City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: AUGUST 18, 2015
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER/s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the 2015 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant Through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for Emergency Response Equipment.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the 2015 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
$35,121; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The State Homeland Security Program is a grant program run by 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.
DISCUSSION: These 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. Technologically advanced instrumentation is essential when testing for precursor chemicals or WMD chemicals. Equipment that allows for more realistic training simulations will allow for quicker mitigation at a real or threatened CBRNE event. The equipment will meet current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for response to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and hazardous materials incidents. Alexandria's final plan for grant funding is due to the State by the end of September 2015." The Fire Department proposes to use grant funds to purchase:
• Detector equipment - Toxic Vapor Analyzer: $21,176;
• Chemical test kits (to replace expiring kits): $2,407; and
• Hazardous Materials Simulation Training System: $11,539.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Fire Department is requesting grant funds in the amount of $35,121 for the purchase of chemical, explosive and radiation detection, monitoring and identification equipment, and a training simulation system. 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 annually from 2008 through 2014.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
STAFF:
Robert C. Dubé, Fire Chief