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October 24, 2023
ITEM TITLE
Grant Award and Appropriation: Accept a Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and Appropriate Funds
Report Number: 23-0280
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Police
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.
Recommended Action
Conduct a public hearing and adopt a resolution accepting $75,986 grant funds and appropriating said funds to the Police Grants Section of the Fed eral Grants Fund for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. (4/5 Vote Required)
SUMMARY
The Police Department has received notice of the 202 3 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant award in the amount of $75,986 from the U.S. Department of Justice. These funds were allocated to the Police Department based on city population and Part 1 violent crime statistics.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
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/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
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DISCUSSION
Proposed to stream line 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 an d 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 assurance that the application or any future amendment was made and an opportunity to comment was provided to citizens and the neighborhood or community organizations of applicable law. Local match is not required with the JAG Program.
The Police Department received notice on September 22, 2023, of an Edward Byrne Memorial JAG award in the amount of $ 75,986 from the U.S. Department of Justice. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation . Acceptance and appropriation of these funds requires a publ ic 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 continuation of using JAG funds for Police Community Relations Specialist personnel costs during fiscal year 2023/2024.
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 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.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will result in the acceptance of $ 75,986 for the 202 3 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
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The estimated FY 2 023-24 personnel cost of the Police Community Relations Specialist is $106,581, as outlined in the table below. These personnel costs are already included in the adopted budget.
Federal Grant Fund
Adopted
Budget
Mid-Year
Appropriation
Revised
Budget
Federal Grant - Other $0 ($75,986) ($75,986)
Tfr In from General Fund ($1,000) ($29,595) ($30,595)
REVENUE TOTAL ($1,000) ($105,581) ($106,581)
Salaries $69,944 $69,944
Flex/Insurance $14,712 $14,712
PERS $6,786 $6,786
Medicare $1,014 $1,014
Workers Comp $2,838 $2,838
Tfr Out (POB) $11,287 $11,287
EXPENSE TOTAL $106,581 $0 $106,581
NET FISCAL IMPACT $105,581 ($105,581) $0
Funds received by JAG will partially offset the annual personnel costs. The remaining costs will be covered by the General Fund, which is approximately $30,595. Approval of this resolution will result in an increase in Estimated Revenues of $75,986 for JAG funds, and a Transfer In from the General Fund in the amount of $29,595. Additionally, approval of th e proposed resolution will decrease Personnel Service in the Police Department General Fund appropriations and increase Transfers Out appropriations of $29,595, resulting in no net fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Since Justice Assistance Grant funds are awarded on an annual basis, the Police Department plans to continue using these grant funds to partially fund the Police Community Relations Specialist position. The difference between the full costs of the position and the grant award amount will be incorporated as part of the annual budget development process in future fiscal years.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Justice Assistance Grant Award #15PBJA-23-GG-03167-JAGX Staff Contact: Chief Roxana Kennedy, Police Department Administrative Services Manager Jonathan Alegre, Police Department General Fund
Recommended
FY 2023-24
Amendment
Personnel Service $ (29,595)
Transfers Out $ 29,595
NET FISCAL IMPACT $ 0