Title
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Buffer Zone Protection Program (NB)
This item requests City Commission acceptance of a grant in the amount of $50,000 for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Buffer Zone Protection Program.
Explanation
The Department of Homeland Security provides protective action funding to protect and secure critical infrastructure and key resources sites across the country through the Buffer Zone Protection Program. The program is designed to reduce vulnerabilities of these sites by extending the protection area around a site into the surrounding community and supporting the prevention and preparedness efforts of local first responders. The Department of Homeland Security designated the Oaks Mall as a critical infrastructure/key resource. The Gainesville Police Department developed and implemented a Buffer Zone Plan for the Oaks Mall. As a result, the City of Gainesville is receiving $50,000 in grant funds for the acquisition of the materials, equipment, and resources necessary to implement the Buffer Zone Plan for the Oaks Mall. The Gainesville Police Department will purchase ten (10) Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and the other necessary equipment to support the SCBAs for the Special Weapons and Tactics Team.
Fiscal Note
The $50,000 in grant funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security does not require any local matching funds.
Recommendation
Recommended Motion: The City Commission authorize the City Manager to: 1) accept the $50,000 in grant funds, and 2) execute any other necessary documents, pending review by the City Attorney as to form and legality.
Alternative Recommendation
The City Commission decline the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Buffer Zone Protection Program Grant in the amount of $50,000.