Report Prepared by: Michelle Reid, Recreation Supervisor
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between Merced County and the City of Merced for Administration of the Proposition 64 Public Health & Safety Grant Program Cohort 2 for the Three-Year Pilot Program, up to a Maximum of $355,094, to Provide Prevention and Early Intervention Services to the Youth Identified through Middle and High Schools
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the Memorandum of Understanding between Merced County and the City of Merced for Administration of the Proposition 64 Public Health & Safety Grant Program Cohort 2 for the three-year pilot program, up to a maximum of $355,094, to provide prevention and early intervention services to the youth identified through middle schools and high schools.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between Merced County and the City of Merced, up to a maximum of $355,094, for the Proposition 64 Public Health & Safety Grant Program Cohort 2; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the contract/standard agreement, including any amendments, and other necessary documents pertaining to the life of the grant.
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 50515.05; Chapter 159, Statutes of 2019).
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This grant program aligns with the City Council’s FY 2021/22 Goals and Priorities to provide youth programs in partnership with other City departments and local agencies in improving public health and safety within the community.
HISTORY/DISCUSSION
On November 20, 2020, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) released of the Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety (Prop 64 PH&S) Grant Program Cohort 2, Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP made available $51,788,690 through a competitive process for projects that address local impacts due to the legalization of cannabis in California.
On January 29, 2021, the City submitted the Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program Proposal package to the BSCC. On April 8, 2021, the BSCC Board unanimously passed the agenda item which approved funding for our grant application/proposal. The City of Merced was awarded $885,546 Youth Pilot Mentorship Program Grant through the Proposition 64 grant program.
The proposal included a three-year pilot program, in partnership with Merced County Probation and Behavior Health and Recovery Services departments, to provide prevention and early intervention services, alternative recreational experiences and mentorship opportunities to youth identified through middle schools and high schools by an Early Intervention Deputy Probation Officer or a School Resource Officer. The proposed pilot program will be three years in duration and will allow for a total of 40 individuals to receive services annually through the grant. The Early Intervention Deputy Probation Officer will be provided as in-kind by the Probation Department, and the City will contract with BHRS for a Dual-Diagnosis Specialist at 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) to provide direct educational and treatment services. In addition, a Recreation Coordinator position was created to work with individuals that are referred to the program.
As part of this item, the Memorandum of Understanding between Merced County and the City of Merced for the administration of the grant is attached. Staff is seeking City Council approval of the Memorandum of Understanding, which is currently allocated at a not-to-exceed amount of $355,094, over a three-year period. Merced County was scheduled to consider the same Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
This grant does not require an in-kind or cash match. Sufficient appropriation is available in the FY 21/22 budget for the first year. All future year costs will be included in the budget process. The grant revenue and required appropriations, including the supporting position of a Recreation Coordinator, are included in the Fiscal Year 2021/22 City Council Approved Budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Memorandum of Understanding