City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: OCTOBER 5, 2021
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of the Submission of a Grant Application for a Competitive Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
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ISSUE: Consideration of the Submission of a Grant Application for a Competitive Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Grant through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve a grant application of up to $49,700, to be submitted October 22, 2021, to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The exact amount awarded will be determined by the DCJS.; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office (ASO) seeks approval to apply for a competitive grant to assist eligible applicants in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus. Eligible participants include local and state law enforcement agencies, local and state correctional facilities/jails, and general district courts and circuit courts. The ASO has need for two items of equipment that fall under this grant opportunity, limited flush toilets for inmate cells and biohazard suits for Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) members in the detention center.
DISCUSSION: As the number of inmates continues to increase and the pandemic lingers for some time to come, more inmates are exhibiting behavioral issues and COVID exposures increase. ASO has inmates that flood their jail cells by stopping up and continually flushing their toilets, causing contaminated water and debris to flood into the cell. When a confirmed or symptomatic COVID-19 inmate creates flooding, an increased risk of COVID-19 spread is created due to having to move the inmate and possible inmates in nearby cells. By upgrading some of the toilets in the detention center to limited flush capability, the amount of flooding incidents will decrease. The estimated cost for toilet upgrades is approximately $32,700.
Generally, when an inmate creates flooding or utilizes other means to contaminate their cell, the inmate(s) then need(s) to be rehoused to another area in the detention center. They are often non-compliant and need to be physically removed from the cell. The PPE purchased for daily interactions is not sufficient protection for this situation. SERT is activated when an inmate refuses to comply with verbal commands. Deputies need to physically remove an inmate from their cell for the inmate’s safety. Due to the high risk of contamination to the deputies, the biohazard suits equipment is vital. The cost for eight biohazard suits is approximately $17,000.
Since both amounts are estimates at this time, ASO is requesting up to $49,700 on the application. The maximum allowable request per applicant is $50,000.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no match requirement, and therefore no additional cost to the City is incurred by applying for the grant. Although this is a competitive grant and reimbursement funds awarded may not equal the request, participation in the process provides an opportunity to minimize the financial impact to the City due to COVID-19. Any funds awarded will be deposited directly into the City’s General Fund Account after acceptance and processing by the Grant Administrator.
ATTACHMENT: None.
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager
Dana Lawhorne, Sheriff
Sean Kurbanov, Budget Analyst, Office of Management and Budget
Cicely Woodrow, Fiscal Officer, Alexandria Sheriff’s Office
Robyn Nichols, Chief Deputy, Administrative Services Bureau, Alexandria Sheriff’s Office
Sean Casey, Acting Captain, Administrative Services Bureau, Alexandria Sheriff’s Office