TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: James V. Capparelli, City Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Request to Approve Changes to the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 20 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program
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BACKGROUND:
The Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, from the U.S. Department of Justice, has made available funds for the specific purposes of preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus. Based on population and Uniform Crime Reporting numbers, the City of Joliet was eligible to apply for, and was awarded, a total of $119,390.
In the interest of efficiency and effectiveness, our department decided to adjust purchases approved under this grant program. A Grant Award Modification was approved by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to forego the purchase of ultraviolet disinfection systems in favor of two distinct projects.
The first project involves the purchase of a Cordico wellness app dedicated to and designed for law enforcement personnel. This app provides confidential resources for all law enforcement personnel to ensure their emotional health. A one-year subscription for all law enforcement personnel, retirees and family members that wish to access it, will cost $40,000.
The second project involves the purchase of individual air purifiers for most areas where our employees work and interact. Only two companies in the country have developed individual systems FDA-approved to kill the COVID-19 virus instead of trapping it in a filter. This ensures our employee’s safety. After viewing the filter changing requirements, we have identified those produced by Molekule as most beneficial. Based on the square footage of all offices and shared spaces, a total of 73 individual air purifiers as well as the necessary filters for 3.5 years are expected to cost $79,390
CONCLUSION:
The Joliet Police Department has received approval from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to reallocate the funds awarded under the FY 20 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program. The two specific purchases of the Cordico mental health app and Molekule air purifiers will ensure our employees’ mental and physical health as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the request to approve changes to the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 20 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program. It is also recommended that the Police Department be allowed to purchase a one-year access to the Cordico mental health app and a total of 73 individual Molekule air purifier systems and additional filters for individual offices and common areas for both stations. Funds can be drawn down in advance of this purchase through the Grants Management System.
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