Title
Facilities, a division of the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 018-2026, delegating authority to the Chief Administrative Office, Facilities Division Manager, to approve and sign hazardous tree removal agreements and permission forms with utility providers for work conducted on or adjacent to County-owned property, pending Risk Management and County Counsel approval.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Utility providers periodically identify hazardous trees on or near County property that pose a risk to public safety or utility infrastructure. To mitigate these hazards, utility providers require signed permission forms or agreements from the County before proceeding with removal and debris handling.
Currently, each agreement requires individual Board approval, which can create delays in addressing safety concerns. These delays often result in missed opportunities for full service: for example, a utility may remove the hazardous tree but, due to the time required for County approval, move on before completing debris removal. This leaves the County responsible for handling surplus wood, which is already a significant issue in the region.
The proposed Resolution delegates authority to the Facilities Division Manager, or designee, to approve and sign such agreements pending approval by Risk and County Counsel, on behalf of the County, ensuring timely execution and improved efficiency in hazard mitigation efforts.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decline this Resolution and the Division would bring each agreement and/or permission form to the Board for approval. This approach will result in delays and increased administrative burden while not addressing hazardous trees in a timely manner.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated wi...
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