HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/07/2009, C13 - OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY SEATBELT ENFORCEMENT GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTAL councit 7/07/09
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CITY OF SAN LUI S OBISPO
FROM: Deborah Linden, Chief of Police
Prepared By: Melissa Ellsworth, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY SEATBELT ENFORCEMENT GRANT
APPLICATION SUBMITTAL
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve the submission of an application to the California Office of Traffic Safety for a
grant to fund officer overtime for seatbelt enforcement as part of the statewide "Click It
or Ticket"program in an amount not to exceed $12,000.
2. Authorize the Chief of Police to accept the grant award if the amount is less than $12,000
and to execute all grant documents.
DISCUSSION
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) offers grants to local law enforcement agencies for
seatbelt safety enforcement efforts as part of the statewide Click It or Ticket enforcement
program. The program will be conducted throughout California from November 17 - 30, 2009,
and again on May 24 - June 6, 2010. The goal of the Click It or Ticket campaign is to increase
seatbelt usage to 96% statewide in 2010 through the combined efforts of the California Highway
Patrol, OTS, and local law enforcement agencies.
The grant will reimburse overtime costs for Police Department sergeants, officers, and support
staff for seat belt enforcement activities during each enforcement period. The Police Department
has participated in the Click It or Ticket campaign for several years and has found it very
effective in increasing seatbelt use in San Luis Obispo and throughout the State. The grant
application is due to OTS by July 15, 2009.
Participating in the Click It or Ticket seatbelt enforcement program is consistent with Council's
previous direction to increase traffic safety in the City. Increasing seatbelt use is a critical factor
in preventing and minimizing injuries to drivers and passengers involved in collisions.
If awarded a Click It or Ticket grant, the grant agreement requires the signature of the Chief of
Police as the authorizing official for the City. Therefore, staff is seeking authorization for the
Chief of Police to execute the grant documents and accept the award rather than the City
manager.
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2009-10 OTS Click it or Ticket Grant Application Page 2
CONCURRENCES
The Director of Public Works concurs with the recommendation. The Public Works and Police
Departments work closely together in coordinating traffic safety efforts in the City.
FISCAL IMPACT
Matching funds are not required for this grant. The grant funds will fully reimburse the
personnel expenses (overtime) of participating in the enforcement campaign.
ALTERNATIVE
Do not submit an application for grant funding. Staff does not recommend this alternative. This
grant funding allows the Police Department to provide additional traffic enforcement in the City
specific to seatbelt violations at no cost to the general fund.
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