ADMINISTRATION Brian Podany, Police Chief
Title
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR A DWI OFFICER
Background
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Office of the Traffic Safety (OTS) is seeking proposals from law enforcement agencies for a full time DWI officer. The DWI officer will work the peak nights and times when drinking and driving occurs. The City of Blaine received this grant in 2018 and is eligible to apply for an additional nine months but the deadline for applications is Friday, November 15 so staff is requesting Council adopt the following resolution.
This grant would allow the City to continue the increased traffic enforcement in the evenings as the position is DWI-specific and the officer’s hours have to be between 5:00PM and 5:00AM. This grant has proven to be more cost effective than adding another officer to the Traffic Unit and at the end of the grant term, the City would be responsible for the officer. Staff is supportive of allocating the DWI officer to the Traffic Unit after the nine-month term.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is seeking proposals from law enforcement agencies for a full time DWI officer.
WHEREAS, in 2016 it was estimated by the National Safety Council that the cost of alcohol related crashes in Minnesota was $286 million. In the same year, 21 percent of serious injuries sustained in crashes and 31 percent of traffic crash fatalities were alcohol related.
WHEREAS, to address this ongoing issue, the Office of Traffic Safety will continue to offer a program supporting full time officers dedicated to DWI enforcement and are awarding up to five (5) grants.
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine would like to do their part in helping reduce the amount of alcohol related crash fatalities by utilizing the grant and having a dedicated DWI officer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council enter into a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for the DWI Officer grant during the period from January 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute such agreements and amendments as necessary to implement the project on behalf of the City of Blaine and to be the fiscal agent and administer the grant.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 13th day of November, 2019.