HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-01-2019 Item 05 - 2019 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant
Department Name: Police
Cost Center: 8001
For Agenda of: October 1, 2019
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Deanna Cantrell, Chief of Police
Prepared By: Melissa Ellsworth, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: 2019 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT
APPLICATION
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize staff to submit an application for a 2019 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grant in the amount of $12,859; and
2. If the grant is awarded, authorize the City Manager to execute necessary grant documents and
direct the appropriation of monies into the accounts required to administer and fulfill the
obligations of the grant.
DISCUSSION
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. 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 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 2019 is $12,859.
The grant application was due on August 23, 2019. Due to timing of the deadline, staff submitted
the grant application which is typical when there are short submittal timeframes and the grant is
formulaic and consistent with already approved work programs; however, if Council requests
that the application be withdrawn, staff will contact the granting agency.
Proposed Use of Grant Funds
Over the past few years, the department has worked to outfit the Mobile Command Trailer (Trailer)
using grant funding. The Trailer was donated to the Police Department in 2016 from the Arroyo
Grande Police Department, at the time of the donation there were no workstations or other
dispatching equipment in the Trailer. The Trailer’s main purpose is to provide an incident command
area for extended SWAT callouts and also serve as an emergency dispatch center if a catastrophic
event occurs.
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Staff intends to use the 2019 JAG funds towards the purchase of a mobile radio dispatch console.
The ability to use a radio dispatch console in the Trailer will be a significant advantage for
dispatchers and the benefits include having access to many of the same applications that are used
currently in the Emergency Communications Center (EOC). These applications include: back up
ringdowns for fire personnel for alerting of pending calls (if the primary method of alerting fails),
link radio channels for critical communications between police and fire personnel, enables remote
access control to public safety gates and doors, and also provides the ability to play back radio
traffic.
The cost of a mobile radio console exceeds the amount of grant funding and recognizing that this
equipment is essential in delivering public safety services during a disaster, staff will need to utilize
another funding source to help offset costs. If funds are not available, then staff will be required to
submit a formal request through the Grants Management System to use the grant award for another
purpose.
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.
Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the October 1, 2019 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 Administration and Information Technology Department concur
with the staff recommendation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this report
because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2019-20
Funding Identified: Partial
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Fiscal Analysis:
Funding Sources Total Budget
Available
Current Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing Cost
General Fund $2,500*
State
Federal (JAG grant) $12,859
Fees
To Be Determined $14,279
Total $27,138
*Ongoing costs are for annual maintenance; first year of maintenance is included in cost of equipment.
Maintenance costs for the first year are included in the cost of equipment, costs for the second year
will be absorbed in existing budgets. Maintenance beyond years one and two will be incorporated
into the appropriate operating budget.
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.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Modify the staff recommendation. Council may direct staff to apply for the JAG funds for a
different purpose, 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.
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