Agenda No. 10.
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
| City Council Meeting: | February 17, 2026 |
| Department: | Fire Department |
| Subject: | Resolution 26-R-028 - Authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept funds for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP) Grant Program (S.Williams/G.Rodgers/B.High) |
BACKGROUND
LCRA Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP)
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), in partnership with its wholesale electric and water customers, provides community grants through the Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP). This program is designed to help local governments, emergency responders, and non-profit organizations fund capital improvement projects that contribute to the health, safety, and economic development of the communities LCRA serves.
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), in partnership with its wholesale electric and water customers, provides community grants through the Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP). This program is designed to help local governments, emergency responders, and non-profit organizations fund capital improvement projects that contribute to the health, safety, and economic development of the communities LCRA serves.
- Focus Area: The CDPP places a high priority on public safety and emergency response, specifically supporting the purchase of life-saving equipment for fire departments.
- Funding Structure: The program typically awards grants up to $50,000, with a requirement that the applicant provides a local match of at least 20% for projects exceeding $5,000.
- Asset Improvement: To be eligible, the grant must be used to purchase equipment that improves the value of a capital asset or provides a long-term benefit to the entire community.
GOAL
Fire Hose Replacement & Standardization
The Schertz Fire Department is seeking to enhance its operational readiness and community safety by replacing aged and non-standard fire hoses. Fire hoses are critical life-safety tools that have a finite service life due to the extreme pressures, temperatures, and abrasive environments they encounter.
The Schertz Fire Department is seeking to enhance its operational readiness and community safety by replacing aged and non-standard fire hoses. Fire hoses are critical life-safety tools that have a finite service life due to the extreme pressures, temperatures, and abrasive environments they encounter.
- Operational Reliability: Modernizing the department’s hose inventory ensures that first responders have reliable equipment that meets or exceeds NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards for fire suppression.
- ISO Rating Support: Maintaining high-quality, tested fire equipment is a key component of the ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC). A strong ISO rating directly correlates to lower fire insurance premiums for Schertz residents and business owners.
- Community Impact: This project ensures that the Fire Department can effectively deliver water to suppress structure fires, protect property, and save lives with the most efficient technology available.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Increase Reliability and Faster Fire Suppression
Reliable fire hoses are the primary link between a water source and a fire. Over time, hoses develop "memory," internal lining degradation, and structural fatigue. By replacing aged inventory, the Schertz Fire Department ensures that when crews arrive on a scene, they can deploy water quickly and at the correct pressures without the risk of equipment failure or "burst" lines. This translates to faster fire knockdown times and reduced property loss.
Preservation of Public Safety Ratings (ISO)
The quality and quantity of a department's fire hose are evaluated during ISO (Insurance Services Office) audits. These audits determine the City’s Public Protection Classification (PPC).
Standardizing hose sizes and couplings ensures that Schertz Fire Department can work seamlessly with neighboring agencies during large-scale emergencies or mutual aid calls. This regional cohesion ensures that, regardless of which city’s truck is on-scene, the equipment is compatible, saving precious seconds during a crisis.
Fiscal Responsibility and Resource Leverage
By successfully securing the LCRA grant, the City can address a critical infrastructure need while leveraging outside funding. This allows Schertz to maximize its General Fund dollars for other community priorities while still ensuring the Fire Department has the elite-level tools required to protect the community.
Reliable fire hoses are the primary link between a water source and a fire. Over time, hoses develop "memory," internal lining degradation, and structural fatigue. By replacing aged inventory, the Schertz Fire Department ensures that when crews arrive on a scene, they can deploy water quickly and at the correct pressures without the risk of equipment failure or "burst" lines. This translates to faster fire knockdown times and reduced property loss.
Preservation of Public Safety Ratings (ISO)
The quality and quantity of a department's fire hose are evaluated during ISO (Insurance Services Office) audits. These audits determine the City’s Public Protection Classification (PPC).
- The Impact: A high ISO rating is a testament to the City’s commitment to safety and is a major factor in determining commercial and residential insurance premiums.
- The Benefit: By maintaining modern equipment, the City helps keep insurance costs lower for residents and local businesses.
Standardizing hose sizes and couplings ensures that Schertz Fire Department can work seamlessly with neighboring agencies during large-scale emergencies or mutual aid calls. This regional cohesion ensures that, regardless of which city’s truck is on-scene, the equipment is compatible, saving precious seconds during a crisis.
Fiscal Responsibility and Resource Leverage
By successfully securing the LCRA grant, the City can address a critical infrastructure need while leveraging outside funding. This allows Schertz to maximize its General Fund dollars for other community priorities while still ensuring the Fire Department has the elite-level tools required to protect the community.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Consider and act upon a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and execute a grant agreement for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP) grant, in an amount not to exceed $60,000, for the purpose of enhancing fire suppression capabilities.
FISCAL IMPACT
Total Project Cost: $59,112.00
Grant Funding (LCRA CDPP): $47,289.60
City Matching Requirement: $11,822.40
The total cost for the Fire Hose Replacement and Standardization project is $59,112.00. Under the terms of the LCRA Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP), the grant would provide $47,289.60 (80%) of the project funding, contingent upon a local cost-share from the City of Schertz. The City's portion will come from the existing Fire Department Operating Budget.
Grant Funding (LCRA CDPP): $47,289.60
City Matching Requirement: $11,822.40
The total cost for the Fire Hose Replacement and Standardization project is $59,112.00. Under the terms of the LCRA Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP), the grant would provide $47,289.60 (80%) of the project funding, contingent upon a local cost-share from the City of Schertz. The City's portion will come from the existing Fire Department Operating Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Consider and act upon a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and execute a grant agreement for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP) grant, in an amount not to exceed $60,000, for the purpose of enhancing fire suppression capabilities.