TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Application to the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program JAG-Direct (JAGD) Solicitation in the Amount of $7,646, and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should the Grant be Awarded to the City.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the Application to the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program JAG-Direct (JAGD) Solicitation in the amount of $7,646, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable Under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review, should the Grant be awarded to the City, allowing for the project to proceed on schedule should the City be awarded the Grant.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the Application to the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program JAGD Solicitation in the amount of $7,646, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable Under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review, should the Grant be awarded to the City, allowing for the project to proceed on schedule should the City be awarded the Grant.
• Pros: This Agreement will allow for North Port Police Department (NPPD) to purchase ballistic trauma plates for use by sworn Officers to protect against high caliber ammunitions, providing a higher level of protection for officers than what is currently being utilized and a decreased risk of injury or loss of life.
• Cons: There are no foreseeable cons to approving this Agreement.
Option 2: Deny the Application to the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program JAGD Solicitation in the amount of $7,646, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review, should the Grant be awarded to the City, allowing for the project to proceed on schedule should the City be awarded the Grant.
• Pros: There are no foreseeable pros to denying this Agreement.
• Cons: The Department would not be able to fund this project, resulting in inadequate protection for sworn Officers against high caliber ammunitions and an increased risk of injury or loss of life.
Background Information
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) is a national, formula-based, block-grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP) with the goal of improving the criminal justice system. JAG funds may be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice in several areas, including local law enforcement programs.
If awarded, funds will be used to purchase trauma ballistic plates for use by sworn Officers to protect against higher caliber rounds. These trauma plates will be inserted into current body armor vests and positioned in a manner to protect the Officers’ vital organs. The City expects to receive $7,646.
This is a reimbursable grant, meaning the City spends first then requests reimbursement from the granting agency. The grant application was submitted July 30, 2025. Notification of award is expected in late 2025. Matching funds are not required.
If awarded, the Grant Contract will be reviewed by the Interim City Attorney to ensure it is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Safe Community
Financial Impact
Potential award of $7,646 to be utilized to purchase ballistic plates as described in the application.
Revenue Account
001-0000-331.20-00 - Federal Grants / Federal - Public Safety
Expenditure Accounts
001-2100-521.52-07
Procurement
The City’s Procurement Code, policies and procedures will be followed.
Attachments:
1. Grant Application
Prepared by: Jennifer Sadonis, Grants Coordinator
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager