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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Lt. William Hull
DATE: June 22, 2016
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, Kane County, and the City of Elgin; the participation in the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program; and the use of the City of Aurora's portion toward the Aurora Police Department equipment purchases. (Public Hearing at City Council on July 26, 2016.)
PURPOSE:
To obtain the City Council’s approval of a proposed resolution that would authorize the following:
- the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, Kane County, and the City of Elgin;
- the participation in the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program; and
- the use of the City of Aurora's portion toward the Aurora Police Department equipment purchases.
BACKGROUND:
The FY 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Local JAG Program application has/had a due date of June 30, 2016. It is similar to the prior years’ Edward Byrne Local JAG Programs. This year an award of $68,318.00, as determined by the “JAG formula”, was allotted for the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and the County of Kane to share. More specifically, $48,254.00 of this was allocated for Aurora and the remaining $20,064.00 was earmarked for Elgin. Kane County was categorized as an agency that did not submit the level of violent crime data to qualify for a direct award, and as a result was listed as a disparate agency. As such, it was expected that Aurora and Elgin would share their portions of the award with Kane County. In fact, before an award could be given to Aurora or Elgin, a memorandum of understanding needed to be signed by a Kane County official, an Elgin official, and an Aurora official.
Historically, the City of Aurora and the City of Elgin have each shared 30% of their award with Kane County. Using that percentage, the amount of the award to be used by the City of Aurora is $33,777.80, the amount to be used by the City of Elgin is $14,044.80, and the amount to be used by Kane County is $20,495.40. To comply with grant requirements, the City of Aurora will not make any payments to Kane County or the City of Elgin prior to receiving proof that those agencies spent funds in accordance with grant requirements. The City of Aurora will reimburse those agencies and then be reimbursed by the Federal Government in accordance with the grant rules.
DISCUSSION:
The Aurora Police Department would like to purchase equipment items with these grant funds. The first project is the purchase of two Segway SE-3 Patrollers. These electric powered patrollers would be used by police officers to patrol downtown events at Rivers Edge Park, Farmers Market or any other downtown event or public gathering. In addition, these patrollers would be used on a daily basis for patrolling our ever expanding downtown area. This will help us reach our goals of public safety and community service. These units are also electric powered and align with the City of Aurora's Green Initiatives. The cost of these Segway SE-3 Patrollers is estimated at $26,000.00.
The second project is the purchase of a Milo Digi-Fire Tracking Return-Fire Shoot Back System. The department currently employs the Milo Firearms Range Simulator used to project "real world" scenarios on a video screen. This allows officers to visually watch a scenario unfold in front of them and depending on the scenario; take appropriate action to include use of deadly force. The Milo Digi-Fire Tracking Return-Fire Shoot Back System interfaces with the simulator and through a digital camera, tracks the officer as he/she participates in the scenario. Depending on the scenario, the Shoot Back System will shoot plastic "air-soft" pellets at the officer increasing the need to seek cover and make correct decision under a higher level of stress. We believe this will improve officer's decision making abilities to react appropriately as well as achieving our goal of improving police service. The cost of the Milo Digi-Fire Tracking Return-Fire Shoot Back System is estimated at $7,778.00.
It should be noted that a requirement of the grant is for there to be a public hearing held by the governing body.
When the award is secured, it will be budgeted for in revenue account 101-3536-331.02-01 and expense account 101-3536-421.50-50.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The recommendation is that the City Council adopt the attached resolution that would authorize:
-- the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, Kane County, and the City of Elgin;
- the participation in the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program; and
- the use of the City of Aurora's portion toward the Aurora Police Department equipment purchases.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, Kane County, and the City of Elgin; the participation in the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program; and the use of the City of Aurora's portion toward the Aurora Police Department equipment purchases. (Public Hearing at City Council on July 26, 2016.)
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora is applying for the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award, the funds from which will be used towards Aurora Police Department equipment purchases; and
WHEREAS, a requirement of the grant program is that the City of Elgin and Kane County partner with and be signatory to a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, the grant amount sought is $68,318.00 to be allocated to the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and Kane County per the attached budget detail worksheet; and
WHEREAS, when the City of Aurora's portion of the award is secured, it will be budgeted in revenue account 101-3536-331.02-01 and expense account 101-3536-421.50-50.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, Kane County, and the City of Elgin; the participation in the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program; and the use of the City of Aurora's portion toward the Aurora Police Department equipment purchases.