Agenda No. 7.
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
| City Council Meeting: | October 22, 2024 |
| Department: | City Secretary |
| Subject: | Resolution 24-R-120 - Authorizing a contract with H2O Partners for Planning & Management Services for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Program (S.Williams/G.Rodgers/B.High) |
BACKGROUND
The City of Schertz Office of Emergency Management requires grant planning and management services to assist in the development of grant applications for the Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Program (LHMPP) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). If awarded, these grants would provide the necessary funding for the contractor to update the City's Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). Hazard Mitigation Plans are required for jurisdictions like ours from both the state and federal government, and must be updated every 4 years. We are currently in this process of updating our Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Prior to reaching this point the City of Schertz completed two other requirements which provide the foundation for the development of a Hazard Mitigation Plan including a Threat and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR).
All grant funding that will be accessed during this process are awarded and funded at the federal level. These federal tax dollars are then sent to the states for administration of local programs.
The City put out a solicitation in June 2024 for planning & management services for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Program (to include both pre and post award activities). Two proposal were received and evaluated based on the published RFP scoring criteria. Staff recommeneds contracting with H2O Partners, the highest ranked firm, for these grant-related services.
Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Program (LHMPP)
A program created with the Texas Division of Emergency Mangement (TDEM) to provide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the development of an enhanced State of Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan, as well as providing funds for the development of Hazard Mitigation PLans for eligible areas.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
This program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principlally for low and moderate income persons. The program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, as amended 42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq. The program was designed to reinforce several important values and principles of community development.
Threat and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA) & Stakeholders Preparedness Review (SPR)
These two processes help communities prepare for disasters. THIRA is a risk assessment process that helps communities identify the capability targets and resource requirements necessary to address anticipated and unanticipated risks. Communities complete the THIRA every three years. SPR is an annual, three-step self-assessment of a community's capabilitiy levels based on the capability targets identified in the THIRA. Communities use the data from the THIRA process to assess their capabilities in the SPR which is then used to identify and address capability gaps related to Planning, Organization, Equipment, Training, and Exercise (POETE) areas.
Hazard Mitigation Planning
Hazard mitigation planning helps to minimize the loss of life and property damage by minimizing the impact of disasters. It begins with state, tribal and local governments identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are common in their area. After identifying these risks, they develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from similar events. Mitigation plans are kep to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction.
Prior to reaching this point the City of Schertz completed two other requirements which provide the foundation for the development of a Hazard Mitigation Plan including a Threat and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR).
All grant funding that will be accessed during this process are awarded and funded at the federal level. These federal tax dollars are then sent to the states for administration of local programs.
The City put out a solicitation in June 2024 for planning & management services for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Program (to include both pre and post award activities). Two proposal were received and evaluated based on the published RFP scoring criteria. Staff recommeneds contracting with H2O Partners, the highest ranked firm, for these grant-related services.
Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Program (LHMPP)
A program created with the Texas Division of Emergency Mangement (TDEM) to provide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the development of an enhanced State of Texas Hazard Mitigation Plan, as well as providing funds for the development of Hazard Mitigation PLans for eligible areas.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
This program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principlally for low and moderate income persons. The program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, as amended 42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq. The program was designed to reinforce several important values and principles of community development.
Threat and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA) & Stakeholders Preparedness Review (SPR)
These two processes help communities prepare for disasters. THIRA is a risk assessment process that helps communities identify the capability targets and resource requirements necessary to address anticipated and unanticipated risks. Communities complete the THIRA every three years. SPR is an annual, three-step self-assessment of a community's capabilitiy levels based on the capability targets identified in the THIRA. Communities use the data from the THIRA process to assess their capabilities in the SPR which is then used to identify and address capability gaps related to Planning, Organization, Equipment, Training, and Exercise (POETE) areas.
Hazard Mitigation Planning
Hazard mitigation planning helps to minimize the loss of life and property damage by minimizing the impact of disasters. It begins with state, tribal and local governments identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are common in their area. After identifying these risks, they develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from similar events. Mitigation plans are kep to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction.
GOAL
The goal is to apply for and receive grant funding to complete our local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Having a local Hazard Mitigation Plan allows our city to apply for federal grants, protects our citizens by authorizing Public Assistance (PA) funds to be dispensed in case of disaster, and brings our departments and neighboring jurisdictions today related to the hazards we all face within the City of Schertz.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve Resolution 24-R-120 authorizing a contract with H2O Partners for Planning & Management Services for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Programs.
FISCAL IMPACT
All project costs will come directly from awarded grant funding. H2O Partners will utilize management and administration fees applied to the grant in order to receive compensation for their services. Therefore, there will be no cost or fiscal impact to the City.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Resolution 24-R-120 authorizing a contract with H2O Partners for Planning & Management Services for Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Programs.