Agenda Item # 4
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
February 10, 2015
Agenda Report # 80
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Canine Program
INITIATED BY: Columbus Fire and EMS Department
Recommendation: Approval is requested to enter into an Intergovernmental
Agreement with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) to
enable the Columbus Dept. of Fire/EMS to host an Accelerant Detection Canine
Program.
Background: The Columbus Dept. of Fire/EMS has been selected by the Bureau of
Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) as one of only two Georgia
Agencies to participate in their Accelerant Detection Canine Program (ADCP).
This represents a $25,000-30,000.00 investment from the BATFE for our community.
On August 21, 2014 our investigators, along with BATFE investigators,
encountered an issue obtaining a Canine unit for processing the scene of a
double homicide associated with an arson fire in Columbus. No Canine in the
State of Georgia was available to respond to the scene due to the only (2) two
dogs being in training. Both of these units, which are assigned to the Georgia
State Fire Marshal?s Office, are located to the North of Atlanta and the East
Coast of the State. This leaves our entire region of the State a great
distance from these valuable resources. Our department had to wait for days to
finally get a Canine from North Alabama assigned to the Alabama State Fire
Marshal?s Office to respond to the scene.
Analysis: The BATFE is providing the funds handler initial training, and the
animal. Our Department will have to agree to the terms of the provided Inter
Agency Agreement. The canine handler will be a designated Columbus Fire & EMS
employee, and the City will remain responsible for his salary, benefits and
potential overtime except when he is on ATF deployment.
Financial Considerations: The cost a of vehicle for the K9 Handler is
estimated to be: $28,000.00. A permanently mounted cage (1,800.00) will have to
be purchased for the vehicle along with an exhaust fan ($100.00) and emergency
warning device for overheating of the passenger compartment ($489.00). Total
one time cost besides vehicle estimated: 2,400.00. The Department will also
have to provide reoccurring funds for animal's care and annual recertification
training to include:
Feeding and Veterinarian services.
Yearly Food and Treats: $350-$500
Yearly Veterinarian cost: $500-$750
Yearly Leash and Harnesses: $200
Recertification training expenses:
Travel per diem: $1500
Travel Mileage: (City Vehicle- $250 for fuel)
Legal Considerations: The Columbus Consolidated Government is required to
adhere to the Agency requirements of the IGA. See attached draft.
Recommendation/Action: Authorize the City Manager to enter into the proposed
IGA and to approve the purchase of a new SUV (Non-police package) for use in
the program.
A RESOLUTION
NO. _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL
AGREEMENT WITH THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL TOBACCO FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES CONCERNING
THE ACCELERANT DOG CANINE PROGRAM AND TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A MEDIUM SUV
FOR THE PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical Services has been approved by
the BATFE to participate in its Accelerant Dog Canine Program; and,
WHEREAS, BATFE will supply the canine and provide initial training for both the
canine and the handler at its own expense; and,
WHEREAS, the acquisition of this valuable resource will assist the Department
of Fire/EMS in increasing the conviction rate for the crime of Arson in
Muscogee County; and,
WHEREAS, the Department of Fire/EMS is able to staff and sustain the
reoccurring cost of the program; and,
WHEREAS, the K-9 team will be an asset to not only Muscogee County, but
surrounding counties.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
That the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter in to an Intergovernmental
Agreement with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives concerning
the Accelerant Dog Canine Program, and the purchase of a Medium SUV for the
program if also approved.
__________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held the
_______ day of ___________, 2015 and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative
vote of _______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Baker voting __________.
Councilor Barnes voting __________.
Councilor Buck voting __________.
Councilor Davis voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
_____________________________
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Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council , Mayor
Attachments