AGENDA #4b

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

 

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

 

SUBJECT:       Acceptance of Bureau of Justice Assistance Block Grant

 

DATE:            September 24, 2001

 

 

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 $53,673.  The attached ordinance would establish a Law Enforcement Block Grant project.

 

BACKGROUND

 

In May 2001, 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 July 17, 2001, the Police Department submitted a grant application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance.  On July 31, the Department was notified that the grant request had been approved for $53,673.

 

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.      Increase training opportunities for all employees

 

2.      Provide technology upgrades

 

3.      Implement crime prevention programs

 

Funding through the block grant is available to the Town immediately upon acceptance of the grant.  A match of $5,964 is required from the Town.  This match can be provided through the Police Department operating budget.

 

The Town must meet three requirements 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 September 10.

 

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 (2001-09-24/R-2)

 

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 $53,673 was approved by the Bureau of Justice Assistance; and

 

WHEREAS, the block grant funds would be used to purchase supplies and equipment that would increase training opportunities, provide technology upgrades, and help to implement crime prevention programs;

 

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 24th day of September, 2001.

 

 

 

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND “THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS AND THE RAISING OF REVENUE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2001 (2001-09-24/O-3)

 

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, 2001” as duly adopted on June 25, 2001 be and the same is hereby amended as follows:

 

 

 

ARTICLE I

 

                                                   Current                                                                      Revised

APPROPRIATIONS                  Budget                Increase           Decrease                 Budget

 

                                                                                         

GENERAL FUND

     Police                               8,964,556                  53,673                                      9,018,229           

 

ARTICLE II

 

REVENUES

 

GENERAL FUND

 

    Grants                                  605,143                  53,673                                          658,816      

 

This the 24^th day of September, 2001.