Olivette approves application for Missouri Blue Shield police grant covering shields, e-bike and training

Police Chief Beth Andreske asked the council to authorize a Missouri Blue Shield grant application for the Olivette Police Department for up to $28,985.50 in FY27 funds. Andreske listed proposed purchases the department would seek reimbursement for, including a ballistic shield quoted at $7,300 and a small e-bike priced at $3,000 to accommodate a shorter officer, additional rifle plate carriers, and an extra training mat beyond what was budgeted.

Andreske said the department already has a Blue Shield City designation and that the grant is reimbursement-based: “This is a reimbursement grant, so we would pay for them upfront and then have reimbursement from the state once once they're purchased,” she said. She also noted some previously budgeted items would be supplanted by grant funds if awarded, freeing local budget dollars for other uses. Council members asked about reimbursement timing and whether acceptance would require additional state commitments; Andreske said other Blue Shield cities reported efficient reimbursements and that the city’s acceptance would not obligate additional activities beyond the normal application and documentation process.

On motion, the council approved the department's application for an amount not to exceed $28,985.50. The resolution authorizes the city manager to sign and execute grant documents if funds are awarded, and staff will proceed to submit the application and report back on the award status.