Item 8BAGENDA ITEM # 8B
MAY 11, 2009
STAFF REPORT
City of Atlantic Beach
Commission Meeting
AGENDA ITEM: ARRA Justice Assistance Grant Application
DATE: Apri128, 2009
~-
SUBMITTED BY: David E. Thomp~Assistant City Manager
BACKGROUND:
Part of the stimulus funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA) was dedicated to public safety and channeled through the established Justice
Assistance Grant (JAG) structure. Atlantic Beach has benefited from Justice Assistance
Grant funding for many years, and the people and processes aze in place to make
decisions on funding allocations quickly. The allocations must be approved by at least
half of the law enforcement agencies in Duval County. Based on eazly discussions, it
appears that an Atlantic Beach request for $225,000 in funding will be approved.
Recognizing that one of the stated purposes for stimulus money is the retention of jobs,
staff identified the need for funding to continue to provide necessary staffing for the
Mayport Road and Royal Palms initiatives. Last yeaz, three (3) positions were created
and dedicated to the Mayport Corridor Redevelopment project. One (1) Redevelopment
Director and two (2) Community Oriented Police officers were added to the city budget
to work on Mayport Road. It was also noted that these positions were expected to be
staffed for several years, and they were not intended to be permanent positions.
Although the Mayport and Royal Palms projects remain high on the City Commission's
strategic planning list, the funding for these positions could be jeopazdized due to
reductions in revenues for the City of Atlantic Beach.
In seeking ARRA and JAG funding, staff requested money for the salaries and benefits to
retain these three (3) positions far 2009-10. The total request was for $225,000.
As the application process moves forward, staff needs City Commission authorization for
the application and the signatures required for completion. The application is typically
completed online, and staff needs approval from the City Commission to submit the
electronic application. In addition to the electronic application, several hard copies of the
application with original mayoral signatures are required to be submitted.
BUDGET: This grant funding does not require match funding. The $225,000 will
provide funding for three (3) fulltime positions including the Mayport Redevelopment
Director and two (2) Community Policing Officers for 2009-10.
AGEI~3DA ITEM # 8B
MAY 11.2009
RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends that the City Commission authorize staff
to submit a grant application as discussed above in the staff report, and to authorize the
Mayor to sign the application and subsequent paperwork for the Justice Assistance Grant
discussed above. Subsequent paperwork will include letters expressing Atlantic Beach
support for the utilization of JAG grant funding allocations for Atlantic Beach,
Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville.
ATTACHMENTS: None
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
AGE A ITEM NUMBER: