01-15-2008 - 2007 Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF) Grant0
41 City of West Covina
Memorandum
TO: Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manager
and City Council
FROM: Frank J. Wills, Chief of Police
ITEM NO. D-7f
DATE _ January 15, 2008
SUBJECT: 2007 SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND
(SLESF) GRANT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
Accept the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF) grant, and
appropriate the $217,198 grant as follows, from the Fund balance of Fund 155:
® $93,698 into 155.31.3110.6220 (for police supply items)
® $89,000 into 155.31.3110.7160 (for police equipment items)
® $34,500 into 155.31.3110.7170 (for police vehicles) -
2. Waive the bid process and authorize the purchase of two used vehicles for detective
bureau and undercover work from Reynolds Buick of West Covina for up to $34,500,
including sales tax.
DISCUSSION:
The Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF) is a State grant. According to its
authorizing legislation, this grant must be spent exclusively on front line law enforcement, and
cannot be used to supplant any costs previously budgeted using other locally controlled fiends.
The grant must be presented by the Chief of Police to the City Council for approval.
Anticipating the receipt of this grant, the Police Department prioritized a list of unmet equipment
needs. The previous SLESF included the approved purchase of two used detective vehicles for
surveillance and undercover assignments. With additional funding available, two more vehicles
are needed for investigative operations. As was the case last year, these investigative operations
do not warrant a full police patrol vehicle package. Used vehicles, with more ordinary
appearances, will meet Department needs while further reducing costs, but they are notoriously
difficult to bid due to dealer stock availability constraints, and subjective judgments concerning
vehicle condition, history, and comparability. Reynolds Buick is the local dealership utilized by
the Police Department under the previous SLESF grant, with very satisfactory results. They
specialize in rental returns and have a large supply of very low -mileage rental returns that will
continue to meet the Police Department's needs. For these reasons, a direct purchase
authorization for two used vehicles once again is recommended, totaling up to $34,500.
Similarly, the previous SLESF grant purchased one vehicle -mounted license plate reader for the
Park and Commercial Crime Team. One more license plate reader is needed to fully equip the
two -vehicle PACT Team, but this item's price does not require a bid or Council authorization.
The remainder of the grant will be used for the following purchases: Approximately 50 RCI3
model batons to replace heavier, aging police batons; emergency entry tools for first responders;
less -lethal weapons; emergency communication equipment; and a list of smaller officer safety
police supplies.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City will receive $217,198 in SLESF grant funds from the State for front-line law
enforcement. Using this grant for the items described above is in keeping with legislatively
dictated requirements, and will have no impact on the City's General Fund.
Prepared by: Alex B. Houston
Police Administrative Services Manager
Reviewed/Approved by:
Frank J. Wills, hief of P�ofice Finance