SR-701-006-03 (3)
PD:JTB:MM:f:\police\share\staffrpt\llebg2003
Council Meeting: September 9, 2003 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Appropriation and Uses of the 2003 Local Law Enforcement Block
Grants Award and Earned Interest on Prior Year Awards
Introduction
This report recommends that the City Council appropriate and designate uses of
the 2003 Local Law Enforcement Block Grants (LLEBG) award and interest
earned on the 2002 award.
Background
The City of Santa Monica is eligible to receive $110,300 of the Federal 2003
LLEBG appropriation ??to reduce crime and improve public safety.? A local
match equal to 10% of the total project cost is required. The grant requires
public discussion of the proposed use of the funds.
Portions of the 2000 and 2001 LLEBG allocations were used for DNA and
advanced forensic services in the investigation of violent crimes, and for a
registry project to identify persons with cognitive memory problems who wander
away from residential care facilities. The projects have been successful and well
received in the community. Funding for both projects ended when the 2001 grant
period expired on August 5, 2003.
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The entire 2002 LLEBG allocation was designated for 9-1-1 emergency system
upgrades and has been used for that purpose.
Discussion
Staff recommends that $36,000, comprised of $32,400 in 2003 LLEBG grant
funds and the 10% local match of $3,600, be designated to fund the registry
project for persons with cognitive memory problems for the two-year duration of
the 2003 LLEBG grant.
Staff recommends that $46,000, comprised of $41,400 in 2003 LLEBG grant
funds and the 10% local match of $4,600, be designated to continue the DNA
and advanced forensic evidence testing project for the two year duration of the
2003 LLEBG grant. Continued access to these services will enhance the ability
of the Police Department to investigate and solve serious crimes.
To enhance officer safety and aid in the apprehension of offenders who operate
during hours of darkness, staff recommends that $14,500, comprised of $13,050
in 2003 LLEBG grant funds and 10% local match of $1,450, be designated to
purchase one night vision camera and accessories.
Staff recommends that the remaining $26,055, comprised of $23,450 in grant
award funds and $2,605 in local matching funds, be used toward the
replacement of the first generation Mobile Field Reporting System (MFRS)
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hardware and software purchased in 1999 and 2000. Replacement of the
technology is essential to meet changing needs and ensure continued
maintenance support. The funds will be used during the 2003-04 Fiscal Year to
replace the oldest units that do not support the latest Windows-based system
software. As grant-funded police equipment, MFRS components are excluded
from the City?s computer equipment replacement program. This will constitute
the beginning of a replacement program for the system.
It is further recommended that the $3,333 interest earned on the 2002 LLEBG
award and the 10% local match of $370 be applied toward the same MFRS
replacement program.
Budget/Financial Impact
The LLEBG grant provides 90% of the total cost of eligible projects. The grantee
must provide local matching funds equal to 10% of the total project cost. In the
case of the 2003 allocation, the total project cost is $122,555 with $110,300
(90%) financed by the LLEBG grant funds and $12,255 (10%) provided by the
City.
Interest earned on federal LLEBG grant funds may also be used on eligible
projects, if the grantee provides additional local matching funds. Use of the
$3,333 in interest that has been earned on 2002 LLEBG grant funds through
June 30, 2003 will require the City to provide an additional $370 in local match.
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The total of $12,625 in required local matching funds is available in the Police
Department?s FY2003-2004 Operating Budget Account #01304.544010 (Special
Department Supplies).
The following FY2003-2004 budget changes will be necessary:
1. Establish Revenue Account #20304.403290 (LLEBG ? 2003) in the
amount of $110,300 to reflect receipt of the 2003 LLEBG grant funds;
2. Appropriate $110,300 in capital improvement project account
#C20053704.589000;
3. Transfer $12,255 from Police Department FY2003-2004 General Fund
Operating Budget Account #01304.544010 (Special Department Supplies)
to Account #C01053704.589000 for the required 10% local match;
4. Appropriate $3,333 in capital improvement project account
#C20053703.589000 to reflect interest earned on the 2002 LLEBG funds
through June 30, 2003;
5. Transfer $370 from Police Department FY2003-2004 General Fund
Operating Budget Account #01304.544010 (Special Department Supplies)
to account #C01304.053703.589000 to provide the 10% local match
required due to the appropriation of the 2002 LLEBG interest income.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council hear from the public, appropriate and
designate uses of the 2003 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) award
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and interest on the 2002 award, and approve the budget changes described
above.
Prepared by: James T. Butts, Jr., Chief of Police
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