Report Prepared by: Stephanie R. Dietz, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program, Execute the Grant Agreement and any Amendments and any Other Necessary Documents Associated with the Grant Application on Behalf of the City of Merced
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the adoption of a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the California Intervention and Prevention Grant Program, execute the grant agreement, any amendments, and other necessary documents associated with the grant application on behalf of the City of Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2022-43, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing the submittal of grant proposal for the 2022 California Violence Intervention & Prevention (CALVIP) grant program; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the standard grant agreement, any amendments, and other necessary documents associated with the grant application, and to take all actions reasonably necessary to carry out the intent of this Resolution.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve with modifications; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by Council; or,
4. Continue to a future Council meeting; or,
5. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Municipal Code Section 200; Local Government Planning Support Grants Program pursuant to Chapter 3.1 of Health and Safety Code (Sections 50515 to 50515.05) (Chapter 159, Statutes of 2019)
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This grant aligns with City Council’s FY 2022/23 Goals and Priorities to develop programs aimed at Community Violence Prevention.
DISCUSSION
Formerly known as the California Gang Reduction, Intervention & Prevention (CalGRIP) Grant Program, the California State Legislature established the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Grant Program in FY 2017/18. Traditionally, the state allocated $9 million annually to provide grants to local communities that align with the intent of CalVIP. However, in 2021, an additional $200 million was allocated to augment local grant awards for a three-year period.
On June 10, 2022, the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) released a Request for Proposals, soliciting grant applications from eligible local agencies and non-profits centered on the principles of the Break the Cycle of Violence Act appropriating a total of $53,440,829 across three categories: 1) Cities Disproportionally Impacted by Violence, 2) CBO’s that Serve the Residents of Cities Disproportionately Impacted by Violence 3) Small Scope CBO’s that Serve the Residents of Cities Disproportionately Impacted by Violence.
Eligible applicants for the CalVIP Grant Program are local governments (i.e., Counties, Cities, and City/County) in California and the local Community-based Organizations that serve communities disproportionately impacted by violence.
Staff is recommending a three-year pilot program, in partnership with Merced County Probation and Behavior Health and Recovery Services departments, to establish the Pathways to Success Program. This program is a multi-agency, collaborative approach to working with youth experiencing violence and their families. The pilot program will offer wrap-around reentry support to youth and serve as a prevention hub where supportive services and programs will be offered to at-risk and probation involved youth and their families.
The City of Merced’s contribution as part of the CalVIP grant will be to establish a new Division within the City Manager’s Office, Community Development, where four Peer Support Specialists will be assigned to participate in the Pathways to Success Program. Reporting directly to the City Manager, Peer Support Specialists will be assigned a caseload and offer peer support, direct links to resources, systems navigation, tutoring, job training, and family strengthening resources needed to build a positive community network that acts as an alternative to violence.
Included in the grant proposal will be the salary and benefits associated with the four grant funded positions, necessary supplies and services needed to support these activities, professional development to aid Peer Support Specialists in providing culturally and evidence-based services, direct individual, and family support. The grant does require 100% matching funds. Staff have identified in-kind opportunities through a partnership with Merced County Probation and will recommend any direct match be made from the ARPA and Measure Y Community Violence Prevention funding.
With Council’s support, staff will submit the City’s application/proposal to the BSCC by their deadline of 5:00p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2022.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
As indicated above, Merced County Probation Department will provide an in-kind match through the assignment of a Deputy Probation Office, securing counseling via Merced County Behavior Health and Recovery Services, and by using the Stephen Leonard Community Center. Any direct match needed, will be requested at the time of the grant award from the collective ARPA and Measure Y allocation of Violence Prevention funding of $500,000.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2022-43