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: Capt. Gaute “Bo” Svendsbo and Ingrid Ono, Senior Administrative Assistant
Subject:
title
Utilization of State Asset Forfeiture Funds to fund travel to State and National Peace Officers’ Memorials
body
Statement of Issue:
Authorize the use of State Asset Forfeiture Funds to fund travel costs (airlines and hotels) for HBPD personnel to attend the State Peace Officers’ Memorial in Sacramento and the National Peace Officers’ Memorial in Washington, DC, to induct fallen HBPD Officer Nicholas Vella, who was killed in the line of duty, into both memorials, in the amount not to exceed $60,000.00.
Financial Impact:
The total financial impact of this action is $60,000.00. Sufficient funds are available in the Police State Asset Forfeiture business unit 21470101.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Staff recommends City Council authorize the use of $60,000.00 in State Asset Forfeiture funds to fund the outlined expenses.
end
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff accordingly. This action will require the use of some General Fund monies, or reduce the number of employees attending.
Analysis:
On February 19, 2022, the Huntington Beach Police Department lost Police Officer Pilot Nicholas Vella in a police helicopter crash in the harbor of Newport Beach. Officer Vella will be inducted into the California State Peace Officers’ Memorial, in Sacramento, on May 8, and into the National Peace Officers’ Memorial in Washington D.C. on May 15.
This year will consist of unprecedented attendance from members of the HBPD family, who will travel to Sacramento and Washington to witness the induction ceremonies and pay their respects to the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the citizens of our communities, especially Officer Nick Vella.
In years past, the Police Department has funded travel costs to Sacramento for specific personnel directly involved in the events supporting the memorial ceremony. This year, the approximate costs are as outlined below:
California State Peace Officers’ Memorial:
|
Personnel Type |
Number of Personnel Needed |
Estimated Cost |
|
*HBPD Family Liaison |
2 |
$ 1,400.00 |
|
**Ceremonial Detail |
18 |
$ 7,200.00 |
|
Total Cost: |
|
$ 8,600.00 |
(*COSTS based on 2 night stay - single occupancy: Room $600; Per Diem - $100; Total = $700 pp **COSTS based on 2 night stay - double occupancy: Room - $600 ($300 pp); Per Diem - $100; Total = $400 pp)
National Peace Officers’ Memorial:
|
Personnel Type |
Number of Personnel Needed |
Estimated Cost |
|
*HBPD Family Liaison |
6 |
$ 15,000.00 |
|
**Ceremonial Detail |
14 |
$ 25,200.00 |
|
**Motorcycle Officers |
4 |
$ 7,200.00 |
|
Total Cost: |
|
$ 47,400.00 |
(*COSTS based on 4 night stay - single occupancy: Room - $1400; Flight - $900; Per Diem - $200; Total = $2500 pp **COSTS based on 4 night stay - double occupancy: Room - $1400 ($700 pp); Flight - $900; Per Diem - $200; Total = $1800 pp)
Total cost for both memorials is approximately $56,000.
These funds are available in the Department’s Asset Forfeiture accounts. The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) published a “Guide to Equitable Sharing for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies.” In section V (B)(1)(g), it states, “Law enforcement travel and per diem-Costs associated with travel and transportation to perform or in support of law enforcement duties and activities. All related costs must be in accordance with the jurisdiction’s per diem policy and must not create the appearance of extravagance or impropriety.”
This section covers the intended use of the outlined funds, and the listed officers are attending these memorial events in support of law enforcement duties. Strict adherence to our per diem policy according to published employee MOUs will be followed. All expenses associated with the events will be controlled by a Police Captain to ensure no appearance of extravagance or impropriety exists. The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the request and opined it complies with USDOJ guidelines for use.
All costs are approximations based on current estimated expenditures. This request is to encumber a total of $60,000.00 to cover the estimated total cost of $56,000 plus contingency for adjustments to the final travel costs and unforeseen incidentals.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Financial Sustainability, Public Safety or Other
Attachment(s):
1. The United States Department of Justice, “Guide to Equitable Sharing for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies.”