Staff Report - Detailed
City of Rialto
File Number: 24-1866
File ID: Type: Status: 24-1866 Agenda Item Agenda Ready 1Version: Reference: In Control: City Council
12/02/2024File Created:
Final Action: File Name:
Title: Request City Council to Authorize Staff to Submit a Grant Application for the 2024 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
Notes:
Sponsors: Enactment Date:
fema_fy2024_afg_nofo, Staff Report - DetailedAttachments: Enactment Number:
Hearing Date: Contact:
Effective Date: Prepared by: [email protected]
History of Legislative File
Action: Result: Return
Date:
Due Date: Sent To: Date: Acting Body: Ver-
sion:
Text of Legislative File 24-1866
Request City Council to Authorize Staff to Submit a Grant Application for the 2024 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Authorize the submission of a grant application in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. 2) Approve a local match not to exceed $25,000 from the Fire Department ’s Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget.
3) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute All Related Documents.
BACKGROUND
On November 12, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Fiscal Year 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The grant application deadline is December 20, 2024.
The Rialto Fire Department (RFD) training tower is currently inoperable due to an ongoing investigation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination overseen by the
Staff Report - Detailed Continued (24-1866)
regional water board. PFAS compounds are synthetic chemicals used in industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foam. They are known for their persistence in the environment, posing potential health and environmental risks.
Due to the training tower ’s closure, RFD must send personnel to external facilities to maintain operational readiness and compliance with state and national training standards .
The proposed funding will cover tuition, backfill, overtime, travel, and equipment costs for essential firefighter training.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The AFG Program provides financial assistance to eligible fire departments to enhance operational efficiency and firefighter safety. The requested funding will address the following needs:
1. Training Tuition : Supports participation in critical training programs such as Hazardous Materials Specialist, Fire Instructor, and Firefighter II Certification.
2. Backfill and Overtime : Ensures emergency response coverage during training-related absences.
3. Travel Costs: Covers expenses for personnel attending external training.
4. NFPA-Compliant Equipment : Funds training props and fitness tools to support future readiness.
The proposed activities will ensure compliance with NFPA and state standards, maintain certifications, and reduce operational risks while the training tower remains unavailable.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The PFAS investigation is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as an information -gathering activity under Section 15306, Class 6. Notice of Exemption has been prepared and filed with the San Bernardino County Clerk.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action supports the following General Plan goals and policies:
· Goal 5-1: Minimize hazards to public health, safety, and welfare. · Policy 5-3.1: Provide fire personnel with adequate resources to meet community needs.
· Goal 5-7: Maintain a high level of emergency response capability.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved this report as to form.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact:
There is no impact on the Operating Budget. The required 10% local match, not to exceed $25,000, will be appropriated from the Fire Department’s Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact:
There is no impact on the Capital Improvement Budget
Licensing:
No licensing fees are required as part of this action.