Minutes 08/08/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

August 8, 2023 Discussion:  On July 17, 2023, Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services received an assistance Award Letter in the amount of $20,000 for FY 2024 from VDFP.  The funds are for the Women in Public Service Conference and will be utilized to cover the expenditures for the instructor’s inclusive fees, production of presentation materials, supplies and equipment, as per the grant guidelines. Financial Impact:  There is no requirement for a local cash match and\\or In-Kind services. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Finance Department will assign the budget code.  A signed and dated copy of the Award Acceptance Certification form will be returned to VDFP on or before August 18, 2023.  The funds will be expended in accordance with the grant guidelines set by VDFP. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Tillage, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A CONFERENCE AND EDUCATION ASSISTANCE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PROGRAMS AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT IN THE FY 2024 GRANTS FUND FOR USE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FIRE, RESCUE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR THE WOMEN IN PUBLIC SERVICE CONFERENCE.” Ayes: Barnes, Hugel, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Tillage, Whitaker, Glover Nays: None 23 - 264 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting Assistance to Firefighters grant funds in the amount of $177,272.72 from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency and appropriating said amount in the FY 2024 Grants Fund for use by the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services for an augmented cancer screening program. Background:  The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is one of three Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency grant programs that focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The AFG Program provides financial assistance directly to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations, and State Fire Training Academies for critical training and equipment. Discussion:  A 2022 AFG Grant has been awarded to the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services to provide an in-depth cancer testing system to augment the current NFPA 1582 medical assessment program. The funding will enable the Department to secure testing that will provide early detection.  Cancer screening and testing will produce a return on investment improving PFRES safety, health, and organizational fiscal responsibility. The testing will add additional medical safeguards for all PFRES Firefighters. Financial impact:  This program does require a 10% local cash match of the Federal Share of $177,272.72. The cash match is $17,727.28 and will come from the Department’s FY 2024 General Fund Budget.