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, accept and authorize execution of a Grant Agreement for the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety grant; and approve appropriation and expenditure of funds by the Chief of Police
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Statement of Issue:
On August 6, 2021, 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 new one-year traffic safety grants. The first, a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant (Grant Number PT22153) provides funding in the amount of $788,000.00 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 and speed detection devices for motor officers. 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 PS22030) is in the amount of $42,795.00 to reimburse costs associated with pedestrian and bicycle safety and education. Since far too many injury traffic collisions occurring in the city 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 $788,000.00 and $42,795.00 are to be expected between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022. The appropriation request is fully offset by this revenue source.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Approve and accept the “Selective Traffic Enforcement Program “ and “Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety” grant agreements between Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the City of Huntington Beach for $788,000.00 and $42,795.00; 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 $788,000.00 and $42,795.00; and,
D) Establish a separate business unit for this funding and authorize the Chief of Police to expend up to a total of $788,000.00 and $42,795.00 plus accrued interest on the “Selective Traffic Enforcement Program” (STEP) grant and “Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety” grant.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
With the safety of its residents and visitors as the highest priority, 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 of Huntington Beach is also currently undergoing several redevelopment roadway construction projects, which will add to both seasonal and normal vehicle traffic and pedestrian/bicycle related issues.
In 2019 and 2020, the police department investigated over 650 injury traffic collisions, 215 of which were DUI related. Also during that time-period, the police department made over 1,700 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.
We are seeking to use the proposed funding to increase traffic enforcement and expanded public education to address and prevent traffic collisions resulting in injury and death.
This particular grant will reimburse the City of Huntington Beach for expenditures associated with Sobriety/Driver License Checkpoints, two full time DUI enforcement officers, and a variety of traffic related details. OTS will administer and handle the grant funds for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Community Engagement
Attachment(s):
1. Agreement for OTS STEP Grant (Number PT22153)
2. Agreement for Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Program Grant (Number PT22030)