HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-10 City Council (4)TO:
FROM:
City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: POLICE
10
DATE:
SUBJECT:
SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 CMR:349:01
ACCEPTANCE OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK
GRANT (LLEBG) FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,218
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends Council accept the Bureau of Justice’s Assistance (BJA) Local Law
Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) in the amount of $23,218, with the funds to be used for
compensation for the Positive Alternatives for Youth (PAY) outreach specialists.
BACKGROUND
The Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance has again made funds available to local agencies in
the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants Program for the purposes of reducing crime and
improving public safety. The City of Palo Alto has received LLEBG funds in 1996, 1997, 1999,
and 2000. For 2001, Palo Alto’s allocation is $23,218.
Included in the LLEBG program guidelines is a disparate allocation provision that is intended
to resolve potential funding disparities within jurisdictions. This year, Santa Clara County
meets one of the two criteria that require this provision to be used. That criteria is that a
potential funding disparity exists in a county’s allocation compared with that of multiple
municipalities when a county bears more than 50 percent of the prosecution or incarceration
costs arising from Part I violent crimes reported by the municipalities and that funding allocated
under the LLEBG program would threaten the efficient administration of justice within the
county. Because the situation exists in Santa Clara County, 22.5 percent of each city’s
allocation, except San Jose’s must go to the County.
One of the conditions of accepting LLEBG funds is that, prior to the obligation of funds, a
public hearing must be held regarding the proposed use of the monies. Another condition is the
continuation of the advisory board that was formed in 1996. The purpose of the advisory board
is to review and make a non-binding recommendation regarding the proposed use of funds. The
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advisory board met on August 7, 2001. Current members include representatives from the Police
and Community Services Departments, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office, Palo Alto
Unified School District, Mid-Peninsula YMCA, Adolescent Counseling Services, and City
Council.
DISCUSSION
Previous grant funds have been used to fund different aspects of the PAY program. Staff
proposes using this year’s grant funds for the same purpose.
The PAY program has been in operation since 1996. It continues to provide positive altematives
for youth, especially those at risk.
This year staff proposes using LLEBG funds for compensation for a bilingual outreach
specialist. This person, under the supervision of the PAY program manager, provides
assistance to at-risk youth in efforts to improve school performance and enhance life skills.
Specifically, the outreach specialist assists program participants and families in crisis;
coordinates parenting workshops; provides behavioral guidance assistance; organizes
recreational activities, and assists youth in finding employment opportunities.
RESOURCE IMPACT
In compliance with BJA requirements, the City has established a Local Law Enforcement (LLE)
subfund in which the grant funds will be deposited. Palo Alto’s total allocation was $29,959.
Pursuant to the disparate allocation process, $6,741 of Palo Alto’s funds have been allocated
to Santa Clara County. The City will receive the balance of the allocation in the amount of
$23,218. Funds for the City’s required 10 percent match of $2,580 are included in the Police
Department’s non-salary budget and will be transferred to the LLE subfund. Adjustments to
the budget will be made midyear.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Expenditures of funds for youth programs are consistent with City policy.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
This is not a project subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.
PREPARED BY:kY’Z[ ~/"z-~]~6~’-/
LYNNE JOHNSON
Assistant Police Chief
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
Chief of Police
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Assistant City Manager
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