CC - Agendas - City Council - REGULAR - 5/13/2014

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Agenda Item: Approval of submission of a 2014 Arizona Wildland Fire Hazardous Fuels Project Grant application to the Arizona Division of Forestry; and ratification of submittal of a grant request to Yavapai County for Title III forest project funding The proposed treatment areas align with the grant criteria and are identified in Prescott's CWPP, representing three camps that annually host approximately 23,000 persons. The three parcels are identified as follows: 1. Yavapines, 3009 Iron Springs Road, consisting of 157 acres, 31 structures, and 150 developed RV spaces (privately owned). 2. United Christian Youth Camp, 1555 Overlook Road, consisting of 81 acres, and 66 structures (privately owned). 3. Southwest Indian Bible Conference Center, 1382 Copper Basin Road, consisting of 5 acres, and three (3) structures (privately owned). The treatment prescription is to reduce the ladder fuel vegetation on the properties, remove all dead trees, and provide defendable space around the structures. All work will consist of hand thinning and chipping conducted by Prescott Fire Department Wildland Division employees and equipment. The Prescott National Forest (PNF) has provided a letter of support for grant funding of these projects, which will complement fuels treatments completed or that are planned by PNF. Yavapai County Title III Forest Proiect Funding - As a prior recipient of funds, the City was notified of a grant opportunity through Yavapai County. The County has made available $178,044.00 for the 2013-14 funding cycle for Title III eligible forest-related projects, and the City applied for a total of $25,000.00 of funding. In order to meet the grant submittal deadline of May 9, 2014, this request is to ratify the prior submittal. This is a 100% grant requiring no match from the City. The grant appropriation will cover one month worth of salaries related to two projects: 1. To carry out activities under the Firewise Communities program to provide to homeowners in fire-sensitive ecosystems education on, and assistance with implementing, techniques in home siting, construction and landscaping that can increase the protection of people and property from wildfires. 2. To develop community wildfire protection plans in coordination with the appropriate Secretary concerned. Financial Impact Arizona Wildland Fire Hazardous Fuels Proiect Grant - The requested amount is $175,081.00, subject to a 10% match ($17,508.10) from funds which will be requested in the City's FY 15 General Fund Budget. If obtained, the grant funding would be available for work that would begin in Fall/Winter 2014/2015. 2