(7)AR 080409 Grant - Regional Project

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CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT FOR COUNCIL MEETING OF August 4, 2009 ITEM #7 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: Tom Hendrix, Fire Chief SUBJECT: Consider Acceptance of State Homeland Security Grant FY 2008 (Regional Project) in the amount of $75,000 and Adopt a Resolution Amending the Budget for Fiscal Year Commencing July 1, 2009 and Ending June 30, 2010 DATE: July 27, 2009 BACKGROUND: As part of the national effort to prepare for potential terrorist attacks, the United States Department of Homeland Security made grant funds available to local first responders. This funding is administered through the State Homeland Security Grant Program and locally through San Bernardino County OES. The grant is available on a reimbursement basis and does not require matching funds. The Federal government has mandated that the funds be earmarked for the following categories: equipment, exercises, training, and planning and administration. Expenditures in the equipment category are required to come from federally approved equipment lists. DISCUSSION/ ANALYSIS: The Homeland Security Grant process establishes an Approval Authority with responsibility for establishing Operational Area spending priorities and approval of grant requests. Its members are from local law enforcement, fire protection and public health agencies. Regional projects have been established as a top priority by the Approval Authority. This grant, in the amount of $75,000 is a regional project and will be used to purchase supplies and equipment for mass care shelters and a trailer for transportation. The trailer and supplies will be stored in Colton and will be one of two currently available in the County this year. In addition, the Approval Authority has approved funding that will allow for the purchase and equipping of four additional trailers that will be stored through out the County. The Fire Department is administering the grant this year on behalf of the Operational Area. This is a reimbursement grant that does not require matching funds. It is anticipated that all purchases will be completed within three months at which time a reimbursement application will be sent to San Bernardino County OES who is responsible for the management of all Homeland Security Grants in the County.