TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Application to the Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, in the Amount of $697,909, for the Acquisition of a Water Tanker Apparatus, and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should the Grant be Awarded to the City.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the application to the Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, in the amount of $697,909 for the acquisition of a water tanker apparatus, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review, should the grant be awarded to the City.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the application to the Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, in the amount of $697,909, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review, should the grant be awarded to the City.
• Pros: These funds will provide the City with up to $697,909 in federal funding toward the purchase of a dedicated water tanker.
• Cons: There are no foreseeable cons to approving this application.
Option 2: Deny the Application Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, in the amount of $697,909 toward the purchase of a dedicated water tanker.
• Pros: There are no foreseeable pros to denying this application.
• Cons: The City would not receive reimbursement for the cost of the purchase of a dedicated water tanker.
Background Information
The City of North Port has applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program for $697,909 to assist with the purchase of a dedicated water tanker apparatus. The total estimated project cost is $767,700, with a required 10% local match of $69,791.
The proposed tanker will strengthen emergency response capabilities in areas of the City where fire hydrant infrastructure is limited or unavailable by providing a reliable source of water for structure fires; wildland-urban interface incidents; and other emergencies. The apparatus will improve operational effectiveness, firefighter safety, and the Fire Department's ability to serve a rapidly growing community.
The AFG Program provides competitive federal assistance to Fire Departments for equipment, vehicles, training, wellness initiatives, and facility improvements that enhance the safety of the public and emergency responders.
This is a reimbursable grant, meaning the City will spend the grant funds first and then request reimbursement from the granting agency.
If awarded, the Grant Contract will be reviewed by the City Attorney to ensure that it is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan
Safe Community
Financial Impact
If awarded, the City will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $697,909 in AFG funds for a water tanker apparatus, with a total project budget of $767,700. Matching funds of $69,791 (or 10%) will be made available through a budget amendment in fiscal year 2027 from account 110-2222-522.64-00.
Procurement
If awarded, all relevant procurement codes, policies and procedures will be followed when purchases are made.
Attachments: 1. AFG Application
Prepared by: Michael J. Davey, Ph.D, Grants Coordinator
Valerie Malingowski, CFM, CGMS, Grants Division Manager
Department Director: Kaitlyn Griffin, MPA, Performance & Accountability Officer