Title
Authorize Recommended Changes to 2021 Neighborhood Block Watch Grant Program Process (Ordinance S-46982)
Description
This report requests City Council approval of changes to the 2021 Neighborhood Block Watch (NBW) grant application guide and program process, as recommended by the Neighborhood Block Watch Oversight Committee.
Report
Summary
The NBW Oversight Committee was established to solicit, evaluate, and recommend, to the Mayor and City Council, appropriate proposals to expend funds for the expansion of the Block Watch programs within the limits of the Neighborhood Protection Ordinance. This ordinance, known as Proposition 301, was adopted at a special election held on Oct. 5, 1993. The City Council adopted the format and guidelines for this process on April 26, 1994. The NBW program is administered by the Police Department.
The NBW Oversight Committee reviewed and approved requests to change the NBW grant application and program process during their meeting on Sept. 3, 2020. The NBW Oversight Committee is recommending a one-year agenda requirement exemption to become effective for the 2021 grant application process, which opens on Nov. 1, 2020.
The following is an outline of the NBW Oversight Committee recommended change:
To exempt the following agenda requirements for a one-year period:
Applicants requesting between $1 and $1,000:
Must submit copies of at least two Primary Applicant Group Neighborhood meeting agendas/minutes/flyers for meetings held in separate months, and the agenda must list the crime prevention topics discussed.
The number of individuals in attendance and the crime prevention topic must be included on the meeting documentation.
Applicants requesting between $1,001 and $10,000:
Must submit copies of at least four Primary Applicant Group Neighborhood meeting agendas/minutes/flyers for meetings held in separate months, and the agenda must list the crime prevention topics discussed.
The number of individuals in attendance and the crime prevention topic must be included on the meeting documentation.
Additionally, add the following requirement to the guide during the one-year exemption:
Write a short narrative about what the group has done to remain active and in communication with members during the year prior to the 2021 grant application.
Contract Term
The funding period for the 2021 NBW grants is July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
Financial Impact
No matching funds are required.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The NBW Oversight Committee voted to approve this request at the Sept. 3, 2020 meeting.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Police Department.