Consent 1.F.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 11/13/2018
- TITLE
- 2018 Federal Homeland Security Grant for Bomb Squad - $89,982.44
- PRESENTED BY:
- Rich St. John
- Department:
- Police
Presentation:
No
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The State of Montana has $89,982.44 available through the Federal FY 2018 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant Program and has offered a subgrant to the City of Billings Bomb Squad for training and equipment. This will be the City's ninth year receiving Homeland Security Grant funds, which have been used for equipment and training.
The bomb squad has six members that require 40 hours of training per year. Funds will be used for costs associated with this training. The Billings Police Bomb Squad is planning to send the six members of the department's bomb squad to a 40 hour training course. Information obtained at this training will be used and shared with Federal, State and Local members within the bomb disposal community. The field of ordinance disposal is constantly changing and evolving. Continued education and training is necessary to maintain competence in this field. The primary function of the Billings Bomb Squad is to detect, disrupt and defeat any improvised explosive device. The training requested will enable the Billings Bomb Squad to learn and share the latest information regarding current threats and trends.
The Billings Bomb Squad has recently replaced a retired member of the squad and is in need of training funds to send our new member to the six-week basic Hazardous Devices Course at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Billings Bomb Squad is requesting funds to purchase accessory equipment for our existing ICOR bomb robot and hand tools. This equipment includes Logos X-ray panels, a telescoping manipulator, wireless Bluetooth handheld controller, motorized anti-flip bar, claw accessories kit, spare parts kit, FLIR camera, digital recorder, command post video transmitter, portable handheld screen, auxiliary pole camera, fiber optic tether, RF digital extender, extension cables, truck bracket kit, folding CCU stand, replacement batteries, CCU & DC battery chargers
The bomb squad has six members that require 40 hours of training per year. Funds will be used for costs associated with this training. The Billings Police Bomb Squad is planning to send the six members of the department's bomb squad to a 40 hour training course. Information obtained at this training will be used and shared with Federal, State and Local members within the bomb disposal community. The field of ordinance disposal is constantly changing and evolving. Continued education and training is necessary to maintain competence in this field. The primary function of the Billings Bomb Squad is to detect, disrupt and defeat any improvised explosive device. The training requested will enable the Billings Bomb Squad to learn and share the latest information regarding current threats and trends.
The Billings Bomb Squad has recently replaced a retired member of the squad and is in need of training funds to send our new member to the six-week basic Hazardous Devices Course at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Billings Bomb Squad is requesting funds to purchase accessory equipment for our existing ICOR bomb robot and hand tools. This equipment includes Logos X-ray panels, a telescoping manipulator, wireless Bluetooth handheld controller, motorized anti-flip bar, claw accessories kit, spare parts kit, FLIR camera, digital recorder, command post video transmitter, portable handheld screen, auxiliary pole camera, fiber optic tether, RF digital extender, extension cables, truck bracket kit, folding CCU stand, replacement batteries, CCU & DC battery chargers
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
The City Council may:
- Approve the Federal FY 18 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad in the amount of $89,982.44; or
- Not approve the Federal FY 18 U. S. Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad in the amount of $89,982.44; which would result in the General Fund absorbing costs related to Bomb Squad training.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the City as there is no City match required for this grant.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends City Council approve and accept the Federal FY 2018 Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $89,982.44.