REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 18, 2021
FROM
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
SUBJECT
Title v
Grant Application to the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, for Off-Highway Motor Vehicles Grant Program
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Adopt Resolution, as required by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, for the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle 2020-21 Grant Program, to:
a. Approve a grant application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation requesting $600,000 from the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Grant Program for off-road law enforcement activities in the areas of Barstow, Big Bear, Colorado River, Morongo Basin, Twin Peaks and Victor Valley; with a required County match of 25% in the amount of $200,000, for a total amount of $800,000; and
b. Authorize the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, as required by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, to execute and submit the grant application, award documents and any non-substantive amendments necessary on behalf of the County, subject to review by County Counsel.
2. Find that the grant application and usage are exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act, 14 California Code of Regulations §15321(b) and 15061(b)(3), and direct the Clerk of the Board to file and post the Notice of Exemption.
3. Direct the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator to transmit all documents and amendments in relation to this application to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: John Ades, Captain, 387-0640)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The application for the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle 2020-21 Grant Program (Grant) totals $800,000 (grant funding request of $600,000 and a required 25% County match of $200,000). The Grant will allow the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator (Department) to continue Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enforcement activities in the unincorporated areas of Barstow, Big Bear, Colorado River, Morongo Basin, Twin Peaks and Victor Valley. The required match of 25% will be funded within the Department’s existing budget allocation and will be included in the 2021-22 recommended budget. The Grant will fund overtime, services/supplies, and administrative costs.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Department has received grant funding from the OHV grant program since 2006. The State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation administers the OHV grant program which provides funding to cities, counties, appropriate districts and non-profit organizations to provide OHV recreation, education, enforcement and maintenance. This program is funded from OHV registrations, fines and forfeitures, fees and fuel taxes. This grant is no longer awarded on a competitive basis. The grant award is based on a proportionate, needs-based distribution.
The deadline to submit the grant application is June 7, 2021. The Department is seeking grant funds for the purpose of continuing off-road enforcement activities in the unincorporated areas of Barstow, Big Bear, Colorado River, Morongo Basin, Twin Peaks and Victor Valley. Funds awarded would be used to provide off-highway vehicle law enforcement on peak off-road days, safeguard the desert habitat, and provide information and education materials to the public on the safe and legal use of off-road vehicles. Continuation of the program is contingent upon receiving grant funding.
In accordance with County Policy 05-13, approval from the Board of Supervisors (Board) is needed for grant application requiring a governing board resolution. If awarded, the Department will seek Board approval to accept the funds under this Grant in accordance with the same policy. The Resolution identified in Recommendation No. 1 is provided and required by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and approves the filing of the application by the County and certifies that the County understands its legal obligations, comprehends the applicable Public Resources Code pertaining to maintenance and conservation requirements, and understands the match requirements upon approval of the grant. Additionally, the Resolution appoints the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator as the County’s agent to submit all documents related to this item and certifies that the County has notified the public and adjacent property owners (as applicable). The public and adjacent property owner notification requirements were met, as the Department posted the OHV information on the Department’s website with a link to the State’s OHV website for public comment for 60-days in March 2021.
The grant application was reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and determined to be exempt from future environmental review in accordance with 14 California Code of Regulations §15061(b)(3), "it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment," and 14 California Code of Regulations §15321(b) “as law enforcement activities by peace officers acting under any law providing a criminal sanction”. Approval of Recommendation No. 2 will fulfill the County’s obligation under CEQA with the filing and posting of the Notice of Exemption by the Clerk of the Board.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Richard D. Luczak, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on April 20, 2021; Finance (Carolina Mendoza, Administrative Analyst, 387-0294) on April 26, 2021; and County Finance and Administration (Kelly Welty, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on April 27, 2021.