For City Council Meeting December 10, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: G. Michael Milhiser, Interim City Manager
AUTHOR: Brian Park, Fire Chief
Title
Request City Council to Authorize Staff to Submit a Grant Application for the 2024 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Authorize the submission of a grant application in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
2) Approve a local match not to exceed $25,000 from the Fire Department's Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget.
3) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute All Related Documents.
BACKGROUND
On November 12, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Fiscal Year 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The grant application deadline is December 20, 2024.
The Rialto Fire Department (RFD) training tower is currently inoperable due to an ongoing investigation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination overseen by the regional water board. PFAS compounds are synthetic chemicals used in industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foam. They are known for their persistence in the environment, posing potential health and environmental risks.
Due to the training tower's closure, RFD must send personnel to external facilities to maintain operational readiness and compliance with state and national training standards. The proposed funding will cover tuition, backfill, overtime, travel, and equipment costs for essential firefighter training.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The AFG Program provides financial assistance to eligible fire departments to enhance operational efficiency and firefighter safety. The requested fundi...
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