Post-Fire Actions Dominate Supervisors’ Agenda
by Joe Naiman

For Ramona residents, the Feb. 10-11 Board of Supervisors agenda was highlighted by a trio of actions related to the October fires.

On Feb. 10, supervisors approved the creation of a Fire and Life Safety Helicopter Operating Council, bringing them a step closer to obtaining a fire and rescue helicopter for the county of San Diego.

They also ratified agreements with the state for Community Services Block Grant funding to assist low-income fire victims.

The following day’s agenda included authorization to accept National Emergency Grant funding for park cleanup and restoration efforts.

The vote on the helicopter council also earmarked funds for a study on a regional program. The county’s Chief Administrative Officer will return to the board in 90 days to determine the type of helicopter needed and 45 days after the regional study is completed to determine other needs. In addition, the vote established funding for the eventual acquisition of a helicopter.

Each supervisor will nominate one fire-service professional for appointment to the six-member helicopter council. The sixth person will be nominated by the San Diego County Sheriff.

Two recommendations to create the council through a county ordinance were dropped. The ordinance would have required a second reading at a subsequent Board of Supervisors meeting for adoption and would not have taken effect until 30 days after adoption.

In addition to overseeing the operation of a fire and life safety helicopter to be permanently based in San Diego County, the council will advise the board on all topics related to the helicopter, including what to purchase and ways to fund its acquisition and operation.

Input will be sought from the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association, the city of San Diego’s fire department, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. military, the Sheriff’s Department and other sources with expertise on the region’s aerial firefighting needs. Discussions would include type of aircraft, maintenance programs, pilot qualifications, program management, and recruitment and retention.

Two revenue agreements with the state’s Department of Community Services and Development were approved: a $150,000 discretionary grant and up to $350,000 of supplemental grant funding. The one-time supplemental funding is contingent upon congressional approval and would serve post-fire needs of low-income fire victims in several counties.

The National Emergency Grant program is administered through the U.S. Department of Labor, and funds are limited to the creation of temporary jobs, appropriate support services and related implementation costs. The county’s share, in the form of labor services, will total $768,000 in salaries and $384,000 in fringe benefits. An additional $88,320 of funding will cover equipment, training, and other support costs.