HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 08/17/2010 - RESOLUTION 2010-050 SUPPORTING THE GRANT APPLICATI DATE: August 17, 2010
STAFF: Craig Dodd _
Dennis Harrison 3M
Resolution 2010-050 Supporting the Grant Application by Weld County for a State of Colorado Energy Impact Grant
to Assist in the Construction of a Regional Crime Laboratory.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Resolution offers support to Weld County to seek grant funding to help purchase or construct a forensic regional
lab facility that will house forensic laboratory staffing employed by members of Fort Collins Police Services, Greeley
Police Department, Loveland Police Department,Larimer County Sheriff's Department,and the Weld County Sheriff's
Department.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
In 2008, the Counties of Larimer and Weld and the Cities of Fort Collins, Greeley, and Loveland signed an
Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) through which law enforcement agencies of each entity share personnel,
equipment, and facilities in a combined crime laboratory operation. While not a signatory to the agreement, the
Colorado Bureau of Investigation also contributes personnel and equipment resources for the processing of DNA
evidence. The combined laboratory includes: Chemistry/Ballistics,Computer Analysis, Fingerprint/Footwearand Tire
Impressions and DNA. The purpose of the IGA is to increase the evidence processing effectiveness and efficiency
of each of the involved law enforcement agencies. Currently, the partners participating in this collaboration share
office/laboratory space in buildings in Larimer and Weld County.
From its inception, the Northern Regional Lab Group (NRLG) has had a goal to co-locate all participating
agencies/members under the same roof in,a central location to the membership. Having forensic laboratory
employees housed under the same roof will improve the efficiencies of all participating agencies by reducing costs
and improving results. Currently,Weld County is committing$2 million to be used toward the purchase of an existing
facility or the construction of a new one. In addition, Weld County (on behalf of the NRLG) has procured $800,000
in federal earmarks for this project.
In recent months, opportunities have surfaced in terms of additional grant-funding opportunities. As a result, on July
26, 2010, Chief Dennis Harrison and Director Craig Dodd attended a meeting with all NRLG participating agencies.
The purpose of the meeting was to inform the participating agencies about a State of Colorado Energy Impact Grant
opportunity. As a result of this meeting, Weld County is requesting resolutions of support from each partnering
jurisdiction for accompaniment with the grant application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
RESOLUTION 2010-050
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
SUPPORTING THE GRANT APPLICATION BY WELD COUNTY
FOR A STATE OF COLORADO ENERGY IMPACT GRANT TO
ASSIST IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REGIONAL CRIME LABORATORY
WHEREAS,the staff of Fort Collins Police Services has been working with law enforcement
staff from Weld County, City of Greeley, Larimer County, and the City of Loveland (the
"Participating Agencies")to find a mutually agreeable location for a regional crime laboratory; and
WHEREAS,staff believes that the efficiency and effectiveness of each Participating Agency
would be improved if all personnel and equipment related to a regional crime laboratory were
consolidated in one building (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, as part of its grant application to the State of Colorado for Energy Impact
funding for assistance in the purchase,construction and remodeling,and operation and maintenance
of the Project, Weld County is requesting that the governing bodies of all Participating Agencies
adopt resolutions of support for their grant application; and
WHEREAS, supporting such application would entail no financial commitment on the part
of the City; and
WHEREAS,once the Participating Agencies have explored all potential funding sources and
after funds have been identified,the Participating Agencies intend to negotiate an intergovernmental
agreement setting forth their respective responsibilities for the purchase, construction and
remodeling, and operations and maintenance of the Project; and
WHEREAS,after such responsibilities have been agreed upon,staffwill ask the City Council
to approve a separate resolution authorizing the City to enter into the proposed intergovernmental
agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS,that the City Council hereby supports Weld County's application for a State of Colorado
Energy Impact Grant.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 17th
day of August, A.D. 2010.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk