10.F.
City Council Meeting - FINAL (AMENDED)
- Meeting Date:
- 08/28/2023
- Co-Submitter:
- Stacey Brechler-Knaggs
- From:
- Jerry Bills, Deputy Fire Chief
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Approval of Ratifying Grant Agreement: Between FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the City of Flagstaff for the Regional Training Grant.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the ratification of the Grant Agreement to FEMA (Assistance to Firefighters) for grant funds totaling in the amount of $676,422.40 (Federal share $615,293.09, City/Fire District Share $61,529.31) to improve regional operational efficiency and scene safety.
Executive Summary:
FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for Regional training, grant award #EMW-2022-FG-05708
This grant will assist with the increase in collaborative response efforts and scene efficiency for the Greater Flagstaff Region (GFR) by providing common training of all Command staff, and Company Officers in the City and the GFR partner Fire Districts.
This grant will assist with the increase in collaborative response efforts and scene efficiency for the Greater Flagstaff Region (GFR) by providing common training of all Command staff, and Company Officers in the City and the GFR partner Fire Districts.
Financial Impact:
Expenditures of this grant are budgeted within the Fire Grants Section. There is a 10% match being split between all participating GFR agencies (Flagstaff Fire, Summit Fire District, Highlands Fire District, Pinewood Fire District, and Ponderosa Fire District). The 10% match is based on the number of members each department will provide the training to (Flagstaff Fire match amount is $28,971.79).
Policy Impact:
None.
Connection to PBB Priorities/Objectives, Carbon Neutrality Plan & Regional Plan:
Priority Based Budget Key Community Priorities and Objectives
Carbon Neutrality Plan
Regional Plan
Be an employer of choice through inclusive recruitment & by providing employees with the necessary tools, training, support & compensation
Carbon Neutrality Plan
HS-3 Adequately fund services for disaster preparedness.
Regional Plan
Goal PF.3. Provide high-quality emergency response and public safety services including law enforcement, fire, medical,
and ambulance transport service.
and ambulance transport service.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
No.
Options and Alternatives:
- Approve the ratification of the FEMA (AFG) Grant Award Agreement with a10% GFR match.
- Reject the ratification of the FEMA (AFG) Grant Award with 10% GFR match
Background and History:
The Grant Offer was accepted in July by the City because per FEMA, the period of performance had already begun. The Grant Offer is for 12 months and was initiated on July 7, 2023, by AFG and will close on July 6, 2024.
The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
Key Considerations:
The GFR Greater Flagstaff Region would benefit greatly by certifying command staff and operations personnel (132) in a recognized all-hazard incident Fire Officer 2 program. This training would meet the requirements of NIMS as directed by HSPD-5: Management of Domestic Incidents, NFPA 1021: Standard for Fire Officer Professional qualifications, NFPA 1561: Standard on Emergency Incident Management System, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) 29CFR1910.120(q)(3)(i) Procedures for handling emergency response.
The course consist of five 8-hour days of instruction, simulations, and hands on role playing for our officers to learn the finer points of leadership, accountability, and responsibility.
The course consist of five 8-hour days of instruction, simulations, and hands on role playing for our officers to learn the finer points of leadership, accountability, and responsibility.
Community Benefits and Considerations:
The total grant is for $676,822.40 of which 90% is Federal funding ($615,293.09) and the additional 10% ($61,239.31) is split up between GFR departments with the City of Flagstaff's total commitment being $28,971.79. The class cost includes all books, paper copies, and workbooks. The grant will cover overtime and backfill for the employees attendance and any local instructor cost.
Community Involvement:
We are continuously faced with “All Risk Hazards” to which we must respond and mitigate daily; the proposed certified Fire Officer-2 employees will better prepare all personnel to safely manage incidents on a daily basis - from the most minor and simple to the significant complex incidents. The request will produce an improved local and regional coordinated response and improve safety and communication when operating in the hazard zone.
The Greater Flagstaff Region (GFR) is very active in the wildland arena, technical rescue disciplines, and structure fire related responses. Creating the foundation for a proven system for effective operation at emergency incidents will be utilized daily and would be an investment in future fire service leaders as we would have a uniform procedure and expectation for incident mitigation. Operating at incidents utilizing an effective Incident Command System and highly trained fire officers will set the stage for a template for proper terminology, uniformity with size-ups, and fireground communications for decades to come.
The Greater Flagstaff Region (GFR) is very active in the wildland arena, technical rescue disciplines, and structure fire related responses. Creating the foundation for a proven system for effective operation at emergency incidents will be utilized daily and would be an investment in future fire service leaders as we would have a uniform procedure and expectation for incident mitigation. Operating at incidents utilizing an effective Incident Command System and highly trained fire officers will set the stage for a template for proper terminology, uniformity with size-ups, and fireground communications for decades to come.
Expanded Options and Alternatives:
Inform the Council, Fire Boards and general public of the ratification and acceptance of this grant and the intended use of the funds.