Resolution 2014-08 - Reso. 2014-08 - Community Block development grant - 1/21/2014 RESOLUTION NO.2014-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING
THE SUBMISSION TO THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE FOR 2011 TEXAS WILDFIRES NON-
HOUSING ACTIVITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT; AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ACT AS THE CITY'S EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE IN ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE
GENERAL LAND OFFICE FOR 2011 TEXAS WILDFIRES NON-HOUSING ACTIVITIES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT.
WHEREAS The City desires to develop a viable urban community, including decent housing and
a suitable living environment and expanding the economic opportunities, principal
for persons of low and moderate income; and
WHEREAS Certain conditions exist which represent a threat to public health and safety; and
WHEREAS It is necessary and in the best interests of Huntsville to avail itself of the General
Land Office for Community Development Grant Funds.
NOW,THEREFORE,be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Huntsville,Texas,that:
SECTION 1: The City of Huntsville desires that an application be submitted to the General Land
Office for Community Development Grant Funds for a Brush Truck and Radios.
SECTION 2: The total project cost is$300,000.00 with the grant funding$300,000.00.
SECTION 3: The City Council directs and designates the City Manager as the City's Chief
Executive Officer and Authorized Representative to act in all matters in connection
with this application and the City's participation in the Community Development
Grant Funds.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 21St day of January 2014.
THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE
Mac Wood ard,Mayor
EST: 1 D AS TO FORM:
L e Woodward, L nard Sc n 'der,
ty Secretary `City Attorney
Agenda Item # 6b Page 3
,4* % CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Agenda Item:6b
Item/Subject: Consider authorizing the City Manager to apply for a Wildfire Community Development
Block Grant and approval ofResolution 2UI4'O8.
Initiating Depa,trnent/Pnesanter; Neighborhood Resources
Presenter:Sherry McKibben, Director
Recommended Motion: Authorize the City Manager to apply for a Wildfire Community Development
Block Grant and approve Resolution 2O14'D8.
Strategic Initiative: Strategic Initiative#1- Huntsville residents enjoy a safe, healthy, affordable, and
historic community
Discussion: During the summer of 3011 and 2012, Walker County suffered severe drought that
contributed to several wildfires. Walker County was declared a disaster area through FEW1A-4039 as of
February 1, 2012 due tothe reoccurring wildfires. HUD has now allocated Community Development
Block Grants tothe General Land Office for grants to Counties with Disaster Declarations.
The City needs to purchase a Brush Truck in order to be better equipped to fight wildfires. The city plans
to replace Unit #52419. This is a 2003 F550 Mini-Pumper with 76,910 miles. This truck is not sufficient
because its size and weight makes itdifficult to maneuver inthe terrain where the wildfires typically
occur.The cost ofanew Brush Truck is$16[\DOO.00.
Additionally, the Police and Fire communications system operates off of radio towers that are
owned by Harris County located in Walker County. We entered into this agreement with
n1u|C|p|e regional agencies after 9/11 in order to facilitate communications in the event of
terrorist attacks or other disasters. Harris County is upgrading this inter-operational
communication system in the next 3 to 7 years because the FCC mandates that devices
such as radios and phones utilize less airwave space toallow more users "in the a|r". The
results of these upgrades are that our radios and radio systems will not function once this
upgrade is complete and they need to be updated/upgraded to meet the new standards.
Our Police and Fire use this system tocommunicate with each other and other public safety
agencies. This request is a proactive step to fund part of the radios needed before the
upgrade is complete. This request includes 40 radios, chargers and batteries ata cost of
$3500 each through Motorola for total of $140,000.00. This will complete the number of
radios we need for the Police Department, but we will need to upgrade the 30 Fire
Department radios.
In February of2O13, the City applied to the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the State
Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office for funding of $123,214.00 for 26 radios.
We did not receive this grant. Council than approved applying for Homeland Security Grant
/n May 7, 2013 for $131,214.00. We were awarded and accepted $65,000'00 on October
15, 3013. Staff received quotes and was able to negotiate for 21 of the needed radios with
the approved budget. Council approved awarding the contract to Motorola for the 21 radios
and 4 Cavconn radios for the Haznnat team on November 19, 3013. We have no other
pending applications for radios.
Agenda Item # 6b Page
The total grant request will be 300,000.00. No matching funds are required.
Previous Council Action: There has been no previous Council action on this item.
Financial Implications:
❑There is no financial impact associated with this item.
El Item is budgeted: - - In the amount of$
®Item is not budgeted: Further Council action will be required once the grant is awarded.
❑Item is estimated to generate additional revenue:
Approvals: ®City Attorney ®Director of Finance ®City Manager
Associated Information:
• Resolution (page 3)
Agenda Item # 6b Page 2