DEPARTMENT: Office Of Risk Management
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With Minnesota Department Of Public Safety For 2022 Urban Area Security Initiative Homeland Security Grant And Amend Office of Risk Management 2023 Budget
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a contract with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for $409,500 in 2022 Urban Area Security Initiative Homeland Security Grant funding and amend Office of Risk Management 2023 budget.
SUMMARY
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has awarded $409,500 of Homeland Security Grant funding to Dakota County under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) of the Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The period of the grant is from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
The spending plan for this grant includes items identified by Dakota County for internal preparedness efforts and the Dakota County Domestic Preparedness Committee for improving Countywide emergency response. The grant includes $195,500 for equipment, $118,000 for homeland security planning activities, $26,000 for exercises, $25,000 for organization and $45,000 for training.
The primary projects in the equipment category are to continue to fund 800 MHz radio ($74,500), maintaining emergency operations center (EOC) equipment and software ($37,000) and equipment to support first responders and the Dakota County Special Operations Team (SOT) ($80,000). The SOT (36 people) is comprised of members from the County and all 11 cities with members from fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services agencies. The team has responded to incidents involving hazardous materials, technical rescues and collapsed structures at locations throughout the County.
The primary project in the planning category is the funding of contracted homeland security planners for assisting in the implementation of homeland security initiatives. The grant planning activities will include updating the Countywide Emergency Operation Plan, implementation of the All Hazard Mitigation Plan and planning for improved cyber security. It will also include providing support for cyber security exercises for County Departments.
Funding for exercises is targeted towards multijurisdictional exercises regarding terrorism and natural disaster scenarios. A Countywide Exercise Design Team is coordinating exercise planning and facilitating the drills needed to enhance first responder skills. One of the exercises will be the coordination of communications between the County and City EOC's during an emergency response. A grant category called "organization" includes $25,000 for the participation of the Sheriff's Office in the Minnesota Fusion Center where participants work collaboratively to gather, analyze and share information to improve the ability to fight crime and terrorism. Training funds will be used to offset costs for multi-jurisdictional training, including SOT training activities.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorize the execution of the contract with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for $409,500 in 2022 UASI Homeland Security Grant and amend the 2023 Office of Risk Management budget to support homeland security activities during the grant period.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
A budget amendment is recommended in the amount of $409,500. The expenses are allocated between Capital Equipment Program in the amount of $195,500 and the operations budget in the amount of $214,000. There is a $0 net County cost as a result of this action. All remaining funds, at the end of 2023, will be carried over to the 2024 budget.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☒ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, has been provided funding from the federal government under the homeland security grant program to enhance preparedness activities related to natural disasters and terrorism; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County desires to improve internal preparedness efforts and to assist local agencies to be better prepared for any potential disasters/emergencies in Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota, acting through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, has awarded a 2022 Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $409,500 to Dakota County for the period of January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Board Chair to execute a contract with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, for the 2022 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $409,500 for the period of January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, subject to approval by the County Attorney's Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby amends the Office of Risk Management 2023 budget as follows:
Expense
2022 UASI Homeland Security Grant CEP $195,500
2022 UASI Homeland Security Grant Operational $214,000
Total Expense $409,500
Revenue
2022 UASI Homeland Security Grant $409,500
Total Revenue $409,500
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None.
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☒ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: B.J. Battig
Author: B.J. Battig