City of Gonzales
POLICE DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: September 15, 2025
FROM: Keith Wise, Chief of Police
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Grant Agreement with OTS for STEP Program
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve an Agreement with the State of California – Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for work and materials in the amount of $30,000 for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), and authorize the City Manager to sign it.
BACKGROUND
The City has been experiencing an increase in traffic violations and traffic-related incidents. Due to the limited size of our Police Department, it is challenging for us to respond to every traffic complaint. Often, we hear about these issues directly from community members who come to report violations, speeding, and even provide video evidence of speeding cars in their neighborhoods.
By utilizing grant-funded enforcement overtime, we would be able to increase our enforcement efforts throughout Gonzales, particularly in high-traffic areas where there are many pedestrians, including children. With the support of the Office of Traffic Safety grant funding, Gonzales PD will be able to dedicate Police Officers' time to training and educating the public on vehicle and pedestrian safety, and to develop an enforcement program focused on speed regulation.
Staff’s original request to OTS was for the purchase of a radar trailer to help enforce speed limits around town. OTS came back and increased the allocated amount from $24,000 to $30,000 but for staff overtime and operations support only (see attachment). OTS informed staff that the request for a radar trailer could be supported during the next round of OTS grant funding if this grant is fulfilled.
The City has not received an OTS grant in over 20 years; therefore, working to establish a relationship with the agency will be beneficial for us in the long run.
AGENDA
ITEM
15 REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The funds granted to us from OTS will allow the Police Department to supplement and enhance some of its activities; by working with OTS and other partners working on pedestrian and driver safety and education the Police Department will work to conduct DUI Saturation Patrols, Traffic, Bike and Pedestrian Education and Enforcement, Collaborative Traffic Enforcement, Traffic Safety Educational Presentations and Distracted Driving Enforcement. The grant will also support additional training opportunities that we have not had funding to support.
These efforts, along with others happening in the community, will help to make our City streets safer.
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: This program supports our community engagement efforts while also supporting our efforts to enhance pedestrian and driver safety.
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: Please see explanation above for the Vision.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: See above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: Please see explanation above for the Vision.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council can decide not to approve the grant. Staff does not recommend this option as these efforts will enhance community engagement and will provide much needed funding for traffic enforcement.
BUDGET IMPACT
This grant would provide $30,000 to the City, increasing our revenue fund 1600 by $30,000 for FY 2025- 2026.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council approve an Agreement with the State of California – Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for work and materials in the amount of $30,000 for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), and authorize the City Manager to sign it.
Attachments:
1. Grant Agreement with OTS - STEP Program