January 24, 2006

SUBJECT: Acceptance of Fiscal Year 2005 Homeland Security Grant Funding and Budget Modification No. 11

REPORT IN BRIEF

The Department of Public Safety is eligible to receive federal Homeland Security Grant Funds as a sub-grantee of the County of Santa Clara.  Two grants are currently being distributed to cities for Fiscal Year 2005 to enhance Office of Emergency Services (OES) management and training activities, and to provide training supplies for Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

Staff recommends acceptance of the 2005 grant funding and Budget Modification No.11 to continue support of two Public Safety Special Projects, already established, that provide for emergency preparedness planning and training, and CERT.

BACKGROUND

Public Safety has received disaster preparedness grant funding for many years.  The Federal Office of Homeland Security distributes funding to states on a per capita basis.  The State of California, in turn, distributes the funds to each county, also on a per capita basis.  In Santa Clara County, an “Approval Authority” was established several years ago in compliance with grant requirements to equitably distribute any Homeland Security Grant Funds received by the County.  The Approval Authority is made up of voting members representing municipal and county fire and police agencies, and the County Health Department.  The Approval Authority is overseen by the Emergency Preparedness Council (EPC), which is made up of Council representatives from each municipality within Santa Clara County.  

The 2005 grant funding is being distributed to cities on a per capita basis to support emergency preparedness planning and training and Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERT). 

The first grant is from the Emergency Management Planning Grants (EMPG) Program.  These funds are distributed on a per capita basis, with Sunnyvale’s share being $16,771.  Grant guidelines allow the funds to be used to support comprehensive emergency management and to prevent, prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters.  Grant Funds may not be used to supplant existing funding.

Staff believes that these funds may best be used to support Emergency Management Organization (EMO) training and exercises and for the professional development of OES staff. 

The second grant is being awarded to cities with Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERT) programs in place.  The Sunnyvale Neighbors Actively Prepare program (SNAP) is equivalent to CERT, and qualifies under this grant.   These funds are also distributed on a per capita basis, with Sunnyvale’s share being $9,102.  Funds may be used for training and supplies to support CERT teams.

EXISTING POLICY

Law Enforcement Sub-Element

4.1B Provide community oriented services that are responsive to citizen’s needs in traditionally non-criminal areas.

Department of Public Safety FY 2005/2006 Approved Budget Service Delivery Plan 48302-Office of Emergency Services Outcome Statement-Provide emergency preparedness services and training, in partnership with the community, to ensure an appropriate civic and community response to major disasters and emergencies.

DISCUSSION

Disaster Preparedness has been a focus of the city for many years.  Emergency Planners have been on staff since the early 1980’s and have established community based training and preparedness programs.  With recent disasters in the Gulf Region and around the world, staff believes it is critical to continue training and preparedness programs for both city staff and for the community. 

OES staff delivers periodic training to city staff and conducts exercises to test organizational capability.  The EMPG funding will allow staff to continue to provide professional development for city staff and to deliver much needed training for city staff.

The SNAP program has grown over the last few years, as our community recognizes the need for individual preparedness.  Staff trains about 100 community members each year, with a focus on self sufficiency for the first 72-94 hours after a disaster. Staff offers advanced and refresher training to ensure community members stays engaged in the program.   The CERT grant funding will be used to support new and continuing SNAP training and to purchase training supplies.

FISCAL IMPACT

Acceptance of this grant funding will have no net fiscal impact on the City.  All costs incurred by the City will be fully funded by, and will not exceed, the grant award.  

Staff is recommending approval of Budget Modification No. 11  to appropriate revenues from the Homeland Security Grants and the corresponding expenditures to two existing special projects within the General Fund.   Both of these projects currently have carryover funds from the Fiscal 2004 allocation.

BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 11

FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006

Conclusion

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety is eligible to receive the grants described in this report.  Acceptance of the grant funding will enhance training. 

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public Contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City’s web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and City Clerk’s Office.

ALTERNATIVES

#1. Authorize the City Manager to execute all agreements necessary to accept fiscal year 2005 EMPG and CERT grant funding as a sub-grantee of the County of Santa Clara; and approve Budget Modification No. 11 .

#2. Do not accept the grant funding.   

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Alternative #1, Authorize the City Manager to execute all agreements necessary to accept fiscal year 2005 EMPG and CERT grant funding as a sub-grantee of the County of Santa Clara; and approve Budget Modification No. 11 .

Reviewed by:

Don Johnson, Director, Public Safety

Prepared by: Craig Farley, Lieutenant

Reviewed by:

Mary Bradley, Director of Finance

Approved by:

Amy Chan

City Manager