TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Police |
Chief Darrell Lowe |
425-556-2521 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Police |
Jesse Bollerud |
Lieutenant |
TITLE:
title
Authorization to Accept Grant Funding from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) has awarded the City a $3,000 Traffic Safety Grant to purchase one LIDAR unit to support traffic enforcement operations. The grant requires participation in at least one Washington Traffic Safety Commission-funded High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) patrol during federal fiscal year 2025-2026, along with continued support of statewide and national traffic safety initiatives and a commitment to proactive traffic enforcement. Acceptance of this grant will enhance the department’s speed enforcement capabilities and further support community traffic safety efforts.
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☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Target Zero
Transportation Master Plan
• Required:
Council approval is required to accept grant funding.
• Council Request:
Council has requested they be informed and approve revenue from grants prior to acceptance or purchase of equipment using grant funding.
• Other Key Facts:
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a handheld or vehicle-mounted speed measurement device that uses laser pulses to calculate the speed of a moving vehicle. Unlike traditional radar, which emits a broader radio wave, LIDAR produces a narrow, focused beam that allows officers to precisely target a specific vehicle in traffic. This improves accuracy, especially in multi-lane or high-volume environments.
The department currently operates six LIDAR units: four older models previously used in the Traffic Unit and two newer “Stalker” units assigned to patrol. Each traffic officer is equipped with a newer Stalker LIDAR, which provides faster target acquisition, greater accuracy, and improved performance in low light and adverse weather conditions. With the onboarding of an additional traffic officer this year, the department plans to assign them a new, modern LIDAR, which is essential to his daily traffic enforcement duties.
OUTCOMES:
Acceptance of this $3,000 WASPC Traffic Safety Grant will enhance the department’s ability to conduct precise and effective speed enforcement through the acquisition of a LIDAR unit. This equipment will support High Visibility Enforcement patrols, strengthen participation in statewide traffic safety initiatives, and reinforce the City’s commitment to proactive traffic enforcement. The anticipated outcome is improved speed compliance, reduced speed-related collisions, and increased roadway safety for residents, visitors, and first responders.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
There is no anticipated cost to the City.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
228
Budget Priority:
Safe and Resilient
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
3/17/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
Invoices are due to WASPC no later than May 1, 2026.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The police department will not accept grant funding for this LIDAR unit.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Grant Award Letter