PRESENTER: Presenter
Jennifer Gates, Grants Coordinator
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval for the submission of an application to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Fiscal Year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program for the purchase of an ambulance, and authorization for the City Manager to accept funds and execute all contract documents associated with the grant if awarded.
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DEPARTMENT: Fire
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The New Braunfels City Council strategic priorities include using a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs. If approved by Council, Staff will submit a grant application on behalf of the New Braunfels Fire Department (NBFD) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Grant Programs Directorate’s (GPD) Fiscal Year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program for the purchase of an ambulance.
The grant application requests funding for the purchase of an ambulance, anticipated to be a Ford F-550 with Type I 14' Module for approximately $310,000, and an assortment of associated life-saving equipment such as a stretcher, Lucas device, power load device, cardiac monitor, ventilator, and an infusion pump for a total approximate cost of $101,000. This vehicle will be licensed as a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to best support the City’s residents and visitors.
Upon receipt of Council’s approval, Staff will submit an application for $411,000. Of the total cost of the ambulance and associated equipment, FEMA grant funding will provide approximately $373,636 and any balance, including the grant’s match requirement, of approximately $37,364 will be paid from the General Fund.
If awarded, it is anticipated that the City will receive notification in April 2022 and will initiate the grant award acceptance process at that time, including the execution of contract documentation by the City Manager or authorized designee. Additionally, Staff will request additional consideration and approval by Council for the purchase of the ambulance and any related budget amendments if required. All awarded grant funds must be used within 24 months from the award date.
ISSUE:
Not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the ambulance is $411,000, of which the grant will provide $373,636 as a reimbursement upon the receipt and full payment of the vehicle. Any additional cost will be paid from the General Fund. Therefore, sufficient funds are available to support the purchase of the ambulance as described above.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval for the submission of an application to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Fiscal Year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program for the purchase of an ambulance, and authorization for the City Manager to accept funds and execute all contract documents associated with the grant if awarded.