HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/18/2010, C 5 - 2010 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION ii �
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: John Callahan, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Julie Cox, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: 2010 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT APPLICATION
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize staff to submit a grant application of $23,000 to the Federal Assistance to
Firefighters Grant Program to fund annual medical examinations and immunizations for fire
suppression personnel.
2. If grant is awarded, authorize the City Manager to accept and appropriate the funds for Fire
Suppression Medical Services.
DISCUSSION
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 primary goal of the grant program is to
help fire departments meet their firefighting and emergency response needs. In fiscal year 2010,
Congress appropriated$390 million for this grant program.
Providing medical examinations and immunizations for Fire Department fire suppression personnel
ensures they are physically able to carry out their job duties. The medical examinations provided will
meet the National Fire Protection Association 1592 (Standards on Comprehensive Occupational
Medical Program for Fire Departments) as adopted by the Department of Homeland Security or the
International Association of Fire Chiefs/International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFC/IAFF)
wellness and fitness initiative. Currently the Firefighter health exam funding has been significantly
reduced and is not adequate to cover the required components for the exam. In FY 2009-10 budget
reductions included $32,000 in medical services which originally the Department thought to be
manageable. Unfortunately, with the current costs of medical testing,this has not been possible and in
FY 2010-11 more extensive medical examinations are required as some tests are only conducted
every other year.
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City were to receive full grant funding from the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant
Program for its request of$23,000, it will be required to match the Federal grant funds equal to 10%
of the total project cost. The matching funds will be covered by funds from the 2010-11 Fire
Department budget. 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. C5`
T:/Council Agenda Reports/Fire CAFJCAR-2010 FEMA Grant Program