CC MEETING: May 12, 2020
DATE: April 27, 2020
TO: Erin Rinehart, City Manager
FROM: Derick Miller, Chief of Police
Rex Redden, Executive Director of Public Safety
Title
Consider A Resolution Authorizing The Application For And Acceptance Of A U.S. Department Of Justice Award Granted Through The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program For Assisting Eligible Entities In The Prevention Of, Preparation For, And Response To The Coronavirus In The Amount of $45,072.00; Designating The Police Compliance Manager As The Authorized Official For The Grant; Authorizing The City Manager To Take Those Steps Reasonable And Necessary To Effectuate The Intent And Purposes Of This Resolution; And Providing An Effective Date.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Through recent legislation, the Department of Justice has allocated $850 million to help public safety agencies address COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program was allocated through the funding formula used by the annual Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) awards based on population and crime statistics. In order to be eligible for allocation, an agency must have been eligible for the 2019 JAG program. Funds awarded under the CESF Program must be utilized to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.
The Carrollton Police Department (CPD) is proposing to apply for two UTVs (utility vehicles such as Gators) to enhance patrols along the City trail system and public spaces. Carrollton has a robust trail system spanning approximately 24 miles as well as roughly 1,400 acres of outdoor recreational space. The purchase of the two UTVs will allow staff to cover more area during each shift, enhancing interaction with the public while encouraging proper distancing techniques. CPD is also proposing to apply for a video streaming software to attach to our drones that will allow for officers and command rank officials to live stream video of incidents from the substations CPD has set up in response to social distancing.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Carrollton has been allocated $45,072 to use in response to COVID-19. If the City accepts the CESF grant funding, the City will not be required to provide any matching funds. Maintenance for the project will be provided by the Carrollton Police Department.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY:
CPD seeks to sustain the community’s quality of life as well as enhance the Department’s ability in encouraging social distancing in accordance with State and local requirements. Items purchased through this grant will allow officers to patrol areas such as parks and trails on a more frequent basis.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION/ACTION DESIRED:
Staff recommends City Council approve a resolution authorizing the application and acceptance of the CESF-allocated funding in the amount of $45,072.00.