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Council weighs hiring grant advocates as staff seek federal help for aging fire bay
Summary
La Habra Heights discussed a $15,000 proposal from Townsend Public Affairs to pursue federal earmarks and other grants for a new apparatus bay; council asked staff for a one‑month follow-up report and tabled hiring while gathering more information.
City officials presented options to pursue federal and other grants for improvements to the fire station apparatus bay, which staff described as aging and too small to house equipment and supplies.
Council heard from staff and the fire chief about structural issues, storage in Connex containers and foundation cracking. Staff member Tom (identified in the packet) said the city could be eligible for funding if federal legislation passed that targets volunteer fire departments; he said the legislation could create a competitive pool and noted outreach to the state director for Senator Laphonza Butler to seek additional support.
The meeting included a proposal from Townsend Public Affairs, a firm the mayor said has worked with similar local agencies. Justina Garcia, an Emergency Preparedness Committee volunteer, summarized the Townsend approach and said the firm proposed preparing and advocating for up to three federal requests and related pre‑meetings and follow-up work for a fee of $15,000 (half up front). She framed the work as helping the city with high-dollar grant pursuits that volunteer teams may lack time to pursue: “It’s not a guarantee. We don't pay the agency $15,000 and get a guarantee of a million dollars, but I think it's a much sure shot than… volunteers,” Garcia said.
Councilmembers debated whether the city should hire a firm, rely on volunteers, or pursue other grant avenues. Staff noted the state office had provided initial research on available funding and that grants are available through multiple channels (including project-specific appropriations and annual competitive programs). One councilmember suggested staff return at the next meeting with a short report summarizing grant opportunities identified by the senator’s office and the costs/benefits of hiring outside help.
The council directed staff to prepare a follow-up report and tabled the hiring decision for one month so members could review the senator’s office materials and the staff report.
