HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0032) M&C 20-0509City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 08/04/20 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0509
LOG NAME: 35STEP-TXDOT-FY 2021
SUBJECT
Ratify Application for, and Authorize Acceptance of, if Awarded, the Texas Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2021 Selective Traffic
Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant in an Amount Up to $253,898.85; Authorize Transfer of $50,901.39 from the Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund for
the City's Match Requirement, Authorize Execution of Related Grant Agreement, and Adopt Appropriation Ordinances (ALL COUNCIL
DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Ratify application for, and authorize acceptance of, if awarded, the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant from the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in an amount of $253,898.85;
2. Authorize the execution of a grant agreement with TxDOT for the FY2021 STEP Grant;
3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing appropriations in the Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund in the amount of $50,901.39 and
decrease the assigned fund balance by the same amount for the purpose of transferring to the Grants Operating Federal Fund for the City's match
requirements; and
4. Adopt the attached Appropriation Ordinance increasing receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in an amount up to
$253,898.85.
DISCUSSION:
The TxDOT STEP grants are aimed at reducing the number of vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The STEP grant will pay for the overtime
hours of the officers participating in the program. A local match of at least 20% is required.
STEP grant activities include enforcement of speed, seatbelt, DUI, and intersection traffic control laws. The total proposed direct program amount
is $253,898.85, which includes $50,901.39 in match funds. Funds will be budgeted for overtime and associated fringe benefits for an estimated
2,885 enforcement hours with an additional estimate of 100 hours for administering the grant. The grant will also fund overtime, along with
associated fringe benefits, to provide an estimated 90 hours for public information and education events.
Award of this grant will occur in Fiscal Year 2020 and receipt of funds would not occur until Fiscal Year 2021. As for the City's required match, the
Department has historically used the Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund to satisfy that requirement. Because balance exists now in the Justice Asset
Forfeiture Fund, staff recommends that the $50,901.39 be transferred from that Fund to the Grants Operating Federal Fund and appropriated
there during the current fiscal year. The Grants Operating Federal Fund is a life of project fund, the appropriated match will be carried over into the
next fiscal year.
A portion of the funds from TxDOT will be used to cover indirect costs at the Police Department's approved rate (currently 5.53%).
These grant funds will be for overtime and fringe benefits.
ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: Texas
Department of Transportation
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations, receipt of the grant and adoption of
the attached Appropriation Ordinance, funds will be available in the current budget, as appropriated, of the Grants Operating Federal Fund. The
Police Department will be responsible for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. The Police Department will be responsible for
verifying availability of funds before incurring any obligation. If awarded, the City will be paid on a reimbursement basis.
Submitted for Cif Manager's Office by. Jay Chapa 5804
Originating Business Unit Head: Ed Kraus 4231
Additional Information Contact: Heidi Yaple 4228