TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Anthony Conrad, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Dawnn Jackson, Management Analyst - Administration
SUBJECT:
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Acceptance of a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety
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RECOMMENDATION
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Accept a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant Award of $170,000 from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety; and
Amend the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating Budget to allocate and appropriate the grant funding.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On June 6, 2023, the City Council approved Resolution No. 23-4671, adopting the City's Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 2024/25.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
BACKGROUND
In an effort to reduce traffic collisions in the City of Murrieta and combat intoxicated driving, the Police Department regularly seeks government grant funds for equipment, supplies, and salaries for traffic enforcement operations. In January 2024, the Police Department applied for a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). This is a Federal grant from the Department of Transportation passed through the California Office of Traffic Safety. A comprehensive collision reduction safety program was proposed with the overall goal of reducing fatal and injury traffic collisions caused by intoxicated drivers, speeding, stop violations, and other primary collision factors. Additionally, some of the grant funds are specifically allocated for equipment purchases. One of the pieces of equipment requested and granted was for the purchase of a new motorcycle to help officers assigned to the Traffic Division better serve the community. The Police Department was awarded a one-year $170,000 Traffic Safety Grant (OTS Grant No. PT25186).
The overall goals of this program will be achieved through "best practice" strategies that will be conducted on an overtime basis. The funded strategies will include "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI) saturation patrols to apprehend drunk drivers, traffic enforcement operations, DUI and license checkpoints, DUI warrant operations, educational presentations, and enforcement operations aimed at educating pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. The program will also concentrate on speeding, aggressive driving, stop violations (red lights and stop signs), distracted driving, and seatbelt and child restraint violations. These strategies are designed to earn media attention, thus enhancing the overall deterrent effect.
FISCAL IMPACT
Establish a revenue and expenditure budget of $170,000 in the OTS Grant Fund (355), with the following details:
• Revenue: GL/JL 3550030-42222
• Expenditure: GL/JL 3550030 (various accounts)
There is no local fund match or cost-share requirement for the OTS Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant. Please note that this is a reimbursable grant, meaning the City must incur the expenditures prior to requesting reimbursement.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Office of Traffic Safety Grant Agreement - PT25186