DEPARTMENT: SAFD
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
2020 Emergency Management Preparedness Grant (EMPG)
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of a grant application for and acceptance upon award, of up to $151,788 from the State of Texas, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), for the 2020 Emergency Management Preparedness Grant (EMPG). The EMPG plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System by supporting the building, sustainment, and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. This grant program is managed by the City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM). This ordinance also authorizes an in-kind matching contribution of up to $151,788 and authorizing a personnel complement of 1 Department Fiscal Administrator position.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of San Antonio has received more than $2.8M in EMPG awards since 2003. These funds are designated to support local emergency preparedness activities to enhance the City’s capability to mitigate potential hazards and respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters. The key elements of emergency preparedness are comprehensive emergency planning, emergency training, and exercising. This ordinance also approves a total personnel complement of 1 position. This position is essential for complying with the federal and state grant management requirements and for increasing regional preparedness capabilities against a catastrophic disaster. This position will be funded upon receipt of the 2020 EMPG award. Allowable expenses include but are not limited to personnel compensation and benefits, travel, vehicle allowances, training equipment, operation and repair of administrative equipment, utility costs, janitorial and custodial services, rent and maintenance, vehicle rental, insurance and indemnification, attendance at meeting and conferences and indirect costs.
In 2019, OEM processed 7 state requests for SAFD/SAPD mutual aid for wildfires and flooding at a cost of $267,410. In 2018, OEM processed 9 state requests for wildfire support at a cost of $588,000. In addition, during FY 18 and FY 19 OEM led the cost recovery and reconciliation of $9.4M in expenses to support TDEM’s response to Hurricane Harvey.
OEM financial staff funded through EMPG comprises of the Department Fiscal Administrator (DFA) who oversees all financial activities for OEM. A portion of EMPG will fund, under contractual services, one temporary personnel position to support the fiscal section of OEM.
The Emergency Management Performance Grant requires in-kind match. In 2019, the City was awarded $157,988 in EMPG funds.
ISSUE:
The Office of Emergency Management must submit a 2020 EMPG grant application to be eligible for FY 2020 grant funding and to sustain current operational capabilities. Staffing and equipment are necessary to support public safety, emergency management planning, and compliance with federal and state regulations. The grant application is due January 31, 2020.
ALTERNATIVES:
Non-acceptance of 2020 EMPG grant funds would prevent the Office of Emergency Management from retaining a full-time employee who perform critical planning and emergency management functions such disaster financial management and data collection of critical infrastructure and key resources. Alternatives to not funding the personnel complement could make us not in compliance with grant mandates and eligibility requirements and unable to accept any future EMPG grant funding. SAOEM would also lose the full-time DFA position.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes OEM to apply for, accept, and appropriate, upon award, up to $151,788 from the 2020 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG). This ordinance also authorizes in-kind match necessary to accept Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG). This ordinance also authorizes an in-kind matching contribution of up to $151,788 and authorizing a personnel complement of 1 Department Fiscal Administrator position. The in-kind match is provided through existing general fund expenses that fund 24 hour security guard services at the EOC. This ordinance also approves a total personnel complement of 1 Department Fiscal Administrator position.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance to apply for and accept grant funds from the 2020 EMPG grant program, appropriate funds upon award, and authorize the Director of Emergency Management, Mayor, or his designee, or the City Emergency Manager to execute any and all necessary documents to effectuate 2020 EMPG grant program. Staff also recommends approval of the personnel complement.