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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Lt. Mike Abbs # 912
DATE: 6-6-14
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the receiving of 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Grant funds and execution of a Memorandum of Understanding; payment of part of these grant funds to the Kane County Sheriff's Department and to the City of Elgin; and the use Aurora's portion of the grant funds toward special equipment purchases.
PURPOSE:
To obtain the City Council's approval of a proposed resolution that would authorize the following:
1. The receiving of grant funds and execution of a Memorandum of Understanding;
2. The use of the grant funds toward the Aurora Police Department's package
interdiction investigation equipment and its tactical headset and hearing protection
projects.
3. The payment of part of the grant funds to the Kane County Sheriff's Department
and the City of Elgin after receiving documentation that they have used the funds
for grant purposes.
.
BACKGROUND:
The FY 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Local JAG Program application was due June 10, 2014. It is similar to the FY 2012 and FY 2013 Edward Byrne Local JAG Programs. This year an award of $78,314, 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, $52,486 of this was allocated for Aurora and the remaining $25,828 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 can be given to Aurora or Elgin, a Memorandum of Understanding needs to be signed by a Kane County official, an Elgin official, and an Aurora official.
Traditionally, the City of Aurora has shared 30% of its award with Kane County. The City of Elgin has also shared 30% with Kane County in the past. Sharing this amount with Kane County in 2014 would have a result of Kane County receiving $23,494.20, the City of Elgin receiving $18,079.60, and the City of Aurora receiving $36,740.20.
It should be noted that 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 a new package interdiction investigation system. The system needed for our department includes two tracking beacons, which advise when a package is open, and three covert trackers, which give investigators the location of the package. The funds would also cover the first year of the monthly tracking service plan for each of the three trackers. The Aurora Police Department has been borrowing some equipment from other agencies and has been using other outdated equipment up to this point. This equipment should allow the Aurora Police Department to seize large amounts of contraband, US currency, and other assets as part of criminal investigations. Not only does this equipment make this type of investigation more effective, but it also is becoming necessary to have this equipment to obtain judge signatures for anticipatory search warrants. This equipment would surely help the Aurora Police Department with its goals of crime reduction, offender apprehension, and public safety. The cost of this project, including the first year of fees, will be approx. $18,262.00.
The Aurora Police Department would like to purchase 23 tactical headsets with hearing protection for our Special Response Team. These systems would equip all team members, except the team commanders, with microphones that are easier for operators to use under stress. Currently, operators have to find a small button on their tactical vest before they are able to activate their microphone and transmit information. This system makes it easier to transmit this information. At the same time, it provides protection against loud sounds while allowing the user to hear safe sounds clearly. All 22 operators would be issued a kit, and there would be one spare kit on hand if a repair was needed. Keeping officers as safe as possible helps the Aurora Police Department with its goals of crime reduction, offender apprehension, and public safety. Each of these goals is compromised the more officers sustain injuries. The cost of this project will be approx. $18,478.20.
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:
There should be no impact on other departments.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The recommendation is that the Finance Committee and the City Council adopt the attached resolution that would authorize:
1. Receiving the grant funds and execution of the Memorandum of
Understanding;
2. Using the grant funds toward the Aurora Police Department's special
equipment purchases; and
3. Paying the City of Elgin $18,079.60 and the County of Kane $23,494.20
after receiving documentation that they have used the funds for the grant
purposes.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Aurora, the County of Kane, and the City of Elgin; the participation in the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program; and the use of the City of Aurora's portion toward special equipment purchases.
..body
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 applied for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award, the funds from which will be used towards the APD 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 $78,314.00 to be allocated to the City of Aurora, the City of Elgin, and the County of Kane per the attached budget detail worksheet; and
WHEREAS, when the City of Aurora's portion of the award is secured, it will be deposited 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: it hereby authorizes the execution of the attached Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Aurora, the County of Kane, and the City of Elgin; the participation in the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program; and the use of Aurora's portion toward the APD equipment purchases.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief of Police for the City of Aurora is authorized to execute the attached Memorandum of Understanding by and on behalf of the City of Aurora.
PASSED AND APPROVED on ______________.
AYES ____ NAYS ____ NOT VOTING ____ ABSENT ____
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Bohman, Ward 1 Alderman Garza, Ward 2
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Mesiacos, Ward 3 Alderman Donnell, Ward 4
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Peters, Ward 5 Alderman Saville, Ward 6
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Hart-Burns, Ward 7 Alderman Mervine, Ward 8
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Bugg, Ward 9 Alderman Johnson, Ward 10
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Irvin, At Large Alderman O'Connor, At Large
ATTEST:
____________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor