TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: AARON FATE, POLICE CHIEF
DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 2024
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 2024-25 TOBACCO GRANT PROGRAM (FUNDING SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TOBACCO GRANT)
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SUMMARY
The California Department of Justice is authorized under the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 (Proposition 56) to solicit grant proposals from cities, counties, public school and college districts, and law enforcement agencies to fund education and enforcement programs to promote a healthier California by reducing illegal sales and marketing of cigarettes and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors.
The Office of the Attorney General allows these funds to be available to local law enforcement agencies through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Tobacco Grant Program because of Proposition 56. Proposition 56 was approved by voters in 2016 to increase taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products by $2.00 starting in April 2017. The initiative allocates a portion of annual revenue to the California Department of Justice.
The Tobacco Program funds are awarded on a competitive basis. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by DOJ staff is part of their evaluation of grant applications. Evaluation criteria include prior grants awarded to an agency, tobacco rates and patterns in the community, the number of citations issued for violation of local ordinances and State laws from the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors, and arrests stemming from problem retail outlets selling tobacco products to minors.
The Claremont Police Department submitted a grant proposal in June 2024 to fund the City’s participation in the Tobacco Grant Program. Following the competitive review by DOJ staff, the Police Department’s grant was selected for funding on November 1, 2024.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution approving the City’s participation in the Tobacco Grant Program.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council:
A. Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TOBACCO GRANT PROGRAM; and
B. Authorize the City Manager to sign any subsequent agreement with the Department of Justice as part of the Police Department’s participation in this grant program.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Decline to participate in the State of California Department of Justice (DOJ) Tobacco Grant Program.
B. Delay the staff recommendation and request additional information.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Tobacco Grant fully funds the personnel, operating, and administrative expenses associated with the grant operation on a two-year cycle.
|
Administrative (Preparation / Submission of Documents) |
$ 1,500 |
|
Personnel Services (Straight Time, Overtime, and Benefits for Retail Inspections, Minor Decoy Operations, Shoulder Tap Operations, and Undercover Buys) |
$ 84,333 |
|
Total |
$ 85,833 |
The costs to research this issue, prepare documentation, and complete the grant application and this report are estimated to be $1,838 and are included in the operating budget of the Police Department.
ANALYSIS
The California Department of Justice is authorized under the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 (Proposition 56) to solicit grant proposals from cities, counties, public school and college districts, and law enforcement agencies to fund education and enforcement programs to promote a healthier California. For FY 2024-25, a total of $28.5 million in grant funding is available Statewide to support local law enforcement efforts to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors.
The Tobacco Grant Program funds are awarded on a competitive basis. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by DOJ staff is part of their evaluation of grant applications. Evaluation criteria include prior grants awarded to an agency, tobacco rates and patterns in the community, the number of citations issued for violation of local ordinances and State laws from the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors, and arrests stemming from problem retail outlets selling tobacco products to minors.
The Claremont Police Department submitted a grant proposal to fund enforcement related activities for 24 months to meet the following goal and objectives:
• Complete retail inspections, where 17 retailers will be inspected per year;
• Complete two minor decoy operations per year, where 17 retailers will be targeted through these operations;
• Complete two shoulder tap operations per year, where 17 retailers will be targeted through these operations; and
• Complete two undercover buy operations per year, where 17 retailers will be targeted through these operations.
Following the competitive review, the Claremont Police Department’s grant proposal was selected for $85,833 in funding.
Staff believes that the funding this grant provides will enhance our overall tobacco enforcement operations and reduce the number of tobacco related calls for service and related incidents.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following: Council Priorities, General Plan, the 2024-25 Budget, and Youth and Family Master Plan.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Aaron Fate Jeff Ting
Police Chief Police Sergeant
Attachment:
Resolution Approving Participation in Tobacco Grant Program