Title
State Homeland Security Grant Program Sub-recipient Agreement (B)
This item requests that the City Commission authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the State of Florida, Department of Financial Services, to support equipment maintenance and training for Gainesville Fire Rescue's Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue Teams.
Explanation
Gainesville Fire Rescue's (GFR) Hazardous Materials Team has regional responsibilities for eleven counties and is classified as a State Type II Team providing a response capability of 15 personnel with testing equipment for unknown chemical incidents within one hour. Through prior agreement GFR was designated as one of 29 teams providing a statewide response network to hazardous materials emergencies. Funding for maintenance of previously supplied equipment and responder training to support this capability is supplemented through a variety of homeland security and emergency services grants; one of these is the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) offered through the Department of Financial Services. Reimbursement funding offered by the State of Florida for the agreement period ending March 30, 2013 includes up to $75,945 for sustainment and maintenance of equipment and up to $34,550 for training in approved courses for both hazmat and technical rescue operations.
Fiscal Note
The City will receive up to $110,495. There is no match required.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a contract with the State of Florida, Department of Financial Services, subject to approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.
Alternative Recommendation A: The City not enter into a contract resulting in a loss of up to $110,495 of available reimbursement funds for equipment maintenance and training and requiring expenditures from the general fund.