Title
Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Application FY2017 (B)
This item requests that the City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to apply for and, if awarded, accept grant funds from the FY2017 US Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program.
Explanation
The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S) are part of the US Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant program and supports projects designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidences of death, injury and property damage caused by fire and fire related hazards; as well as support efforts aimed to improve firefighter safety through research and development. The application period for the FY2017 FP&S Grant funds opens February 12, 2018 and closes March 16, 2018. Available funding for projects is $34,500,000. Examples of eligible activities include: Community Risk Reduction; Code Enforcement; Technology and Product Development; and Database System Development.
Gainesville Fire Rescue proposes the submission of an application that would fund new software needed to integrate GFR’s fire prevention program (inspections, investigations) with the pre-fire plans completed by emergency responders; a Home Fire Sprinkler Initiative to raise community awareness about the lifesaving benefits of installing a home sprinkler system in newly constructed homes; and funding to revive GFR’s “Project Get Alarmed” smoke alarm, CO detector, and home safety evaluation program, which targets economically challenged residents. Integration of GFR’s fire prevention and pre-fire planning efforts aligns with Goal 5C; Objective 5C.2 from the department’s 2017 Strategic Plan and enhances firefighter safety by improving emergency responder awareness of unknown dangers found in many community buildings. The Home Fire Sprinkler Initiative will augment GFR’s Economic Impact Study of all community specific incentives available to absorb the full cost of installing a residential fire sprinkler system, which was completed August 2017. Project Get Alarmed has proven to be a resounding community success since 2004, but inconsistent funding creates a concerning backlog of applications.
Fiscal Note
The required match for the City of Gainesville is 5%. The City could receive up to $88,445.00. Matching funds of five percent (5%) or approximately $4,422.25 will be identified in the department’s budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to: 1) submit the grant application; 2) if awarded, execute the grant contract, pending approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 3) approve required financial processes for expending the grant funds and matching funds.