REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
DATE: 12/06/2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Police Department
SUBJECT:
Title
ACCEPTANCE OF AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE 2023 LOCAL EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report asks Council to accept and appropriate The United States Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $21,860. The grant’s mission is to assist state, local, and tribal efforts to prevent or reduce crime and violence and augment officer safety. Funds received are to be used for technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice that will improve or enhance law enforcement programs.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
That the City Council:
a. Authorize the City Manager to sign and enter into an Interlocal Agreement Concerning Distribution of the 2023 Justice Assistance Grant Award.
b. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any required grant documents that are in compliance with the City Council’s actions hereunder.
c. Accept the U.S. Department of Justice 2023 Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $21,860, with ten percent (10%) of the award, or $2,186, to be allocated to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as the grant’s Fiscal Agent.
d. Appropriate $19,674 from the U.S. Department of Justice Grant Fund 411 and increase the estimated revenue by the same amount to be received from the U.S. Department of Justice.
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BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice notified the City of Corona of its eligibility for a $21,860 award from the 2023 Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant local formula grant. Local government award allocations are based on a jurisdiction’s population and proportion of the state’s 3-year violent crime average.
The United States Department of Justice merged the eligible agencies in Riverside County together for funding. This merger requires an agreement between the 17 eligible agencies to identify the award distribution and designate one agency as the fiscal agent, which is the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
ANALYSIS:
In order to receive these grant funds, the City is required to enter into an interlocal agreement with the cities of Banning, Beaumont, Cathedral City, Coachella, Corona, Desert Hot Springs, Hemet, Indio, Jurupa Valley, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs, Perris, Riverside, Temecula, and the County of Riverside. Of the $21,860 allocated to the City of Corona, ten percent (10%) of the award, or $2,186, is designated to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as the grant’s Fiscal Agent.
The City of Corona Police Department will utilize $15,600 to purchase two new P25 complaint portable radios for the Vice Narcotics team to utilize while on surveillance. These radios have Broadband Long-Term Evolution (LTE) which allows them to operate off the radio network seamlessly with each other, other agencies, and Dispatch when officers are out of communication range. This technology allows for an increase in officer safety and efficiency when conducting local and regional operations.
The City of Corona Police Department will utilize the remaining $4,074 for Forensics to purchase a digital camera, lens adapter, flash, and two remote cords to enhance the ability of forensic specialists to collect and process crime scene photos. This digital camera will enhance the ability to photograph crime scenes and documentation of evidence in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes.
The 2023 Local Edward Byrne Memorial JAG project period will be from October 1, 2022, to October 1, 2026.
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed Grant Agreement and Certified Standard Assurances.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approval of the recommended actions will result in an appropriation and revenue estimate increase of $19,674 in the U.S. Department of Justice Grant Fund 411. There is no local match requirement for this award. The 2023 Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant will reimburse the City for the following items:
Multiple Band Portable Radios with Features $15,600
Digital Camera with Accessories $4,074
Total $19,674
Any unused budget will carry forward into Fiscal Year 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CQEA if the activity is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in questions may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This action of a canine purchase and Records Technician overtime is minimal, and there is no possibility this will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, no environmental analysis is required.
PREPARED BY: AMANDA ANDRADE, MANAGEMENT ANALYST II
REVIEWED BY: ROBERT NEWMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
Attachments:
1. Exhibit 1 - Interlocal Agreement Concerning Distribution of the 2023 Justice Assistance Grant Award
2. Exhibit 2 - Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Certified Standard Assurances