HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/06/2008, C3 - 2008 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION councit 5/6/08
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: John Callahan, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Viv R. Dilts, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: 2008 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Authorize staff to submit a grant application in the amount of$230,775 to the Federal Assistance
to Firefighters Grant Program for funding:
1. To train and equip Firefighters to achieve Medium Operational Level Capability for Urban
Search and Rescue ($137,055)
2. To acquire Personal Protective Equipment, coats and pants, for structural firefighting
($93,720)
DISCUSSION
Background
State and federal grants are occasionally offered to assist local governments with the financial
impacts associated with.daily operations and/or mandated programs. The Federal Assistance to
Firefighters Grant Program is one of these programs. The purpose of this program is to award
one-year grants directly to fire departments to enhance their abilities with respect to fire and fire-
related hazards. In fiscal year 2008, Congress appropriated$560 million.
The grant allows Fire Departments to submit two requests on one application. Our application is
for the following requests.
Grant Requests
1. Medium Operational Capability for Urban Search and Rescue ($137,055)
San Luis Obispo City Fire Department is seeking this grant to further develop adequate
capability and operational safety at incidents involving structural collapse from earthquakes,
floods, or mudslides. This program will enable the department to equip and train its
personnel to enter collapsed unreinforced masonry, concrete tilt-up, and heavy timber
structures and safely affect the rescue of its citizens.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Incident Command System (ICS)-
US&R-120-1 identify four levels of Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) operational: Basic,
Light, Medium, and Heavy. San Luis Obispo City Fire Department currently only functions
at the Light Operational Level. We are requesting funding for equipment ($110,555) and
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2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Page 2
training ($26,500) to achieve Medium Operational Capability, which is the desired level for a
city our size.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ($93,720)
Replacing damaged/tom and obsolete structural personal protective equipment will allow San
Luis Obispo City Fire Department to provide 100% protection to all of our 44 Firefighters.
Currently a majority of our Firefighters are wearing turnouts that are badly worn and are not
offering optimal protection. Industry standards have stated that turnouts have a life span of 5
years. Presently, 37 of the 44 sets of turnouts we have that are in service are 5 years old or older.
In another year 100% of our turnout gear will be five years old or older.
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City were to receive grant full funding from the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program for
both our requests ($230,775), we would have to match the Federal grant funds equal to 10%
($23,077) of the total project cost.
The matching funds will be covered by budgeted money from Protective Clothing and
Equipment accounts and from Mutual Aid Revenues. There would be no additional cost to the
General Fund.
ALTERNATIVE
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.
G:/Council Agenda Reports/CAR-2008 FEMA Grant Program