Title
Recommendation to Accept $80,000 Grant #2022-0043; Cal OES ID #001-00000 from the California’s Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) 2022 Homeland Security Grant Program for a Diving Surface Supplied Air System; and
Adoption of Resolution Amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Fire Grants Fund Revenue and Expenditures Budget by $80,000 to Accept and Appropriate the Cal OES 2022 Homeland Security Grant. (Fire 10032200)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda Fire Department (Fire Department) was awarded an Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) 2022 Homeland Security Grant Program for a Surface Supplied Air System to increase safety for Fire Department Dive Rescue Program divers. The grant must be accepted by May 31, 2023. Staff is requesting that City Council formally accept the grant and adopt the attached resolution. There is no local match for this grant and the total state/federal share awarded is $80,000.
BACKGROUND
The Alameda County Sherriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) acts as the lead operational agency responsible for assisting in the delivery of disaster assistance and the overall management or regional emergency response activities. The Sheriff’s OES serves as administrator for the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for Alameda County. This is a Federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), passed though the State of California and Alameda County, to public safety agencies within the County. The purpose of the SHSGP is to provide funds that build capabilities to protect against, prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorist acts and other types of emergencies or disasters.
In January 2022, the Fire Department submitted a proposal to the Sheriff’s OES for funding a Surface Supplied Air System in the amount of $80,000 of SHSGP funds. On March 14, 2023, the Fire Department received notification that the grant proposal was accepted and awarded in the amount of $80,000. Acceptance of the award is due by May 31, 2023.
Historically, the Fire Department has been the recipient of SHSGP funds for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) dating back to 2009. The Fire Department has been awarded on average $12,000 annually through SHSGP to offset costs associated with the CERT Program. CERT provides training to Alameda residents and employees of Alameda businesses to help increase self-sufficiency in the event of a disaster. Participants learn skills that will enable them to provide emergency assistance to their families and neighbors. This will be the first time the Fire Department has received funds from SHSGP for a project other than CERT.
DISCUSSION
The primary goal of this grant program is to fund resources and equipment to respond to and recover from terrorist activities. The Surface Supplied Air System equipment funded by this grant includes full masks for all 22 Dive Team members and will also be used for other day to day search and rescue needs.
The single largest danger that dive rescue specialists face is an entrapment in zero visibility that is so severe that they cannot become free and subsequently run out of air. A surface supplied air system removes that danger and allows for an endless supply of air to be delivered to the rescuer. This method of air delivery ensures a constant supply of air, eliminating the need for divers to carry their own primary air tanks, and allows for longer dive durations. Surface supplied air is commonly used in dive rescue operations where divers need to navigate complex environments, perform underwater searches, or provide assistance to individuals in distress, such as during underwater rescue missions or recovery operations.
The procurement of the Surface Supplied Air System will ensure the readiness of the Fire Department’s Dive Team to respond within Alameda and provide regional operational support as a mutual aid asset throughout Alameda County. The Fire Department currently is the only Rescue Dive Team in the County that is staffed on a 24/7 schedule, ensuring availability when needed.
ALTERNATIVES
• Accept this grant in the amount of $80,000 to fund the purchase of a Surface Supplied Air System.
• Allocate $80,000 from the General Fund or other City funding sources for the purchase of a Surface Supplied Air System.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
As there is no local match required for the SHSGP, there is no financial impact to the General Fund other than staff time to administer the grant.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Accept $80,000 Grant # 2022-0043; Cal OES ID #001-00000 from the California’s Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) 2022 Homeland Security Grant Program for a Diving Surface Supplied Air System; and adopt a resolution amending the fiscal year 2022-23 Fire Grants Fund Revenue and Expenditures budget by $80,000 to accept and appropriate the Cal OES 2022 Homeland Security Grant.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas Luby, Fire Chief
By,
Monique Raqueno, Fire Administrative Services Manager
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. FY22 SHSGP Alameda City Fire Notification of Award
2. FY22 SHSGP Standard Assurances