AGENDA #4e

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT:            Acceptance of Bureau of Justice Assistance Block Grant

DATE:             October 23, 2000

The attached resolution would authorize the acceptance of a local law enforcement block grant from the U.S. Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance in the amount of $55,583.  The attached ordinance would establish a Law Enforcement Block Grant project.

BACKGROUND

On September 13, 2000, the Bureau of Justice Assistance announced the availability of funds for law enforcement agencies in the form of block grants.  These funds were specifically earmarked for the purchase of equipment and supplies that could enhance the effectiveness of police operations.  On September 22, 2000, the Police Department submitted a grant application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance.  On October 2, the Department was notified that the grant request had been approved for $55,583.

DISCUSSION

This year’s block grant program provides funds for law enforcement agencies to purchase supplies and equipment that would not be available through general operating budgets.  We requested funding for equipment that would:

1.      Improve officer safety,

2.      Enhance the Department’s training and recruitment program, and

3.      Enhance the Department’s communications systems.

Funding through the block grant is available to the Town immediately upon acceptance of the grant.  A match of $6,176 is required from the Town.  This match can be provided through the Police Department operating budget.

Three requirements must be met by the Town before the funds can be obligated. 

1)  An advisory board consisting of representatives from the local school system, the District Attorney’s office, the local court system, and a community crime prevention group must review the grant application and make non-binding recommendations about the proposed uses of the grant funds.  Those recommendations were received earlier this month.

2)  A public hearing must be held to allow citizens an opportunity to express their views on the use of the grant funds.  That hearing was held on October 18.

3)  The Town must accept the grant by returning a signed acceptance form to the Bureau of Justice Assistance. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

a)  That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Law Enforcement Block Grant.

b)  That the Council adopt the attached ordinance establishing a Law Enforcement Block Grant project ordinance.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT (2000-10-23/R-5)

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Assistance have made funds available to enhance the quality of law enforcement services provided to local communities; and

WHEREAS, the Town’s Law Enforcement Block Grant application in the amount of $55,583 was approved by the Bureau of Justice Assistance; and

WHEREAS, the block grant funds would be used to purchase supplies and equipment that would enhance officer safety, improve Department communications and expand the Department’s recruitment program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Manager to accept the Bureau of Justice Assistance Law Enforcement Block Grant and to make all necessary assurances.

This the 23rd day of October, 2000.

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND “THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS AND THE RAISING OF REVENUE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2000 (2000-10-23/O-2.1)

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Budget Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Concerning Appropriations and the Raising of Revenue for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2000” as duly adopted on June 26, 2000 be and the same is hereby amended as follows:

ARTICLE I

                                                  Current                                                             Revised

APPROPRIATIONS   Budget            Increase            Decrease         Budget

GENERAL FUND

            Police            8,188,479        55,583             8,244,062

ARTICLE II

            Current                                    Revised

REVENUES            Budget            Increase            Decrease         Budget

GENERAL FUND

            Grants            463,000          55,583             518,583

This the 23^rd day of October, 2000.