HomeMy WebLinkAbout24. 13-561
DECEMBER 10, 2013 13-561 RESOLUTION
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PURPOSE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR FIRE GRANT
INITIATED BY: OSHKOSH FIRE DEPARTMENT
BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Oshkosh that the proper
City officials are hereby authorized and directed to complete an application for a Fire Act
Grant from the Department of Homeland Security through FEMA for upgrading thermal
imaging cameras and fire hose nozzles.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper City officials are hereby authorized
and directed to execute any and all documents required by the Department of Homeland
Security and FEMA, and are further authorized and directed, if said grant is awarded, to
accept such funds pursuant to the terms of the grant application and to purchase needed
equipment with the grant funds.
CITY HALL
215 Church Avenue
P.O. Box 1130
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
54903 -1130
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TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
City of Oshkosh
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
Timothy Franz, Fire Chief
December 3, 2013
Permission to Apply for Fire Act Grant
BACKGROUND
The Department of Homeland Security through FEMA has opened the application period for Fire
Act Grants. These competitive grants are available for fire department equipment and through
these grants in the past we have purchased new breathing apparatus, exhaust ventilation systems
and radios. This grant period we would like to seek funding to upgrade our thermal imaging
cameras and nozzles for our initial fire attack hose lines. These replacements are in our long
range plans, so we would like to seek the opportunity to cover the majority of this expense
through a grant.
ANALYSIS
The thermal imaging cameras that we have are 15 years old. Thermal imaging cameras are used
to "see through smoke" to aid in locating victims and the fire itself, the latter of which is a major
firefighter safety concern. These devices are beginning to show signs of failure and their level of
functionality and technology are far below the current standards. The nozzles we currently have
for our fire attack lines are over twenty years old and also are showing their wear. The nozzles we
are looking to replace them with are also a change in technology which allows them to flow more
water at lower pressures, increasing their effectiveness.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of this project will total no more than $136,400. The grant requires a 10% local cost
share which would be $13,640.00. We have budgeted $85,000.00 for thermal imaging camera
replacement in the 2014 CIP which would more than cover the match, if we are unsuccessful with
our grant the project will be limited to the thermal imaging cameras and the nozzles will be
replaced in another year.
RECCOMENDATION
We recommend the Council grant permission for us to apply for this grant as this equipment is
needed and an opportunity exist to obtain it at a lower cost to local taxpayers.
Respectfully Submitted,
Timothy Franz
Fire Chief
Approved:
Mark Rohloff
City Manager
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