TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary subsequent amendments including term extensions, with the Department of Homeland Security for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant funding for the hiring activity of seven (7) Firefighters in the amount of $3,049,915, for the performance period of October 23, 2023, to October 22, 2026; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Fire Department by $3,049,915, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program is one of three grant programs under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) that constitute the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards.
The SAFER Program objectives are to assist local fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities to respond to emergencies and help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards, and to fulfill traditional mission of fire departments. In acceptance of the grant award, Long Beach Fire Department can more effectively and safely respond to emergencies with enhanced staffing levels, experience a reduction in response times and an increase in the number of trained personnel assembled at the incident scene.
SAFER 2021 does not require a non-federal recipient contribution. The SAFER grant will be used to hire seven (7) Firefighters full-time operational positions whose primary assignment is on a fire suppression vehicle, regardless of collateral duties. The SAFER Program Office will work with recipients to establish the correct staffing maintenance numbers, which combine the number of pre-SAFER Program and SAFER Program-funded operational positions. Once this is established, recipients must agree to maintain this number throughout the period of performance by taking active and timely steps to fill any vacancies.
The grant will assist with reinstating vacancies experienced in the Fire Department and improving staff coverage and reduce overtime cost and mandatory scheduling. The SAFER grant will benefit the City of Long Beach and the Fire Department in supporting its mission to protect lives, property and the environment, improving the quality of life and safety of the community.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on June 28, 2023 and by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on June 29, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 18, 2023, to ensure the City can expend these funds within the performance period of the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT
Program costs will be offset by federal grant revenues of $3,049,915. As these grant funds are not budgeted, appropriation increase in the amount of $3,049,915 is requested in the General Grants Fund Group in the Long Beach Fire Department. All grant expenses will be fully offset by grant reimbursement revenue and there are no matching funds or in-kind services required. It is anticipated that with the planned Recruit Academy in 2023, the Department will have the required operational staffing number needed to secure grant funding. The Department anticipates that with the continued normal annual recruitment efforts, they will be able to maintain the required staffing levels during the three-year grant performance period. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DENNIS BUCHANAN
FIRE CHIEF
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER