Background/Discussion
The Council Bluffs Fire Department is requesting to partner with the Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency hereinafter referred to as “EMA” for the establishment of a countywide multi-jurisdictional Emergency Operations Center hereinafter referred to as “EOC”.
The EOC would be constructed and operated in the space currently used as Community Hall within CBFD’s Central Station. It has long been determined by the EMA Commission that the current space being utilized is insufficient and inadequate to function as a command center in the event of a large scale incident. As you are aware Community Hall was utilized as a functioning command center throughout the 2011 flood. It is the opinion of the Commission and City Staff that it makes the most sense to locate a permanent command center within that location.
Due to most emergencies not being foreseen it is vital to have a Command Center that is turn-key and that can be staffed at a moment’s notice. Through multiple conversations with the EMA Commission and EMA staff it was determined that it makes the most sense to establish the command center at the proposed location. This will increase the capabilities of all public safety agencies within Pottawattamie County, all while ensuring the taxpayers that their funds are spent in the most efficient way possible. This project has been projected to cost roughly $340,000.00 and will be funded with dollars from multiple divisions of the government. The diagram below shows all monies allocated at this time. EMA staff also plans to reach out to local foundations to ask for assistance with the project. As part of this project a sprinkler main will be brought into the building and the Community Hall level will be fully outfitted with a sprinkler system. This installation will allow for future expansion of the sprinkler system throughout the building. The construction of this EOC will allow for expansion of the EMA’s ability to partner with both public and private entities along with providing more efficient means of recovery within Pottawattamie County.
U.S. Homeland Security $100,000.00
Pott. Co. Board of Supervisors $140,000.00
Pott Co. Attorney’s Office $25,000.00
EMA Fund Balance $45,000.00
Contingency (10%) $30,000.00
Total Raised so far: $310,000.00
|
|