pages: CityCouncil/2015-10-06.pdf, 5
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CityCouncil | 2015-10-06 | 5 | (15-589) Recommendation to Accept $2,205,300 Grant from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program and to Amend the Fire Grants Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16. The Fire Chief gave a brief presentation. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated that he would like to approve acceptance of the grant; he would also like to prepare for when Alameda does not receive the grant or the full amount; there may be other more needy communities. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Fire Chief confirmed the savings are $500,000 annually; Firefighters work overtime; injuries and medical disabilities are also important costs; she is prepared to support accepting the SAFER grant. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the 2011 SAFER grant was for 2 years, to which the Fire Chief responded in the affirmative; stated the grants are 2 years of funding; stated the Fire Department has been able to extend the funds beyond 2 years because each Fire Fighter only gets paid 40% while attending the five month Academy. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the City applied in 2013 or 2014. The Fire Chief responded the full time Fire Fighter positions were filled in 2013 and 2014; stated the grant from 2009 and 2011 covered costs; SAFER grants expire and the City is short on people; gaps are filled with overtime costs. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the 2014 grant was denied, to which the Fire Chief responded in the negative; stated staff has just been waiting to hear from the SAFER program. Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the staff recommendation to accept $2,205,300 Grant from the SAFER Program and to amend the Fire Grants Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated the City has 75,000 residents and is growing slowly; demand for services continue; on the revenue side, things are not always readily available; the City is always scrambling; he supports accepting the grant. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated that he would like to amend motion to include direction for staff to present a contingency plan to the Council if the grant is not renewed. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft requested input from staff on how to move forward with Vice Mayor Matarrese's request. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 October 6, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-10-06.pdf |