To: GENERAL GOVERNMENT STANDING COMMITTEE
From: Supervisor Haschak
Meeting Date: March 27, 2024
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Haschak |
Phone: |
707-463-4221 |
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Time Allocated for Item: 30 Minutes |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Including Consideration of Potential Revisions to Mendocino County Code (MCC) Chapter 8.77, Titled “Hazardous Vegetation, Combustible Material, Rubbish, and Weeds” (Abatement of Hazardous Vegetation and Combustible Material Nuisance Ordinance) and Evaluating Potential Funding Sources for Implementation
(Sponsor: Supervisor Haschak)
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Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Discuss potential revisions to MCC Chapter 8.77, titled “Hazardous Vegetation, Combustible Material, Rubbish, and Weeds” (Abatement of Hazardous Vegetation and Combustible Material Nuisance Ordinance) and evaluate potential funding sources for implementation and determination of recommended next steps.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
On February 23, 2021 the Board adopted an ordinance creating Mendocino County Code Chapters 8.77 providing for the abatement of hazardous vegetation and combustible material to reduce fire hazards. On January 23, 2024, Board of Supervisors referred the consideration of potential revisions and potential funding sources to the General Government Standing Committee (GGC). This item was first discussed by the GGC on February 28, 2024.
Summary of Request/Referral:
MCC Chapter 8.77 titled “Hazardous Vegetation, Combustible Material, Rubbish, and Weeds”, was originally adopted as an “intentional broad framework” with an expectation set by the Board that there would be additional modifications to the ordinance, identification of dedicated resources, and/or Board direction committed to a multistep process developing this as a functional enforcement tool to reduce fire hazards in the County.
The grants division has identified two grants (Fire-Hazard Abatement Ordinance Implementation Planning and Capacity Building grant for $107,000 and the Fire Hazard Abatement Ordinance Implementation Public Services grant for $187,000) that may be re-purposed for costs of County personnel, including but not limited to County Counsel, Code Enforcement, Building Division staff, or any other department/division determined by the County as necessary to carry out enforcement.
Additionally, staff have stated it is reasonable that collaboration and coordination with local fire entities remains a critical matter to successfully address hazardous vegetation, with the County perhaps in a supporting role.
Finally, there are hazardous situations in the County that need to be addressed, especially in regards to absentee owners. In some instances, community organizations have received grants for fuel reduction and hazardous vegetation abatement work, but they are unable to proceed for lack of authorization from absentee owners. All options should be explored, including acquisition or transfer of deadbeat properties to an entity that will be responsible stewards of the properties.
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: Possible funding from re-purposed grants |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): No |
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revenue agreement: No |
CEO Liaison: Steve Dunnicliff, Deputy CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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Number: |
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