DATE:
September 5, 2023
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Jon Billings, Captain
Jonathan Rizzardi, Sergeant
SUBJECT:
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Grant Application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 2023-19 authorizing the submission of a California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle (OHV) Grant Application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for a total of $123,351.00 and authorize the City Manager and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to execute the Application and any amendments thereto on behalf of the City.
BACKGROUND
For many years, California State Parks has offered grant funds to support law enforcement operations in communities throughout the state. These funds are available on an annual basis through a competitive grant request process. Several hundred local, state, and federal agencies apply for these grant funds through an application process and final awards are based on needs of the particular jurisdiction. The City of Hesperia has applied and received funds from this program in the past and has developed a very effective OHV program. The City currently provides enforcement with funds provided in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022/2023 grant cycle.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The City of Hesperia continues to grow and with the increasing population and development, so do the complaints and other issues associated with motorcycle disturbance calls, accidents etc. Several hundred calls for service a year are generated by citizens complaining of noise, dust, and general issues associated with illegal riding on public roads and private property.
To enforce Hesperia’s off-highway ordinance, the Hesperia Station needs a funding source to purchase equipment, provide training to staff and cover salaries of deputies. With this additional funding, deputies will patrol problem areas, providing direction to legal riding areas in the county, issuing citations, and educate youth at local schools and events. By networking with OHV enthusiasts, this will reduce complaints, accidents and overall increase the quality of life for residents in the community.
The funds provided by previous years California State Parks grant program, has allowed the Hesperia Police Department to purchase two additional dual sport motorcycles and a 4x4 OHV vehicle. With approval, Hesperia will apply for $123,351.00 for the FY 2023/2024 grant project, to provide enforcement for OHV areas within City limits.
The project will be managed by a Sheriff’s Sergeant and use several trained deputies who would be assigned to the team as a collateral duty. The OHV team will conduct regular patrols in problem areas, conduct safety programs at schools and local community events, and provide education to citizens through public outlets and the media.
FISCAL IMPACT
Per the grant regulations, the City will be responsible for up to a 25% match of the awarded funds. Funding for the FY 2023/2024 project would require the City to commit to a $30,837.75 match. Much of this match can be accommodated through fuel and maintenance costs of OHV enforcement used equipment, patrol assignments associated with OHV contacts, calculated salary costs for the use of volunteers at events. In addition, match dollars can be used during operations and the use of any currently owned city equipment and staff. This match requirement can be satisfied in part by a detailed fiscal management of resources and equipment use daily by the OHV sergeant and the City finance department.
Also, per the grant regulations, the City will periodically submit payment requests to State Parks for reimbursement for funds spent during a specific time period. There is also an option of advance requests that can be submitted for funds needed to purchase large equipment items such as a vehicle, minimizing the cities out of pocket expense for such purchases.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Resolution 2023-19
FY 2023/2024 Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Grant Application (available at Police Department) Page PAGE 2 of NUMPAGES 2
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Grant Application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT