TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any subsequent amendments including changing the terms, extending the grant period, or increasing grant amounts, with the California Department of Justice, to receive and expend grant funding in the amount of $556,984, for Tobacco Education and Enforcement activities, for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $556,984, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) awarded grant funding in the amount of $556,984, to the Health and Human Services Department (Health Department), for the implementation of the Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) Tobacco Control Diversion Initiative (Initiative).
The Health Department will use DOJ funding for the Initiative to implement a youth diversion program as an alternative for youth who have been cited for tobacco related offenses. In lieu of paying a fine, youth will be provided the option to attend a series of classes on tobacco use and impact. The Initiative will also include a retailer diversion program for retailers that are out of compliance with local tobacco control laws, such as selling tobacco to underage youth. The Initiative builds upon the DOJ funds awarded to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) to increase enforcement of tobacco control laws by providing the LBPD an alternative referral option. The Initiative will also include the administration of a Tobacco Youth Purchase Survey, a new retailer orientation packet, and one-on-one consultations with new tobacco retailers as part of an improved retailer onboarding process.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on April 15, 2019 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa Jose-Murray on April 25, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 14, 2019, to accept funding to begin the program.
FISCAL IMPACT
The DOJ grant will provide a total of $556,984 for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021. An appropriation increase in the amount of $556,984 is requested in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department (35), offset by grant revenues. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. This recommendation will result in minimal impact to staff hours beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is line 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:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER