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Community Development Services, Department of Transportation, recommending the Board authorize the Director of Transportation, or designee, to administer and/or sign any administrative documents that do not fiscally encumber the County, including documents required by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or other California State agencies, related to all phases of the County’s Tree Mortality Hazard Tree Removal Plan.
FUNDING: California Disaster Assistance Act Funds (75% - State) and General Fund (25% - Local).
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Community Development Services, Department of Transportation (Transportation), is recommending the Board authorize the Director of Transportation, or designee, to administer and/or sign any administrative documents, including documents required by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) or other California State agencies, related to all phases of the County’s Tree Mortality Hazard Tree Removal Plan.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Data collected by state and federal agencies demonstrates that drought conditions and bark beetle infestation have killed over 102 million trees throughout California, and that tens of millions more are likely to die over the next five to six years.
On October 30, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed a State of Emergency due to unprecedented tree mortality caused by conditions of extreme drought and drought-related bark beetle infestations. The Governor's Emergency Proclamation contains 18 distinct actions that direct state agencies, utilities, and local governments to remove dead or dying trees in high hazard areas across the entire state.
On March 28, 2016 (Item 1), the Board adopted Resolution 053-2016 declaring a State of Emergency in El Dorado County due to pervasive tree mortality, and on May 17, 2016 (Item 46), the Board approved the County’s Tree Mortality Hazard Tree Removal Plan.
On May 9, 2017 (Item 27), the Board authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to administer or sign any administrative documents, including documents required by CAL FIRE or other California State agencies, associated with the Tree Mortality Project Phase 1 - Grizzly Flats and Camino. Transportation now requests that the authorization to administer and/or sign any administrative documents for such purposes be given to the Director of Transportation, or designee, for all future phases in order to improve efficiency. This proposed authorization would not include any documents which would fiscally encumber the County.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not authorize this administration or signature authority. Transportation would make changes as directed and return to the Board at a later date.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
CAL FIRE
Various California State Agencies
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost associated with this item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Community Development Services, Department of Transportation