Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-004 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING $80,000 FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS TO THE FEDERAL GRANTS FUND FOR THE URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
Body
SUMMARY
The San Diego Office of Homeland Security, who administers the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), has notified the City of additional fiscal year 2014 UASI funding. The Urban Area Security Initiative addresses the unique planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity, Adopting an Interfund Loan Policy and associated procedures, for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378(b)(4) of the State CEQA Guidelines because adoption of the Interfund Loan Policy and associated procedures is a fiscal activity that does not involve a physical change to the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the actions proposed are not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
One of the core missions of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is to enhance the ability of state, territory, local, and tribal governments to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. As first responders to emergency incidents, the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments have benefited greatly from several federal homeland security grants. The fiscal year 2014 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) provides funding for the continued development of readiness and operational response capacity of Police and Fire first responder personnel. UASI grant administrators from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) have approved the expenditure plan of equipment, planning and training needs of the City. The spending plan was submitted in advance of funding approval in accordance with grant requirements. Grant funds are restricted in how they can be spent and cannot supplant normal budgetary items for the City.
On December 16, 2014, the City Council accepted UASI funding in the amount of $500,000 for a major regional communications systems upgrade, a state-of-the-art firearms training simulator for the Police Department and personal protective equipment for the Fire Department. The San Diego Office of Homeland Security, who administers San Diego UASI program, has since then notified the City of additional UASI funding to enhance security at the Police Department facility.
The Facility Security Enhancement Project was initiated in response to a November 2012 site survey conducted by the San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center (SDLECC). Two main recommendations by SDLECC will increase the facility's security and further protect the building against acts of terror or violence.
The first recommendation will reinforce the front counter in the Chula Vista Police Department's lobby with bullet resistant glass and paneling, separating the public area from the interior of the Department (protecting employees at the front counter). The bullet resistant glass will replace the existing glass. There will be no significant visual change to the lobby from the public's perspective.
The second recommendation will reinforce the Police Department's south facing door that leads onto Center Street. Currently, the door is clear glass and leads into a hallway that is not manned. This reinforcement will consist of steel mesh screening covering blast resistant glass.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff been informed by any City Councilmember, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City's Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. This resolution supports the goal of Strong and Secure Neighborhoods by enhancing the security of the Police Facility and the readiness of law enforcement personnel.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will result in a one-time appropriation of $80,000 to the supplies and services category of the Federal Grants Fund. The funding from the U.S Department of Homeland Security will completely offset these costs. Therefore, there is no net fiscal impact to the City.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact for accepting these grant funds.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
Staff Contact: Jonathan Alegre