5b
26-89980
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Acceptance and Appropriation of BJA 2025 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Grant
1. Motion authorizing acceptance of the BJA 2025 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Grant and authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to execute the necessary agreements, certification, and other documents required to accept the Grant.
2. Resolution of appropriation to appropriate $250,000 in BJA 2025 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Grant funds.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for May 19, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Glendale Police Department requests acceptance of $250,000 in grant funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for the grant period of October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2027 to be used for salary and benefits for one full-time employee, to purchase equipment and maintenance contracts, and to provide training for the Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory (VRCL).
5b2
26-89980
6 8
0 2
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the BJA FY25 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program Grant Funds in the amount of $250,000, authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary agreements, certification, and other documents required to implement the grant, and adopt a resolution of appropriation in the amount of $250,000 for salary and benefits for one full-time employee, contract services, and training.
ANALYSIS
The DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction program was established to assist accredited crime laboratories with the procurement of equipment and logistical supplies for purposes of enhancing DNA processing turnaround time. In past years, similar grant funds have been utilized by the Police Department to procure additional equipment and to reimburse the City for the salaries and benefits of Forensic Biology staff. The 2025 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction program funds will be used to pay for salary and benefits of a full-time employee assigned to the Forensic Biology Unit, equipment maintenance contracts, and staff training. The grant award period is from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2027.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Grant funds will be used to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic testing services provided to customer agencies and the public.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY2025 DNA CEBR Program grant in the amount of $250,000 was not included as part of the FY2025-26 approved budget. The grant does not require matching funds.
Therefore, staff is requesting an appropriation of $250,00 from grant revenue. The appropriation request is outlined below:
Requesting Appropriation
Amount From (Account String) To (Account String) Funding Source
$250,000 GL: 31240-2610-GPD-
0020-P0000-T0000-F0000
PL: GPD01569AG
Police Fund
$173,984 GL:41100-2610-GPD-0020-
P0000-T0000-F0000
PL: GPD01569AG
Police Fund
$59,410 GL:43110-2610-GPD-0020-
P0000-T0000-F0000
PL: GPD01569AG
Police Fund
$16,606 GL: 44650-2610-GPD-0020-
P0000-T0000-F0000
PL: GPD01569AG
Police Fund
5b3
26-89980
6 8
0 2
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This item is considered a ministerial activity and therefore, not subjected to CEQA/NEPA review. There is no possibility that the acceptance of this award may have a significant effect on the environment. (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)).
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Deny the Police Department’s request. The salary and benefits for the full time Criminalist I and expenses for contract services and training would have to be absorbed by the Police Department general fund budget.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Robert William, Interim Police Chief
Prepared by:
Catherine Nguyen, Lab Director
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None