Title
Fire Grant Application Operation Safe Club (B)
This item requests permission for the City Manager or designee to submit an application to the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) for 2008.
Explanation
FEMA annually offers opportunities for fire departments to apply for federal grant support of fire and risk prevention programs under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S). The primary goal of the FP&S portion of this grant program is to target high-risk populations, including media campaigns, and awareness programs. Gainesville has a sizeable high-risk population due to the large number of young adults present in the community. To improve the level of safety-consciousness for this group and for the management of the establishments that they patronize, the Risk Reduction Bureau (RRB) of the Gainesville Fire Rescue Department has initiated an innovative program called Operation Safe Club. This program will provide outreach to businesses, organizations, and institutions and will include training sessions for patrons and employees of local establishments on fire and life safety issues that will help build a safer community. To facilitate the program, the RRB will require the purchase of approximately $15,000 of multi-media equipment. There is a required 20% match for the grant award.
Fiscal Note
Matching funds up to $3,000 have been identified in the Risk Reduction Bureau's public education budget for FY08.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to submit the grant application.
Alternate Recommendation A: The City Commission not authorize the City Manager or designee to submit the grant application.