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Community Development Agency, Transportation Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Retroactively approve and accept Domestic Grant 013-DG-11051900-013 for $150,000 from the United States Forest Service;
2) Ratify the Transportation Director’s signature on Domestic Grant 013-DG-11051900-013; and
3) Authorize the Community Development Agency Director to execute any future modifications to Domestic Grant 013-DG-11051900-013 that do not increase the current Grant amount of $150,000.
FUNDING: United States Forest Service Grant Funds (100%). (Federal Funds)
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Community Development Agency (CDA), Transportation Division (Transportation), recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Retroactively approve and accept Domestic Grant 013-DG-11051900-013 for $150,000 from the United States Forest Service (USFS);
2) Retroactively ratify the Transportation Director’s signature on Domestic Grant 013-DG-11051900-013; and
3) Authorize the CDA Director to execute any future modifications to Domestic Grant 013-DG-11051900-013 that do not increase the current Grant amount of $150,000.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On October 19, 2012, Transportation staff submitted a grant proposal to the USFS to fund the purchase of a Regenerative Air Sweeper through the Sediment Reduction Project in order to reduce sediment on the road surface and prevent fine particulates from being transported to receiving water bodies in the Tahoe Basin. The funds were awarded to the County on February 27, 2013, under Domestic Grant 013-DG-11051900-013 (Grant). The Director of Transportation signed the Grant Agreement accepting these funds. The purchase of the Regenerative Air Sweeper was approved by the Board on April 30, 2013 (Item 6).
Transportation did not bring the Grant approvals to the Board for formal approval as required under Board Policy A-6, Grant Applications. Transportation is bringing this item before the Board retroactively to request formal Board approval of the Grant Agreement and Board ratification of the Transportation Director’s signature on the Grant.
During the remaining term of the Grant, Transportation anticipates the need to request that the USFS further modify the terms of the Grant, generally related to administrative issues, project schedules, and budgets. Transportation is requesting that the Board delegate authority to the CDA Director to execute these types of Grant modifications. If a future modification proposes to increase the current amount of the Grant, Transportation will bring such revisions to the Board for consideration.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not approve the Grant funds and not ratify the Transportation Director’s signature on the Grant. This action may result in Transportation being obligated to return those funds that have already been awarded by the USFS under this Grant and spent on the purchase of the Regenerative Air Sweeper.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Grant documents.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Chief Administrative Office concurs with staff's recommendations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will have no impact to the Net County Cost. Grant funds were budgeted and expended on a Regenerative Air Sweeper, which may need to be returned to the USFS if the Board elects to disapprove the recommended action.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
John Kahling, Deputy Director, Engineering
Community Development Agency, Transportation Division