Memorandum

PURPOSE:

To request City Council approval of a proposed resolution that authorizes the City Manager to accept $51,381 in U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Block Grant funds for the Police Department, and amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2003-04 budget by appropriating grant funds.

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of the DOJ Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) program is to provide funds to units of local government for projects that reduce crime and improve public safety.  On August 23, 2003, an application was approved by the DOJ for LLEBG funding.  Prior to receiving funds the City must meet two requirements before the grant funds can be appropriated.  First, a local advisory board must meet to review the block grant application and its planned use of grant funds.  Second, a public meeting must be convened where members of the public can attend and participate. 

The first requirement was met on September 3, 2003, when a local advisory board convened.  The local advisory board consisted of representatives from each of the following five groups: the police department, the prosecutor�s office, the local court system, the local public school system, and a non-profit group.  The advisory board reviewed the application and made non-binding recommendations regarding funding use.  The second requirement is before City Council now to allow public participation and comment regarding the use of grant funding. 

DISCUSSION:

This grant will aid in the following areas: providing crime prevention/education funding for programs such as Street Beat cable programming, Neighborhood Watch and the Community and Youth Academies; identifying and purchasing needed computer equipment; Special Response Team ballistic vests; providing motor officers with communication equipment; and other specialized law enforcement equipment.  The funding recommendations for this grant are consistent with Police Department goals.

The advisory board�s recommendations, as listed below, are non-binding and serve as a one-time recommendation to the Chief of Police and the City Council. 

�         Street Beat Cable TV Show; $6,000

�         Material Costs for Crime Prevention and Education Programs; $10,000

�         Purchase of Motor Officer Communication Equipment; $6,000

�         Purchase of Computer Equipment; $10,000

�         Special Response Team Ballistic Vests; $5,000

�         Purchase of Miscellaneous Law Enforcement Equipment; $14,381

FISCAL IMPACT:

Accepting the grant will have no fiscal impact on the City.  However, the City will be required to provide a match of $5,709; a stipulated one-ninth of total grant funding.  It is recommended that the matching funds come from the City�s Overtime Safety salary account, 001-PD01A-60007.  There are no recurring costs associated with the Block Grant.  The grant provides for one-time funding for law enforcement efforts specifically designated by the Burbank City Council.

Accepting the grant funds amends the City�s budget by increasing Fund 121�s revenue estimate by $51,381, account 121-PD000-48010-1037 (Grant-DOJ Block Grant).  In addition, it appropriates the grant funding to Fund 121, Oracle Project Number 14496.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends City Council adoption of a proposed resolution entitled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A $51,381 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE BLOCK GRANT AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 BUDGET, BY APPROPRIATING GRANT FUNDS.

THOMAS HOEFEL

Chief of Police

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