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: Sgt. Mike Thomas
Subject:
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Approve and accept the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) and Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety grants; authorize the Chief of Police to execute documents and approve appropriation and expenditure of funds
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Statement of Issue:
On July 14, 2023, the Huntington Beach Police Department received notice from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that the City of Huntington Beach was tentatively awarded two new one-year traffic safety grants. The first, a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant (Grant Number PT24089) provides funding in the amount of $800,000 to reimburse the City's costs associated with Sobriety/Driver License checkpoints, two full-time DUI enforcement officer positions, and 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 (Grant Number PS24016) is in the amount of $42,895 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.
Financial Impact:
These one-year reimbursable grants are funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety in the amounts of $800,000 and $42,895, which are to be expended between October ...
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