CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2026 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF $50,000 IN GRANT FUNDING FROM THE
CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR A CRASH RESPONSE
AND EXTRICATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Fire Department
SUMMARY:
Staff is recommending the City Council authorize the City Manager to accept $50,000 in Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant funding for the Fire Department to utilize for the purchase of vehicle extrication equipment. The grant funds will be used to upgrade extrication equipment for two (2) fire apparatuses.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Accept $50,000 in grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety for a Crash Response and Extrication Improvement Program in FY 2026/2027. 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
BUSINESS PRINCIPAL DISCLOSURE:
N/A.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The Fire Department responds to traffic collisions within the City of Palm Springs and provides mutual aid assistance to neighboring jurisdictions. Often times these accidents require specialized equipment to access injured patients. As vehicle technology and construction improve, our equipment must do the same. With new products and advanced technology comes increased prices to replace and upgrade. This grant will help offset our cost to upgrade our capabilities and provide a better service to the community.
The Fire Department was able to successfully solicit OTS funding for extrication equipment replacement and was awarded $50,000 in grant funding. Office of Traffic Safety Grant Agreement number EM27014 has been issued, corresponding with City agreement number EM27014.
City Council Staff Report
October 14, 2026 -- Page 2
Acceptance of OTS Grant for Crash Response and Extrication Improvement Program This grant period is for a Crash Response and Extrication Improvement Program between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The requested City Council action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. The requested action is to approve contracts for the above-mentioned services, and is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15378(b), in that a “Project” does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This item aligns with the following City Council Strategic Plan Broad Goal: Public Safety and Community Services.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is a reimbursable cost grant program. No matching funds are required to obtain this additional grant funding.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Paul Alvarado, Fire Chief
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. OTS Grant Agreement EM27014