From
Robert Fite, Fire Chief
Title
The Compliance Engine Implementation Plan for the Grand Prairie Fire Department
Presenter
Robert Fite, Fire Chief
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The Compliance Engine is a third party compliance firm that will monitor and seek compliance with all Grand Prairie businesses that have the following types of alarms: Fire Sprinkler, Fire Alarm, Commercial Hood, Standpipe, Smoke Control systems, Fire Pumps, Spray Booths, and other miscellaneous systems. Under the Fire Code, each of these alarms require testing (annual for most) and the Compliance Engine will be our third party to monitor and assure compliance with the Fire Code. Local cities who have implemented this are Irving and Dallas. Other cities includes Austin, Corpus Christi, Abilene, Laredo, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Jose, Seattle, Salt Lake City and several others. While we are seeking approval, this agenda item still needs to get through our legal process and the Fire Department is seeking input from the CCDC to ascertain if this is a process that our city will accept.
Because there will be a system of compliance with our local businesses related to their alarm systems, we also anticipate our false alarm responses will greatly decrease. In 2017 we responded to 848 alarm activation calls.
Financial Consideration
The financial consideration for the City of Grand Prairie is $0 and no budget is needed to implement. The Compliance Engine will charge the alarm company or fire protection company $12 per system. Current data shows that the alarm companies and fire protection companies will only pass this $12 charge to the local businesses 38% of the time so the cost to our local businesses is minimal as well.