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Home My WebLink About23-152 Resolution No. 23-152 RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY(FEMA)ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM (AFG) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that it accepts a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of$42,147.83 from the Assistant to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and hereby ratifies and approves of Richard G. Kozal, City Manager accepting such grant on behalf of the City of Elgin. s/David J. Kaptain David J. Kaptain, Mayor Presented: July 26, 2023 Adopted: July 26, 2023 Vote: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 Attest: s/Kimberly Dewis Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk A REPORT TO MAYOR & MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL ELGIN THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS- OTHER BUSINESS: O2 MEETING DATE: July 26, 2023 ITEM: Resolution Ratifying the Acceptance of a Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) OBJECTIVE: Accept grant for costs associated with providing mandatory emergency vehicle driver/operator certification training to five firefighters. RECOMMENDATION: Ratify the acceptance of the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of$42,147.83 and approve payment of the city's required share in the amount of$4,214.79. Congress established the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG)in 2000 to provide direct financial assistance to fire departments to address a variety of needs in areas such as vehicles, training and equipment. The fire department applied for this grant to cover the substantial and rising costs associated with sending personnel to mandatory training for certification in emer- gency vehicle driving and operations. The city estimates it will spend more than $46,362.62 over the next year to send five firefighters to mandatory driver/operator certification training. The city has been awarded an AFG that will cover$42,147.83 of that cost, with the city obligated to cover the remaining $4,214.79. The AFG will provide significant relief to the fire department's training and overtime budget as it relates to covering the costs of mandatory driver/operator certification training. With the understanding of a 31 July 2023 grant acceptance deadline, the city council's acceptance of the grant was scheduled for approval during the 12 July 2023 committee of the whole meeting. The fire department recently learned the grant acceptance deadline is now Sunday, 9 July. The city manager confirmed the city's acceptance of the grant on 7July 2023 and this item ratifies the city council's formal acceptance of the grant. BACKGROUND The fire department responds to more than 14,000 calls for service per year which requires one or more emergency vehicles to respond and operate while on scene. With the public's safety and that of the fire department personnel as its top priority, fire department members must be A properly trained in driving and operating emergency vehicles enabling them to respond in the safest manner while achieving the quickest response possible. Emergency vehicle driver and op- erator certification classes are mandatory and are taught at various locations in Illinois which are approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM). The OSFM issues certifications to fire- fighters who successfully complete the training courses. Obtaining these mandatory certifica- tions allows firefighters to drive and operate emergency vehicles while doing so in the safest and most efficient manner. The costs associated with these mandatory certification training courses consist of course registration, books, shift coverage and overtime. OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS The city has hired more personnel over the past two years requiring the fire department to pro- vide mandatory driver/operator training. This initiative requires a significant financial outlay for the fire department. The fire department estimates it will spend approximately $46,362.62 over the next year to send five firefighters to mandatory driver/operator training.The fire department applied for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) to help cover the costs for enrol- ling five personnel needing to complete the mandatory driver/operator training. The city has been awarded an AFG that will cover$42,147.83 of that cost, with the city obligated to cover the remaining $4,214.79. INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED None. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS It is anticipated that the cost to send five firefighters to mandatory driver/operator training is approximately $46,362.62. The awarded FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) will cover $42,147.83 of the cost and requires the city to cover the remaining $4,214.79. This grant will provide significant relief to the fire department's training and overtime budget as it relates to covering the costs of mandatory driver/operator training. BUDGET IMPACT FUND(S) ACCOUNT(S) PROJECT#(S) AMOUNT AMOUNT BUDGETED AVAILABLE N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A LEGAL IMPACT None. t► ALTERNATIVES The city council may reject the grant award and the fire department will continue with the current mandatory driver/operator training model, paying for those services as part of the fire depart- ment's budget. NEXT STEPS Approve the AFG award in the amount of $42,147.83 and pay the associated cost sharing of $4,214.79. Originators: Robb Cagann, Fire Chief Final Review: Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer William A. Cogley, Corporation Counsel/Chief Development Officer Richard G. Kozal, City Manager 1,