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RESOLUTION NO. 2017-083 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING $6,450 FROM THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS TO THE POLICE GRANT FUND FOR THE COVERDELL FORENSIC SCIENCE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution
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SUMMARY
The Police Department has been awarded grant funding from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program. The goal of this program is to improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services over current operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
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Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has 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 required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
The Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Program, which is administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), provides federal funding to accredited crime laboratories throughout California. Coverdell funds can be used to provide education and training in both technical and investigative skills to California’s forensic scientists to ensure that they can effectively perform their laboratory assignments. In order to receive these funds, the crime laboratories must verify their accreditation status with a Forensic Crime laboratory organization or appropriate certifying body. The crime laboratories must also certify that they have a plan in place to conduct an independent external investigation into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by laboratory employees or contractors.
The Police Department has been awarded $6,450 for the 2016 Coverdell Program. This funding will be used to provide education and training to crime laboratory personnel to ensure that they can effectively perform their laboratory assignments.
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 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program support the goal of Operational Excellence by training crime laboratory personnel to effectively perform their duties.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will result in the appropriation of $6,450 to the supplies and services category of the Police Grant Fund. Funding from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will completely offset the costs of the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program, resulting in no net fiscal impact.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact.