Minutes 10/14/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 14. 2008 - City Manager's Report - 08 - 435 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting a grant in the amount of $136,424 from the 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and appropriating said amount in the FY 2008-2009 Grants Fund for use by the Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services to purchase firefighting equipment. Vision Principle: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community. Background: . The U. S. Department of Homeland Security, 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, has notified the Portsmouth Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services that it has been awarded $109,139 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program federal funds toward a total project cost of $136,424 for three proposed projects. Discussion: . The three projects include a new air compressor cascade system at Station 7 (Winchester Drive) for the filling of air bottles for breathing apparatus, a new hearing protection system for all fire apparatus, and physical fitness equipment to equip two of three fitness centers (proposed for Station 3 - Rivershore Road and Station 4 - Broad Street) for all firefighting personnel. Financial Impact: . These grant funds require a local cash match in the amount of $27,285 that has been identified in the operating budget. Staff Recommends: Adoption of ordinance. Vision Principle: Thriving Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community Next Steps Following Council Action: . Proceed with acquisition and installation of equipment in accordance with grant requirements. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Psi mas, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $136,424 FROM THE 2007 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT IN THE FY 2008-2009 GRANTS FUND FOR USE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FIRE, RESCUE, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES TO PURCHASE FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT." Ayes: Moody, Psimas, Randall, Smith, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: None 08 - 436 - Adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapter 37 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006) by amending Section 37-132 thereof to increase certain rates for the use of taxicabs. Vision Principle: A Robust and Prospering Economy. Background: . The last taxi rate increase requested for cab companies operating in the City of Portsmouth was approved by City Council on January 24, 2006. Since that time, cab companies have experienced increases in insurance rates and gas prices, which on average have increased by over $1.00 per gallon since 2006. . On July 22, 2008, Mr. Barry Sheppard, Vice President of Safeway Cab, submitted a request to City Council requesting various rate increases which would mitigate these rising costs. The request was based on similar requests made to other Hampton Roads localities. City Council then directed staff to study this issue and develop a recommendation.