HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5j. Authorization to Apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant Item 5j
Department: Fire
Cost Center: 8502
For Agenda of: 3/15/2022
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Keith Aggson, Fire Chief
Prepared By: James Blattler, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS
GRANT (AFG)
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize the Fire Department to apply for a grant to the Federal Assistance to
Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program in the amount of $46,981.41 to purchase Urban
Search & Rescue equipment; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the grant documents and approve
the budget changes necessary to appropriate the grant 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. One grant opportunity
was identified, which is in line with these goals and current needs for the Fire Department:
the Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 AFG Program.
Background
The Federal FY 2021 AFG Program is one of three grant programs that constitute the
Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency’s (FEMA) focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect
to fire and fire related hazards. The AFG Program accomplishes this goal by providing
direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments for critical training and equipment.
The AFG Program represents one part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized
by Congress and implemented by DHS.
Among the five basic homeland security missions noted in the DHS Quadrennial
Homeland Security Review, the AFG Program supports the goal to Strengthen National
Preparedness and Resilience. For federal FY 2021, Congress appropriated $414 million
in funding for AFG and is projecting to award grants to 2,500 applicants.
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Item 5j
The objectives of the AFG program is to provide critically needed resources that equip
and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational
efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.
The Fire Department maintains a Type 2 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) trailer which
is equipped with the necessary supplies to perform specialized rescues. This resource is
essential to help maintain self-reliance during the early hours of a large-scale disaster
until specialized rescue teams and other mutual aid resources from Southern and
Northern California can arrive. Several essential items in the trailer have exceeded their
useful life and the replacement of these items is aligned with the AFG program priorities.
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 March 15, 2022, 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 (SEQA) does not apply to the recommended
actions in this report, because none of the actions constitute a “Project” under CEQA
Guidelines Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2022-23
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis: AFG Program (US&R Trailer Equipment)
Funding Sources Project Cost
Annualized
On-going Cost
Total Project
Cost
General Fund $4,271.04 $0 $4,271.04
State $0 $0 $0
Federal $42,710.37 $0 $42,710.37
Fees $0 $0 $0
Other: $0 $0 $0
Total $46,981.41 $0 $46,981.41
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Item 5j
If the Fire Department were to receive funding from the AFG Program, the City would
have to match the Federal grant funds equal to 10% of the total project cost. The total
project cost under the grant request is $46,981.41, and if fully funded would require a
match from the City of $4,271.04. The Fire Department plans to pursue potential available
carryover monies from FY 2021-22 operating budgetary savings to fund the match
requirement and any additional project costs. If carryover is unavailable or the request is
turned down, the Department will absorb the costs with the approved 2022-23
supplemental budget.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could decide not to pursue the grant monies or only pursue grants
without matching fund requirements. 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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