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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Public Safety Commission 10/14/2015CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING APPROVED MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015 — 3:30 p.m. Palm Desert City Hall 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Administrative Services Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Nethery called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Il. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Martin Nethery Vice Chairman Terry Kramer Commissioner James Butzbach Commissioner Gloria Kirkwood Commissioner Phyllis Harkins Commissioner Doug Luhring Commissioner Frank Taylor Also Present: Mayor Susan Marie Weber Mayor Pro Tem Bob Spiegel John Wohlmuth, City Manager Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager Chief Bill Hunley, Palm Desert Fire Department Chief Sue Trevino, Palm Desert Police Department Lt. William Sullivan, Palm Desert Police Department Sergeant Dave Adams, Palm Desert Police Department Donna Evans, Recording Secretary Ill. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel noted that Lauri Aylaian was leaving the City after many successful years and was song to see her go. Public Safety Commission Approved Minutes October 14, 2015 Page 2 IV. PRESENTATIONS Deputy Patrick Mushinskie was present along with Palm Desert's new Police K-9, Rio, who's 3'h years old and raised in Holland. Rio is now patrol certified and can detect six different odors after graduating from Drug Suppression School. Deputy Mushinskie has been with the Sheriff's Department for ten years and has been working in Palm Desert for four of those years. He commented that Rio is very social and goes home with him every night and is very good with his children. Occasionally they visit Maria Malter, Rio's sponsor, at her home in Sun City. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, addressed the Commission and presented the General Plan Update. Mr. Bagato stated that this has been over a year in the process and they're now going to the public for their input. The Strategic Plan was created over a period of ten months and the plan was adopted to create a vision for the City. The General Plan will cover all the same areas as the Strategic Plan. The Core of Palm Desert should include health and wellness, tourism, walking neighborhoods, revitalizing Highway 111, creation of a city center and including UCR as a focal point. In the General Plan Technical Working Groups (workshops) the committees have communicated that they would like to preserve the golf course communities, enhance certain areas that haven't been developed, improve the Highway 111 corridor/city center, create pedestrian friendly areas, link the core to the Civic Center and College of the Desert. Key gateways may have taller buildings and public art. Part of the plan would be to enhance San Pablo all the way to Magnesia Falls and the creation of a mixed -use center and a more walkable downtown, including live/work units. There would be an increase in bike paths and walking paths and a gathering spot for events. Certain gateway areas could have three or four-story buildings. A parking study was performed and it was thought that the addition of a parking garage at President's Plaza would be helpful. Mr. Bagato stated that low traffic numbers on San Pablo indicate that the street is too wide. It was suggested that the street should be narrowed with wider sidewalks and a large median in the center of the road could be added to perhaps accommodate tent structures for events or a farmer's market. The area around the UCR campus has residential projects that were never built with development agreements that are about to expire. The General Plan shows neighborhoods in this area to have smaller blocks, bike oriented, narrower streets and more open space between the blocks, similar to Santa Barbara. There will be public hearings regarding the updated General Plan. Chair Nethery thanked Mr. Bagato for his presentation. Commissioner Butzbach asked about CV Link and where it would go. Mr. Bagato stated that there will be connections from Magnesia Falls to the Civic Center. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Public Safety Commission Meeting of May 13, 2015. Public Safety Commission Approved Minutes October 14, 2015 Page 3 B. PALM DESERT SPECIALIZED UNITS End of the Month Report - August 2015 C. RIVERSIDE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT/CAL FIRE End of the Month Report -- August 2015 Chair Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Kirkwood, Kramer, Luhring, Taylor, and Nethery; NOES: None). VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER NONE VII. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO PURCHASE A NEW AMBULANCE FROM FRAZER, LTD (HOUSTON, TX) IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $170,000 TO REPLACE MEDIC UNIT NO. 33. Stephen Aryan stated that prior to 2009, the City owned and operated three medic units that are housed at the three Palm Desert Fire Stations. In 2009, the City staffed a fourth front-line ambulance utilizing an older reserve vehicle. This unit was placed at Indian Wells Fire Station 55 to serve the eastern part of Palm Desert. A new vehicle was not purchased at that time, as the City was in the middle of testing a prototype CNG ambulance, and awaiting the outcome of that evaluation. It was determined that the CNG ambulance was not a feasible option. The last new City ambulance was ordered in 2012, when the oldest unit (1997) was placed in reserve status. It is recommended that the 1997 reserve unit be removed from service and be dedicated as surplus and be utilized in the mandatory Emergency Vehicle Operations Course that's given to new employees. Commissioner Kramer moved to, by minute motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council: 1. Approve the purchase of a new ambulance, from Frazer, Ltd. (Houston, TX) in an amount not to exceed $170,000. 2. Authorize the designation of Frazer as a sole source vendor. 3. Authorize out of state travel for one Fire Department representative to travel to Houston, Texas, to inspect and deliver the new medic unit. 4. Authorize staff to designate the existing Medic Unit 267 (1997 E-One Ambulance) as surplus and donate to Riverside County for training purposes. Public Safety Commission Approved Minutes October 14, 2015 Page 4 Motion was seconded by Commissioner Luhring and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Kirkwood, Kramer, Luhring, Taylor, and Nethery; NOES: None). B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND INDIAN WELLS TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AGREEMENT FOR A FULL TIME EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR. Stephen Aryan stated that the cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells would like to contract for a shared full-time Emergency Services Coordinator and have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the specific details of this partnership. This position will work in many areas including, but not limited to, emergency planning, staff training, community outreach, coordinating exercises, grant management, emergency response, and post -even recovery. The operating cost to Palm Desert and Indian Wells is estimated to be a total of $173,709 (salary $116,074; vehicle and supplies $57,635) which would be split 50/50 between the two cities. Commissioner Harkins moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding between the Cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells to contract for a Full -Time Emergency Services Coordinator. Motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Kirkwood, Kramer, Luhring, Taylor, and Nethery; NOES: None). C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO IMPLEMENT AND FUND THE 2015 "SHOP WITH A COP" PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,415. Stephen Aryan stated that the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station personnel has organized this charity event for the past six years to benefit disadvantaged children in the community. The Cove Communities will fund $3,500, with Palm Desert's share being $2,415. Wal-Mart has also agreed to donate $2,500. The event is tentatively scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 5 and is being organized by Sgt. Dave Adams. Commissioner Kirkwood moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the City Council approve the City of Palm Desert's participation in the 2015 "Shop with a Cop" program, in an amount not to exceed $2,415. Motion seconded by Commissioner Luhring and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Kirkwood, Kramer, Luhring, Taylor, and Nethery; NOES: None). Public Safety Commission Approved Minutes October 14, 2015 Page 5 D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO IMPLEMENT A BIENNIAL SPONSORSHIP FOR THE PALM DESERT POLICE EXPLORER PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,800. Sergeant Dave Smith was present and explained that the Palm Desert Police Explorer Program is part of the Learning for Life Division of the Boy Scouts of America. It was designed to allow youth between the ages of fourteen and twenty- one years of age to explore the field of law enforcement. The requested money to fund the program (a combined total of $20,000 contribution by the Cove Communities with Palm Desert's share being $13,800) pays for travel expenses to leadership academy training, as well as food and water for the Explorers while they're assisting with events such as the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade and the Fourth of July celebration. Based on the Cove Commission formula, Palm Desert is asked to contribute 69%, Rancho Mirage 24% and Indian Wells 7%. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by minute motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council approve implementation of a biennial sponsorship for the Palm Desert Police Explorer Program, in the amount of $13,800. Seconded by Commissioner Kramer and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Kirkwood, Kramer, Luhring, Taylor, and Nethery; NOES: None). E. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL TO SURPLUS PALM DESERT POLICE MOTORCYCLE NO. 873 (2009 HONDA). Lieutenant Bill Sullivan was present and stated that Palm Desert Police motorcycle No. 873 was taken for service to Honda of Redlands due to a "knocking" sound. The Service Manager suggested that the problem was a possible knocking rod, but wouldn't be able to confirm the diagnosis until the engine was tom down at the cost of approximately $2,000, not including any repair work. Lt. Sullivan recommended that the motorcycle be disposed of as surplus property and the purchase request of a new motorcycle is underway, which has been approved in the FY 2015/16 budget. Commissioner Harkins moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council approve the surplus of Palm Desert Police Department Motorcycle No. 873 (2009 Honda). Seconded by Commissioner Luhring and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Kirkwood, Kramer, Luhring, Taylor, and Nethery; NOES: None). Vill. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE Public Safety Commission Approved Minutes October 14, 2015 Page 6 IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION(S) 1. Update on City Council Budget Study Session Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel stated that the contracts for the Palm Desert Police and Fire service consumes 50% of the City's budget. There will be a ballot measure in 2016 asking voters to increase the TOT tax by 2%, which he believes could help offset part of the rise in costs of the Police and Fire service in Palm Desert. The current TOT in Palm Desert is 9%, which is very low compared to Palm Springs at 16%. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. The COPS Caller for October 2015 2. Monthly Report for September 2015 B. Leoislative Update Mr. Aryan stated that he won't have a legislative update until January when the legislature reconvenes. C. Police and Fire Departments Lt. Sullivan stated that the Holiday Theft Suppression program will start soon. He also advised that the Mongols motorcycle club will be staying at the Marriott Residence Inn on Cook Street on October 23-25, which coincides with the BBQ/Bike Show being hosted by the Spa Resort and Casino in Palm Springs that same weekend. Battalion Chief Bill Hunley stated that he will be retiring from the Fire Department on November 4 and Dan Talbot will replace him. Battalion Chief Talbot has worked in Palm Desert in the past and was one of the first paramedics at Station No. 33 and had been the Captain at Station No. 67. He returns to Palm Desert with a very well-rounded background. D. Staff 1. November Meeting Discussion Mr. Aryan stated that the November Public Safety Commission meeting falls on Veteran's Day and City Hall will be closed. He stated that he only has one item and offered to move the meeting to November 18. Chair Nethery commented that there's no need to have a meeting for one item. It was agreed that the November meeting be canceled. If more Public Safety Commission Approved Minutes October 14, 2015 Page 7 items come up, a meeting could possibly be scheduled. Mr. Aryan also commented that staff reports could also be emailed to the Commissioners if something comes up. Mr. Aryan introduced Abigail Sanford who is a member of the Palm Desert Youth Committee. Ms. Sanford is the designated liaison to the Public Safety Committee. 2. October CERT Class Mr. Aryan stated that the City usually hosts two or three CERT classes per year. He is currently taking reservations for CERT training and had the most people who have ever signed up. The maximum number of students in a class is 40 and he has 40 signed up, plus ten on a waiting list. E. Public Safetv Commissioner Comments Chair Nethery asked that if a meeting is scheduled in November, could it be held later in the day (4:00 or 4:15 p.m.)? Commissioner Harkins commented that the evening of July 30 was devastating at Palm Desert Country Club, due to the sudden storm and subsequent damage to homes and landscaping. She thanked Mr. Aryan, John Wohlmuth and the entire Public Works crew for all their help during and after the storm. Commissioner Kramer asked about the road repairs on Tamarisk Row. Mr. Wohlmuth stated that Public Works is testing a new procedure called Micro -Refurbishing. It's a shallow repair, which is different from the work along Portola Avenue which had a major overlay since the pavement couldn't be slurry sealed or crack sealed. Commissioner Kramer commented that there are a lot of open cracks on Tamarisk Row. Commissioner Kramer stated that there are solicitors/transients on Country Club Drive who are controlling the traffic signals. Captain Sue Trevino commented that Jurupa Valley has a similar problem and has implemented a program regarding this issue. Captain Trevino is going to send a couple of officers to train there. She commented that homelessness is on the front bumer and that there's not a whole lot that can be done about it, but she's looking at ways to attack it. Commissioner Kramer asked about the annual increases from the Sheriff's Department and how involved the City Council is prior to the negotiations. Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel stated that the Council reviews the Public Safety Commission Approved Minutes October 14, 2015 Page 8 contract and makes recommendations. Mr. Wohlmuth stated that Mr. Aryan attended a Board of Supervisors meeting along with other city representatives expressing their concern over rising costs. There's room in the City's budget to address the kinds of increases that are coming forward. Chair Nethery asked about the traffic control issue that was discussed at the previous meeting on Kansas Street. Commissioner Harkins stated that Mark Diercks had chevron stripes added to the pavement and it's made a big difference. Chair Nethery wondered why Indian Wells didn't add a third lane on Highway 111, but added a good-looking median. Highway 111 has three lanes in Palm Desert, but the third lane goes away when entering Indian Wells. Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel commented that Indian Wells didn't want a third lane. Chair Nethery suggested widening Highway 111. He also commented that if San Pablo is reduced to one lane it will create more traffic. Make sure we don't make traffic worse by narrowing San Pablo. Mr. Wohlmuth commented that there haven't been any discussions regarding narrowing Highway 111, but the speed limit may be lowered. XII. NEXT MEETING DATE —December 9, 2015 XIII. ADJOURNMENT With commissioner concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 4:34 p.m. _At .. r Donna Evans, Recording Secretary