HomeMy WebLinkAboutRatify - 2011 Shop With a Cop ProgramCITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: RATIFICATION OF CITY MANAGER APPROVAL TO IMPLEMENT
AND PARTIALLY FUND THE 2011 "SHOP WITH A COP"
PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT of $1,750.
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: December 8, 2011
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, ratify the City Manager's approval to implement and partially
fund, in the amount of $1,750, the 2011 "Shop With A Cop" program occurring on
Saturday, December 10, 2011. Funds are available under the Police Department
Contingency Account (No. 110-4210-422-3042).
Commission Recommendation
On November 9, 2011, the Palm Desert Public Safety Commission recommended that
the City Council approve sponsorship for the 2011 "Shop With A Cop" program. The
Cove Commission also recommended referring this item to each member city for
funding consideration.
Background
The "Shop With A Cop" program initiated in 2009 when the Palm Desert Sheriff's
Station was contacted by Toys "R" Us executives who wanted to donate $1,000 in gift
cards to distribute as they saw fit. Palm Desert Station administrative staff
recommended using these funds to organize a shopping trip for disadvantaged children
in the community, through a "Shop with a Cop" program.
For the last two years, the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station has organized this annual
shopping event. Officers from all three Cove Communities participated in the program
and all three cities funded the event. Last year, forty-three (43) children, thirty-six (36)
officers and six (6) volunteers participated in the program. Twenty-one (21) children
(ages 1 '/2 to 16 years) participated in 2009.
The children participating in the program are identified as being disadvantaged by
school staff and/or officers working in those cities. The siblings of the invited students
have also been invited to participate. All children are accompanied by officers who
assist them during their shopping spree.
The last two events were held at Toys "R" Us in Palm Desert. As this business
relocated to Indio, this year's event will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011, at the
Palm Desert Super Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has also agreed to donate $1,500 toward this
Staff Report-2011 "Shop With A Cop" Program
December 8, 2011
Page 2 of 2
In previous years, at the conclusion of the shopping spree, any remaining funds have
been used to purchase children's bicycles. These bicycles were then distributed to very
surprised children found in affordable housing communities by officers in uniform. Staff
recommends that the City Council approve implementing and funding this program.
Fiscal Analysis
The Sheriff's Department recommends that the three Cove Communities cities fund the
2011 "Shop With A Cop" program in the amount of $3,500 utilizing the "Cove Formula"
of 50%/30%/20% (Palm Desert $1,750, Rancho Mirage - $1,050 and Indian Wells
$700). Funds are available under the Police Department Contingency Account (No.
110-4210-422-3042).
Submitted By:
Y. Avian, Assistpn to the City Manager
Reviewed by:
CITY COUNCILACTION
APPROVED LL DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance N FETING DATE - 4-=q 0 /
AYES:
NOES:
Approval: NU/J�
ABSENT:
AI-ISTAIN: Ole_
VERIFIFIi IM (c,
Original on File with City Clerk's Office
M. Wohlmuth, City Manager