HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-17-2013 c14 fy 13 ed byrne memorial justice assistance grant programcounctL
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6-11 -13
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FROM:
Prepared By:
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Steve Gesell, Chief of Police
Melissa Ellsworth, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT:2OI3 ED\ilARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize staff to submit an application for a 2013 Edward Byme Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant in the amount of $10,150 to help offset costs associated with the
Department' s Strategic Planning process.
2. If the grant is awarded, atthoize the City Manager to execute necessary grant documents
and direct the appropriation of monies into the accounts required to administer the grant.
DISCUSSION
Grant Program Information
The U.S. Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to the State and local
jurisdictions. JAG funds may be used to fund technical assistance, training, personnel,
equipment, supplies, contractual support, and criminal justice information systems for any of the
following purpose areas:
1. Law enforcement programs
2. Prosecution and court programs
3. Prevention and education programs
4. Corrections and community corrections programs
5. Drug treatment and enforcement programs
6. Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
7. Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)
The JAG Program is a non-competitive formula grant and the funding allocation is based on the
population and crime rate of the local jurisdiction. The amount available to the City of San Luis
Obispo for 2013 is $10,150, JAG Program funds must be used to supplement existing local funds
for program activities and cannot replace or supplant funds that have been appropriated for the
same purpose.
The Department of Justice requires the City's grant application be made available for review by
the City Council, and members of the public must have an opportunity to comment on the
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application. Applications for this grant program are due by July 9,2013. Placement of this item
on the Council's June 17, 2013, meeting agenda fulfills these requirements.
Proposed Use of Grant F''unds
Staff proposes using the funds to offset costs related to the Department's strategic planning
efforts. Currently, the Department is undergoing a workload measure analysis performed by a
consultant through the State of California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training
(POST). This analysis is being conducted at no cost to the City; the outcome will be used as the
framework to develop the department's strategic plan.
Specifically, grant funds will be used towards the services of a professional facilitator to manage
the planning process. The main benefits of using an outside facilitator include the ability to
provide objectivity, fresh perspective, and committed resources (as opposed to using department
personnel). Staff anticipates starting this process later in the year, once the analysis has been
completed by POST. Grant funds must be expended prior to September 30,2014.
CONCURRENCES
The Director of the Finance and Information Technology Department concurs with the staff
recommendation.
FISCAL IMPACT
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.
Grant funds will be used to ofßet the cost of a facilitator; actual costs and the impact on the
General Fund are unknown at this time.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Modiff the staff recommendation. Council may direct staff to apply for the JAG ñurds for
a different pu{pose, as long as the use is consistent with the purpose areas described in this
report.
2. Do not submit a grant application. Council may direct staff to not submit a grant
application. The alternative is not recommended. The JAG Program is non-competitive and
the funds have already been allocated to our City upon application, as long as the use is
consistent with the purpose areas described in this report.
T:\Council Agenda Reports\2013\2013-06-17\FY 2013 Ed Byme Memorial Grant Ap (Gesell-Ellsworth)\CAR 2013 JAc Application_Local
Solicit.docx
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