REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager
VIA: Eric Parra, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Ingrid Ono
Subject:
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Approve, accept and authorize execution of Grant Agreements for Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant; and approve appropriation and expenditure of funds by the Chief of Police
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Statement of Issue:
On June 22, 2022, the Huntington Beach Police Department received notice from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that the City of Huntington Beach has tentatively been awarded three new one-year traffic safety grants. The first, a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant (Grant Number PT23110, Attachment 1) provides funding in the amount of $790,000 to reimburse the City’s costs associated with Sobriety/Driver License checkpoints, two full-time DUI enforcement officer positions, focused and specific traffic enforcement operations. The STEP funds will also be used to raise awareness of the dangers of DUI through the Department’s “Know your Limit” campaign which is an educational tool directly targeting would-be drivers inside drinking establishments. Collectively, these targeted enforcement and education efforts are designed to reduce DUI related traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities.
The second OTS grant, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (Grant Number PS23014, Attachment 2) is in the amount of $44,035 to reimburse costs associated with pedestrian and bicycle safety and education. Since there are far too many injury traffic collisions occurring in the City which involve pedestrians and bicyclists, these funds will allow for targeted education and media campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of remaining alert and attentive.
The final OTS grant, Child Passenger Safety Program, (Grant Number OP23010, Attachment 3) is in the amount of $52,353 to reimburse the City’s costs associated with child safety seat checkups, seat installation and distribution, education, community events, and training. These funds will proactively be used to positively impact city residents by ensuring they are educated on child seat safety and injury prevention related to incorrect installation and/or inadequate safety seat protection.
Financial Impact:
Three one-year reimbursable grants funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety in the amounts of $790,000; $44,035, and $52,353 are to be expended between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023. The appropriation request is fully offset by this revenue source.
Recommended Action:
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A) Approve and accept the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, and Child Passenger Safety grant agreements between OTS and the City of Huntington Beach for $790,00, $44,035, and $52,353; and,
B) Authorize the Chief of Police to execute the grant agreement with OTS; and,
C) Approve appropriations and estimated revenue source in the amount of $790,000, $44,035, and $52,353; and,
D) Authorize the Chief of Police to establish separate business units for these grant funding and expend up to a total of $790,000, $44,035, and $52,353 on each grant agreement accordingly.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
With the safety of its residents and visitors being ones of the highest priorities, the City of Huntington Beach recognizes the devastating impacts of impaired driving. The City also understands the effectiveness of enforcement both in terms of prevention and as a deterrent.
These funds will supplement the department’s current efforts in reducing injury traffic collisions wherein DUI is a factor and will greatly enhance its ability to raise awareness across all modes of travel including vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic on City highways, streets and bike paths. The City is also currently undergoing several redevelopment roadway construction projects, which will add to both seasonal and ongoing vehicle traffic and pedestrian/bicycle related issues.
In 2021, the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) investigated over 764 injury traffic collisions, 171 of which were DUI related resulting in 58 injuries. During the same time-period, the HBPD made 678 DUI arrests. This grant will allow us to use progressive and innovative enforcement techniques to increase DUI enforcement efforts, and continue to provide coverage with two full-time officers dedicated to DUI enforcement.
In 2021, there were 188 collisions involving a pedestrian and/or bicycle. Of those collisions, 164 involved injuries and 8 resulted in death. This includes a total of 24 injury collisions involving children passengers. Amongst those collisions, 41 children between the ages of 0-4 years old were injured.
The HBPD is seeking to use these grants to increase traffic enforcement, expand public education, and present routine child safety seat checkups to address and prevent traffic collisions resulting in injury and death.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable
Strategic Plan Goal:
Financial Sustainability, Public Safety or Other
Attachment(s):
1. Agreement for OTS STEP Grant (Number PT23110)
2. Agreement for Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Program Grant (Number PT23014)
3. Agreement for Child Passenger Safety Grant (Number OP23010)