COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dennis Smitherman, Interim Director Recreation and Parks
DATE: June 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Submittal of a Grant Application to the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program and Approving Allocation of One Limited-Term Park Services Officer II Position
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program to support local tobacco retail education, compliance, and enforcement efforts.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act S tate Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program and approving the allocation of one limited-term Park Services Officer II position; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all required grant documents;
BACKGROUND:
The Office of the Attorney General established the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Tobacco Grant Program to provide grant funding to local agencies in support of enforcement efforts intended to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors and youth.
The City of Santa Maria previously received a DOJ Tobacco Grant Program award in the amount of $441,460 following its Fiscal Year 2022 -2023 application. On January 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-09 accepting the award, authorizing the necessary agreements, and allocating a full -time, limited-term Park Services Officer II position through June 30, 2026, to support grant objectives.
On November 19, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2019 -11 to institute tobacco retailer licensure and prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco p roducts. The ordinance was intended to encourage responsible tobacco retailing, discourage violations of tobacco-related laws, and reduce youth access to tobacco and nicotine products. The 2 prior DOJ grant has supported the City Rangers in expanding education and enforcement capacity associated with the City's Tobacco Retailers Ordinance.
DISCUSSION:
On November 19, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2019-11, establishing a local Tobacco Retailer Licensing Program and prohibiting the sale of flav ored tobacco products. The ordinance is intended to encourage responsible tobacco retailing, reduce violations of tobacco -related laws, and prevent youth access to tobacco and nicotine products.
The City previously received California Department of Justic e Tobacco Grant Program funding to support tobacco retailer education, compliance inspections, outreach, and enforcement. Staff are seeking authorization to apply for a new round of grant funding to continue these efforts in coordination with the Santa Bar bara County Public Health Department Tobacco Prevention Program and the Santa Maria Police Department.
If awarded, the grant would fund continued education and enforcement activities, as well as one new limited -term Park Services Officer II position dedic ated to supporting the Tobacco Retailer Licensing Program for the duration of the grant term.
Alternative(s)
The City Council could decline to authorize submittal of the grant application. Not applying would reduce the City's ability to continue grant-supported tobacco retailer education, compliance, and enforcement work beyond the current award period.
Fiscal Considerations
The proposed application requests $703,538 in DOJ Tobacco Grant Program funding over four fiscal years. The requested amount includes $651,115 for Personnel Services, $19,260 for Operating Expenses and Equipment, and $33,163 for Administrative Costs.
Administrative costs are within the grant budget cap. No General Fund match is proposed as part of this application. Because the grant is reimbursement -based, eligible expenditures will be incurred by the City and reimbursed in accordance with DOJ requirements.
Impact on the Community
Approval of the grant application would allow the City to continue proactive tobacco retailer education, license compliance, enforcement, youth decoy operations, and public outreach intended to reduce youth access to tobacco and nicotine products. The program also supports fair and consistent implementation of the City's Tobacco Retailers Ordinance and applicable State law, including restrictions on flavored tobacco products.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution- Tobacco Grant Application
B. TRL Grant Cycle Infographic