Minutes 01/12/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 12, 2021 Background:  The City has received a grant in the amount of $3,000 to plant 15 native Virginia trees along an approximately 1-mile stretch of median on Frederick Blvd. The tree species will consist of 7 Crepe Myrtles and 8 Willow Oaks (or Dept. of Forestry approved alternatives). Discussion:  Trees intercept rain water, slowing its movement and preventing it from eroding soils. Soils eroded by storm water run-off end up delivering excess sediment to streams and polluting our water as well as the habitat for fish and aquatic organisms. By allowing the soil to slowly soak up rain water instead, trees help filter rain water and recharge groundwater. Trees also improve air quality and decrease the urban heat environment. Financial Impact:  The grant requires a dollar for dollar cash or in-kind local match. $2,000 of the local match will be provided through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Operating Budget and the remaining $1,000 will be satisfied through in-kind services provided by City staff and volunteers working with Parks, Recreation and Tourism staff on the project. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Finance Department will make the necessary budgetary adjustment.  Implementation of the grant through planting trees to help keep the waterways and air quality in Portsmouth clean. Motion by Ms. Lucas-Burke, and seconded by Mr. Battle, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING VIRGINIA TREES FOR CLEAN WATER GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000 FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT INTO THE FY 2021 GRANTS FUND FOR USE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM.” Ayes: Barnes, Battle, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Whitaker, Woodard, Glover Nays: None 21 - 20 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting Comprehensive Anti-Gang Programs for Youth funding in the amount of $379,918 from the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency and appropriating the said amount into the FY 2021 Grants Fund for use by the Portsmouth Police Department. Background:  The Portsmouth Police Department (PPD) has been awarded grant funding in the amount of $379,918 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency (OJJDP) – Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to provide funds for the project entitled Refocusing Education with Students & Police by Enlisting Courts & Training (RESPECT).  Estimated revenues and expenditures in the FY 2021 Grants Fund are increased by $379,918. Discussion:  PPD will use Comprehensive Anti-Gang Programs for Youth Competitive Grant 2020 funding for the Refocusing Education with Students & Police by Enlisting Courts & Training (RESPECT) project.