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Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a contract and all necessary amendments, including term extensions, with the County of Los Angeles Office of Emergency Management to receive and expend Department of Homeland Security grant funding for the 2007 State Homeland Security Grant Program; and increase appropriations by $250,401 in the General Grants Fund (SR 120) and the Fire Department (FD). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management recently advised the City of Long Beach that the 2007 State Homeland Security Grant Program funds have been awarded. This grant is appropriated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and managed through the State of California Office of Homeland Security and Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. Under this grant program, the Long Beach Fire Department will receive $250,401 to continue implementation of the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS). City Council authorization is required to execute a contract and necessary amendments, accept the grant funds and increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund and the Fire Department.
The MMRS grants began in 2001 as part of the Department of Homeland Security's goal to better prepare local governments to respond to any CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive) event. The funds have been used to secure emergency medicines for responders and the public, and increase the capabilities of the Long Beach Fire Department and the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. The MMRS 2007 grant award of $250,401 will be utilized to increase the capabilities of emergency responders and to enhance the capabilities of the City of Long Beach by providing for training of staff and procurement of emergency response equipment.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary Anderson and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on April 1, 2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council approval is requested on April 15, 2008, to ensure timely acceptance of these grant dollars.
FISCAL IMPACT
As these grants are unbudgeted, an appropriation increase of $250,401 is included in the recommendation. The expense appropriations will be fully offset by grant revenues and this grant does not require matching funds. There is no immediate impact to the General Fund; however, due to time delays between incurring expenditures and receiving revenues, it may be necessary for the General Fund to advance cash to cover grant-related expenses until reimbursement revenues are received. As the grant only covers procurement expenses, any on-going or future costs for equipment maintenance or replacement will be borne by the General and other funds.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
David W. Ellis
Fire Chief
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |