Number
090085
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DONOVAN
Title
Resolution relating to application for a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters - Fire Prevention Safety grant.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Milwaukee Fire Department to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters - Fire Prevention Safety grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $533,762. This resolution includes funding for 3 positions of Lieutenant and one position of Captain, and essential supplies and equipment required to prepare for and manage a 24-hour Arson Investigation Unit. The one-year grant award total is $427,009 (80%) with a city match of $106,753 (20%).
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee has seen an increase in arson fires that occur in vacant and abandoned homes that are undergoing the foreclosure process; and
Whereas, The establishment of an Arson Investigation Unit would better identify and monitor vacant and abandoned homes in the city and help reduce the number of arson fires in the community and increase public safety; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee appears to be eligible for grant funds from the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency to effectively implement a Milwaukee Fire Department Arson Investigation Unit; and
Whereas, The operation of this one-year grant project would provide $427,009 (80%) by the grantor and $106,753 (20%) by the city; and
Whereas, The grant project would provide for the staffing of 3 Lieutenants and one Captain, and essential supplies and equipment required to prepare for and manage an Arson Investigation Unit; and
Whereas, An Arson Investigation Unit would work 24-hour shifts responding to calls from the arson hotline and working with block watch groups, while collaborating with the State of Wisconsin Fire Marshal; Milwaukee Police Department; U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office and insurance companies to neutralize arsonists and increase public safety through an enhanced, controlled investigative processes that leads to successfully prosecuting arsonists; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Milwaukee Fire Department is authorized to apply for a grant entitled Assistance to Firefighters - Fire Prevention Safety from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB09152-1
MET
5/4/09