HomeMy WebLinkAboutApprove additional appropriation in the amount of $395,000 fDept. ID FD17 004 Page 1 of 2
Meeting Date: 2/6/2017
MEETING DATE: 2/6/2017
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: David A. Segura, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Approve additional appropriation in the amount of $395,000 for as -needed
General Environmental Engineering and Plan Check /Fire Inspection Services
Statement of Issue:
The Fire Department uses professional environmental engineering and plan check/fire inspection
services on an as -needed basis. These services are critical to keeping pace with the current
development occurring in the community. An appropriation of $395,000 is requested for these
services.
Financial Impact:
The recommended action is primarily cost -neutral since these expenditures are reimbursed by
developers and offset by revenue generated from cost recovery fees from associated plan checks
and inspections.
Recommended Action:
Approve an appropriation of $395,000 to the Fire Prevention business unit (10065201.69365) for
professional environmental engineering and plan check/fire inspection services. Funding will be
allocated on an incremental basis as needed, based on development project demands.
Alternative Action(s):
Do not appropriate the funds and provide staff with alternative direction.
Analysis:
Applicants who submit development projects to the City pay fees for plan checks and inspections
and expect reasonable service levels. When City staff can no longer meet demands of increased
development activity, these services have historically been supplemented with professional
environmental engineering and plan check/fire inspection services. This approach is a cost effective
method of closing the gap between the demands for plan check/inspection services and the ability
of City staff to meet this demand.
The Huntington Beach Fire Department is responsible for oversight of the cleanup of contaminated
soil, as required by the Fire Code, Municipal Code and City specifications. To provide these
services, City staff uses environmental engineering firms who possess the technical expertise to
perform these duties.
Environmental Engineering firms provide guidance for City staff in evaluating and approving soil
remediation activities, which is usually associated with development activities.
Item 6. - 1 HB -92-
Dept. ID FD17 004 Page 2 of 2
Meeting Date: 2/6/2017
Typical environmental engineering services include:
• Review of mitigation plans for contaminated soil sites
• Review of mitigation plans for naturally occurring and petroleum -based methane gas
• Providing field and laboratory oversight as necessary to evaluate the sampling and remedial
actions to ensure compliance with all applicable City Municipal Code and City specifications
• Submitting written reports of findings and recommendations regarding testing results,
remediation plans and closure reports
• Providing representation when requested at meetings and presentations regarding soil
remediation plans and associated activities
The Department is requesting an additional appropriation for professional environmental
engineering and plan check/fire inspection services. The current funding for FY 2016/17 is
$151,900 and is anticipated to be exhausted by the end of March 2017 due to current development
activity. An appropriation of $395,000 to the Fire Prevention business unit (10065201.69365) is
requested. These expenditures are primarily cost -neutral since the services are reimbursed by
developers and also offset by General Fund revenue generated from cost recovery fees. In FY
2014/15, the year-end expenditure reached $426,800 and for FY 2015/16 it was $521,300. The
additional allocation is needed to continue providing development related services in the
community.
Environmental Status:
None.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Enhance and maintain public safety.
Attachment(s):
None
HB -9 ;_ Item 6. - 2