MEETING DATE:
SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-9353 - AUTHORIZE THE SAN MARCOS FIRE DEPARTMENT TO APPLY FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT GRANT
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT a resolution approving the San Marcos Fire Department’s County of San Diego Neighborhood Reinvestment Program application for grant funds in the amount of $65,000 to support funding for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Power Project.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not Applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Dynamic and Responsive Service Delivery
Executive Summary
The Neighborhood Reinvestment Program provides grant funds to various agencies and organizations to assist with the funding of community, social, environmental, education, cultural or recreational needs. The grant application requires City Council approval to apply and the application must include the signed City Council resolution in conjunction with a completed application form and cover letter. Upon City Council approval, the San Marcos Fire Department will apply for Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grant funds to continue work on the vital EOC Power Project.
Discussion
The County of San Diego Neighborhood Reinvestment Program provides grant funding to County of San Diego departments, public agencies, and to non-profit organizations for one-time community, social, environmental, education, cultural or recreational needs. The application requires the applicant to submit an application form, cover letter and approved governing body resolution to one or more of the five (5) County Supervisors for consideration. Board of Supervisors Policy B-72: Neighborhood Reinvestment Program governs the distribution of these funds.
If the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grant application is approved, the awarded grant amount will be utilized to fund costs associated with the EOC Power Project. The EOC Power Project is currently in progress as this represents an immediate need to support City of San Marcos emergency operations. The essential upgrades for the EOC Power Project to ensure the EOC is operational are the installation of an additional breaker, transformer and circuits, all of which will remedy the immediate EOC power deficiencies identified.
The EOC’s current electrical system lacks the capacity to support the increased demand during EOC activations. The existing circuits are frequently overloaded, posing a significant risk of system failures that could hinder emergency response capabilities. System failures due to overloaded circuits can have dire consequences, potentially compromising the City’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies. The EOC Power Project will result in enhanced operational efficiencies, including support of vital IT systems and future proofing EOC infrastructure.
To enhance EOC operational efficiencies, a reliable power supply is required to enable uninterrupted EOC operations, allowing staff to focus on managing the crisis without concerns about electrical failures. Adequate power for IT systems will ensure the availability of critical communication and data management tools, essential for coordinated emergency response.
If awarded, Neighborhood Reinvestment Program funds will be utilized to install a new 400-amp breaker panel, transformer and circuits. This installation will utilize the existing main electric service to provide the necessary circuitry to support EOC operations, ensuring a reliable power supply during emergencies. In addition, dedicated circuits will be established to accommodate the increased demand from staff uses and to support IT system needs. This will eliminate the risk of failures due to overloaded circuits, ensuring continuous and efficient operation of our EOC. Lastly, the proposed upgrades will not only meet current EOC needs but will also provide additional capacity to accommodate future EOC requirements. This proactive approach will ensure the City of San Marcos remain prepared for any eventuality.
Upon City Council approval and in the interest of public safety this project will move forward through the grant application process. Should the application not be successful, and funds not be awarded, the cost of the project would be addressed through the Fiscal Year 24-25 Mid-Year budget process. Upon City Council approval, the San Marcos Fire Department will submit the Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant application requesting $65,000, the estimated total cost of the EOC Power Project.
Environmental Review
Not Applicable
Fiscal Impact
The estimated total cost for the EOC Power Project is $65,000. Upon grant award notification and dependent on award amount, the Fire Department will return to City Council to accept and appropriate the grant funds. The fiscal impact may change depending on the actual grant award and will be subject to a subsequent City Council budget amendment.
Attachment(s)
Resolution
Prepared by: Jamie Smith, Emergency Manager
Submitted by: Heather Todd, Fire/EMS Administrative Services Manager
Reviewed by: Dan Barron, Fire Chief
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager