City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2013
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of a Grant Application to the 2013 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for Emergency Response Equipment.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the 2013 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for equipment that would be used in response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) incidents in the City or surrounding region.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Authorize the submission of a grant application to VDEM for grant funding totaling
$55,532; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
DISCUSSION: The requested SHSP grant funds will assist the City and region to prepare for potential chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats. The requested equipment will enhance the City's response capability for a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear event. The equipment will meet current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for response to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and hazardous materials incidents. The Fire Department's request is in conformance with Goal 2 of the VDEM funding priorities, i.e., Enhance capability to effectively respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive in a coordinated effort to protect the public. The Fire Department proposes to use grant funds to allowable HAZMAT equipment such as radiation equipment, protective equipment, WMD software, and detection and monitoring equipment.
BACKGROUND: The application period for the FY 2013 SHSP has been opened through VDEM. Grant applications are submitted to support Homeland Security efforts in local jurisdictions throughout the Commonwealth. 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. The application is due September 11, 2013.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Fire Department is requesting grant funds in the amount of $55,532 for the purchase of specialized Hazmat equipment. 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. There is no cash match requirement.
The City has applied for and has been awarded this grant in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
ATTACHMENTS:
N/A
STAFF:
Michele Evans, Deputy City Manager
Adam K. Thiel, Fire Chief
Jerome Fletcher, Special Assistant to the City Manager