COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

AREA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

AND HOMELAND SECURITY

DATE:

May 11, 2006

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 6, 2006

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Sheriff Don Horsley, Office of Emergency Services Area Coordinator

SUBJECT:

Approval of FY 06 Homeland Security Grant Program for the San Mateo Operational Area

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the OES Area Coordinator or his designee to:

1.

submit a grant application to California Office of Homeland Security (OHS) through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for administration of grant awards to enhance the capabilities of local first responders in the amount not to exceed $2,500,000; and

2.

execute the grant agreement and any other documents required by and for the program described in the grant.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.

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 as well as natural disasters and other hazards.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

Measure

FY 2004-05
Actual

FY 2005-06
Projected

Number of incidents responded to by OES staff

76

80

Percent of emergency incidents responded to within one hour

98%

100%

BACKGROUND:

DHS is providing financial grants to each of the states for the FY04 Homeland Security Grant through OHS. In order to receive funding, the San Mateo Operational Area is required to submit a complete application that includes a resolution from the governing board (the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors). This grant program allows continued expansion and enhancement through four basic areas: planning, equipment, training, and exercises. The grant program is 100% funded and requires no matching funds.

DISCUSSION:

Changes in local, state, national, and international conditions have precipitated the necessity for reviewing, updating, and upgrading current preparedness, response, and recovery plans and procedures. This grant will allow jurisdictions to take advantage of funding to revise their plans and procedures, facilitate drafting of plans for community response groups, and attending related training. San Mateo Area Office of Emergency Services (OES) will serve as the administrator for the distribution to County cities and special districts.

County Counsel has reviewed the resolution and approved as to form.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no impact on the County, OES, or Sheriff’s Office net county cost. The $2,500,000 grant will be utilized for the supplementing and enhancing existing capabilities and facilitating exercises and training. 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.