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RESOLUTION NO. 2015-011 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE FIRE CHIEF OR HIS DESIGNEE TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA TO THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY AND EXECUTE ALL RELATED DOCUMENTATION ASSOCIATED WITH THIS GRANT APPLICATION
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) provides funding assistance to state and local political subdivisions of the state on a competitive basis with the goal of improving traffic safety.
The Fire Department has evaluated its auto extrication equipment and determined that extrication equipment in the Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) apparatus and truck companies is nearing the end of its useful lifespan and in need of replacement.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and it has been determined that the activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
The Fire Department has determined that in order to keep up with the needs of a growing city and the extrication challenges that newer model vehicles present, it must replace the existing extrication equipment on the US&R and truck apparatus, as well as upgrade rescue capabilities. Extrication equipment is used by first responders to extricate victims in traffic collisions. Updating this equipment will not only benefit the City of Chula Vista, but via the automatic aid agreement with five neighboring cities, first responders will be able to deliver better service to those communities when called for service.
To accomplish this goal, department staff is requesting approval to submit an OTS grant application to purchase new and upgraded extrication equipment for the Urban Search & Rescue apparatus and truck companies.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff been informed by any City Councilmember, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City's Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. This resolution supports the goal of Operational Excellence and Healthy Community. Updating extrication equipment will allow the Fire Department to provide improved service to the community. The new equipment will assist with rescues; improve firefighter safety, and overall operational efficiency.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will not have a fiscal impact. The OTS grant, if awarded, will be approximately $314,261 and staff will come back to City Council for approval to appropriate. The grant has no matching funds requirement.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact for accepting these grant funds.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
Staff Contact: Madeline Smith