AGENDA #4d

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

 

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

 

SUBJECT:       Acceptance of Bureau of Justice Assistance Block Grant

 

DATE:             October 21, 2002

 

 

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 $44,510.  The attached ordinance would establish a Law Enforcement Block Grant project.

 

BACKGROUND

 

In July 2002, 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 August 9, 2002, the Police Department submitted a grant application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance.  On September 5, 2002, the Department was notified that the grant request had been approved for $44,510.

 

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 the number of Mobile Computer Terminals (MCTs)

2.      Provide technology upgrades

3.      Provide terrorism preparedness training and crime prevention programs

 

Funding through the block grant is available to the Town immediately upon acceptance of the grant.  A match of $4,946 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 October 7.

 

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

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Law Enforcement Block Grant, and enact 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 (2002-10-21/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 $44,510 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 21^st day of October, 2002.

 

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND “THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS AND THE RAISING OF REVENUE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2002 (2002-10-21/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, 2002” as duly adopted on July 26, 2002, be and the same is hereby amended as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

                                                            Current                                                           Revised

APPROPRIATIONS                           Budget             Increase           Decrease                      Budget

 

                       

GENERAL FUND

            Police                                   9,141,694              44,510                                          9,186,204

 

 

ARTICLE II

 

                                                            Current                                                           Revised

REVENUES                                        Budget             Increase           Decrease                      Budget

 

GENERAL FUND

            Grants                                     502,750               44,510                                            547,260 

 

 

This the 21^st day of October, 2002.