The Montana Department of Military Affairs Disaster and Emergency Services Grants Program has offered the Billings Fire Department a $155,000 Homeland Security pass-through grant to purchase an over-the-road tractor to haul the Fire Department's Regional HazMat Team equipment.  As a designated regional team, the Fire Department responds to assist other jurisdictions with hazardous materials incidents.

No match is required for the grant.

The grant application sent in early June to the Fire Department originally was set up for signature of Yellowstone County.  After it was reviewed there, it was returned to the City for signature.  It is due to be returned to the Department of Military Affairs no later than June 29, 2012.  For that reason, staff asks that the City Council add it to the June 25, 2012, Business Session Agenda.  BMCC 2-213(c) states that ministerial items not of significant public interest may be added to the City Council agenda by a vote of 3/4 of the members present.

The City Council may:

• Add the item to the agenda by a 3/4 vote of those present and accept the $155,000 grant, which provides a more efficient way to move the hazardous materials equipment; or
• Not add the item to the agenda, effectively turning down the grant.

Staff recommends that the Council approve adding the grant to the June 25th agenda by a 3/4 vote and approve receipt of the grant by the Fire Department.