Report Prepared by: Marvin Dillsaver, Communications Supervisor, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept Grant Funding in the Amount of $14,162 from the Merced County Remote Access Network Board (RAN) as Reimbursement Funding for the Purchase of a New Message Switch for Access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing the acceptance of $14,162 in Remote Access Network (RAN) funding from the Merced County RAN Board for the purchase of a new message switch for the City’s use of the CLETS System by using pooled cash which will be reimbursed upon presentation of proof of purchase to the RAN Governing Board.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the acceptance of $14,162 of grant funding from the Merced County RAN Board for the purchase of a CLETS message switch for the City’s police computer system. Increase Revenue in account 001-1002-324-02-00 by $14,162.00 and appropriate the same to expenditures account 001-1002-523-43-00; and,
B. Authorizing the use of pooled cash for the purchase of the message switch until the City receives reimbursement funds; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or Assistant City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to staff for recommendation of specific items
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2018-19 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The State of California Department of Justice operates the California Identification System (CAL-ID), which is an automated system that retains finger print files and other related law enforcement information and databases. The Remote Access Network (RAN) is a uniform statewide network of equipment and procedures, which allows local law enforcement agencies direct access to the CAL-ID system. To assist with the funding for this system, the State established a county level fee that is assessed as part of state vehicle registration fees.
To oversee and distribute the funding received by RAN, a seven member RAN Board was established pursuant to California Penal Code section 11112.4, subdivision (b). Pursuant to that section, membership in the Board consists of the following people or positions: a member of the County Board of Supervisors, the Merced County Sheriff, the Merced County District Attorney, the Merced Police Chief, one other Police Chief who is selected by the Police Chiefs in Merced County, a member-at-large and a Mayor from a city within the county.
As part of their fiscal year 2018-2019 budget, the RAN Board approved $14,162 in funding to the City of Merced for the purchase of a new message switch so that the Police Department can receive CLETS information from the California Department of Justice (DOJ). This award is reflected in the Minutes from the Merced County RAN Board meeting of May 15, 2018. This is reimbursable grant funding. Accordingly, to receive the offered grant funding, the City must first purchase the switch and then provide proof of payment to the RAN Board for reimbursement.
The Police Department is seeking to upgrade its existing CLETS message switch as it has exceeded its useful life span. This grant funding will allow the department to replace the existing CLETS switch with a more technologically advanced message switch. The purchase of this equipment includes installation services. The new message switch will assist the Police Department with obtaining valuable and confidential CLETS information from the DOJ.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Increase $14,162 in revenue account 001-1002-324-02-00 and an appropriation of the same amount to expense account 001-1002-523-43-00 is needed for the purchase and replacement of the message switch. The City will be reimbursed for the cost of the equipment upon submission of proof of payment to the RAN Board.
ATTACHMENTS
1. RAN Minutes