Agenda Item Wording:
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Public Hearing: Authorization to amend the 2021 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the amount of $37,397 and appropriate $4,700 from Police Unclaimed Funds.
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Deadline for Action: 2/7/2022
Submitting Department: Police Department
Contact Name and Phone Number: Chief Jason Salazar, ext. 4215, jason.salazar@visalia.city <mailto:jason.salazar@visalia.city> ; Captain Luma Fahoum, ext. 4103, luma.fahoum@visalia.city <mailto:luma.fahoum@visalia.city> ; Financial Analyst Liz Ybarra, ext. 4250, liz.ybarra@visalia.city <mailto:liz.ybarra@visalia.city>
Department Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City of Visalia to amend the 2021 JAG Grant award in the amount of $37,397 and appropriate $4,700 from Police Unclaimed (Fund 012).
Summary:
On November 15,2021 Council approved and appropriated federal funds for the 2021 JAG Grant in the amount of $37,397. The expenditures for these funds included training in the amount of $11,920 and the purchase of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for $26,305. However, staff discovered that the purchase of the UAS is not an authorized purchase under the Grant guidelines.
Staff will not use the Grant to purchase the UAS but instead fund the purchase using another funding source. To replace the UAS expenditure, the Department will replace the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) Communication System that can be purchased and reimbursed by the JAG Grant.
The SWAT unit requires replacement of the current Peltor helmet mounted communication system purchased in 2016. It will be replaced with the Invisio X5 Communication System. The new and updated system is an in-the-ear system that maintains directional awareness for the operator, while maintaining the noise cancelling capabilities. The in-the ear-system will not be impeded when wearing a gas mask and operators will utilize the V10 push to talk system mounted on their vest that will allow them to communicate via normal radio communications.
The total cost for the communication system is $31,000. The JAG Grant will reimburse $26,305 and the balance will be paid by Police Unclaimed Funds (Fund 012). The remaining training expenditure of $11,920 for the Grant will remain the same.
Background Discussion:
The 2021 JAG application was submitted on July 27, 2021. The original expenditure plan was approved on November 15, 2021. The JAG Grant administrators were advised of the oversite in the Grant expenditure plan and has advised staff to submit a program adjustment, which is allowed during the Grant period. The Grant expenditure period is effective from October 1,2020, to September 30, 2024.
Fiscal Impact:
Establish a new CIP for the SWAT Communication System equipment for $31,000. The grant will reimburse the General Fund in the amount of $26,305 and the remaining expenditure of $4,700 will come from Police Unclaimed Funds (Fund 012). Police Unclaimed Funds is money that is found or seized and no longer required as evidence and remains unclaimed. If the money in this account remains unclaimed, the money becomes the property of the City. This fund should not be confused with Asset Forfeiture Funds, which receives funds from narcotics seizures of cash and property as authorized by the Health and Safety Code. Monies deposited in this fund are invested until a court determines whether the money must be returned to the previous owner or the funds are forfeited to the City which may use the seized funds for the recovery of narcotics law enforcement costs associated with the seized funds.
The funding for the executive and NIBRS training will remain the same as approved on 11/15/2021.
The funding for the purchase of the UAS will be reviewed and evaluated during the new CIP budget cycle for FY 2022/23.
Prior Council Action: November 15, 2021
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Not to accept the Grant amendment.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Authorization to amend for the 2021 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the amount of $37,397 and appropriate $4,700 from Police Unclaimed Funds.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: N/A