Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Memorandum of Understanding in Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
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publichearing
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From: Darin Lenyi, Chief of Police
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Darin Lenyi, Chief of Police
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and authorize the City Manager to execute the related 2023 JAG grant documents; and
B. Approve a revenue estimate of $19,922 to the 2023 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, Grant Revenue Account for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget; and
C. Approve an appropriation of $19,922 to the 2023 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Grant expenditures budget for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 for part-time wages.
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BACKGROUND
The 2023 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Memorandum of Understanding between fifteen participating units of local government details the agreement to use JAG grant funds in accordance with the granting agency’s specified purposes and to abide by reporting requirements. JAG grant funds may be used for local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, and contractual support and information systems for criminal justice within the purpose area of law enforcement. In October 2023, the City received notice of 2023 JAG grant funds slated for the City of Westminster in the amount of $22,135. Of that amount, $2,214 (10%) will be retained by the County for grant administrative costs. The remaining $19,922 of the grant award will be utilized towards the cost of a part time Police Records Specialist assisting in the Records Unit.
The part-time Police Records Specialist will work 25 hours per week and assigned to the Records Bureau to assist with Court Liaison duties. The position will collect and prepare criminal cases for filing with the District Attorney’s office; respond to questions from attorneys related to cases; review police reports for legal issues, accuracy and completeness and performs a variety of administrative duties in support of the public records request process as assigned by the Records Supervisor.
The goal of adding a part time Records Specialist to the Records Unit is to alleviate the court liaison related workload and assist the small team of Records Specialists with any backlog relating to discovery requests and public records requests. The addition of this part time position to the Records Unit will improve turnaround times for discovery information being requested.
As in past JAG Awards, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will act as the lead agency to administer the 2023 JAG grant for all fifteen units of local government.
FISCAL IMPACT
To fund the pass-through grant from the 2023 JAG Program Award No. 15PBJA-23-GG-03185-JAGX would require a revenue adjustment of $19,922 to the JAG Grant Revenues Fund 251 Account 39400-34098 I/Gvt-Fed-Other. The funds will be spent through an allocation of $19,922 to Fund 251 Account 39400-40020, Part Time Wages. The result of the above-mentioned budget adjustment would have no fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
If approved, the City Manager will execute the related 2023 JAG Grant documents.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2023 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Award Notification
2. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County of Orange (Sheriff) and the City of Westminster to Distribute the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Fund - Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager