DATE: May 27, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Reallocate $100,000 in Funding Previously Allocated to the Hayward Fire Department for a D rone Project to Fund a Proposal from the Fire Department’s Health and Wellness Committee for Personal Protective Equipment Cleaning at an Estimated Cost of $70,000, Returning $30,000 to Measure C Fund 406
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopts adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to reallocate $100,000 in funding previously allocated to the Hayward Fire Department for a d rone project to fund a proposal from the Fire Department’s Health and Wellness Committee for personal protective equipment cleaning at an estimated cost of $70,000, returning $30,000 to Measure C Fund 406
SUMMARY
The Hayward Fire Department (HFD) has an existing approved budget allocation for a drone project in the amount of $100,000, and requests to pivot this funding for a new proposal for PPE cleaning at an estimated cost of $70,000, resulting in a decrease in the funding need and returning $30,000 to Measure C Fund 406. The Hayward Fire Department is committed to enhancing the safety of firefighters by implementing a cancer prevention approach for cleaning all turnout/PPE gear. With the new cleaning proposal, the Department will be in -line with recommended sanitation and cleaning procedures as stated by Cal-OSHA and the National Fire Protection Agency.
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
In FY24, the Hayward Fire Department was approved for a drone project to assist with fire monitoring and other services in the amount of $100,000. In May of 2024, the Department appointed a new Fire Chief, and it has since been determined that the drone purchase will not be pursued. The Department has also been presented with a PPE cleaning proposal brought forth by the HFD Health and Wellness Committee which includes a detailed plan to properly
clean, sanitize, monitor, and repair all turnout/PPE gear for active firefighters. Key components of the proposal include:
- Routine cleaning and inspection
- Annual advanced inspections and cleanings
- Detailed record-keeping of scheduled cleanings
- Updating SOG 14010 (Clean Stations, Storage and PPE Decontaminations) - Retirement of PPE after 10 years
- Upgrade current HFD cleaning equipment
- Annual advanced cleaning and inspection by manufacturer
NFPA 1851 establishes requirements for selection, care, and maintenance of firefighting protective ensembles to reduce health and safety risks associated with improper maintenance, contamination, or damage, and by implementing the steps as listed above, HFD will comply with currently recommended practices. Additionally, OSHA uses the NFPA guidelines to establish recommended firefighter decontamination and PPE safety practices.
The Department is deeply invested in the health and safety of all fire personnel, and feels it is in the best interest of the City to shift this funding allocation to implement the recommended safety practices as highlighted above.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This proposal does not directly impact any of the strategic roadmap projects.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposal to reallocate the currently budgeted done funding to fulfill the PPE cleaning proposal would result in a net return of $30,000 to the Measure C Fund.
SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
The proposed cleaning measures include more thorough inspections and monitoring that include repair services. These standardized repairs will circumvent the extended wear-and- tear issues that can lead to the early retirement of turnout sets. Regular maintenance will improve the lifespan of the PPE.
PUBLIC CONTACT
No public contact is required for this item.
NEXT STEPS
If Council approves the resolution, Staff will work with Finance to reallocate the funding to a new project account and proceed with implementing proposed cleaning and record-keeping processes.
Prepared by: Lauren Dekas, Management Analyst
Recommended by: Eric Vollmer, Interim Fire Chief
Approved by:
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Michael Lawson, Acting City Manager