Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

04/28/2020

BACKGROUND

Schertz Fire Department is a founding member of the FEMA Type III, GuadaComa Emergency Response Group that includes New Braunfels, Seguin, Cibolo, Live Oak, Universal City, Selma and the Guadalupe, Comal and Bexar county area. The team currently covers 395 square miles of 3 counties (Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe Counties). The estimated population in this area is approximately 235,000. This group’s sole purpose is to work jointly to mitigate hazardous material incidents to limit the public and commercial impact of these situations.

In addition, Schertz Fire Department participates in numerous mutual aid agreements including regional and statewide responses.
Schertz Fire Department is attempting to secure grant funds to purchase multi-use equipment that will increase the capacity of the GuadaComa Emergency Response Group and can be used daily on calls for service within the Schertz city limits.

In hazardous material situations it is imperative to be able to properly identify the hazardous product that is being dealt with in a rapid manner. Technology now allows a device to be carried to a scene that will identify thousands of different chemicals and compounds. The UASI Grant, is a second Homeland Security grant program that is available in our area that we would like to apply for.

GOAL

The Fire Department seeks Council approval to accept the 2020 State Homeland Security Program (UASI) Grant funds, if awarded, to purchase Hazmat Equipment.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

This is a grant item that supports Fire Response Activities.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Recommend approval.

FISCAL IMPACT

None. Equipment is expected to cost $78,398.00, of which all $78,398.00 will be state funds and no matching City funds are required.

RECOMMENDATION

Recommend approval.

Attachments
20-R-43
Exhibit A