Minutes 06/25/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 25, 2019 Discussion:  The Portsmouth Police Department (PPD) has been awarded grant funding in the amount of $5,000.00 from the Virginia Rules Camp Grant Program.  The PPD has made concerted efforts to combat home-grown gangs, juvenile crime, violence, and drug possession and use issues. One of the major programs in our arsenal is the Police Athletic League (PAL). The PAL program is based upon the conviction that young people, if they are reached early enough, can develop strong positive attitudes toward police officers in their journey through life toward the goals of maturity and good citizenship.  To further guide our city’s youth in their journey toward maturity and good citizenship, PAL will incorporate direct instruction classes. The educational curriculum for these classes will be based on Virginia Rules, the Office of the Attorney General’s Virginia- specific law education program for middle and high school students that emphasizes the role of the law in everyday life. The classes will address many of the most pressing issues facing the youth of our city including gangs, bullying, teens and violence, teen crime prevention.  The funds received will enable PPD to cover all aspects of the Virginia Rules Camp including classroom lectures and activities associated with the Camp. Financial Impact:  There is no cash or in-kind match requirement from the city for this grant. In addition, there is no obligation from the city once the grant has ended.  The FY 2020 Grants Fund will increase by the said amount. 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 Ms. Lucas-Burke, and seconded by Mr. Clark, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A VIRGINIA RULES CAMP GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 FROM THE VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE AND APPROPRIATING SAID SUM IN THE FY 2020 GRANTS FUND FOR USE BY THE PORTSMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT.” Ayes: Battle, Clark, Glover, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Rowe Nays: None 19 - 235 - Adoption of a resolution authorizing and ratifying an amendment to that certain loan agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia dated November 2017 for the purpose of increasing the loan amount. Background:  In 2016, the Virginia Port Authority amended its lease for the use of Virginia International Gateway to take title to much of the personal property and equipment used at the site.  The amendment resulted in a substantial short-term loss of personal property tax revenue to the city.  As a consequence, City officials working with the city’s legislative delegation were able to obtain General Assembly approval for an interest free loan from the Commonwealth to address the temporary loss of revenue.  By Resolution R-17-31 adopted on October 10, 2017, City Council authorized the city Manager to enter into a loan agreement for the loan and the City subsequently received draws of $1,700,000 in each of FY 2017 and FY 2018.  The General Assembly has approved additional loans of $1,700,000 for FY 2019 and $1,700,000 for FY 2020.