REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
August 31, 2017
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: ROBERT NEVAREZ, Deputy Chief
Administrative, Support & Special Services Divisions
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the 2017 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program
1. Authorize the Chief of Police to apply for and accept $264,557 in total grant funding for the 2017 JAG Program from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance for the City and County of Fresno
2. Authorize the Chief of Police to execute all related documents to the application, acceptance, and administration of 2017 JAG Program
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Council authorize the Chief of Police to apply for and accept $264,557 in total grant funding for the 2017 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program for the City and County of Fresno, and to sign all applicable and related documents.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The application process for this program is a joint application with one agency to be named as the fiscal/reporting agent through a joint agreement. Per the joint agreement, the City of Fresno will act as the fiscal agent to administer these funds. The City of Fresno’s allocation is $199,485, and the remaining allocation of $65,072 is for the County of Fresno, for a total grant allocation of $264,557. The joint agreement and annual appropriation resolution will come before the Council once funding is awarded. A condition for this funding is to provide an opportunity for public comment. This is accomplished through a regular scheduled Council meeting. Copies of the grant spending plan are available at the City Clerk’s office. The application is due by September 5, 2017.
BACKGROUND
The JAG formula is a minimum base allocation with the remaining amount determined on population, Part 1 violent crime statistics, and a direct allocation to units of local government. The City of Fresno agrees to act as the fiscal agent for the JAG formula funding. The joint application specified the award amount for distribution to each unit of local government.
The 2017 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant formula program has allocated $264,557 for the Fresno County area. Based on the grant guidelines formula, the City of Fresno will receive $199,485, and the County of Fresno will receive $65,072. These funds will assist in the acquisition of equipment, operational needs and supplies, and essential support services for each agency in accordance with grant guidelines outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.
The proposed spending plan attached to the grant application, is based on priority needs that are not included in the FY 2018 budget. The proposed items will allow the Fresno Police Department to maintain control and reduce crime through the acquisition of necessary tactical equipment, officer safety equipment, and special unit operational needs. JAG funds are requested to provide for priority needs such as ammunition, equipment for special units’ operational costs, including but not limited to K-9, SWAT, Traffic, and grant support. These costs are essential to the department and will not be met through local general funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a “project” for the purposes of the 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
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund and there is no match requirement under this grant program. All funds are received in advance and deposited into an interest bearing account. All interest earned is to be used to support the same objectives of the grant’s approved spending plan.
Attachment: Spending Plan