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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 19, 2017 B-01TM CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION AGENDA ITEM AGENDA TITLE: Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 23-29, 2017, as "National Volunteers Week" MEETING DATE: April 19, 2017 PREPARED BY: Chief of Police RECOMMENDED ACTION: Presentation of proclamation proclaiming the week of April 23-29, 2017, as "National Volunteers Week." BACKGROUND INFORMATION: National Volunteers Week is a national event to recognize and celebrate the profound impact men and women who volunteer have on their community. In 2016, more than 4,100 Lodians donated their valuable time to assist various City departments, giving nearly 170,000 hours of service at an estimated fiscal benefit of approximately $3.9 million. At the Public Library, volunteers assist as Adult Literacy tutors, homework help tutors, Lucas Computer Learning Center coaches and instructors, general library needs, Friends of the Lodi Public Library, and Lodi Public Library Foundation. In 2016, 253 volunteers donated 30,124 hours to the library, with an estimated fiscal benefit of approximately $831,121. The Public Works Department works with many volunteer groups who donate time to accomplish specific projects. In 2016, there were nearly 621 volunteers who provided an estimated 7,214 hours of service with a fiscal benefit of over $199,000. Volunteers work on the following projects: Coastal Cleanup, Galt Adult Learning Center bi-monthly cleanups at Lodi Lake, Heritage School Earth Keeper's Club, Master Gardner's Downtown Lodi flower pot project, Starbucks Earth Day Cleanup at Lodi Lake, and the Storm Drain Detectives. The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department has more than 1,600 volunteers who provide an estimated 39,000 hours of service annually, with a fiscal benefit of over $900,000. Volunteers assist with the following: Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports (BOBS), coaches, umpires/referees and other youth sports volunteers, Hutchins Street Square ushers, Lodi Lake Nature Area Docents, neighborhood park volunteers, Tree Lodi, Lodi Garden Club, scouting groups, Larson Elementary School, and serve on various commissions. The Animal Shelter PALS (People Assisting Lodi Shelter) was founded in 2004 to save the lives of abandoned dogs and cats. They assist animal shelter staff with office work, handle animal adoptions, staff their WAGS thrift store on Main and Pine Streets, fundraise, and promote animal care and spay/neuter through education. With a total of 46 volunteers, PALS donated 7,160 hours to the Police Department, with an estimated fiscal benefit of approximately $197,500. The Police Cadet Program offers local youths between the ages of 16 and 24 the opportunity to volunteer and gain valuable experience during their high school and college years. In 2016, 13 cadets volunteered over 2,000 hours with a fiscal benefit of $55,180. The Cadets participated in several special events APPROVED: Stephen Schwaba• - , City Manager Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 23-29, 2017 as "National Volunteers Week" April 19, 2017 Page 2 throughout the year, including serving as decoys for the ABC Grant operations, assisting with the Parade of Lights and AMGEN Tour of California bicycle race. Many of these young people end up with a full-time career in law enforcement. Cadets assist the department at special events, DUI checkpoints, and perform clerical duties in the Records Division. The Police Chaplaincy Program was formed in February of 1994. There are currently four clergy providing daily support for Lodi Police Department personnel and their families, and emergency response when needed. Chaplains provide emotional support, and they assist Officers in the field with death notifications and at a critical and/or crisis incident. In 2016, chaplains donated over 100 hours to the Police Department with an estimated fiscal benefit of approximately $2,759. The Partners Foundation has been in operation for 24 years, providing endless hours of service to the Lodi Police Department. In 2016, Partners donated over 26,000 hours with an estimated fiscal benefit of $717,340. There are currently 71 Partners serving the Police Department. There are also 27 community volunteers who serve behind the scenes on the Crime Stoppers and Lodi Police Foundation Board and the Chaplain Board of Directors. All give generously of their time and talents, and often their personal funds, toward the betterment of the Lodi Police Department and ultimately in service to the community. Representatives of the Police, Library, Public Works, and Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services Departments will be present to accept the proclamation. FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable. FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable. Tod Patterson Chief of Police