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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2f: Urban search and rescue equipment purchase for the Fire Department.STAFF REPORT Fire Department DATE: February 5, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Tony L. Trabbie, Fire Chief By: Kurt Norwood, Deputy Fire Chief / Operations Yvonne Yeung, Senior Management Analyst SUBJECT: APPROVE A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION NOT TO EXCEED $29,100 FOR THE UPFRONT COST OF PURCHASING URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT THAT WILL BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE 2010 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM Recommended Action: Approve SUMMARY It is recommended that the City Council approve a supplemental appropriation in an amount not to exceed $29,100 and authorize the purchase of urban search and rescue equipment. The funds utilized for this purchase will be reimbursed through the 2010 State Homeland Security Grant Program. BACKGROUND Since the terrorist attacks of 9 -11, Los Angeles County fire agencies have been proactive in procuring the most up -to -date urban search and rescue equipment for emergency preparedness. The goal is that in the event of a natural or human - caused disaster, first responders will be in the best position to facilitate search and rescue efforts with the latest equipment and technologies. DISCUSSION The Arcadia Fire Department maintains a State of California recognized Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Vehicle and associated equipment. Fire Department personnel respond to mountain rescues, collapsed buildings, trench rescues, and confined space rescues both at the local and state levels. Therefore, it is imperative that the equipment stored and utilized for urban search and rescue efforts is upgraded periodically and that antiquated equipment is replaced. Urban Search and Rescue Equipment February 5, 2013 Page 2 of 2 In late December 2012, the Fire Department learned that certain monies from the 2010 State Homeland Security Grant Program were available for redistribution to agencies that had urban search and rescue equipment needs. Accordingly, the Fire Department applied for grant funding for the replacement of multi -gas detectors, a hydraulic power unit and spreaders (also known as "Jaws of Life "), cribbing, and power saws. In mid - January 2013, the Fire Department was awarded up to $29,100 in grant funding through the 2010 State Homeland Security Grant Program for the purchase and replacement of the aforementioned urban search and rescue equipment. A stipulation of the grant award is that the project must be completed by March 29, 2013. Since this unanticipated grant opportunity became available after the City Council adoption of the Fiscal Year 2012 -13 budget, funds are unavailable for the upfront cost of the urban search and rescue equipment in the Fire Department's budget as adopted. FISCAL IMPACT The request for appropriation for the upfront cost of this purchase is not to exceed $29,100. Once the acquisition is completed, the City will be reimbursed through the 2010 State Homeland Security Grant Program for the cost of the equipment, not to exceed $29,100. No local match is required for this grant. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council authorize a supplemental appropriation in an amount not to exceed $29,100 for the upfront cost of purchasing and replacing urban search and rescue equipment for the Fire Department. The City will be reimbursed up to $29,100 through the 2010 State Homeland Security Grant Program. Approved': 7 Dominic Lazzare e City Manager