Explanation
This ordinance allocates $250,000 of Permanent Improvement Funds to the Division of Fire to purchase thermal imaging cameras. Such equipment significantly enhances rescue operations, allowing firefighters to "see" in smoke-filled environments to speed the location of potential victims. Quicker operations improve the odds for a successful rescue while also increasing the safety factor for the rescue party. The division has been field testing several different units over the last six months. Subsequent legislation will authorize the expense.
Sufficient funding exists in the Permanent Improvement Fund to accommodate this purchase.
Title
To authorize and direct the appropriation of $250,000 within the permanent improvement fund to the Division of Fire for the purchase of thermal imaging cameras for use in fire rescue operations, and to declare an emergency ($250,000).
Body
WHEREAS, thermal imaging cameras enhance fire rescue services by enabling firefighters to "see" in smoke-filled environment to speed the location of potential victims, thereby improving the safety of both potential victims and rescue personnel; and
WHEREAS, Council deems it necessary to expand the Division of Fire's capacity to address potential life-threatening fire events by directing the use of $250,000 of permanent improvement funds for the purchase of said equipment; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is submitted as an emergency measure to ensure the quickest deployment of said equipment for the public welfare, and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the City in that it is immediately necessary to appropriate funds to the Division of Fire to allow for the purchase of thermal imaging cameras for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; Now therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That from the monies in the Fund known as the Permanent Improvement Fund, Fund No. 748, and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources during the twelve months ending December 31, 2006, the sum of $250,000 is hereby appropriated within project 748999.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to transfer said monies within the fund from Project 748999 to Project 340123, Fire Equipment, Division of Fire, Division 30-04, OCA Code 340123.
SECTION 3. That City Council directs that said funds be used for the purchase of thermal imaging cameras.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.