REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 20, 2016
FROM: KERRI L. DONIS, Fire Chief
Fire Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to FY 2015 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant
1. Approve application for and acceptance of FY 2015 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant award for $2,069,400 through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and authorize the Fire Chief to complete all required documents during the grant period.
2. RESOLUTION - Authorizing the application for and acceptance of FY 2015 Cycle Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) funding issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grant Program and authorizing completion of all required documents.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended Council adopt the resolution to accept the 2015 SAFER Grant for $2,069,400 to the FY 2017 Fire Department budget. Actual proceeds may vary based on actual payroll results.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Fire Department participated in the FY 2015 SAFER grant process with other public safety agencies and has been awarded $2,069,400 for twelve firefighting positions, which will enable the department to open a truck company. With the adoption of this grant, the Fire Department will increase its minimum daily staffing from 73 firefighters on duty each day to 77. This 2015 SAFER grant is for a two-year period and there is no grant matching or retention requirement beyond the two-year period of performance.
BACKGROUND
Under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2013, Congress appropriated $321 million for SAFER Grants. SAFER Grants are competitive grants for fire departments for the purpose of hiring, recruiting, and retaining career and volunteer firefighters in communities. Grants are awarded on the basis of need through a competitive, peer-review process.
The Fire Department submitted a request for twelve firefighting positions to enhance minimum daily staffing. These additional positions were approved as part of fiscal year 2017 budget and will be utilized in the department’s efforts to meet the two-in, two-out industry staffing standards per OSHA and would provide for a fourth firefighter on four apparatus experiencing high call volume.
The period of performance for this 2015 SAFER grant is October 3, 2016 through October 2, 2018. During this period, the salaries and benefits of twelve firefighters will be reimbursed from FEMA. This will allow the City to maximize the use of grant funding specifically to enhance metropolitan emergency response efforts, thus providing a safer and more effective response to fire and life safety emergencies. The 2015 SAFER grant will fund twelve firefighter positions through October 2, 2018, enabling the department to open a much needed four-person company. At the expiration of the grant, should the Fire Department choose to retain the twelve firefighters, would require $1.3 million on an annual basis going forward.
Historically, the department has been successful in being awarded three prior SAFER grants as follows: $931,500 million in FY 2006 funding to hire nine positions; $2.5 million in FY 2011 funding for twelve positions; and $2.6 million in FY 2013 funding for twelve positions through May 4, 2017, which is the end of the FY 2013 SAFER grant two-year period of performance.
FISCAL IMPACT
The period of performance for this 2015 SAFER grant is October 3, 2016 through October 2, 2018. The grant reimburses the City in full for base salaries and benefits. The grant does not reimburse for overtime and protective equipment. Overtime will approximate $34,000 annually. Equipment and Training will be upfront costs approximating $63,700 for equipment and $300,000 for drill school instructors. Expenditures and grant proceeds in the amount of $857,200 are estimated to be incurred in FY 2017. Full year estimated grant revenues and expenditures in the amount of $1.3 million will be included in the proposed FY 2018 budget.
Full year funding in the amount of $1.3 million annually thereafter would be required to maintain the additional four persons on duty each day. Although not required under the grant guidelines, funding to maintain the enhanced staffing levels has been included in the Mayor’s five-year budget projections, thus providing a safer and more effective response to fire and life safety emergencies.
Attachment:
Resolution - Authorizing Acceptance of Grant