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RESOLUTION NO. 2018-079 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING $225,000 FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND APPROPRIATING $25,363 TO THE POLICE GRANTS SECTIONS OF THE FEDERAL GRANT FUND FOR OPERATION STONEGARDEN (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
Since the events of September 11, 2001, the interception of terrorists and their weapons attempting entry across the nation’s borders has become the priority mission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Grant funding via “Operation Stonegarden” has been awarded to the San Diego County region to facilitate regional partnerships and enhance border enforcement capabilities. In coordination with the U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) and grant administration by the County of San Diego, the Police Department has been allocated $225,000 for Operation Stonegarden 2017 funding.
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 mission of Operation Stonegarden is to raise border security by increasing law enforcement presence along the border, intelligence/information sharing and communication. Participating agencies in this regional effort include the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, California Department of Motor Vehicles, California Highway Patrol, California Fish and Game, San Diego County Probation Department and San Diego Harbor Police.
The Chula Vista Police Department is in the unique position of being geographically located in close proximity to the border (5 miles) with three main north/south arteries traversing the city. As a result, multiple local and federal agencies frequently ask the Police Department for assistance and interdiction of both north and south bound traffic involved in border-related crimes. The Police Department will continue to participate in regional efforts of border enforcement on an overtime basis. The Department was funded $4.2 million in prior Stonegarden awards, and the 2017 funding of $225,000 will continue those regional efforts.
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 Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision for purposes of determining a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, 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 Operation Stonegarden supports the goal of Strong and Secure Neighborhoods by providing additional law enforcement presence in the community.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will result in the acceptance of $225,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a one-time appropriation of $25,363 to personnel services of the Police Grants Section of the Federal Grant Fund. The funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will completely offset these costs, resulting in no net fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of this resolution will also direct staff to include $134,637 in personnel and $65,000 in capital categories of the FY 2018/2019 proposed budget in the Police Grants Section of the Federal Grants Fund. The funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will completely offset these costs, resulting in no net fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Staff Contact: Maritza Vargas, Police Department