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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007/09/25 Item 5 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT .:S-~f:. CITY OF - - CHULA VISTA 09/25/2007 Item 5 SUBMITTED BY: REVIEWED BY: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING $412,000 FROM THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR THE DUI ENFORCEMENT AND AWARENESS PROGRAM, ADDING ONE PEACE OFFICER TO THE AUTHORIZED STAFFING LEVEL OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. () ~ CHIEF OF POLIC~ fl CITY MANAGER /(I/IJ V fYT~VOTE: YES X NO ITEM TITLE: BACKGROUND The California Office of Traffic Safety's (OTS) mission is to obtain and effectively administer traffic safety grant funds to reduce deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from traffic related collisions. The Police Department has been awarded various OTS grants, including the Serious Traffic Offenders Program (STOP), Comprehensive Traffic Safety Program, DUI Enforcement Program, and Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), which all enhanced the Traffic Unit by funding new positions. Additionally, OTS administers mini-grants such as the Sobriety Checkpoint Program and Click It or Ticket, which funds traffic enforcement operations on an overtime basis. The Police Department has received additional funding from the Office of Traffic Safety to enhance its existing DUI program, which focuses on traffic enforcement strategies to reduce persons killed and injured in alcohol-involved collisions. This funding will create a dedicated Officer position in the Traffic Unit to oversee the DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and it has been determined that the activity is not a "Project" as defmed under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 5-1 09/25/2007, Item~ Page 2 of3 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary. RECOMMENDATION That Council adopt the resolution accepting $412,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety for the DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program, adding one Peace Officer to the authorized staffing level of the Police Department and amending the FY 2007/2008 Police Department budget by appropriating $157,251 for personnel costs, $3,349 for supplies and services and $39,109 for equipment. BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Not Applicable. DISCUSSION In December 2006, the Police Department completed a DUI enforcement project that was ftmded by the Office of Traffic Safety. This project added one Agent and one Officer to the Traffic Unit, creating a dedicated DUI Enforcement Team. The project was very successful and definitely made a positive impact of traffic safety in the Chula Vista community through its enforcement and educational efforts. New ftmding from the Office of Traffic Safety for the DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program will enhance those efforts. The DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program will enhance the existing traffic unit of the Police Department by adding one Peace Officer, and employ overtime on various enforcement operations, with the main goal of reducing fatalities and injuries in alcohol- involved collisions. Throughout the two-year grant period (10/0112007 to 09/30/2009), DUI/driver license checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols will be conducted. Stakeout operations will also be conducted for officers to concentrate on repeat DUI offenders on probation who have had their licenses suspended or revoked. Court sting operations will focus on DUI offenders with suspended or revoked driver licenses who get behind the wheel after leaving court. Through warrant service details, the Police Department will target repeat DUI violators who failed to appear in court or violate probation. These strategies are designed to increase compliance and lower recidivism, thus enhancing the overall deterrent effect. As part of an educational initiative, the Dill Enforcement and Awareness Program will develop a strong community awareness campaign informing the public of our efforts of creating a safer traffic environment in our city. Radar signs will be posted on major roadways in the city to alert motorists of their speed. Promotional materials will be utilized to educate the public of the dangers of driving under the influence. DECISION MAKER CONFLICT Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently the 500 foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 1 8704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision. 5-2 09/25/2007, Iteml Page 3 of3 FISCAL IMP ACT The grant funding from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in the amount of $412,000 will completely offset the total program costs during FY 2007/2008 and FY 2008/2009. Along with the salaries/benefits costs of the Officer to oversee the DUI program and the overtime for the enforcement operations, there will be one-time equipment expenses of a fully equipped police motorcycle, a portable radio, a handheld breath tester, a desktop & laptop computer and radar speed signs, which will be funded by Development Impact Fees (DlF). When the grant expires in September 2009, the City will absorb the ongoing costs to continue the program, creating a net fiscal impact to the General Fund as detailed in the table below. DUI Program Costs $199,709 $217,966 $221,268 $229,577 OTS Funding Funding from DIF $160,600 $39.109 $217,966 $0 $33,434 $0 $0 $0 Net 1m act to General Fund $0 $0 $187,834 $229,577 ATTACHMENTS None. Prepared by: Jonathan Alegre, Senior Management Analyst, Police Department 5-3 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING $412,000 FROM THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR THE DUI ENFORCEMENT AND AWARENESS PROGRAM, ADDING ONE PEACE OFFICER TO THE AUTHORIZED STAFFING LEVEL OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. WHEREAS, the Police Department was awarded a two-year grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for the DUI Enforcement and Awareness . Program; and WHEREAS, the DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program focuses on traffic enforcement strategies to reduce fatalities and injuries in alcohol-involved collisions; and WHEREAS, the grant funds from the Office of Traffic Safety will be used to create a dedicated traffic enforcement position and add one Peace Officer to the authorized staffing level of the Police Department; and WHEREAS, Development Impact Fees in the amount of $39,109 will also be used to purchase equipment for the DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby accept $412,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety for the DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program, add one Peace Officer to the authorized staffing level of the Police Department and amend the FY 2007/2008 budget by appropriating $157,251 for personnel costs, $3,349 for supplies and services and $39,109 for equipment. Approved as to form by: 5-4