City of Alexandria, Virginia
________________
MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 7, 2022
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: COREY SMEDLEY, CHIEF, FIRE/EMS
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the 2022 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Equipment.
BODY
_________________________________________________________________
ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the 2022 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) to fund specialized hazardous material equipment to meet standards established for State (Regional) Hazardous Material Teams as well as enhance response capabilities.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Authorize the application of a grant application for $40,796.70; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The State Homeland Security Program is a grant program administered by VDEM. Grant applications are submitted to support Homeland Security efforts in local jurisdictions throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Funds for the program are provided by the National Preparedness Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Homeland Security Grant Program. Allowable expenditures include equipment, exercises, and training.
DISCUSSION: The Department plans to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the form often (10) Level-A encapsulating suits, and thirty (30) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) canisters for respiratory protection. Purchasing the requested items will help ensure the team has adequate equipment to meet the minimum capabilities of State and Federal standards. The equipment requested in with this grant will replace existing PPE that is nearing its end of service life.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Fire Department is requesting to apply for grant funds up to the amount of $40,796.70 to enhance the preparedness and abilities of our hazardous materials team members to effectively respond to and mitigate Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) threats. The grant is a I 00% funded project which requires no cash match from the City of Alexandria. City staff will administer the grant. The City is also responsible for the normal administrative costs associated with this grant, including financial and reporting oversight provided by the Fire Department, as well as the Office of Management and Budget, and the Finance Department.
The City has applied for and has been awarded this grant in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
STAFF:
Laura Triggs, Deputy City Manager Corey Smedley, Fire Chief