02-02-1999 - Appropriating Funds for the Cops More GrantCity of West Covina
Memorandum
AGENDA
ITEM NO. G-1- b
DATE FEBRUARY 2, 1999
TO: CITY MANAGER AND CITY COUNCIL ® PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
FROM: FRANK J. WILLS Chief of Police
SUBJECT: APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE COPS MORE GRANT
SUMMARY: The Police Department has been awarded $35,357 in grant funds under
the 1998 COPS MORE Program. In order to spend these grant funds, the City must
appropriate matching funds in the amount of $22,310 into the proper fund. This amount
has already been budgeted for.
BACKGROUND: In June of 1998, Administrative Aide Alex B. Houston applied for
the 1998 COPS MORE (Community Oriented Policing Services, Making Officer
Redeployment Effective) grant. This grant program can only be used for hiring civilians
and obtaining equipment to better utilize sworn police personnel. In October, the Police
Department was notified by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services that our
grant was one of the few submitted across the country that was approved. Our grant,
which has been approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, will upgrade Alex Houston
to full-time, provisional status as an Administrative Analyst where he will focus on grants
procurement and management. The City is required to conduct a competitive test for the
position in the next six months. In his first year with the Police Department, Mr. Houston
has more than paid for his salary, obtaining more than $500,000 for the City in
competitive grants.
CONCLUSION: We are obligated to perform the exact actions outlined in the grant
application. Pursuant to the grant, the City must retain the grant -funded position after the
grant period expires (one year). However, Congress will probably fund this grant for a
second year. If so, we will probably receive another year of funding for the position.
This is a prudent investment for the. City of West Covina.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City of West Covina will receive $35,357 in federal grant
funds. The City will contribute matching funds totaling $22,310.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the provisional Administrative Analyst position within the Police
Department and the appointment of Alex Houston to that position.
2. 'Authorize the appropriation of the federal grant award ($35,357) into Fund 151-304-
2112-5111 (this amount is being electronically transferred to our bank).
3. Authorize the transfer of the local cash match ($22,310) from Fund 110-304-2112-
5112 (Police Administration limited -service salaries) to Fund 151-304-2112-5111.