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RESOLUTION NO. 2014-243 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING $500,000 FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE RADIO EQUIPMENT FROM AVIAT U.S., INC. VIA THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO'S CONTRACT NUMBER 547601 AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS TO THE FEDERAL GRANTS FUND FOR THE URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The San Diego Office of Homeland Security, who administers the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), has notified the City of fiscal year 2014 UASI funding. The Urban Area Security Initiative addresses the unique planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas.
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
One of the core missions of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is to enhance the ability of state, territory, local, and tribal governments to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. As first responders to emergency incidents, the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments have benefited greatly from several federal homeland security grants. The fiscal year 2014 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) provides funding for the continued development of readiness and operational response capacity of Police and Fire first responder personnel. UASI grant administrators from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) have approved the expenditure plan of equipment, planning and training needs of the City. The spending plan was submitted in advance of funding approval in accordance with grant requirements. Grant funds are restricted in how they can be spent and cannot supplant normal budgetary items for the City. The specific spending plan is as follows:
Regional Communications Systems upgrade
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department manages the San Diego County-Imperial County Regional Communications System (RCS) radio network that serves the majority of the public safety (law enforcement and fire) and public service (transportation, schools) users in the region. In coordination with radio users, RCS staff is in the planning stages to upgrade the regional public safety communications system. UASI funding in the amount of $340,000 has been identified to purchase Microwave Network radios and equipment for the city. RCS staff will manage the Microwave project and provide the necessary technical support and installation oversight. However, each agency is responsible for the procurement of the radios and equipment. The San Diego Sheriff's Department conducted a competitive procurement for the equipment and services to replace the Microwave Network and the Police Department is requesting to piggyback off the County's contract # 547601 with Aviat U.S., Inc. to procure the equipment. The collaboration with RCS staff and participating agencies has been instrumental in this major communications upgrade.
Firearms Training Simulator
UASI grant funds in the amount of $100,000 have been allocated for the Police Department to purchase a state-of-the-art firearms training simulator. In this 180-degree simulator system, police can train for the most difficult real-world situations, such as ambushes, active shooters, and maintaining situational awareness during extreme stress. Officer presence, verbal skills, less lethal force options, and deadly force are all available for simulation use. This equipment will be used as a regional asset for South Bay law enforcement agencies.
Urban Search & Rescue Personal Protective Equipment
The Urban Search & Rescue apparatus operated by the Fire Department is a specialized apparatus used for confined space and technical rescues and is deployed regionally when required. The personnel assigned to this apparatus are required to wear specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) which meets State & NFPA 1951 Rescue & Recovery requirements. The current PPE is nearing expiration and the City is required to replace it in order to keep personnel safe & meet state standards. $60,000 allocated under the 2014 UASI grant will help the City purchase 30 complete sets of PPE to replace and update aging PPE.
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 Strong and Secure Neighborhoods by enhancing the readiness and operational response capacity of emergency first responder personnel.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will result in a one-time appropriation of $190,827 to supplies and services and $309,173 to the capital category of the Federal Grants Fund. The funding from the U.S Department of Homeland Security will completely offset these costs. Therefore, there is no net fiscal impact to the City.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact for accepting these grant funds.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
Staff Contact: Jonathan Alegre