REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
July 16, 2015
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: PATRICK FARMER, Deputy Chief
Patrol and Investigative Services Divisions
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the FY 2016 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Capital grant program
1. Authorize the Chief of Police to enter into three separate agreements between the Housing Authority of the City of Fresno, Southeast Fresno Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Viking Village Rental Assistance Demonstration to provide additional security and protection services for public housing
2. Authorize the Chief of Police to execute all related documents applicable to the FY 2016 HUD Capital grant program
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended City Council authorize the Chief of Police to execute all related documents and enter into three separate agreements between the Fresno Housing Authority, Southeast Fresno Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Viking Village RAD and the City of Fresno through its Police Department for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Capital Funding Grant Program. The term of the agreement is July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Fresno Housing Authority (FHA) has made funding available HUD Capital Funding Grant proceeds, to provide additional law enforcement services with two sworn officers, at various low-income housing complexes they manage. Funding under this project provides a maximum of $264,050 for 12 months for personnel costs and supplies. These funds are included in the FY 2016 budget. The City of Fresno, through its Police Department, and the FHA propose to enter into multiple agreements to provide two sworn officers at the FHA’s housing complexes located in southwest and southeast Fresno: Sequoia Courts, Sierra Plaza, Fairview Heights Terrace, Sequoia Courts Terrace, Sierra Terrace, Yosemite Village, DeSoto Gardens 1, DeSoto Gardens 2, Cedar Courts, Cedar Courts II, Monte Vista, Viking Village, and Inyo Terrace. The agreements detail the project activities, which include providing law enforcement services and criminal background checks to screen prospective residents and prospective/current FHA staff utilizing the grant funding. The FHA agrees to pay the full cost of salaries and fringe for the officers on a monthly basis, through the term of the agreements. City Council approval is needed to authorize the Chief of Police to enter into the agreements and renew the contract for services.
BACKGROUND
The mission of the Fresno Police Department is to enhance safety, service, and trust with our community. The Police Department recognizes and holds sacred the trust and confidence the community has placed in it to maintain a safe city with low levels of crime and violence, and to improve the quality of life in Fresno. Since the mid-90's, the Police Department has received funding from the FHA to enhance local law enforcement capabilities through Community Oriented Policing techniques, specifically targeting public housing. Community policing calls for greater citizen responsibility and creates opportunity for residents in public housing areas to contribute to public safety in and around their neighborhoods. At the same time, community policing enhances police professionalism by giving officers the skills, technology, and motivation to develop innovative solutions for crime-related community problems.
It is absolutely essential that families have a stable environment in which to raise and enjoy their families. The police department is committed to working with the FHA to provide an enhanced level of service to prevent crime and maintain a peaceful environment. The Police Department will accomplish this through uniformed police presence and active enforcement, coupled with creative, resourceful proactive efforts in collaboration with the FHA.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a “project” for the purposes of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because this does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Police personnel and equipment costs, in the specified program areas, will be paid through this agreement with the FHA utilizing the HUD Capital Funding Grant.
Attachments:
Fresno Housing Authority Agreement
Southeast Fresno RAD Agreement
Viking Village RAD Agreement