ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 28, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: MISCELLANEOUS TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kevin Albertson, Interim Fire Chief
DATE: May 15, 2025
SUBJECT: Appropriate $26,042 in grant funds from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Public Benefit Grant Program
Appropriate $20,000 in grant funds to the Fire Department operating budget to purchase a new alternative fuel utility terrain vehicle and appropriate $6,042 to purchase a new electric bicycle for the emergency medical services EMS program, for a total of $26,042.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.
BACKGROUND:
In response to the emergency medical assessment and treatment needs during large events, the Bakersfield Fire Department would like to expand the EMS program with the addition of a new alternative fuel utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and a new electric bicycle . The EMS team consists of Fire Department EMTs and paramedics capable of providing advanced life support (ALS) assessment and care at events like the Bakersfield Marathon, the Bakersfield Christ mas Parade, and other events where large crowds or event layouts create challenges for a traditional fire engine response. The electric bicycle and UTV will allow EMTs and paramedics faster access to patients during these events. This team will be staffed by existing EMTs and paramedics on an on-call basis. The UTV will also be used for the department’s urban search and rescue program which responds throughout the state.
The Fire Department was successfully awarded $26,042 in grant funding from San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Public Benefit Grant Program and recommends appropriation of grant funds in the amount of $20,000 to purchase one alternative fuel UTV and $6,042 for an electric bicycle. The total cost of the UTV is $29,764.91, the balance will be covered by the Fire Department’s general fund operating equipment budget.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The majority of funding for equipment will be provided by reimbursable grant funds, and the balance will be covered by th e general fund equipment budget. Leveraging local grant dollars to offset City costs reduces the use of City General Funds.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
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