TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement with the City of Los Angeles for regional training support under the State Homeland Security Grant Program. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The State of California Office of Homeland Security was created in the Office of the Governor in February 2003. The mission of the Office of Homeland Security is to develop and coordinate the implementation of a comprehensive state strategy to coordinate security activities throughout California. The State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) was established to support that strategy. In an effort to meet the mandate of coordinated training for regions under the Office of Homeland Security, the City of Los Angeles volunteered to be the grant awardee under 2004 SHSGP to coordinate the training for Los Angeles County regional agencies. However, the 10s Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association will determine the types of training that are needed for the region. The training will then be developed and provided by a cadre of fire professionals from the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and one representative of independent cities in Los Angeles County. This cadre will also design how the training will be provided in order to ensure the training is consistent throughout the region. The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) has been selected to represent the independent cities in this program. A LBFD Captain will be assigned for a period of up to one year and will be located at the City of Los Angeles Fire Department training center in order to closely coordinate with the committee. The cost of backfilling (call back overtime) for the Captain will be reimbursed by SHSGP funds through the City of Los Angeles. The reimbursement may be up to $150,000. Traditionally, the LBFD has supported partnerships with surrounding agencies. Relationships between agencies and fire departments are of mutual benefit and serve a public purpose. This program will benefit the City of Long Beach and its fire agency partners under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). This item was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard Anthony on August 23, 2005 and Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on August 26,2005.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on September 6, 2005 in order to have the agreement in place to request reimbursement.
FISCAL IMPACT
Communication expenses of approximately $800 will be absorbed within the Fire Department's General Fund budget. The call back overtime incurred will be fully reimbursed by the City of Los Angeles. A budget adjustment will be requested in FY 06 to appropriate the additional overtime budget as well as the offsetting revenue in the Fire Department (FD) and General Fund (GP).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]