From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch, Tobacco Enforcement Program, through an Interlocal Agreement with Texas State University in the amount of $6,000 for the purpose of compliance-related activities of the City's tobacco retailers.
Presenter
Steve Dye, Chief of Police
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The Grand Prairie Police Department continues to advance efforts within its purview to maintain the quality of life for the citizens of the City through community policing initiatives. The Department has sought to establish relationships with Federal and State agencies to enhance these efforts. One such area of community concern is the use of tobacco among minors. Research has shown that the control of the sales of tobacco to minors in the retail environment significantly reduces the incidents of the use of tobacco products among minors.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch has awarded the City of Grand Prairie a grant in the amount of $6000 to fund retail compliance checks; random, unannounced inspections; and retailer and judicial education of tobacco retailers in the City. The DSHS grant is contracted through an Interlocal Agreement with Texas State University in compliance with Interlocal Cooperation Act, Chapter 791, Texas Government Code, and extends from September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017.
The Police Department will use this funding to conduct periodic retail compliance checks with various surveillance and enforcement operations. Along with enforced retail compliance, minors are also further educated about the laws that regulate underage tobacco use. Upon the completion of the yearlong grant operation, the statistical results will be forwarded to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Financial Consideration
None, as there is no City cash match required.