REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: KERRI L. DONIS, Fire Chief
Fire Department
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Authorize the acceptance of 2021 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant award for $7,246,600 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and authorize the Fire Chief to complete all required documents (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended Council adopt the resolution to accept the 2021 SAFER Grant for $7,246,600 and authorize the Fire chief, or designee, to complete all required documents.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On January 27, 2022, City Council approved the Fire Department to apply for the 2021 SAFER grant to recruit twenty-four (24) new members. The grant reimburses the City 100% of salaries and benefits of each recruit for a period of 36 months. On December 00, 2022, the department was notified it had been awarded a grant in the amount of $7,246,600. A City Council resolution is required to enable the department to process the grant and receive payments of the grant proceeds. The grant will also reimburse for any increases in salary levels resulting from negotiated labor agreements occurring after the initial application process.
BACKGROUND
On December 00, 2022, the department was notified it had been awarded funding for grant. The Fire Department plans on conducting a 16-week drill school upon award of the grant and approval by the City Council to accept the grant.
The federal share of the grant is $7,246.600, and the City’s unreimbursed costs will be as follows: $1,102,200 for Fiscal Year 2023; $738,400 for Fiscal Year 2024; $743,673 in Fiscal Year 2025. Actual reimbursement from the grant will be increased in accordance with any subsequent labor agreements occurring after the initial application process. After the grant period of performance is completed in August, 2025, ongoing estimated costs will be $3,341,000 per year.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City of Fresno’s share of costs related to the grant have been built into the base budget for fiscal year 2023.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because this item is not an award of a construction or services contract.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this item is not a project for the purposes of CEQA.
Attachments:
Resolution - Authorizing Acceptance of Grant