES Area Coordinator to submit a grant application to the Governor's Office of Emergency Services through the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs for administration of grant awards to purchase domestic preparedness equipment in the amount not to exceed $234,800.

2. The OES Area Coordinator or his designee to execute the grant agreement and any other documents required by and for the program described in the grant.

Background

The United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs is providing financial grants to each of the states for the FY 2000 and 2001 under the State Domestic Preparedness Equipment Program. To receive funding the San Mateo Operational Area is required to submit a complete application that, in part, includes a resolution from the governing board (San Mateo County Board of Supervisors). This grant program represents the second and third years of a three-year initiative and addresses local needs for response equipment for domestic preparedness. The grant program is 100% funded requiring no matching funds.

Discussion

Recent terrorist attacks and the possibilities of future ones, which may include biological, chemical, radiological, or explosive devices, have compelled the public safety community to be better equipped to respond to such incidents. This grant is for the purchase of equipment to enhance the capability of state and local agencies to respond to incidents of terrorism. San Mateo County Area Office of Emergency Services will serve as the administrator for the distribution of equipment to County departments, cities, and special districts. Administration of this grant is limited to purchases only and does not include training, maintenance, replacement or deployment.

A sub-committee comprised of the OES Area Coordinator, Fire Mutual Aid Coordinator, Police Chiefs' Homeguard Committee Chairman, Public Health Director, Environmental Health Director, and EMS Administrator was formed to oversee allocation of grant funding.

The County Counsel's Office has reviewed the resolution as to form and finds it in order.

Vision Alignment

The program keeps the commitment of responsive, effective, and collaborative government and goal number 22: County and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County. The grant contributes to this commitment and goal by providing equipment to first responders of local communities and improves the response capabilities of individuals responding to biological, chemical, or radiological terrorism incidents.

Fiscal Impact

There is no impact on the County, OES, or Sheriff's Office net county cost. The $234,000 grant will be utilized for the on-time purchase of equipment to enhance the capability of local agencies to respond to chemical, biological, or radiological terrorism incidents. Much of the funding will be channeled to city and special district fire and police services throughout the county. Existing OES staff resources will be used to administer this grant program.