SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve acceptance of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for video teleconferencing (VTC) systems at each Fire Station and Fire Training Building in the amount of $304,257, matching funds of $30,425 (10%) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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SUMMARY:
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides approved grants to nationwide fire departments. The primary goal of the AFG is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations, and State Fire Training Academies. This funding is for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognize standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.
In February 2018, the Resource Management Committee approved the request of this grant. And in July 2018, the Fiscal Year 2017 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awarded Clearwater Fire & Rescue $304,257 for video teleconferencing systems. The match amount is $30,425 (10%) to be funded from the Fire Department’s operating budget.
The VTC systems will provide audio visual equipment to each fire station and the fire training center to enhance the information and training that our members receive. By allowing our members to receive some training while remaining in their firehouse would allow them to remain available to run emergency calls, cut down on vehicle maintenance and fuel, and allow our members to have an interactive experience with everyone else participating in this training.
This equipment will also be useful during natural disaster such as hurricanes. This will allow our administrative staff to have direct communications with each fire house and allow for interactive communications during this time.
The Assistant Chief of Training will manage this grant and ensure all grant requirements are met and guidelines are followed.
In anticipation of this grant, a capital project was created, and matching funds budgeted for fiscal year 2018/19 to be funded with general fund revenues. Due to acceptance required with in the current budget year, a third quarter amendment will establish the project (G1803, Assistance to Firefighters Grant) with a total budget of $334,682.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
A third quarter budget amendment will establish capital improvement project G1803, Assistance to Firefighters Grant, recognizing a budget increase of $304,257 in grant revenue, and $30,425 in general fund revenue to fund this contract.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A