HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/15/2020 - RESOLUTION 2020-085 SUPPORTING A GRANT APPLICATION Agenda Item 12
Item # 12 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY September 15, 2020
City Council
STAFF
Jerry Schiager, Lieutenant
Adam Stephens, Legal
SUBJECT
Resolution 2020-085 Supporting a Grant Application for Gray and Black Market Marijuana Enforcement
Funding for Fort Collins Police Services.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to obtain Council support for the City to apply for grant money to support
enforcement of gray- and black- market marijuana activity for Fort Collins Police Services.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
“Gray Market” is a term that refers to marijuana grown legally then sold in a way that would be illegal. An
example would be where someone has a medical card with an “extended plant count” which may allow them to
grow up to 99 plants, but instead of using the product for their own medical needs, they sell it on the black
market either locally or more likely to someone in another state.
For the past two years, the State has made grant funding available to help address unlicensed and illegal
marijuana activity in Colorado. In 2019, the District Attorney’s Office was awarded approximately $120,000 in
grant funds to which Police Services had access. Some of these dollars were used to acquire long-term
storage for evidence seized in black- market investigations. Additional funds were used to provide staff to
investigate cases and dismantle black-market grow operations in Fort Collins neighborhoods and regionally.
In 2020, Police Services received $345,227 to continue local neighborhood marijuana investigations. As of
August 6, 2020, Police Services has spent $48,179 of the Program funding. Grant dollars help to provide
additional resources to existing staff without having a direct impact on the City budget. Funds have been used
primarily for overtime, equipment and storage expenses to support these investigations.
Investigations completed to date have not only addressed criminal activity but also improved neighborhood
livability and provided insight into the level of unlicensed/illegal marijuana activity in the community. With
additional insight and knowledge, Police Services can address staffing needs and priorities through both
current assignments and future budget offers.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Support of this Resolution does not impact City finances and allows Police Services to apply to the State for
these grant dollars. If the grant is awarded, the City will serve as the fiscal agent for the funds and will seek an
appropriation at that time.
-1-
RESOLUTION 2020-085
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
SUPPORTING A GRANT APPLICATION FOR GRAY AND BLACK MARKET
MARIJUANA ENFORCEMENT FUNDING FOR FORT COLLINS POLICE SERVICES
WHEREAS, Fort Collins Police Services (“FCPS”) is applying for a grant through the
Gray and Black Market Marijuana Enforcement Grant Program (the “Program”) from the State
of Colorado Department of Local Affairs (“DOLA”) to fund investigation and prosecution of
unlicensed marijuana cultivation and distribution operations (the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, the Program provides financial assistance to local law enforcement agencies
and district attorneys through local governments; and
WHEREAS, the total amount of grant money to be dispersed statewide by DOLA
amongst applicant agencies and district attorneys is $810,000 for FY 2021-2022 Program
funding; and
WHEREAS, until submittal of an application, FCPS does not know the amount that may
be awarded; and
WHEREAS, in FY 2019-2020, the Larimer County District Attorney was awarded
approximately $120,000 from this Program; and
WHEREAS, in FY 2020-2021, FCPS received $345,227 from the Program, and, as of
August 6, 2020, has expended $48,179.23 of that funding in part because of delays caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the current Program expires on June 30, 2021; and
WHEREAS, FCPS has utilized money from this program to acquire long-term evidence
storage units for illegal black-market marijuana, and for an increase in staffing to help with
investigations of black-market grow operations in the City; and
WHEREAS, as part of its grant application process, there is a requirement that the
governing body of any entity applying for grant funds pass a resolution to show that it is aware
of and supports the application, and recognizes the obligations the grant creates; and
WHEREAS, the City would not be required to provide any matching funds toward the
Project; and
WHEREAS, the grant money would allow FCPS to continue to improve neighborhood
livability and provide insight into the extent of the problems associated with unlicensed, illegal
marijuana activity in the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS, as follows:
-2-
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That the City Council hereby supports the City’s FY 2021-2022
application for a grant through the Program from DOLA to fund the Project; and
Section 3. That if the grant is awarded, the City Council supports the completion of
the Project.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this
15th day of September, A.D. 2020.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk