Title
Ordinance in the Amount of $99,450 Amending State, Federal, and Other Grants Fund Budget for the Appropriation of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant
Body
Department: Fire
Council District: All
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: C.M. Hunter - 2357
Contact 2 and Phone: R. M. Swails - 5723
PURPOSE:
The Greensboro Fire Department (GFD) has received a competitive grant award of $99,450 from the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Act Grant Program. The purpose of the grant is to provide funding for GFD to purchase aerobic fitness equipment for those fire stations that do not currently have adequate equipment. The equipment is needed so that firefighters will be able to maintain a level of physical conditioning that enables them to effectively respond to, and provide assistance at emergency incidents.
BACKGROUND:
Obesity and inadequate exercise are recognized modifiable risk factors in the development of cardiovascular disease. According to the City Medical Director, firefighters are far less likely to be sick, injured, or permanently disabled on the job if they maintain an optimal fitness level. The GFD is committed to the health and fitness of its personnel in order to provide optimal performance for our citizens on emergency scenes, as well as to reduce injuries and the costs associated with workers' compensation. To address the increased relative risk of cardiovascular death, the GFD has adopted a multi layered prevention strategy. Providing adequate aerobic exercise equipment is a major component of the prevention strategy.
BUDGET IMPACT:
On December 17, 2013, City Council approved a resolution (Res.# 345-13) for the submission of the application for this grant. The resolution authorized a request for $99,450. Accepting the grant acknowledges that the federal government will provide 90% ($89,505) of the desired funding level, and requires GFD to provide matching funds of 10% or $9,945. Matching funds have been identified in operating account 101-4004-01.5235. No additional funding will be required from the General Fund. The grant funds will be housed in the account, AFG 2013 - 220-4012-01.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is requested and recommended that the City Council adopt the attached budget ordinance establishing that the City Council accepts the grant award from the Assistance to Firefighters Act Grant Program for the purchase of fitness equipment.