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Kennett City Council adopts resolution to pursue Blue Shield City law-enforcement grants
Summary
Kennett City Council voted to adopt a resolution signaling support for the Kennett Police Department and to begin steps to qualify for a state "Blue Shield City" grant program, a required first step before applying for funds that city staff said could be part of a statewide $10 million program.
Kennett City Council on Monday adopted a resolution expressing the city’s support for the Kennett Police Department and committing the city to take preliminary steps to participate in the state’s "Blue Shield City" grant program.
The resolution, read during the council meeting and passed by voice vote, expresses support for police recruitment and retention initiatives, proactive policing practices and regional policing efforts and directs staff to explore opportunities to provide resources and support to the Kennett Police Department.
City officials said the resolution is the first required step in a multi-step state process to access new law-enforcement grant funding announced by the governor. Staff described the program as a competitive grant stream that will require the city to file a formal resolution before the city can complete subsequent application steps. The new fiscal year for the state program was described by staff as beginning July 1, when funding becomes available.
Council members moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by voice vote; no roll-call tally was given in the meeting record.
The resolution text read during the meeting said the city recognizes a commitment to public safety is vital and that the city remains committed to reducing violent crime and participating in regional task-force efforts. It also states the resolution takes effect immediately upon passage.
In discussion before the vote, staff said Major Stewart and Jan (city staff) were assisting with the remaining steps required by the state and that the sooner the city transmitted the resolution, the sooner it would appear on the state list for follow-up steps.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve minutes from March 4 (procedural). Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. - Resolution expressing support for police and to pursue the Blue Shield City program. Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. Resolution effective immediately on adoption.
The council did not specify a resolution number in the meeting record and no roll-call vote counts were recorded in the transcript. Staff said additional administrative steps and a sequence of roughly 10–12 further requirements would follow the resolution filing.
City staff who spoke during the item urged prompt submission to meet state timelines and noted the program’s new fiscal year beginning July 1.
The council moved on to other business after the vote.
