CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: June 2, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ___-25 AUTHORIZING THE
ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES STATE
HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM 2024 (SHSGP 2024)
SYNOPSIS
The City received notification of an award of $53,070 from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP 2024). Staff is requesting that the City Council approve the resolution to accept the grant funds, authorize the recommended use of the grant funds, and authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff.
DISCUSSION
Background
In late November 2023, the Pleasant Hill Police Department submitted a competitive grant application, including a written proposal and an in-person presentation. The proposal requested funding for night vision goggles (NVG) systems for our officers serving on the Central County SWAT (CCSWAT) team. These NVGs are essential for nighttime operations, aligning with National Tactical Officers Association guidelines for Tier 1 tactical units. The NVGs have already been utilized for years as standard operator equipment for members of the CCSWAT, and this equipment does not fall under the requirements of AB 481. Until now, budget constraints required PHPD officers to rely on outdated, borrowed equipment from other agencies.
The SHSGP awarded the City of Pleasant Hill $53,070 for the fiscal year 2024-2025. Enabling legislation specifies the City Council must approve the acceptance of funds. Funds are passthrough from the Department of Homeland Security to the State, from the State to the County, which then reimburses local municipalities for approved purchases that comply with grant requirements.
Analysis
The SHSGP grant funds must be spent by March 31, 2027, and the Police Department intends to expend the funds in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for the following:
Night Vision Binoculars/Goggles (NVG’s)
Night vision binoculars help law enforcement officers maintain situational awareness and enhance visibility in low-light or no-light conditions, enabling them to carry out various tasks more effectively. NVGs amplify available light, detect infrared light, or both, allowing officers to see clearly even in complete darkness. This technology is crucial for surveillance, search and rescue, and tactical operations, keeping the City of Pleasant Hill and neighboring communities safe.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact, as the SHSGP funds ($53,070) will cover the cost of the NVGs. Though there is no requirement of matching funds, the City would be required to purchase the NVGs and subsequently would be reimbursed by the County; therefore, there is no fiscal impact to the General Fund.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public Contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Adopt the resolution to accept a Fiscal Year 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) grant award in the amount of $53,070 from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) to purchase five pairs of night vision binoculars and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary grant documents on behalf of the City of Pleasant Hill.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
Council could direct staff to decline the grant and provide direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Proposed Resolution
Memorandum of Understanding from Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Prepared by: Brian Leonard, Operations Division Lieutenant Reviewed by: Scott Vermillion, Chief of Police
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager