DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2022
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS FIRE DEPARTMENT
FROM: SAMUEL KLEMEK, FIRE CHIEF
TITLE: FY 2022 CAL WATER FIREFIGHTER GRANT AWARD ACCEPTANCE AND FUNDING FOR THE UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS) PROGRAM RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution:
Authorizing the City Manager or designee to accept the FY 2022 Cal Water Firefighter Grant award in the amount of $29,921.45.
Authorizing the Purchasing Officer to purchase a Skydio X2E drone, or similar UAS (Unmanned Aerial System).
Authorizing the use of fireworks surcharge funds in the amount of $ 30,078.55 toward training and equipment for the UAS program.
Authorizing creation of the Fire Grants Fund for recording and reporting Fire Department grants.
Authorizing establishment of Fire Grants Fund appropriations totaling $29,921.45 and corresponding revenue budget.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Fire Department continues to research innovative ways to assess emergency situations safely and rapidly, while diminishing the risk to life and property. The Fire Department applied for and was awarded the California Water Firefighter Grant to procure a Skydio Unmanned Aerial System (UAS); commonly known as drone, or similar model, that fits the need of the department and that along with an established UAS program, will allow the department to enhance operational intelligence during a wide range of emergencies. The department recognizes an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program as an important tool and has identified the grant and fireworks surcharge funds as funding sources.
BACKGROUND:
As an all-hazard fire department, the SFD is required to respond to all incidents involving fire, explosions, and hazardous materials incidents. Currently, Salinas Fire doesn’t own an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and has relied on interagency collaboration for usage during emergency situations. Having a UAS and trained personnel readily available would allow Salinas Fire to prioritize life and have an impact on total response time, minimizing the impact on resources and cost to the City and the community. With the same mission in mind, Salinas Fire applied for and was awarded the FY 2022 Cal Water Firefighter Grant in the amount of $29,921.45. The Cal Water Firefighter Grant’s objective is to provide funding directly to fire agencies for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of the public and first responder personnel against fire and fire-related hazards. The funds received from the Cal Water grant are for the purchase of a Skydio X2E UAS, or similar device. Salinas Fire will need to fund the purchase of additional equipment and training needed for the program and has identified additional funding from fireworks surcharges in the amount of $30,078.55 for a total program budget of $60,000. The funds will allow Salinas Fire to purchase its first Unmanned Aerial System(s) that will be operated and maintained within the department. In hazardous material fires, such as it was during the Taylor incident in April of 2022, time is of the essence and using any tools that accelerate response time is crucial, not only to ensure the safety of firefighters but also of the surrounding community. The Salinas Fire Department also intends to use the UAS to conduct surveys of canals and waterways during fire and floods, to not only ensure the safety of fire personnel before responding but prioritize search and rescue efforts. The UAS would enhance the operations of the entire Fire Department, another planned use for the UAS(s) would be to aid the Fire Prevention team during enforcement operations to identify illegal fireworks during the 4th of July celebrations and target threat areas. Revenues received from fireworks surcharges in the city will be used to offset the cost of the UAS program. Salinas Fire is cognizant and respectful of privacy issues, which are addressed in law and department policy, UASs will only be utilized at locations and during situations in which Salinas Fire has legal authority to do so.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Approving the proposed resolution will support the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal of Public Safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Salinas Fire Department will coordinate with the Finance Department through the management of the grant and the purchasing process.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The Fire Department requests the establishment of the Cal Water Firefighter Grant fund and appropriation of $29,921.45 upon receipt of grant funds, with no matching funds required. Additional funds requested of $30,078.55 are readily available in the General Fund Fireworks Surcharge and Administrative Citation accounts.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Cal Water Application
Skydio Quote
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