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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011/03/01 Item 4CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT ~~~ CITY OF CHUTAVISfA MARCH 1, 2011, Item ITEM TITLE: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING $103,776 FROM THE CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY AND APPROPRIATING $99,682 TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 POLICE GRANT FUND FOR THE COVERDELL FORENSIC SCIENCE MPROVEMENT PROGRAM SUBMITTED BY: CHIEF OF POLICE REVIEWED BY: CITY MANAGE 4/STHS VOTE: YES ~ NO SUMMARY The Police Department has been awarded grant funding from the California Emergency Management Agency for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program. The goal of this program is to improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services over current operations. 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 defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) ofthe State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary. RECOMMENDATION Council adopt the resolution. BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Not Applicable. DISCUSSION The Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Program, which is administered by the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA), provides federal funding to 4-1 MARCH 1, 2011, Item Page 2 of 3 accredited crime laboratories throughout California. Coverdell funds can be used to provide education and training in both technical and personal skills to California's forensic scientists to ensure that they can effectively perform their laboratory assignments. In order to receive these funds, the crime laboratories must verify their accreditation status with a Forensic Crime laboratory organization or appropriate certifying body. The crime laboratories must also certify that they have a plan in place to conduct an independent external investigation into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by laboratory employees or contractors. The Police Department has been awarded $103,776 for the 2010 Coverdell Program, which covers an I 1-month grant period of October 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011. The total awazd will cover equipment to help support the Chula Vista Crime Laboratory. The Chula Vista Police Department Crime Laboratory will be purchasing one (1) digital image management system for $50,153. This system will be used to store digital files in a secure server that will protect the chain of custody of the files. The Property and Evidence storage unit will be outfitted with an improved video surveillance system for $25,997. This system will allow remote viewing and logging of digital video to ensure maximum security within the Property and Evidence unit. In order to be able to extract cellulaz telephone data, the Department will be purchasing a Ce1leBrite Ruggedized Universal Forensic Extraction Device for $8,997. This unit can access data stored in cellular telephones to be used as evidence in crime cases. To assist in evidence collection, the Department will also be purchasing two (2) 30" bench top evidence drying cabinets for $12,000. These drying cabinets will be used to dry evidence such as clothing in a cabinet that will protect employees and evidence from infectious pathogens and noxious odors while reducing possible cross-contamination of evidence. The additional $4,094 remaining in the grant will be used for training and professional development of Crime Laboratory personnel. 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 Califomia Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision. CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT Approval of this resolution will result in the acceptance of $103,776 of grant funding from the California Emergency Management Agency and an appropriation of $97,147 to the Capital category and $2,535 to the Personnel Services category for the fiscal year 2010/2011 budget of the Police Grant Fund to cover the grant period of October 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. The funding from CalEMA will completely offset the costs of the Coverdell Program, resulting in no net fiscal impact. 4-2 MARCH 1, 2011, Item Page 3 of 3 ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT Because the grant period crosses two fiscal years, there is an additional $4,094 remaining in the grant which will be included in the fiscal year 2011/2012 Police Grant Fund budget for the period of July 1 to August 31, 2011. The funds from CaIEMA will completely offset all costs, resulting in no net fiscal impact. ATTACHMENTS None. Prepared by: Jonathan Alegre, Principal Management Analyst, Police Department 4-3 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING $103,776 FROM THE CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY AND APPROPRIATING $99,682 TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 POLICE GRANT FUND FOR THE COVERDELL FORENSIC SCIENCE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Police Department has been awarded $103,776 grant funding from the California Emergency Management Agency for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program; and WHEREAS, the goal of the Coverdell program is to improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services over current operations; and WHEREAS, the Coverdell funds will be used to provide education and training to crime laboratory personnel to ensure that they can effectively perform their laboratory assignments; and WHEREAS, the Coverdell funds will also be used to purchase crime laboratory equipment to enhance its existing resources; and WHEREAS, the grant funds provided by the California Emergency Management Agency will completely offset the total costs of this program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby accept $103,776 from the California Emergency Management Agency and appropriate $2,535 to the supplies and services category and $97,147 to the capital category of the Fiscal Year 2010/2011 Police Grant Fund for the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program. Presented by: Approved as to form by: David Bejarano Police Chief Glen R. Googins `' Z City Attorney 4-4