Minutes 09/27/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 27, 2016 Next Steps Following Council Action:  Finance will complete the necessary budgetary adjustments. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Psimas, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AN EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,198 FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS IN THE FY 2017 GRANTS FUND TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR VARIOUS ITEMS, INCLUDING THE GEOGRAPHICAL POLICING PROGRAM, THE CIRCUIT COURT DRUG COURT PROGRAM, AND POLICE EQUIPMENT.” Ayes: Edmonds, Moody, Psimas, Whitaker, Wright Nays: None Abstain: Cherry (Wife is employee of Drug Court) 16 - 310 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting a grant in the amount of $6,958 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 2017 Grants Fund for use by the Police Department to increase usage of occupant restraints in vehicles. Vision Principles: Sustainable Neighborhoods, Enhanced Quality of Life, and Efficient Service Delivery. Background:  The Portsmouth Police Department has been awarded grant funding in the amount of $6,958.00 from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Virginia Highway Safety Office (VHSO).  Since estimated revenue in the FY 2016-2017 Grants Fund will increase by $6,958.00, that amount will be appropriated in the FY 2016-2017 Grants Fund. 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 inadequate occupant restraint usage is among 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 increase seatbelt usage and to 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 $6,958.00 by the DOT NHTSA through the VHSO provides funding for the Portsmouth Police Department.  The city does have to provide an in-kind match of $3,479 through maintenance of the vehicle and fuel costs.  The city has no obligation once the grant has ended. Staff Recommends:  Adoption of an Ordinance to appropriate the amount of $6,958.00 in grant funding from the DOT NHTSA through the VHSO to the Portsmouth Police Department. Vision Principles: Sustainable Neighborhoods, Enhanced Quality of Life, and Efficient Service Delivery. Next Steps Following Council Action:  Finance will complete the necessary budgetary adjustments.