Agenda Item Wording:
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Fire Department Grant Application Confirmation and Acceptance - Confirm authorization for staff to apply for the 2023 California Water Service Firefighter Grant Program, authorize accepting the grant award, and appropriate funding for the purchase of six rescue tool batteries in the amount of $5,367.24.
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Deadline for Action: 1/16/2024
Submitting Department: Fire Department
Contact Name and Phone Number: Dan Griswold, x4220; Crissy Balderama x4513
Department Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council confirm authorization for staff to apply for the 2023 California Water Service Firefighter Grant Program, authorize acceptance of the grant award, and appropriate funding for the purchase of six rescue tool batteries in the amount of $5,637.24.
Background Discussion:
Visalia Fire Department applied for the California Water Service Firefighter Grant on September 7, 2023. On November 28th, the Visalia Fire Department was notified that California Water Service would be funding the department’s grant request for six rescue tool batteries in the amount of $5,367.24.
The Visalia Fire Department has responded to 2,230 auto accidents in the last four years. Responding to an average of over 550 vehicle accidents per year can mean the potential for victims in need of extrication from damaged vehicles. To expedite the extrication process, frontline fire engines are equipped with Hurst battery-powered eDraulic combi rescue tools with cutting and spreading capabilities. Vehicle extrication rescue tools are commonly known as the Jaws of Life. Beyond vehicle extrications, rescue tools can be used during a building collapse, industrial accidents, agricultural/farming accidents, forcible entry into buildings, and a variety of other incidents where lifting, moving, or cutting heavy objects or metal are required.
The six batteries provided through the 2023 California Water Service Firefighter Grant Program will provide a second battery for each rescue tool. Second batteries are necessary for those occasions where the tool has been used and the battery requires charging. The second battery can also replace batteries that have lost their capacity. Having a second battery keeps rescues tools in service and ready for response.
Fiscal Impact:
Staff requests appropriation of $5,367.24 from the General Fund to purchase the six rescue tool batteries. This amount will be reimbursed by the California Water Service Firefighter Grant Program.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Deny the application for the grant award.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to confirm authorization for staff to apply for the 2023 California Water Service Firefighter Grant Program, authorize accepting the grant award, and appropriate funding for the purchase of six rescue tool batteries in the amount of $5,367.24.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments:
1. California Water Service - Confirmation of Application Receipt.
2. California Water Service News Release announcing 2023 Firefighter Grant Program Recipients.