6. Montana Department of Transportation Grant AwardsK.ALISPELL POLICE DEPARTMENT `Po11L$ng
3 1 2 1 sT Avg EAST — PO Box 1997 — KALIsPELL, MT 59903 rbmlgh
TELEPHONE (406) 758-7780 —Fax (406) 758-7799
E-MAIL- KPD@KALISPELL.COM 2'artnersbip_s�
REPORT: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Frank Garner, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Montana Department of Transportation Grant Awards
MEETING DATE: November 6, 2006
BACKGROUND-. over the past few months the Kalispell Police Department has been working with
the Montana Department of Transportation on three separate projects intended to improve traffic safety in
the Kalispell area.
The first project includes overtime money for traffic saturation patrols. Saturation patrols are used in
areas with relatively high traffic flow and where traffic studies show that greater compliance with traffic
regulations is needed. MDOT has offered $45,000.00 to the City of Kalispell this year to help in that
effort.
The second project involves the use of a new radar traffic trailer that is equipped with an electronic
message board. The trailer will be used to slog traffic and to warn of impended traffic hazards or adverse
conditions. MDOT has dedicated $1 S,000.00 toward the purchase of this unit.
The third project is designed to provide police motorcycles to our newly assigned traffic officers to help
them improve their ability to enforce traffic regulations and thereby improve traffic safety. Similar
programs in other departments have shown that officers can be more effective enforcing trade using
motorcycle patrols. MDOT has committed nearly $42,000.00 toward the purchase of two new Harley
Davidson motorcycles and the necessary emergency equipment. The motorcycles will be purchased next
spring and should be on patrol by early summer.
In total the Montana Department of transportation has dedicated more than. $102,000.00 this year towards
improving traffic safety in our area in partnership with the City of Kalispell.
RECOMMENDATIONS- The City of Kalispell should recognize these contributions by the Montana
Department of Transportation and its Director, Jim Lynch, intended to improve traffic safety in Kalispell.
FISCAL EFFECTS: As described.
ALTERNATIVES: As recommended by Council.
Respectfully subritted,
Frank garner
Chief of Police
J es H. Patrick
i Manager,
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FRANK GARNER, CHIEF OF POLICE + ROGER KFtiI ASS, AssiSTANT CHIEF OF POLICE