Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Acceptance of Grant Award from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
End
From: Darin Lenyi, Chief of Police
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Karla Santillan, Business Services Manager
____________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Accept the Grant Award from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) in the amount of $100,000; and
B. Authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute Grant Agreement; and
C. Amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget by designating grant revenues in the amount of $100,000 and increasing budgeted expenditures of the OTS grant account in the amount of $100,000 for overtime, training, and supplies.
end
BACKGROUND
The Westminster Police Department has been awarded a grant in the amount of $100,000 from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) (Attachment 1). The grant period extends from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
The primary objective of this grant is to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from traffic collisions involving impaired driving and other primary collision factors. The program supports the implementation of best practice strategies aimed at improving roadway safety and increasing public awareness.
Grant-funded activities will include:
• DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols
• Targeted enforcement operations
• Educational presentations and officer training
• Enforcement focused on speeding, distracted driving, and seat belt compliance
• Operations at high-collision intersections
• Motorcycle safety enforcement efforts
These strategies are designed not only to enhance traffic safety, but also to educate and deter violations through public awareness.
The Westminster Police Department will administer the grant and report outcomes in accordance with OTS requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of the 2025-2026 Grant Award from OTS for STEP will require an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget and reflected as follows:
|
Account No. |
Description |
Totals |
|
39990-34296 |
OTS Grant Revenue |
$100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditures |
|
|
40001 |
Overtime |
$91,936 |
|
44030 |
Training & Meetings |
$3,948 |
|
44000 |
Supplies |
$4,116 |
|
TOTAL |
|
$100,000 |
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
For staff to commence STEP, the grant must be accepted by the City Council by executing the agreement (Attachment 1) and amending the adopted budget as proposed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. State of California Office of Traffic Safety STEP Grant PT26159
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager