PRESENTER: Presenter
Keith Lane, Chief of Police
Jennifer Gates, Grants Coordinator
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider the approval of an amended resolution that supported the submission of an application to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, Fiscal Year 2024 SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant Program on behalf of the New Braunfels Police Department for personnel and equipment costs.
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DEPARTMENT: Finance
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City’s adopted 2024-2029 Strategic Plan includes an objective addressing continuation of diversifying revenue streams to support long-term fiscal sustainability of the Organization.
As such, on March 25, 2024, the City Council ratified an application, including an accompanying resolution, submitted by staff to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA), Fiscal Year 2024 SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant Program to request funding on behalf of the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD) for costs associated with the detection and prevention of catalytic converter theft in Texas.
On June 27, 2024, the City received notification of a grant award that will support the following:
• Personnel costs of two officers to be assigned to NBPD’s Street Crimes Unit (SCU), including the officers’ base salaries, fringe benefits, uniforms and issued equipment, and vehicles; and
• Personnel and equipment costs required to host catalytic converter engraving events for the public; and
• Purchase and installation of a variety of license plate readers; and
• Miscellaneous costs such as program supplies and travel expenses for City staff to attend MVCPA meetings and events.
After reviewing documentation previously submitted by the City, the granting agency has requested a minor, administrative amendment to the March 25 resolution to better align to the purpose of the grant funds.
Therefore, City staff is requesting City Council approval of the requested revision within the second “whereas” portion of the document as follows.
March 25, 2024, Resolution:
“WHEREAS, this grant program will assist this jurisdiction to combat motor vehicle burglary and theft; and”
August 12, 2024, Amended Resolution:
“WHEREAS, this grant program will assist this jurisdiction to combat catalytic converter theft; and”
As applicable, any additional grant-supported expenditures and staffing requirements such as an increase to NBPD’s Strength of Force will be brought to Council for future consideration and approval. The granting agency provides funds for 100% of the total amount; there is no City-match requirement.
ISSUE:
The City’s adopted 2024-2029 Strategic Plan includes an objective pertaining to fiscal sustainability, e.g. completion of all administrative requirements for the application and acceptance of grants.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☒Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
Considering statutory and market-based factors, continue to diversify revenue streams to support long-term fiscal sustainability of the Organization.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The granting agency will provide reimbursement of all awarded costs; there is no City-match requirement.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of an amended resolution that supported the submission of an application to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, Fiscal Year 2024 SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant Program on behalf of the New Braunfels Police Department for personnel and equipment costs.