City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: December 5, 2022
FROM: Carmen Gil, Community Engagement & Strat. Partnership Dir.
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Sun Street Centers
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Gonzales City Council approve and allow the Interim City Manager to sign an Agreement with Sun Street Centers in the amount of $19,000 for the Road to Success diversion program for the period of January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023.
BACKGROUND
On August 15, 2016, the Gonzales City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016-55 approving the 2016 Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Strengthening Law Enforcement and Community Relations Grant in the amount of $850,000, in order for the Four Cities United Initiative (comprised of the Cities of Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King) to gain funds to develop program elements that support a regional approach, and mold a culture of trust and inclusion between law enforcement agents and community members, and provide programs and resources for at-risk youth within South Monterey County.
Pursuant to the requirements of the BSCC Grant, the City of Gonzales took the necessary steps to design, implement, provide, and complete a youth diversion program for at-risk youth within South Monterey County. Said program was initiated on July 1, 2016, and successfully completed, under the BSCC Grant, on June 30, 2018. Since then, the program has continued to be in effect through a partnership with Sun Street Centers and although COVID-19 put a damper on participation due to school closures, we believe that the program is an asset to the community and can help deter local youth from entering the criminal justice system.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
AGENDA
ITEM
15 Given the long trajectory of the program and the partnership with Sun Street Centers for the Road to Success diversion program and the fact that the school is now a partner in the program it is important for us to continue to support this effort. Anything that can help prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system is worth supporting because of the return on investment we will receive in the long run; by having the school and our School Resource Officer work in tandem with Sun Street Centers on diversion we can create a system that is more impactful for young people who are struggling and help redirect them back onto a good path before they get wrapped up in a system that will make it hard for them to thrive.
Duties and Commitments
In partnership, the Gonzales PD and Sun Street Centers will identify 6 youth who are potentially at-risk of falling into the criminal justice system. Once a juvenile is identified he or she will be referred to Sun Street Centers’ Road to Success program so that they can get the support they need and restore their offense rather than getting registered into criminal justice system. Students will be required to successfully complete the program in order for their cases to be closed and not processed further into the system by law enforcement.
Per the Agreement, Sun Street Center will be responsible for providing the following activities/deliverables:
• Implementation, operation, management, staffing and administration of the Sun Street Centers “Road to Success” At-Risk Youth Program.
• Coordination with the Gonzales PD and School District to ensure timely and appropriate implementation of the program.
• Linkage to pro-social and healthy activities for youth engaged in the program. • Involvement of parents/caregivers in a structed parental evidence-based curriculum. • Involvement in the development, and establishment of the Community Accountability Board (CAB).
• Attend regular program meetings with the City of Gonzales staff.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: The Road to Success program will continue to make a positive impact in the community especially for youth who are identified at-risk and can be diverted into the program instead of falling into the complicated juvenile justice system.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes _____No _____ NA
Explain: This partnership and program supports the City’s Mission by allowing us to invest in local youth and aid in the prevention of having them fall into the criminal justice system.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes X No N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: Please see explanation above.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council can choose to discontinue the Agreement with Sun Street Centers. Or direct staff to look for other partners that can potentially provide a similar service.
BUDGET IMPACT
The budget will be impacted by $19,000. The $19,000 will be charged to 100-300-66245. This is a current unbudgeted expense; however, staff will work this expenditure into the current budget. No budget amendment is being requested at this time.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the Gonzales City Council approve and allow the Interim City Manager to sign an Agreement with Sun Street Centers in the amount of $19,000 for the Road to Success diversion program for the period of January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023.
Attachments:
1. Agreement with Sun Street Centers