REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
August 30, 2018
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: LYDIA CARRASCO, Deputy Chief
Patrol Divisions
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the Chief of Police to enter into four separate agreements between the Housing Authority of the City of Fresno, Fresno Edison Apartments II, LP, Southeast Fresno Rental Assistance Demonstration and Viking Village Rental Assistance Demonstration to provide additional security and protection services for public housing
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended City Council authorize the Chief of Police to enter into four separate agreements between the Fresno Housing Authority, Fresno Edison Apartments II, 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 and execute all related documents. The term of the agreement is July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Housing Authority has made funding available for two sworn officers at various low-income housing complexes. Funding under this project provides a maximum of $296,146 for twelve months of personnel and communications costs. These funds are included in the FY 2019 budget. The City of Fresno, through its Police Department, and the Housing Authority propose to enter into Agreements to provide two sworn officers at the Housing Authority’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, Legacy Commons, 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 Housing Authority staff in exchange for grant funding. The Housing Authority agrees to pay the full cost of salaries and fringe benefits for the officers and applicable communications costs on a monthly basis, through the term of the Agreements. 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 Housing Authority 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 Housing Authority to prevent crime and maintain a peaceful environment. We will accomplish this through uniformed police presence and active enforcement, coupled with creative, resourceful proactive efforts in collaboration with the Housing Authority.
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
All costs have been budgeted in FY 19 and will be reimbursed through these agreements with the Housing Authority under the HUD Capital Funding Grant.
Attachments: Fresno Housing Authority Agreement
Fresno Edison Apartments II Agreement
Southeast Fresno RAD Agreement
Viking Village RAD Agreement