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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 19 - Solar-Powered Mobile Surveillance Trailers MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2026 SUBJECT: APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A GRANT APPLICATION FOR SOLAR-POWERED MOBILE SURVEILLANCE TRAILER PROJECT RECOMMENDATION: City Council to consider a resolution authorizing the submission of an application to particpate in the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Grant Program to purchase two solar-powered mobile surveillance trailers. FUNDING SOURCE: N/A BACKGROUND: The Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor for the State of Texas administers grant programs to assist local jurisdictions in enhancing law enforcement capabilities, crime prevention, and public safety at large community venues. The purpose of the proposed Solar-Powered Mobile Surveillance Trailers project is to enhance real-time situational awareness, crowd and behavioral monitoring and assessment, crowd density assessment, crime deterrence, and investigative capacity by supporting modern, flexible surveillance strategies that reflect current best practices and the City's evolving tourism and special event needs. The Grapevine Police Department is seeking approval to apply for funding under this program for the acquisition and deployment of two solar - powered mobile surveillance trailers. These trailers will be used to provide high-visibility camera coverage and recording capability at major festivals, Christmas Capital of Texas, July 4th lake gatherings, Grapevine Mills Mall, major hotels, and other designated high-traffic locations, enhancing both day-to-day operations and large-scale event management. The Grapevine Police Department recognizes that officers must be prepared to monitor and respond rapidly to dynamic situations in crowded public spaces, and that high-quality, strategically deployed technology is essential to achieving that goal. To ensure an effective and accountable public safety posture, the department must employ mobile surveillance platforms that allow for rapid deployment, varied positioning based on risk, real-time monitoring, and accurate documentation of criminal activity, and this grant provides an opportunity to secure that technology with minimal impact on the City's general fund. The solar-powered mobile surveillance trailers will support a wide range of public safety activities, including visible crime prevention, crime deterrence, live monitoring during major events and holidays, documentation of property and vehicle crimes, and post-incident investigative review. The systems will also allow supervisors to track deployment locations and usage over time, tailor placement to identified problem areas, and document outcomes associated with trailer use in support of performance and reporting requirements. This program is designed to enhance community safety, elevate the quality and consistency of event and hotspot policing, and support the professional, accountable response expected by residents, businesses, and visitors. Investing in this technology is critical to maintaining a well- prepared police force and reinforces the City's commitment to effective, responsible public safety services. This grant funding opportunity does not require city matching funds. The grant performance period is October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. Staff recommends approval. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-007 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM, TO PURCHASE TWO SOLAR-POWERED MOBILE SURVEILLANCE TRAILER, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE "GRANT PROGRAM` AND CERTIFY THAT THE APPLICANT IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PROGRAM ASSISTANCE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE WHEREAS, The City of Grapevine ("the Applicant") is fully eligible to receive assistance under the Grant Program; and WHEREAS, the Applicant is desirous of authorizing an official to represent and act for the Applicant in dealing with the Police Department ("the Department") concerning the Grant Program; and WHEREAS, all constitutional and statutory prerequisites for the approval of this resolution have been met, including but not limited to the Open Meetings Act; and WHEREAS, the City Council deems the adoption of this resolution to be in the best interests of the citizens of The City of Grapevine that the Grant Program be operated for Fiscal Year 2027; and WHEREAS, the City Council hereby declares that the approval of this resolution is in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS: Section 1. That all matters stated hereinabove are found to be true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety. Section 2. That the Applicant hereby certifies that they are eligible to receive assistance under the Grant Program. Section 3. That the Applicant recognizes there is no matching funds requirement for the Grant Program. Section 4. That the Applicant agrees that in the event of loss or misuse of the Office of the Governor funds, the Applicant assures that the funds will be returned to the Office of the Governor in full. Section 5. That the Applicant hereby authorizes and directs the Chief of Police as the "Authorized Official" who is given the power to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate this grant, as well as given the authority to sign all grant adjustment requests, inventory reports, progress reports and financial reports or any other official documents related to the grant on behalf of the City of Grapevine. Section 6. That the Applicant hereby designates the Accounting Manager as the grantee's "Financial Officer," who is given the power to submit financial and/or programmatic reports or alter a grant on behalf of the Applicant agency. Section 7. The Grapevine City Council approves submission of the grant application for the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, Solar-Powered Mobile Surveillance Trailer Project, to the Office of the Governor. Grant No. 5757601. Section 8. That this resolution shall be effective from and after the date of its passage. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS on this the 3rd day of February 2026. APPROVED: William D. Tate Mayor ATTEST: Tara Brooks City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: Matthew C.G. Boyle City Attorney Resolution No. 2026-007 2