CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO

RESOLUTION NO. 15-15

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A GRANT REQUEST TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR A STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE GRANT

RECITALS.

Demand for emergency medical services (EMS) continues to grow and because of this demand and changes in healthcare, the fire department continues to evolve. Currently approximately 80% of the incident volume is EMS based. New rules and regulations from the federal government, reporting requirements for Medicare and ambulance billing, changing requirements from the Mesa County Medical Advisor, and training and continuing education all create additional demands on the emergency response system. In response to the changing workload and beginning with the 2015 budget, three firefighter-paramedic positions were upgraded to EMS supervisors (one on each of the three shifts) to coordinate both administrative and operational EMS needs. This change created three vacancies in firefighter-paramedic positions that normally staff a fire engine.

Staff has evaluated ways to fill these vacancies, with one option being application of a SAFER grant. If awarded, the grant will allow the Department to maintain the staffing on all fire engines and continue to meet established staffing guidelines.

The purpose of SAFER grants is to provide funding directly to fire departments to assist them in increasing the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24 hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire related hazards. SAFER will provide two-year grants by paying the salaries and benefits of the SAFER-funded positions. The grant does not require that the positions continue to be funded after grant expiration.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Grand Junction supports submitting the grant request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant for the funding of three firefighter paramedic positions, in accordance with and pursuant to the recitals stated above and authorizes the City Manager to enter into a grant agreement with FEMA if the grant is awarded.

Dated this 4^th day of March  , 2015.

               /s/ Phyllis Norris      

               President of the Council

ATTEST:

/s/ Stephani Tuin      
City Clerk