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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 18310: FIRE CHIEF AND POLICE CHIEF TO APPLY FOR THE 2014 PORT SECURITY GRANT PORT ARTHUR FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: John A. Comeaux, P.E., Interim City Manager FROM: Larry Richard, Fire Chief Mark Blanton, Police Chief DATE: May 5, 2014 SUBJECT: Proposed Resolution No. 18310 RECOMMEND It is recommended that the City Council approve the submission of the 2014 Port Security Grant project for the estimated amount of $1,509,000. This will require the City of Port Arthur to contribute the estimated amount of $48,142.70 for its portion of the 25 percent cash match. The remaining balance of the local cash match will be funded by other members of the Southeast Texas Regional Radio System. BACKGROUND This project is needed to enhance existing communications equipment in both the Fire and Police Departments. This project has been developed to address identified public safety communications needs. This project directly benefits the citizens of Port Arthur by improving the critical communications infrastructure of the Police and Fire Departments. This project also impacts other regional jurisdictions that will be providing financial support to meet the 25 percent local cost share stipulation of the Port Security Grant Program. This project will include the construction of a new radio tower at the City of Port Arthur Water Plant and the upgrade of other critical components of the Southeast Texas Regional Radio System. This project is both law enforcement and public safety oriented and is an enhancement of an ongoing interoperability project. BUDGETARY/FISCAL EFFECT There are no funds budgeted for this project, if the grant is approved funds would need to be allocated in the FY 2014 -2015 budget. STAFFING/EMPLOYEE EFFECT None. SUMMARY It is recommended that the City Council approve the submission of the 2014 Port Security Grant project for the estimated amount of $1,509,000. This will require the City of Port Arthur to contribute an estimated amount of $48,142.70 for its portion of the 25 percent cash match. The deadline for application for this grant is May 23, 2014. "Remember, we are here to serve the citizens of Port Arthur" P. R. 18310 5/5/14 rlh RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FIRE CHIEF AND POLICE CHIEF TO APPLY FOR THE 2014 PORT SECURITY GRANT WHEREAS, the Fire Chief and Police Chief were made aware on March 18, 2014 that 2014 Port Security Grant funds may be available; and WHEREAS, the two departments have identified equipment needs that match the grant criteria; and WHEREAS, the Police and Fire Departments seek to purchase communication equipment to construct a new communications tower and upgrade other towers to improve the Port Arthur Police and Fire Departments' public safety communications network; and WHEREAS, the Police and Fire Departments seek to apply for the upgrades and enhancements to the existing Southeast Texas Regional Radio System; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Port Arthur finds it to be in the best interest on the citizens of Port Arthur to authorize application for the grant; and WHEREAS, the cost of all of the required communications system upgrades and enhancements for the grant application is estimated to be $1,509,000; and WHEREAS, the grant is 75% federal funded ($1,131,750) with a 25% ($377,250) local match for a total of $1,509,000; and WHEREAS, the local match cost share for the City of Port Arthur is estimated to be $48,142.70 with the remaining balance of the local match to be funded by other members of the Southeast Texas Regional Radio System; and WHEREAS, neither department has funds budgeted for this expenditure, if the grant is approved funding would have to be included in the upcoming FY 2014 -2015 budget; and WHEREAS, the deadline to submit the application for the 2014 Port Security Grant is May 23, 2014. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR: Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct. Section 2. That the Fire Chief and Police Chief are authorized to apply for the 2014 Port Security Grant and to execute such other documents as necessary to apply for the grant. Section 3. That if the grant is approved, funds will have to be budgeted in the upcoming FY 2014 -2015 budget. Section 4. That a copy of the caption of this resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council. READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of May, A.D., 2014, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor: Councilmembers: NOES: • Deloris Prince, Mayor ATTEST: Sherri Bellard, City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: Va . '•no, Cit Atjrney ey APPROVED FOR ADMI STRATION: John A. Comeaux, P.E., Interim City Manager APPROVED AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: 0 Deborah Echols, Finance Director / 14.4,1--