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HomeMy WebLinkAbout13. 16-285JUNE 14, 2016 16-285 RESOLUTION LOST________LAID OVER________WITHDRAWN________) (CARRIED 6-0 PURPOSE: ACCEPT ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT FROM FEMA - $181,189.00 WITH 10% CITY CONTRIBUTION OF $18,181.00 INITIATED BY: OSHKOSH FIRE DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, the Department of Homeland Security through FEMA administers the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments; and WHEREAS, the Oshkosh Fire Department has applied for and been awarded a $181,819.00, grant to purchase a video conference system to conduct classroom training and meetings with outlying fire stations; and WHEREAS, the grant requires a 10% local cost share. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT 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, to accept such funds pursuant to the terms of the grant application and to seek proposals for the needed equipment with the grant and matching funds to be approved by Council at a later date. TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Timothy Franz, Fire Chief DATE: June 8, 2016 RE: Permission to Accept 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 most recently thermal imaging cameras. This grant period we sought funding for a video conferencing system to allow us to conduct classroom training and meetings with crews in the outlying stations without having to relocate them to our central fire station. ANALYSIS The video conferencing system will be interactive and will allow the participants from all stations to see and hear each other creating a virtual conference /classroom experience. Using this system will keep our fire and EMS units in their stations more, lowering the impact of training on response times for emergencies. This will also save on fuel and maintenance cost, particularly in the winter months when vehicles have to be kept idling due to being parked outside during training. This equipment can also be used for our Emergency Operations center to communicate with State resources and will be available to other City Departments to utilize webinar training. FISCAL IMPACT The cost of this project will total no more than $199,999.00. The grant requires a 10% local cost share which would be $18,181.00 and the remaining 181,819.00 would be funded by the grant. The local match portion will come from three sources, $5,000.00 from our Haz -Mat fund, $5,000.00 from our Emergency Medical Assistance Fund and the remaining $8,181.00 from our operating budget. RECOMMENDATION We recommend the Council accept this grant as this equipment will enhance our training programs and improve the efficiency of our operations. This grant also is an opportunity to make these improvements at a lower cost to local taxpayers. Respectfully Submitted, Timothy Franz Fire Chief Approved: Mark Rohloff City Manager