TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Steve S. Charelian, Interim Finance Director
Kendra Davis, Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of Providing Financial Support to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District to Improve School Safety and Security Measures (Interim Finance Director Charelian).
a) DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
b) APPROPRIATE
Line
_________________________________________________________
Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council: a) discuss and provide direction on providing financial support to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) to improve school safety and security, and b) appropriate any funds dedicated to this purpose from the unreserved General Fund.
Body
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
At the end of last Fiscal Year (2016-2017), the General Fund had an unreserved fund balance of $5.5 million. These are funds that have not been otherwise designated by the City Council, but may be used for one-time purposes such as City capital improvements. The City Council may consider using a portion of these funds for improvements to MBUSD safety and security measures. Any funds designated for this purpose must be appropriated from unreserved fund balance in the General Fund.
BACKGROUND:
At the City Council/Manhattan Beach Unified School District Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting on Thursday, March 8, 2018, it was suggested that the City Council discuss providing financial support to MBUSD for necessary school safety and security measures. The amounts and purposes are subject to City Council review and approval.
DISCUSSION:
The City Council recognizes that school safety is not solely a school issue; rather, it is a community concern. Considering the recent violent tragedies that have occurred at schools across the country, this is an emergent concern that requires immediate attention and action. While the school district has some funding which may be used for safety and security, additional funds from the City will assist in accelerating and enhancing needed safety and security measures, creating the safest environment possible for students, teachers and anyone else entering MBUSD facilities.
The following are potential measures identified by the School District for which funding may be applied:
• Security assessments
• Perimeter fencing and gating
• Emergency training for teachers and staff
• Communications equipment
• First aid kits
• Classroom door barricade devices
• Security cameras
• AED replacements
While the actual list of desired improvements and associated costs is under development, staff recommends that the City Council determine the amount to be reserved for the stated purpose and appropriate the funds. Staff will work with the City Council/Manhattan Beach Unified School District Ad Hoc Subcommittee to create the list of desired projects and a process through which the funds may be utilized. That process will be presented to City Council at a future meeting.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST:
There has been no specific outreach conducted for this item at this time.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The City has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.