Title
Authorizing the use of Neighborhood STAR program funds for replacement of Fire Department radios in all wards.
Body
WHEREAS, on February 18, 2022 the Neighborhood STAR board reviewed a proposal from the Department of Emergency Management on behalf of the Saint Paul Fire Department to upgrade portable and hand-held radios within the Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, this proposal provides for city-wide capital improvements to upgrade outdated communication used on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood STAR Board rated this project a 3.6 on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high); and
WHEREAS, the Fire Department received a grant of $1,240,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program with a federal share of $1,127,272.73 requiring a 10% matching fund contribution of $112,727.27; and
WHEREAS, due to the community significance of this project, a waiver of Neighborhood STAR Guidelines requiring a city department partner with a neighborhood organization, requiring STAR funds be used for permanently affixed capital improvements, defining existing debt as an ineligible STAR activity, and limiting Neighborhood STAR funds for acquisition to twenty percent is being recommended; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Mayor and Saint Paul City Council to participate in the financing of this activity by providing a total of $112,727.27 in grant funding through the 2021 Neighborhood STAR Program; not be it
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Mayor, the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby authorizes and directs the appropriate City officials to execute the necessary grant documents to implement this Resolution, subject to approval by the City Attorney; and be it
FINALLY RESOLVED, staff of the Department of Planning and Economic Development are further authorized and directed to proceed with all other actions necessary to implement this Resolution.