Title
Resolution to Approve Participation in 2015 Assistance to Firefighters Regional Grant (AFG) from the US Department of Homeland Security ($1,757,997.00), and Appropriate Share of Matching Grant Funds ($40,521.82) (Fund SCBA Replacement) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The attached resolution approves the Ann Arbor Fire Department (AAFD) agency participation in the Van Buren Fire Department application for a 2015 Assistance to Firefighters Regional Grant (AFG) from the US Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security requires a resolution documenting City Council’s authorization of the administrative and budget actions necessary to implement the grant if received.
The AFG would fund Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment for ten fire departments within Washtenaw Area Mutual Aid Association. SCBA equipment is imperative for the fire service to respond adequately with safe breathing apparatus equipment to enter life threatening emergency incidents. The new equipment will be deployed for everyday use, and allow firefighters to quickly and confidently enter emergency situations to protect the lives and property of the City’s constituents, businesses and visitors.
The Ann Arbor Fire Department responds to all fire, medical first response, technical rescue, water rescue, hazardous materials, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive, and environmental calls. In addition to covering Ann Arbor’s community, the Fire Department is a partner of the Washtenaw County Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), registered through the State of Michigan, and responsible for responding to local and state mutual aid calls when needed.
The Department’s current SCBAs are ten years old and are in need of replacement allowing the equipment to fall under the AFG grant’s requirements of applying for SCBA replacements. The department’s current SCBA equipment is no longer under warranty resulting in expected increased maintenance costs.
The anticipated grant amount is $1,757,997.00. Ten Washtenaw Area Mutual Aid Association Fire Departments have agreed to participate in the grant and are responsible for a share of the 10% match to the grant ($159,817.91) defined by each department’s number of SCBA equipment needing to be replaced.
The Ann Arbor Fire Department (AAFD) will be responsible for funding their portion of the 10% of grant monies, at $40,521.82. The City’s portion will be appropriated from General Fund balance to the Fire Service Unit without regard to fiscal year, if the grant is received.
Taking a regional approach in purchasing SCBA equipment to all ten Fire Departments within Washtenaw County (Augusta Township, City of Belleville, City of Ann Arbor, City of Chelsea, Saline Area, Salem Township, Sumpter Township, City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and Van Buren Township) will improve universal equipment among mutual aid departments on fire scenes.
This grant is an important part of the US Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public they serve and will fund the Department’s purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) personal protective equipment to outfit firefighters enabling them to respond to emergency scenes.
There will be no additional future costs incurred for this grant funded SCBA replacement equipment. There are currently no replacement or maintenance programs for this SCBA equipment within the Fire Department.
Staff
Prepared by: Asst. Chief Ellen Taylor, AAFD
Reviewed by: Chief Larry E. Collins, Fire Services Area Administrator / Fire Chief
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Fire Department is seeking to continue their participation as a partner on a regional AFG grant application hosted by Van Buren Township Fire Department, for Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment;
Whereas, If the Van Buren Township Fire Department is awarded the grant in the amount of $1,757,997.00, the City of Ann Arbor Fire Department (AAFD) will be required to match their share ($40,521.82) of the 10% matching grant terms of $159,817.91;
Whereas, Part of the city’s commitment is to provide its fire fighting personnel a safer and more professional workforce;
Whereas, SCBA equipment is imperative for the fire service to respond adequately with safe breathing apparatus equipment to enter life threatening emergency incidents;
Whereas, The approval of continuing the application and accepting this regional AFG grant would fund SCBA equipment for ten Washtenaw Area Mutual Aid Association fire departments. This equipment is imperative for the fire service to respond with adequate equipment to respond to life threatening emergency incidents;
Whereas, The new equipment will be deployed for everyday use, and allow firefighters to quickly and confidently enter emergency situations to protect the lives and property of the City’s constituents, businesses and visitors; and
Whereas, The grant will provide funding for SCBA equipment for each participating Fire Department;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve AAFD continuation as a regional partner participator with Van Buren Township Fire Department for Assistance to Firefighters Regional Grant (AFG), and subject to grant award to Van Buren Township, accept partnership requirements from the US Department of Homeland Security for RIC training and equipment, including required AAFD’s share of grant local funding;
RESOLVED, That on receipt of award notice from Van Buren Township, City Council appropriate the necessary ten percent (10%) matching funds of $40,521.82 from General Fund Balance to the Fire Unit budget to be available for expenditure by AAFD for this Project without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That on receipt of award notice from Van Buren Township, the City Administrator is directed to establish a Major Grant Fund for this Project and transfer all matching funding to the major grant fund for grant management and expenditure of the funds by AAFD for the life of the Project without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That if Van Buren Township Fire Department is awarded the grant, the Mayor. City Clerk, and Fire Chief are authorized and directed to execute on behalf of the City as an agency participant any required supporting grant documentation after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and after approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this Resolution.