HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6k. Authorization to apply for the California Fire Foundation Wildfire Safety & Preparedness Grant Item 6k
Department: Fire
Cost Center: 8502
For Agenda of: 7/20/2021
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Keith Aggson, Fire Chief
Prepared By: James Blattler, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR THE CALIFORNIA FIRE
FOUNDATION WILDFIRE SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS GRANT
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize the Fire Department to apply to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire
Safety & Preparedness Grant Program for a grant in the amount of $13,711 to
purchase Personal Protective Equipment coats for wildland firefighting; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the grant documents and approve
the budget changes necessary to appropriate the grant amount upon notification that
the grant has been awarded.
DISCUSSION
State, federal, and non-profit grants are occasionally offered to assist local governments
with the financial impacts associated with daily operations and/or mandated programs.
The Fire Department actively seeks out these opportunities to enhance the effectiveness
of the Department while increasing fiscal sustainability for the City. A recent grant
opportunity was identified, which is in line with these goals and addresses a current need
for the Fire Department: the California Fire Foundation’s Wildfire Safety & Preparedness
Program.
Background
Created in 1987, the California Fire Foundation (CFF), a statewide nonprofit 501(c)(3)
charitable organization, provides public safety prevention education initiatives, emotional
and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities
they protect. CFF’s mandate includes an array of programs that honor fallen firefighters
and provide survivor and victim assistance, as well as public safety education initiatives
aimed at preventing injuries and death from preventable safety hazards.
As weather heats up across California and increases wildfire risk, the state is bracing for
a long, hot summer exacerbated by severe drought conditions. Programs or projects that
focus on supporting wildfire prevention or relief efforts aimed at protecting and enhancing
the public’s safety and/or the safety of California’s firefighters and other first responders,
including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), are prioritized in this program.
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Item 6k
Adequate PPE is essential in allowing the Fire Department personnel to directly and
aggressively fight wildland and urban fires to protect homes and the community.
Additionally, the receipt of the grant will provide the Department with a strong message
to the community that wildfire preparedness is a top priority. As part of the grant project,
staff will promote receipt of the CFF’s grant to help encourage community wildfire
preparedness.
The City’s grant application will request funding for the purchase of new coats for wildland
firefighting to help maintain adequate PPE levels for all emergency response personnel.
Policy Context
The recommended actions are consistent with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Financial
Management Manual, Section 740 - Grant Management Policy. The policy states that
Council will approve all grant applications in excess of $5,000 and delegates receipt and
contract execution to the City Manager.
Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the July 20, 2021, City Council meeting and will follow all
required postings and notifications. The public will have an opportunity to comment on
this item at or before the meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in
this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines
Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2021-22
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $0 $0 $0 $0
State $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal $0 $0 $0 $0
Fees $0 $0 $0 $0
Other: $13,711 $0 $0 $0
Total $13,711 $0 $ $0
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The California Fire Foundation Wildfire Safety & Preparedness Grant Program does not
require any City matching funds. If the project is not fully funded by the CFF, the
department will look to absorb the remaining project costs within the approved annual
operating budget for fiscal year 2021-22.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could decide not to pursue the grant monies . This is not recommended
as fire service grant opportunities are limited and the grant funds would only serve to
enhance the effectiveness of the Fire Department while increasing fiscal sustainability for
the City.
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