DATE: JUNE 2, 2026
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS FIRE DEPARTMENT
FROM: SAMUEL KLEMEK, FIRE CHIEF
BY: ESTEFANIA VARGAS
TITLE: ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT ACCEPTANCE AND EQUIPMENT PURCHASE RECOMMENDED MOTION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution to:
Accept the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award in the amount of $207,086.26 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); Approve an agreement with Air Exchange Inc. for the purchase and installation of exhaust removal systems in an amount not to exceed $314,710.02 and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City; and Approve the reallocation of budget within CIP projects specifically designated for fire station repairs and renovations (CIP 9235 and 9541) .
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Salinas Fire Department (SFD) has been awarded $207,086.26 through the 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). Of this total, the federal share is $188,260.24, and the required non-federal match of $18,826.02 is included in the CIP-funded share. The project will fund the purchase and installation of Plymovent diesel exhaust removal systems at six fire stations, with a total estimated project cost of $305,543.71. Project costs not funded by FEMA total $117,283.47, and a 3% contingency of $9,166.31 brings the total amount funded by CIP to $126,449.78. CIP funding will be provided from accounts 9541 ($93,999.82) and 9235 ($32,449.96). This investment will significantly reduce firefighter exposure to diesel exhaust, improving workplace safety and supporting compliance with NFPA standards.
BACKGROUND:
The Fire Department identified the need to replace and upgrade diesel exhaust removal systems to better protect firefighter health and safety. Existing systems are outdated and do not adequately capture harmful diesel exhaust emissions, which are linked to long-term health risks. Upgrading these systems supports compliance with current safety standards and reduces exposure within fire stations.
To address this need, staff applied for funding through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The City was subsequently awarded funding to support the purchase and installation of diesel exhaust removal systems across six fire stations.
Vendor proposals were obtained from Air Exchange, Inc., a Plymovent distributor, for equipment and installation services (see attached Plymovent quotes). These proposals establish the project scope and confirm the need for coordinated procurement and installation across all stations.
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) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, as it involves the purchase and installation of equipment and does not have the potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
In addition, this project is subject to FEMA Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) review requirements. All work will comply with applicable federal environmental review processes, and no ground-disturbing or installation activities will commence until FEMA EHP clearance is obtained, as required under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
Yes.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This project directly supports the City Council’s Public Safety goals by protecting firefighter health and safety and improving resiliency of fire station operations. It also supports the City’s Infrastructure goals by investing in critical facility improvements that maintain safe and functional public facilities.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Finance Department will be consulted to ensure proper grant accounting, cost share management, and procurement of the Plymovent equipment. The City Attorney’s Office will review and approve the agreement to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The total project cost is $305,543.71. FEMA will fund $188,260.24 of the project cost. The remaining project costs of $117,283.47, including the required non-federal share, will be funded by CIP. A 3% contingency of $9,166.31 is included, bringing the total funded by CIP to $126,449.78. CIP funding will be reallocated from CIP projects specifically designated for fire station repairs and renovations (CIP 9235 and 9541) Funding Sources:
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
5800
45.9235-66.5400
Capital Outlays Equipment
$91,289.82
$32,449.96
1100
45.9541-66.3010
Capital Outlays Remodeling & Alteration
$93,999.82
$93,999.82
3115
45.7222-63.4300
Outside Services Maint & Repairs-Equipment
$0
$188,260.24
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Grant Award Notice
Plymovent Quotes
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