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October 27, 2015 Discussion:  The Portsmouth Police Department will utilize a multi-faceted approach to improve traffic safety in the city of Portsmouth as well as in the surrounding cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk and Norfolk. Many of the motorists in Portsmouth travel to and from our neighboring cities. It is certain that excessive speed is among one of the major factors contributing to personal injuries resulting from vehicular crashes. We believe this should be focused upon through means of education, enforcement and the building of partnerships. Through these increased enforcement and educational efforts we intend to significantly reduce crashes that have the potential of death and serious injuries  The funds received will enable Portsmouth Police Department to provide overtime payments for conducting checkpoints and saturation patrols by the Portsmouth Police Department. Financial Impact:  The grant award amount of $3,479.00 by the US DOT NHTSA through the VHSO provides funding for the Portsmouth Police Department.  The City does have to provide an in-kind match of $1,739.50.  The City has no obligation once the grant has ended. Staff Recommends:  Adoption of an ordinance to appropriate the amount of $3,479.00 in grant funding from the US DOT NHTSA through the VHSO to the Portsmouth Police Department. Vision Principle: Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, Quality of Life and Efficient, Responsive Government. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Chief of Police or his designee will provide grant management and oversight. Motion by Ms. Psimas, and seconded by Mr. Meeks, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,479 FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION THROUGH THE VIRGINIA HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS IN THE FY 2015-16 GRANTS FUND FOR USE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO DETER SPEEDING.” Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Meeks, Moody, Psimas, Whitaker, Wright Nays: None 15 - 383 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $67,837 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance and appropriating said funds in the FY 2015-16 Grants Fund to purchase equipment and to support the Circuit Court Drug Court Program.Vision Principles: Change and New Directions, Quality of Life and Efficient, Responsive Government. Background:  The Portsmouth Police Department (PPD) has been awarded grant funding in the amount of $67,837.00 from the Department of Justice (DOJ) – Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to provide funds for specialized equipment along with continued funding to support the Drug Court Program. Discussion:  The FY 15 JAG funds will be used to provide for the patrol equipment vehicle’s operational accessories, TASERS and associated equipment for the continued departmental outfitting of every officer with a TASER.  Additionally, funds will be used to support the Drug Court programs within the Circuit Court.