STATEMENT OF ISSUE
Following the events of September 11, 2001, in an effort to ensure that State and local critical infrastructure was protected from terrorist activity and other hazardous incidents, federal monies were appropriated through the Department of Homeland Security and Office of Domestic Preparedness. These monies were distributed to state agencies for programs to reduce vulnerability and increase security capabilities. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is a key focal point for this region in managing these funds. Over the years the Leon County Sheriff’s Office has assisted the City of Tallahassee in obtaining funds for training, equipment and planning.

The Tallahassee Fire Department through the Leon County Sheriff’s Office has been approved for a $15,000 grant. The scope of this grant is to reduce critical infrastructure building vulnerability and the protection of critical regional assets. The funds are from the State of Florida Homeland Security Grant Program, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office will do all purchasing and transfer the equipment to the Tallahassee Fire Department. The City of Tallahassee Fire Department will maintain the equipment after installation. There is no match required.

The grant will be used to expand the Tallahassee Fire Department’s existing building security system through the purchase and installation of additional electronic door strikes, door access monitoring equipment and proximity card access readers.

The Office of Budget and Policy has reviewed and concurs with this item.

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Option No. 1: Authorize the City Manager to accept the equipment from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for use by the City of Tallahassee Fire Department.

FISCAL IMPACT
Approval for the acceptance of this grant will place some minimal financial requirements on the City of Tallahassee Fire Department for maintenance (approximately $650/year) once the warranty expires. There is sufficient funding in the operating budget to handle these annual maintenance expenses.

Cindy Dick, Fire Chief, Tallahassee Fire Department

Anita Favors Thompson, City Manager

For information, please contact: John Gatlin, Division Chief – Fire Department, at 891-6644.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL/ISSUE ANALYSIS

HISTORY/FACTS & ISSUES
Following the events of September 11, 2001, in an effort to ensure that State and local critical infrastructure was protected from terrorist activity and other hazardous incidents, federal monies were appropriated through the Department of Homeland Security and Office of Domestic Preparedness. These monies were distributed to state agencies for programs to reduce vulnerability and increase security capabilities. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is a key focal point for this region, in managing these funds. Over the years the Leon County Sheriff’s Office has assisted the City of Tallahassee in obtaining funds for training, equipment and planning.

The Tallahassee Fire Department is a designated Regional Urban Search and Rescue Team and Regional Hazardous Material Team and a member of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force. The protection of regional response assets is critical for ensuring resources are available at a time of need. Tallahassee Fire Department property houses numerous regional assets to include; Region 2 HazMat Team, USAR Task Force 7, Region 2 MARC as well as many others. The grant has been awarded to the Tallahassee Fire Department. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is prepared to make all purchases and transfer equipment to the City of Tallahassee Fire Department.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office purchased these items. Therefore, charitable contribution points are not applicable to this item.

OPTIONS
1. Authorize the City Manager to accept equipment from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to the City of Tallahassee Fire Department.

Pros:
• Supports the mission of both Federal and State partners in critical infrastructure protection. Is funded by federal grant dollars and does not require purchase dollars from the City of Tallahassee.

Cons:
• Will require minimal maintenance in the future.

2. Do not authorize the City Manager to accept equipment from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to the City of Tallahassee Fire Department.

Pros:
• Prevents potential future maintenance costs.

Cons:
• Allows for potential exposure to terrorist targeting.
• Does not enhance building, asset and personnel security.