REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 20, 2025
FROM
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
SUBJECT
Title
Grant Application to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation for Off-Highway Motor Vehicle 2025-26 Grant Program
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve and authorize the submission of the 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 unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, with a required County match of 25% in the amount of $200,000, for a total amount of $800,000.
2. Find that the California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle 2025-26 Grant Program application and usage of funds are exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15321, subdivision (b) or, alternatively, section 15061, subdivision (b)(2).
3. Adopt Resolution, as required by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, for the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle 2025-26 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 unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, 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 and any non-substantive amendments necessary, on behalf of the County, subject to review by County Counsel.
4. Authorize the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, as required by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, to execute and submit the grant application and any non-substantive amendments necessary on behalf of the County, subject to review by County Counsel.
5. Direct the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator to transmit the grant application and any non-substantive amendments to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
6. Direct the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator to file and post the Notice of Exemption required under the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Presenter: Carolina Mendoza, Chief Deputy Director, 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 and Stakeholders.
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 2025-26 Grant Program (Grant) in the amount of $800,000 (Grant funding request of $600,000 and required 25% County match of $200,000) will allow the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator (Department) to continue Off-Highway Motor Vehicle (OHV) enforcement activities in the unincorporated areas of the County. The required match of 25% will be accomplished through funds available within the Department’s recommended 2025-26 budget allocation. The Grant will fund overtime, services and supplies, and administrative costs. If awarded, the Department will return to the Board of Supervisors (Board) to accept the Grant. If the Department does not receive the Grant funding, it will request funding from the Community Concerns budget to ensure continuation of the program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Department has received grant funding from the OHV grant program since 2006. The State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), administers the OHV grant program, which provides funding to cities, counties, appropriate districts, and non-profit organizations for OHV recreation, education, enforcement, and maintenance. This program is funded from OHV registrations, fines and forfeitures, fees, and fuel taxes. This grant is based on a proportional, needs-based distribution.
The deadline to submit the Grant application is June 2, 2025. The Department is seeking the Grant funds for the purpose of continuing off-road enforcement activities in the unincorporated areas of the County. Funds awarded would be used to provide OHV law enforcement on peak off-road days, safeguard desert habitat, and provide information and education materials to the public on the safe and legal use of off-road vehicles.
In accordance with County Policy 05-13, approval from the Board is needed for grant applications requiring a governing board resolution. If awarded, the Department will seek Board approval to accept grant funds in accordance with the same policy. The Resolution identified in Recommendation No. 2 is provided and required by the DPR, 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, or designee, as the County’s agent to submit all documents related to this grant and certifies that the County has notified the public and adjacent property owners (as applicable). The public and adjacent property owner notification requirements have been 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 beginning in March 2025.
The Grant application was reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (CEQA), Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq., and it was determined that the activities falling under it are exempt from future environmental review, in accordance with California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15321, subdivision (b) or, alternatively, section 15061, subdivision (b)(2). Approval of Recommendation No. 4 will fulfill the County’s obligation under CEQA with the filing and posting by the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator of the Notice of Exemption from CEQA.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Grace B. Parsons, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on April 28, 2025; Finance (Erika Rodarte, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919) May 2, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Valerie Clay, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on May 5, 2025.