Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-236 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING A GRANT AWARD FROM THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY, APPROPRIATING $210,000 IN THE FEDERAL GRANT FUND, AND AUTHORIZING THE FIRE CHIEF OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ALL RELATED DOCUMENTATION AND PROCUREMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS GRANT (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
Body
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 is 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 in 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.
On January 27, 2015 the City Council approved resolution 2015-011. This resolution authorized the Fire Department to apply for the California Office of Traffic Safety Grant (OTS), Grants Made Easy (GME), Regional Collision Response and Extrication Improvement Program.
On June 2, 2015 the Fire Department received a letter tentatively approving the funding request in the amount of $210,000. The final approved packet will be sent to Chula Vista once all OTS approval signatures have been compiled. The grant is due to start on October 1, 2015 and no expenditures will take place prior to receiving the final approved packet. The Fire Department will use this grant to purchase extrication equipment for the US&R and truck apparatus, to include: hydraulic rescue tool systems, auto extrication stabilization systems, and heavy lift air bag systems.
Fire Department staff recommends City Council to accept the OTS grant award in the amount of $210,000, appropriate $210,000 in the Federal Grant Fund, and authorize the Fire Chief or his designee to execute all related documentation and procurement associated with this grant.
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 result in appropriations of $118,550 to the Capital Category and $91,450 to the Supplies and Services Category in the Federal Grant Fund budget in Fiscal Year 2015-16 for costs associated with the purchase of rescue equipment. The grant does not require a match and it does not have a general fund impact.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The purchase of this equipment replaces existing equipment that has reached the end of its useful lifespan. Future replacement for this equipment will be budgeted as part of the normal budgeting process for Fire Department.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Grant Agreement
3. Schedule A
4. Schedule B
5. Schedule B-1
Staff Contact: Madeline Smith