Title
Chief Administrative Officer submitting information requested by the Board showing risk of liability from the operation and for the trees remaining as it relates to the emergency tree debris removal in the Angora Fire burn area. (Referred 7/31/2007, Item 7)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file.
Body
BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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Total Estimated Cost |
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$1,500,000 |
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Funding |
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Budgeted |
$ |
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New Funding |
$ |
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Savings |
$ |
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Other |
$ |
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Total Funding Available |
$ |
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Change To Net County Cost |
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$1,500,000 |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: A $1,500,000 increase in net County cost for emergency tree debris removal in the Angora Fire burn area. This activity is eligible for 75% reimbursement ($1,125,000) from state funds. Reimbursements will be placed back into General Fund contingency upon receipt.
Background:
The County of El Dorado proclaimed a local emergency due to the outbreak of the Angora Fire on Sunday, June 24, and the Board of Supervisors ratified said action on Tuesday, June 26. As a result of the Angora Fire, 229 residences and 75 commercial structures have been destroyed, and another 14 residences have been damaged. Serious health and safety hazards currently exist from fire debris, including unstable chimneys, walls of fire damaged structures, and harmful chemicals that are likely to remain on affected parcels, such hazards requiring immediate attention and constituting a local emergency.
In an unprecedented act, the State Office of Emergency Services along with the California Environmental Protection Agency have agreed to develop a plan in conjunction with the County to assist the homeowners affected by the fire in the cleanup of their properties. In order to gain access to the private property, the homeowners have been asked to sign a Right of Entry Permit. The Right of Entry permit does three things: (1) it grants access to the site, to the County, state and their contractors; (2) it obligates the homeowner to reimburse the County for the cost of the cleanup of their property to the extent the homeowner receives any insurance proceeds and (3) holds the County, State and their contractors harmless for any damages arising from or related to the cleanup efforts. At its July 10 meeting, the Board of Supervisors authorized the Board Chairman to sign the Right of Entry Permits on behalf of the County once the signed Right of Entry Permits are received from the homeowners affected by the Angora Fire.
Reason for Recommendation:
The removal of dead and dying trees from the affected parcels is necessary to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of those wishing to rebuild houses on affected parcels. Further, removal of dead and dying trees will help prevent a bark beetle infestation in the burn area. State and county staffs are establishing a program similar to the structural debris removal program to coordinate the removal of dead and dying trees from the affected areas. The right-of-entry form includes the removal of trees as an eligible activity.
The proposed FY 2007-08 Budget contains almost $5.9 million in General Fund contingency funding that is set aside for unforeseen or uncertain expenditures or revenue shortfalls that may arise out of the course and scope of County operations. If this transfer is approved, there will be $4,365,965 in General Fund contingency remaining.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
Chair to sign Budget Transfer.
Contact: Laura S. Gill - ext. 5530
Concurrences: