REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Julian Harvey, Interim Chief of Police
Subject:
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Approve and accept the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Violence Against Women Act Grant (LE20046860) to the City of Huntington Beach for the 2021 calendar year; authorize the Chief of Police to execute documents; approve appropriations; and, amend the Professional Services Listing to include provided domestic violence services
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Statement of Issue:
The Police Department applied for a grant through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to fund our Violence Against Women Program. The Police Department was notified of its award of $203,143. City Council approval is needed to fully accept the grant from the State for the 2021 funding cycle.
Financial Impact:
A City match amount of $67,714 is required and has been included in the Police Department’s budget under the General Fund, Account Number 10070203. The total project cost for the 2021 calendar year is $270,857, with the $203,143 grant award offsetting a significant portion of these costs. A new grant fund will be established along with the required appropriation for the grant upon approval by City Council. No additional appropriation of funds is necessary.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Accept the grant between the State of California, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and the City of Huntington Beach; and,
B) Assign authority to the Chief of Police as the official to execute and sign for the award and to approve amendments and extensions; and,
C) Approve the appropriation and expenditure of $270,857 of which $203,143 is to be fully reimbursed by the grant from Cal OES. The remaining $67,714 will be funded from appropriations in the Police Department’s budget; and,
D) Amend the Professional Services Listing to include provided domestic violence services.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The Police Department applied for and was awarded a grant by Cal OES to combat, investigate, and prosecute domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking cases. This grant funding is $270,857, which includes the $67,714 match. The majority of the grant will pay for the services of a Victim Advocate and counselor. The Victim Advocate is contracted through Waymakers Victim Assistance Program and Interval House. The remaining funds will pay for two part-time domestic violence investigators.
This collaboration has been in effect since 1998. Since the inception of the Violence Against Women Project, the Advocates have been continuously funded through a series of grants. The goal of the program is to help heal families and stop the cycle of violence. Without this grant, the Police Department would not be able to offer the services of Victim Advocates to victims of domestic violence. The Advocates work closely with a Police Department investigator to form a cohesive team to assist victims.
The acceptance of the grant will pay for the collaboration involving the Police Department through December 31, 2021. The cash match of $67,714 is located within the existing Police Department budget. In addition, the agreement with Interval House offers priority shelter for domestic violence victims and their children from Huntington Beach on a 24-hour basis. The two part-time investigators assist a full-time detective, allowing the Police Department to investigate domestic violence incidents in a timely manner, resulting in improved services to victims.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Community Engagement
Attachment(s):
1) Grant Award Letter and packet