City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of Grant Application for FY 2016 Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS) Hardware Grant.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the FY 2016 Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System (VFIRS) Hardware Grant for computer equipment that would be used for computer equipment to assist the National Fire Incident Reporting System in the City.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Authorize the submission of a grant application to Virginia Department of Fire Programs
for grant funding totaling $700; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System Hardware Grant program is run by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Grant applications are submitted to support the Virginia Fire Services Board efforts in local jurisdictions throughout the Commonwealth. Funds for the program are provided by The Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Fire Programs. Allowable expenditures include computer equipment, tablets and mi-fi peripherals. Allowable expenditures include computer equipment, tablets, and personal wireless Internet connection devices.
DISCUSSION: The deadline to submit the application was August 31, 2015. The Fire Department was notified about the possible grant opportunity in mid-August and once notified we began to process the application. Due to the late notification regarding the grant, once the application was completed it was sent over for signature by the City Manager through the City Attorney’s office. A notification to City Council was sent by the City Manager to City Council in their September packet, making them aware that staff had applied for the grant but would come before City Council for official approval. These funds will provide the City with additional computer equipment to aide with its reporting. The requested equipment will enhance the City’s collecting, analyzing, and reporting injuries and losses of or property caused by fire and similar hazard. The Fire Department proposes to use grant funds to purchase one laptop computer.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Fire Department is requesting grant funds in the amount of $700 for the purchase of one laptop computer. City staff will administer the grant. The City will be 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 or local match requirement.
STAFF:
Debra R. Collins, Deputy City Manager
Robert C. Dubé, Fire Chief