Minutes 09/25/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 25, 2018 “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,511 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 2019 GRANTS FUND FOR USE BY THE PORTSMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT TO DETER DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.” Ayes: Clark, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Smith, Whitaker, Rowe Nays: None 18 - 370 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting a grant in the amount of $21,576 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 2019 Grants Fund for use by the Portsmouth Police Department to deter speeding. Background:  The Virginia Highway Safety Office (VAHSO) provides grants for programs which are designed to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, fatalities and related economic losses resulting from traffic crashes on Virginia’s roadways.  The program is administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the federal level, and by the VAHSO at the state level. The VAHSO is the grantee of the NHTSA grant funds and the funds are awarded to sub-recipients. Grants are awarded in the following areas: Impaired Driving, Occupant Protection, Speeding, and Pedestrian & Bike Safety. Discussion:  The Portsmouth Police Department (PPD) is receiving a grant totaling $21,576.00 to deter speeding.  The PPD 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 enforcements and educational efforts, we intend to significantly reduce crashes that have the potential of death and serious injuries  The funds received will enable PPD to provide overtime payments for conducting checkpoints and saturation patrols. Financial Impact:  The acceptance of the grant will reduce the impact of overtime cost to the General Fund associated with these services by the Police Department. In addition, there is an in-kind match of $10,788.00, which will be provided through PPD. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Finance Department will make the necessary budget adjustment. In addition, the Chief of Police or her designee will provide grant management and oversight. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Smith, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,576 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 2019 GRANTS FUND FOR USE BY THE PORTSMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT TO DETER SPEEDING.”