TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, including any amendments to the award amount and term dates, with the California Office of Traffic Safety to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $285,000 to reduce and mitigate the impacts of drug-impaired driving in Long Beach for a 12-month period estimated to begin October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024, with an option to extend the agreement for an additional 36-month period at the discretion of the City Manager; and
Increase appropriations in the amount of $33,582 in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into an agreement with the California Office of Traffic Safety (CA OTS) to accept funding to support the continued implementation of the Health and Human Services Department’s (Health Department) drug-impaired driving prevention efforts led by the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention’s Greenlight Long Beach (GreenlightLB) program.
The Health Department will use CA OTS funding to: 1) provide educational programs and outreach activities to inform the Long Beach community about the dangers of driving under the influence of substances other than alcohol, 2) develop specialized youth programs, workshops and activities focused on addressing the risks of driving impairment among youth and young adults, 3) partner with local Cambodian organizations to address health inequities and improve outcomes through inclusive in-language impaired driving education to the Khmer-speaking community, and 4) reduce the incidence of drug-impaired driving-related crashes and injury across all demographics in Long Beach.
This initiative is in line with the City’s Health and Human Services Strategic Plan to: further develop a comprehensive approach to encourage responsible cannabis use and increase awareness about how mind-altering drugs, including those prescribed for medical purposes, can impair drivers (21.1.c); increase funding, resources, and services focused on youth substance use prevention (21.1.d); and partner with non-profit organizations that have expertise in reaching the Cambodian community with services and information (5.6d).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani and Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on August 15, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 12, 2023, to meet the CA OTS deadline to accept the funding and begin implementation of the approved scope of work.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding in the amount of $285,000 over 12 months, estimated to begin on October 1, 2023. Currently, $251,418 is budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Department of Health and Human Services. An appropriation increase in the amount of $33,582 is requested in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. Any indirect costs that might not ultimately be eligible for grant funds will be funded by the Health Operating Fund, General Fund, or other eligible funds. There is no City match or in-kind service required. This recommendation has minimal staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER