REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: February 19, 2020 Report No. CSS-20-006
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Blair McDonald, Director, Community Safety Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Request for Council Resolution in support of a Grant Application
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council support by way of resolution a $19,990 application for the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Emergency Support Services stream, and further authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute any agreements related to a successful grant application.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Emergency Program Act, RSBC 1996, c.111
Emergency Management Bylaw, 2015, No. 2853
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This Request for Decision supports the following specific strategic objective: Build and Enhance Partnerships - Work with governments, school districts and stakeholders to enhance relationships and advance issues impacting the community.
BACKGROUND:
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding programs intended to enhance the resiliency of local governments and their residents in responding to emergencies. Funding is provided by the Province of BC and is administered by Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The funding stream being applied for is “Emergency Support Services.” The intent of this funding stream is to support eligible applicants to build local capacity to provide emergency support services through training, volunteer recruitment and retention, and the purchase of ESS equipment. Starting in 2020, the focus of the ESS funding stream is to support the modernization of local ESS programs in order to move toward electronic registration and reporting.
This project will see the purchase of 10 tablets with keyboards to support modernization, as well as necessary equipment including printers, routers, battery banks, carrying cases, extension cords, and mobile internet smart hubs . The Township has taken proactive steps to be prepared for modernization and has purchased 6 tablets with keyboards which are in our primary storage location. We have not purchased supporting equipment and supplies. The additional tablets will be in our secondary ESS storage facility, and we will have 8 tablets total available at each location. We also require the necessary equipment to store, charge and access the internet for all 16 tablets. The selection of a tablet provides utility as they can be used for other ESS activities like training, exercises, and assisting evacuees with access to the internet following an emergency.
If modernization is introduced prior to the completion of the grant, a contractor will be hired to design and facilitate a functional exercise to practice the new electronic ESS registration and referral processes in a reception centre and to ensure adequate equipment operation. ESS teams in the Region will be invited to participate.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The CEPF is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of funding that can be used to enhance the resiliency of the Township of Esquimalt and ensure the safety of our residents through emergency support services training and readiness, as well as planning and collaboration with regional partners
2. Organizational Implications
Staff time will need to be allocated to purchase equipment and test with volunteers at potential reception centre sites. Staff will be required to administer the funding. A consultant will design and facilitate a regional exercise.
3. Financial Implications
There are no direct financial implications as 100% of the cost of eligible activities is contributed by the fund.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
5. Communication & Engagement
Emergency support services volunteers will be consulted and trained on the set up of equipment in case of a reception centre activation. Regional partners will be engaged if an exercise takes place.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council support by way of resolution a $19,990 application for the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Emergency Support Services Stream, and further authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute any agreements related to a successful grant application.
2. That Council does not provide a resolution in support of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund application.