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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Fire Division Chief Brandon Matson
DATE: 9/3/2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the city to accept a grant award of $4,033.65 from TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response) for hazardous material equipment.
PURPOSE:
The Aurora Fire Department has been awarded a grant for hazardous materials equipment by TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response). This funding is intended to replace outdated and improvised grounding and bonding equipment with modern, NFPA-compliant systems. Proper grounding and bonding are essential for preventing static discharge during hazardous materials operations, especially when flammable liquids are involved.
BACKGROUND:
The TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response) Hazmat Team Response Fund, established in 2020, supports hazardous materials response teams across the United States by providing funding for essential equipment and advanced training. The Fund provides annual awards to hazmat teams across the United States who are seeking to purchase specific hazmat equipment or attend advanced training. This initiative helps ensure that hazmat responders are equipped to manage hazardous materials transportation incidents, protecting both themselves and the communities they serve safely and effectively.
Current equipment lacks standardization and does not meet today’s safety benchmarks. This will enhance our ability to safely and effectively respond to hazardous materials incidents. The amount of the award will cover the cost of a Static Ground and Bond Test System Kit
from Safeware, Inc.
DISCUSSION:
This grant will benefit the citizens of Aurora as well as the region. It will support the preparedness and safety of Aurora's hazmat team that serves a large area of Illinois. By replacing outdated equipment, the City of Aurora and MABAS Division 13 can continue to meet the high standards expected of them, while improving the protection of both responders and the community during hazardous materials incidents. This is also a no match grant, so it will not cost the city any money. The legal department has reviewed the limited terms and does not see any cause for concern.
A budget amendment will be submitted to add the funds to the revenue account: 101-3033-337-3040 . These funds will then be spent from account: 101-3033-422-65-01, a budget amendment increasing this account will be made if needed.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution will allow the City of Aurora to utilize funding from the TRANSCAER Fund to purchase new, up to date equipment for the Aurora Hazardaous Materials team. The acceptance of this grant will benefit the citizens of Aurora as well as the citizens of the region. It will also improve the safety of our firefighters and MABAS Division 13 members throughout the region.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I respectfully recommend that the city approve and formally accept this grant award of $4,033.65 on behalf of the Aurora Fire Department. Acceptance of this grant will strengthen our operational capabilities, ensure the safety of our personnel and the public, and enhance our compliance with state and federal hazardous materials response standards.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing the acceptance of a grant award of $4,033.65 for the Aurora Fire Department to purchase hazardous materials equipment.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Aurora Fire Department (AFD) plays a critical role in responding to hazardous materials incidents and requires ongoing support and resources to effectively mitigate such emergencies; and
WHEREAS, TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response) has awarded the City of Aurora a Hazardous Materials Grant in the amount of $4,033.65 to be used by the Aurora Fire Department for the purposes of equipment acquisition related to hazardous materials response; and
WHEREAS, acceptance of this grant will enhance the Aurora Fire Department’s capabilities in hazardous materials response, improve public safety, and support regional emergency preparedness; and
WHEREAS, there is no requirement for a local match or the City’s financial obligation will not exceed the awarded grant amount; and
WHEREAS, A check will be mailed to the city, and these funds will be added to Revenue account: 101-3033-337-3040. These funds will then be spent from account: 101-3033-422.65-01.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
1. That the City of Aurora hereby accepts the Hazardous Materials Grant awarded by TRANSCAER on behalf of the Aurora Fire Department.
2. That the Fire Chief is hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to carry out the acceptance and implementation of the grant.
3. That the City Clerk shall attest to this Resolution and retain a copy in the official records of the City.