Administration - Brian Podany, Safety Services Director/Police Chief
Title
Title
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Grant Award for DWI Officer
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Executive Summary
Council is asked to adopt a resolution entering into a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for the DWI Officer grant during the period from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023.
Background
The Blaine Police Department was awarded the DWI enforcement grant for fiscal year 2023. While the primary focus of this project remains the detection and apprehension of impaired drivers, changes to the funding sources for this project allows for officers to begin as early as 2PM to focus on the dangerous driving behaviors of speeding, distracted driving and seat belt use.
Strategic Plan Relationship
Providing for cost effective traffic safety enforcement is essential to maintaining a safe, livable Blaine Community. DWI enforcement is a key part of traffic safety.
Board/Commission Review
N/A
Financial Impact
The dedicated DWI Enforcement Officer is currently funded through the City of Blaine and if this grant is accepted, would relieve the financial responsibility of paying the officer’s salary for one year. The City of Blaine would presumably resume paying for this dedicated position after the year is up at the end of September 2023. The City of Blaine has been awarded this grant intermittently multiple times in the past as well and it often rotates from agency to agency.
Public Outreach/Input
N/A
Staff Recommendation
By motion, adopt the resolution accepting the DWI Enforcement Officer grant.
Attachment List
Grant agreement
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; and
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; and
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 October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023.
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 3rd day of October 2022.