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CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTING THE 2014 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT FUNDS
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-079 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING $52,296 FROM THE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE FOR THE 2014 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council conduct the public hearing and adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The Police Department has recently received notice of the 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant award in the amount of $52,296 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. These funds were allocated to the Police Department based on city population and Part 1 violent crime statistics.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and it has been determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
Proposed to streamline justice funding and grant administration, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their local needs and conditions. Federal funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program must be used to supplement existing funds for program activities and cannot replace, or supplant, nonfederal funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose. The unit of local government must provide an assurance that the application or any future amendment was made public and an opportunity to comment was provided to citizens and the neighborhood or community organizations to the extent of applicable law. Local match is not required with the JAG Program.
The Police Department received notice on April 24, 2014, of an Edward Byrne Memorial JAG award in the amount of $52,296 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. These funds were allocated to the Police Department based on city population and Part 1 violent crime statistics. Part 1 violent crimes include murder and non-negligent manslaughters, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assaults as reported by the FBI. Acceptance and appropriation of these funds requires a public hearing per stipulations of the Justice Assistance Grant.
The Police Department recommends using the JAG funds for the personnel costs of a Police Community Relations Specialist. The Community Relations Unit was disbanded in the Police Department during previous budget cuts. The Police Community Relations Specialist was reinstated through 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funds, covering a two-year period of July 2009 to June 2011. When ARRA funds were depleted, JAG funds were used to retain this position. The Police Department is recommending to continue using JAG funds for Police Community Relations Specialist personnel costs during fiscal year 2014/2015.
The Police Community Relations Specialist provides a vital link between the community and the Police Department by attending community meetings, coordinating events which involve the community, providing Crime Prevention through Environmental Design assessments for homeowners and businesses, coordinating the annual Citizens Police Academy and the Teen Police Academy, and responds to general inquiries and questions to the Police Department. This position plays an invaluable role serving as the Department’s community liaison.
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. Funds received for the Justice Assistance Grant support the goal of Strong and Secure Neighborhoods by providing a vital link between the community and the Police Department.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will result in the acceptance of $52,296 for the 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Because the personnel costs of the Police Community Relations Specialist will be incurred next fiscal year, there is no current year fiscal impact.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The annual personnel cost of the Police Community Relations Specialist is approximately $89,000. Funds received by JAG will partially offset the annual personnel costs. The remaining costs will be covered by the General Fund. Appropriations for this grant and the General Fund match will be included in the fiscal year 2014/2015 proposed budget.
The current proposal provides one year funding for the position outlined in this report. The Department will seek additional funding in subsequent fiscal years. If no additional funding is obtained, then the position may be eliminated.