HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 13 - FY 2020-21 Grant Application for Office of Traffic Safety Grant Program
Department Name: Police
Cost Center: 8001
For Agenda of: February 18, 2020
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Deanna Cantrell, Chief of Police
Prepared By: Melissa Ellsworth, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: FISCAL YEAR 2020-21 GRANT APPLICATION FOR OFFICE OF TRAFFIC
SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize the Police Department to submit a grant application to the Office of Traffic Safety for
a Fiscal Year 2020-21 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program not to exceed $120,000; and
2. If the grant is awarded, authorize the City Manager to execute all grant related documents and
authorize the Finance Director to make the necessary budget adjustments upon the award of the
grant.
DISCUSSION
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) provides grant funding to agencies each year aimed to
prevent deaths and injuries on our roadways through special enforcement and public awareness
efforts. Grant funding helps the City’s ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and quality of life in
our community.
The department has been awarded funding from the OTS for well over 18 years. OTS grant funding
has enabled the Police Department to conduct numerous operations specifically focused on alcohol
or drug impaired drivers. Funding is essential to continue this type of specialized enforcement on an
ongoing basis.
The grant application was due on January 30, 2020. Due to staff and grant timing, the application
has already been submitted online. If Council denies this request, the application can be withdrawn.
The department will be requesting funding for the following: overtime to conduct DUI checkpoints,
saturation patrols, motorcycle safety, pedestrian & bicycle education and enforcement, traffic safety
education, and distracted driving enforcement operations.
Policy Context
The recommended actions are consistent with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Financial Management
Manual, Section 740 - Grant Management Policy. The policy states that Council will approve all
grant applications in excess of $5,000 and delegates receipt and contract execution to the City
Manager.
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Item 13
Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the February 28, 2020 City Council meeting and will follow all
required postings and notifications. The public may have an opportunity to comment on this item at
or before the meeting.
CONCURRENCES
The Director of the Finance and Information Technology Department concurs with the staff
recommendation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
No environmental review is required for grant submittals, per section 15061(b)(3) General Rule
of the CEQA Guidelines. It can be seen with certainty that the proposed action of the City to
apply for grant funding will have no significant effect on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2019-20/20-21
Funding Identified:
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding Sources Total Budget
Available
Current Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing Cost
General Fund
State – OTS GRANT Up to $120,000
Fees
Total Up to $120,000
City matching funds are not required for this grant. The City may draw down any or all JAG funds
after acceptance of the award. To do so, a trust fund must be established in order to maintain the
funds separate from the General Fund.
ALTERNATIVE
Council may direct staff not to submit an application. Staff does not recommend this alternative as
funding will aid in the City’s ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and quality of life. The grant
objectives are aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways through special enforcement
and public awareness efforts.
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Item 13