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MEMORANDUM <br />To:Saint Anthony Village City Council <br />From:Israel Diaz, Fire Chief <br />Date:April 14, 2026 <br />Request: Resolution 26-029 – Accepting the FY2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) <br />for Installation of New Fire Station Exhaust Removal System <br />BACKGROUND <br />The Fire Department applied for a federal grant to improve health and safety conditions within the fire <br />station by upgrading the existing exhaust removal system. The current system was installed when the <br />station was constructed approximately 20 years ago and has reached the end of its useful life, resulting <br />in unplanned maintenance and repair expenses. <br />Diesel exhaust exposure is a well-documented occupational hazard for firefighters, with prolonged <br />exposure linked to serious long-term health impacts. The St. Anthony Fire Department has a history of a <br />firefighter line-of-duty death—Bill Myers—whose death was ultimately attributed to chronic exposure <br />to exhaust fumes within the fire station. Modern exhaust capture systems significantly reduce these <br />risks by removing harmful emissions directly at the source, improving air quality and protecting <br />firefighter health and safety. <br />Grant Award <br />The City of Saint Anthony has been awarded a federal grant in the amount of $76,190.47 through the <br />Assistance to Firefighters Program (AFG). The grant funds are designated specifically for the purchase <br />and installation of a new fire station exhaust removal system. <br />Project Description <br />The proposed exhaust removal system will be installed in the apparatus bay of the fire station and will <br />capture vehicle exhaust during engine start-up and operation, venting emissions safely outside the <br />building. This project will enhance firefighter health and safety, improve air quality within the station, <br />and bring the facility into alignment with current best practices and safety standards. <br />Financial Impact <br />The total project cost is estimated at $80,000.00. The federal grant will cover $76,190.47 of the cost. <br />The remaining expenses of $3,809.53, will be funded through Capital Improvement Fund. Acceptance of <br />this grant will not adversely impact the City’s operating budget. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Staff recommends that the City Council formally accept the federal grant funds and authorize the City <br />Manager to execute any necessary grant agreements and related documents to proceed with the <br />purchase and installation of the exhaust removal system.