CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED ON: September 23, 2009
SUBJECT/TITLE: Approve Acceptance of Donations and Equipment
TARGET ISSUE:

STATEMENT OF ISSUE

The Police Department requests approval to accept donations and equipment to support the continuation of ongoing programs. Over the last several months the Police Department has received donations and equipment from several sources.

A donation of $1,800 was offered from Cash America Pawn to purchase equipment for the Rape Aggression Defense (“radKIDS”) self-defense program. The program teaches children personal safety information including self-defense skills.

The Police Department received equipment for its participation in Florida Department of Transportation traffic safety competitions. For the “Click it or Ticket” campaign, the Department was awarded four light bars for Traffic Unit vehicles and seven additional LED light kits for the unit’s motorcycles. The value of this equipment is approximately $2,700. For participating in this year’s Chief’s Challenge, the Department received four speed detection devices with a total value of approximately $10,000.

In addition to the above-referenced donations, the Police Department requests approval to close the D.A.R.E. Donation Account and establish a Crime Prevention and Public Safety Education Donation Account. Future donations received would be deposited into this account and used to support crime prevention, traffic safety, and public safety programs. The current balance of the D.A.R.E. Donation Account, $25,958 plus FY09 interest earnings, would be transferred to the new account.

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Approve Option 1: Approve acceptance of an $1,800 donation from Cash America Pawn and equipment awarded by the Florida Department of Transportation. Approve closing the D.A.R.E. Donation Account, establish a new Crime Prevention and Public Safety Education Donation Account and authorize transfer of all remaining D.A.R.E. funds to this account. Approve an FY09 appropriation of $10,000 from the new Crime Prevention and Public Safety Education Account.

FISCAL IMPACT

Enables the Police Department to accept community and corporate donations in support of public safety programs. The Office of Budget and Policy has reviewed this agenda item for consistency with policy.

Dennis M. Jones, Chief of Police

Anita Favors Thompson, City Manager

For information, please contact: Greg Frost, 891-4411

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL/ISSUE ANALYSIS

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

Not applicable to this agenda item.

OPTIONS

1. Approve acceptance of an $1,800 donation from Cash America Pawn and equipment awarded by the Florida Department of Transportation. Approve closing the D.A.R.E. Donation Account, establish a new Crime Prevention and Public Safety Education Donation Account and authorize transfer of all remaining D.A.R.E. funds to this account. Approve an FY09 appropriation of $10,000 from the Crime Prevention and Public Safety Education Account.

Pros
· The “radKIDS” program will be able to purchase needed supplies to continue the program using donated funds.
· Elimination of the D.A.R.E. Donation Account and creation of a Crime Prevention and Public Safety Education Donation Account will enable the Police Department to continue receiving periodic community and corporate donations in support of public safety programs.

Cons
· None.

2. Approve acceptance and expenditure of the $1,800 donation from Cash America Pawn and equipment from the Florida Department of Transportation. Do not approve Elimination of the D.A.R.E. Donation Account and creation of a Crime Prevention and Public Safety Education Donation Account.

Pro
· The “radKIDS” program will be able to purchase needed supplies to continue the program using donated funds.

Cons
· None.