City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 8, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: LISA B. KEMLER, CHIEF JUDGE ALEXANDRIA CIRCUIT COURT
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Retroactive Grant Application to the Supreme Court of Virginia Office of the Executive Secretary Statewide Universal Drug Testing Grant.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Grant Application to the Supreme Court of Virginia Office of the Executive Secretary Statewide Universal Drug Testing Grant.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
• Retroactively approve the submission of the grant application (applied on October 15, 2024) for up to $60,000; and
• Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The Supreme Court of Virginia, Office of the Executive Secretary, Judicial Services Department has offered a grant opportunity- Statewide Universal Drug Testing Grant FY 2025. The purpose of this grant is to assist in developing statewide best practices standards for drug testing. This includes partnering with an industry leader in the drug testing field.
DISCUSSION: The grant seeks $60,000 over a 12-month period, beginning October 1, 2024. These spending objectives will enable Alexandria Recovery Court treatment staff to remain knowledgeable regarding best practices, standards, and network with other Drug Courts within the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond to ensure compliance with the National Drug Court model. Funding will also help improve testing capacity by contracting with an external provider to fund compliant drug screenings for all Recovery Court participants.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no required match from the City and, therefore, no additional fiscal impact from this grant.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
STAFF:
Yon Lambert, Deputy City Manager
Aishah Dukes Recovery Court Coordinator