DEPARTMENT: Fire Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
2015 Joint Use Agreement entered into the City of San Antonio (COSA) and Sports, Outdoor and Recreation (SOAR) Park and acceptance of a "safe house" donation.
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance authorizing a Joint Use Agreement between by the City of San Antonio (COSA) and Sports, Outdoor and Recreation (SOAR) Park, to authorize the building of a "safe house" and other amenities (restroom and covered patio) by SOAR valued at approximately $500,000 at the Fire Training Academy which will be dedicated to educating citizens about fire safety practices for a period of twenty years and also authorizes the acceptance of the donation of the "safe house" and other amenities (restroom and covered patio) by COSA once completed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) currently owns a small mobile "safe house" used to educate citizens in fire safety and exit drills in a smoke filled environment. The mobile safe house has logistic challenges due to size, weight and a readily available tow vehicle. A permanent structure would enhance SAFD's fire safety education mission and allow more citizens and youth the opportunity to hear the fire safety message.
As Fire safety education for citizens (especially youth) remains a vital mission of the SAFD and in order to construct a permanent and more effective "safe house," the proposed joint-use agreement allows SOAR to construct the "safe house" at the Fire Training Academy FTA.
ISSUE:
SOAR, a Texas nonprofit corporation shall enter into a joint use agreement with SAFD to design and coordinate the construction of an approximate 2,000 square foot fixed safe house. The house will be constructed on the grounds of the SAFD Fire Training Academy (FTA) by SOAR. SOAR will utilize donated funds, labor and materials to complete the safe house.
The "safe house" will be named "Morgan's Safe House" and SOAR will place signage at the "safe house" and other amenities (restroom and covered patio) in the same colors and motif as Morgan's Wonderland. SOAR agrees to restore signage when appropriate. COSA will allow SOAR to advertise Morgan's Wonderland at the "safe house" and other amenities (restroom and covered patio) with brochures, signage and posters as well as and live and still action figures. COSA agrees in the proposed joint-use agreement to maintain the "safe house" and fund all utility and maintenance costs after the construction period concludes. Anticipated completion date is January 2016. Once completed, the safe house will be donated to the COSA and used by the San Antonio Fire Department as a field trip destination to educate citizens in multiple aspects of home fire safety and lifesaving exit strategies during a fire.
ALTERNATIVES:
An alternative would be non-acceptance of the joint use agreement and continued use of a limited fire safety mobile unit.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This agreement has no immediate fiscal impact to the City or San Antonio Fire Department for the use or acceptance of the safe house and other amenities (restroom and covered patio). After the construction period and the donation is accepted, COSA will be responsible for maintenance of the house and other amenities (restroom and covered patio) as well as utility expenses, pending future fiscal year budget appropriations beginning in January FY16. Annual maintenance and utility costs are estimated to be $19,200 ($14,400 in FY16).
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance accepting the joint use agreement between COSA and SOAR and acceptance of the donation of the "safe house" by SAFD once completed.