Melbourne Beach commission meets to address flagged FEMA SAFER grant; motion made to reaffirm application

The Melbourne Beach Town Commission held a special meeting to discuss an email notification that the town’s SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant application had been flagged as having had a withdrawal request, and to decide whether to reaffirm the town’s interest in the grant.

Town Manager Elizabeth Mascaro opened the item, saying the commission needed to “reaffirm their direction on this grant” after an email indicated a withdrawal request had been logged and “it wasn’t done by town hall.” Town Attorney Ryan Knight told the commission he had asked FEMA who requested the withdrawal but that FEMA would not disclose that source. Knight also said FEMA’s written response indicated the application had not been withdrawn and “we will proceed with your application.”

Fire Chief Gavin Brown defended the application and its preparation, saying he and retired Chief Micah devoted many hours to the grant and that…