DATE: OCTOBER 10, 2023
DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT
FROM: SAMUEL KLEMEK, FIRE CHIEF
BY: ESTEFANIA VARGAS, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
TITLE: FY 2022 SAFER GRANT ACCEPTANCE
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
It is recommended that the City Council accept the FY 2022 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant award in the amount of $4,740,042.15.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The SAFER Grant program, administered by the United States Department of Homeland Security, is a federal initiative that offers financial support to local and state agencies for the purpose of increasing the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. The City of Salinas Fire Department successfully applied for and received a grant of $4,740,042.15. This funding will be allocated over a span of three years to cover the expenses associated with hiring nine additional Firefighter positions.
BACKGROUND:
The SAFER grant program aims to offer crucial financial support to local and state agencies, specifically geared towards enhancing the recruitment, retention, and hiring of emergency response personnel. In March 2023, the Salinas Fire Department sought to acquire funding from SAFER to upstaff by nine additional positions. The department believes this move is essential to strengthen our ability to respond effectively to fire emergencies and other critical incidents within our community given the forthcoming increase in population.
Salinas Fire is already stretched thin, providing timely and efficient service from only six stations. From 2020-2023, we have witnessed an annual average increase of 5.4% in emergency calls, indicating a consistent rise in demand for our services. Moreover, Salinas falls significantly short of the recommended national standard of 1.2 firefighters per 1000 residents, with only 0.58 firefighters per 1000 residents currently serving. As population growth accompanies development and drives the demand for emergency services, it is paramount that SFD maintains the ability to respond equitably to all residents within a 6-minute timeframe. The imminent housing development to the north and east of the city will undoubtedly exacerbate the demand for service. Given the impending housing development and the continuous surge in emergency calls, it is imperative to bolster our department with additional resources.
The grant funding, totaling $4,740,042.15, will be distributed over a three-year period, and is designated to cover the expenses associated with hiring nine more firefighters, covering the full cost of the positions including fringe benefits. This allocation will have a profound and positive impact on our Fire Department's capacity to provide prompt, efficient, and equitable emergency services to our residents. Importantly, this grant comes with no local share requirement. This grant offers a unique opportunity to enhance our emergency response capabilities without diverting local resources from other essential services.
By accepting the SAFER Grant, we will not only improve our community's safety but also ensure that our Fire Department is adequately staffed to meet the growing demands of our city. This grant aligns with our commitment to the protection of life, property, and the environment for the residents of Salinas.
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:
Accepting the SAFER grant aligns with the following City of Salinas’ Strategic goals of:
Public Safety
Effective and Culturally Responsive Government
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
To ensure strategic alignment of efforts, the Salinas Fire Department requires the collaboration of the Finance Department to monitor the SAFER fund and fulfill reporting requirements.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The SAFER grant does not require a local match commitment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Staff report
Resolution
Award letter
Page | 3
Page | 1
CITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORTCITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT