For City Council Meeting May 27, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Tanya Williams, City Manager
FROM: Tim Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Title
Request City Council to Authorize Staff to Submit a Notice of Interest and Subsequent Full Application to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to Support the Purchase and Installation of the Generator and Flooding Mitigation Projects.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize staff to submit a Notice of Interest and subsequent full application to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to support the purchase and installation of generators and flooding mitigation projects.
BACKGROUND
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides funding to local governments, special districts, and eligible non-profits to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures that reduce the risk of future disasters.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Staff is recommending the submission of an application for the HGMP ‘Project’ category funding to purchase and install generators at City facilities that provide essential services during emergencies, particularly in the event of utility power outages. An inventory is currently being assessed, and a comprehensive list of eligible locations will be determined to ensure all qualifying facilities are included in the request.
In addition, the City has experienced significant flooding issues along Foothill Boulevard since its construction. To address this, staff suggest submitting a request under the ‘Advance Assistance’ category of funding available through HGMP. This type of application allows for up to 25% of the total HGMP funds allocated for California to be utilized for the development or design of projects related to HMGP or other hazard mitigation assistance programs.
On February 13, 2024, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with MNS Engineers. Staff has requested a proposal from MNS Engineers to assist with the application process, which will span from the Notice of Interest (NOI) to the sub-application due by September 15, 2025. MNS Engineers’ scope of work includes developing the project’s scope, conducting a benefit-cost analysis, and providing essential technical engineering support.
The HMGP offers 75% federal funding, with a local match of 25% required for the remaining cost. It is important to note that the full HMGP application process can take up to three years. The process begins with the submission of a Notice of Interest through the Cal OES Engage Portal. If selected to proceed, the City will be invited to submit a comprehensive application comprising of:
• A detailed project description and scope
• Cost estimates and budget
• Benefit-cost analysis
• Environmental and Historic Preservation documentation
• Proof of compliance with federal procurement standards (2 CFR 200)
Following submission, Cal OES will review the application and, if deemed eligible, will forward it to FEMA for final approval and funding obligation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
The City of Rialto General Plan establishes various guiding principles, goals, and objectives through which the City looks to improve the community and protect the quality of life for our residents. This action is consistent with Guiding Principle 3A in the General Plan:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
The cost to submit the NOI to Cal OES is covered under MNS Engineers’ existing contract, with no additional impact to the operating budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact:
Approving this action has no impact to the Capital Improvement Budget.
Licensing
A Business License application and payment of a Business License tax is not required for this action.