Minutes 09/26/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 26, 2017 Financial impact:  The financial impact is uncertain, though it is anticipated to be minimal. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  City staff will create the forms necessary to implement the ordinance. Motion by Mr. Clark, and seconded by Ms. Lucas-Burke, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 35 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (2006) (TAXATION) BY ADOPTING A NEW DIVISION 8 OF ARTICLE III TITLED “EXEMPTION FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES OF CERTAIN PERSONS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY”.” Ayes: Cherry, Clark, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Whitaker, Rowe Nays: None 17 - 426 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting a grant in the amount of $43,641 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 2018 Grants Fund for use by the Portsmouth Police Department to deter driving under the influence of alcohol. Background:  The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles provides grants to support the implementation of highway safety projects by state, local, non-profit, and higher education projects that focus on five focus areas: support statewide goals; identify problems experienced by high crash severity problems; creatively incorporate alcohol awareness and occupant protections safety; innovative projects that are applicable statewide; and/or have statewide significance and address the federal program areas under Section 1906, Public Law 109-59. One of these grants is the Alcohol Deterrent Grant.  The purpose of the Alcohol Deterrent Grant is to broaden the scope and number of activities directed toward reducing traffic crash loss arising in whole or in part from persons driving under the influence of alcohol. Discussion:  The Portsmouth Police Department was awarded the amount of $43,641.00 from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Virginia Highway Safety Office (VHSO).  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 alcohol is one of the major factors contributing to personal injuries resulting from vehicular crashes. Through these increased enforcement and educational efforts, we intend to significantly reduce Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 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, problem area saturation patrols, and DMV approved training, and to purchase associated equipment needed by the PPD. Financial Impact:  The city is required to provide an in-kind match of $21,820.50, which previously has been appropriated in the Police Department’s budget. The city has no obligation once the grant has ended. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance.