Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

05/11/2021

BACKGROUND

The Fire Department seeks Council approval to accept the 2021 State Homeland Security Program (UASI) Grant funds, if awarded, to purchase Hazmat Equipment and public education and outreach materials.
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.

GOAL

Approval of Resolution 21-R-41

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Enhancement of the Guadacoma Hazardous Materials Response Team and public engagement and education.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Recommend approval of Resolution 21-R-41

FISCAL IMPACT

None. Equipment is expected to cost $36,950.06, of which all $36,950.06 will be state funds and no matching City funds are required.

RECOMMENDATION

Recommend approval of Resolution 21-R-41

Attachments
Resolution 21-R-41
Exhibit A