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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Public Safety Commission 09/08/2004CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 - 3:30 p.m. Administrative Conference Room 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice -Chairman James Larsh called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present Absent: Commissioner James Butzbach Commissioner Martin Nethery Commissioner James Larsh Commissioner Rick Lebel Guests Leon Bennett Gloria Kirkwood 111. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Public Safety Commission or audience request items be removed from the consent calendar for separate discussion and action under Section V. Consent Items Held Over, of the agenda. GACityCtrkXKaren RussoTublic Safety Commission 2004\September Mmutes.wpd 1 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 A. Approval of Minutes from June 9, 2004, Public Safety Commission Meeting. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Minutes as presented. B. Ratification of approval of PACT billings for May and June, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, ratify approval of the PACT billings for May and June, 2004. C. Computer Equipment Request. Rec: By Minute Motion, recommend to the City Council that it concur with the Police Department's proposal to expend approximately $18,095 in Cal COPS (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding - SLESF) Grant funding to purchase computer equipment. Motion by Commissioner Butzbach to approve the Consent Calendar. Commissioner Lebel requested Item C be pulled for discussion. Revised motion by Commissioner Butzbach to approve Consent Calendar Items A and B and remove Item C for discussion, seconded by Commissioner Lebel. Motion carried 3-0. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER Item C: Computer Equipment Request Rec: By Minute Motion, recommend to the City Council that it concur with the Police Department's proposal to expend approximately $18,095 in Cal COPS (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding - SLESF) Grant funding to purchase computer equipment. Discussion: Commissioner Lebel asked if research had been conducted on brands other than those recommended. Lt. Thetford reported that specifications are given to the City's Information Services Manager for research. Commissioner Lebel gave Lt. Thetford information he had gathered on similar equipment for future consideration. Motion by Commissioner Lebel to approve Item C of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Commissioner Butzbach. Motion carried 3- 0. GACityM\Ka= Ruswo ftb6c Safety Commission 2004%eptember Mimues.wpd 2 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 VI. NEW BUSINESS 0 91 L Consideration of monthly reports from Palm Desert Fire Services for the months of May, June, and July, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file reports. Motion by Commissioner Lobel, seconded by Commissioner Butzbach, to receive and rile reports. Motion carried 3-0 Consideration of Crossroads Traffic Collision and Citation Statistics for May, June, and July, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file report. Motion by Commissioner Butzbech, seconded by Commissioner Lobel, to receive and file reports. Motion carried 3-0. Consideration of Draft Police Action Counseling Team Contract For Services for period July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005. Rec: Receive presentation by Dr. Tonkins, President of P.A.C.T., and by Minute Motion, make an appropriate recommendation from the information she provides. Mrs. Gilligan indicated that Mrs. Tonkins notified Lt. Thetford via e- mail that she would be unable to provide services to the City next year. Ms. Gilligan requested this item be removed from the agenda. Lt. Thetford informed the Commission that Dr. Tonkins would send a letter to the City thanking the City for its support the last couple of years. A question was raised as to whether the County would continue the program, and Lt. Thetford mentioned that funding for the County program ran out this year. There was discussion about whether the Police Department would be able to provide counseling and interviews. Lt. Thetford said that the way the PACT program was established, services cannot be provided as were provided under the PACT contract. However, GTityOrkWaren RussoTubhe Safety Conmussion 2004\September NLnutesmpd PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 deputies gained a great deal of knowledge on crisis intervention and identifying trauma in children which can be applied to situations. Lincoln Elementary School recently received a grant for buildings to be used for a counseling program, and something may be worked out with them. Westminster has a public service program that identifies school children with a high potential for trauma that has been effective. Schools will be used as resource, and spot counseling can be conducted. There was discussion about the valley -wide program starting in Cathedral City. Lt. Thetford mentioned that this is a different type of program (focusing on shut-ins) with many facets. The counselors who worked with the PACT program are still in the valley and work for DPSS, Child Protective Services, or Social Services. The Department has a good working -relationship with these agencies and they will be a valuable resource. There was discussion about the T.I.P. Program operated through CVAG. This is an adult program providing support in times of disaster such as earthquakes, crimes, fire. Those involved are not trained professionals as were PACT personnel. Motion to remove from agenda carried 3-0. D. Consideration of Palm Desert Target Team Monthly Statistics for July, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Motion by Commissioner Lebel, seconded by Commissioner Butrbach, to receive and rile report Motion carried 3-0. E. Request from Westfield Shoppingtown Palm Desert to provide a staffed substation at the Mall. Rec: Oral report and recommendation to be provided by Lt. Thetford. Lt. Thetford reported that he attended a meeting with Mayor Spiegel, Sheila Gilligan, and Norine Bowen of Westfield. Westfield would like police presence back at the Mall, and offered a 1564 sq. ft. undeveloped space. The cost to renovate would have been approximately $100,000. An alternative was suggested and GACityCIrkT,aren Russo\Pubhc Safely Commission 2OWSeptember Minutes.wpd 4 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER $, 2004 the Mall offered space in the old Swenson's restaurant. The goal is to get in before Thanksgiving and before the start of the Christmas program. This location could serve as the command post for the bicycle posse, the search and rescue volunteers, and CSO's. With minimal work, the former restaurant space can be utilized for a $1.00/year lease. A question was raised as to whether there was a contingency fund to assist in modifications of the proposed substation site. Lt. Thetford said yes, and a request will be made to the Mall to have their construction crews do some of the work. There was discussion about the opportunity to open a turn -key substation at the Visitor Information Center once it relocates to the Entrada del Paseo location. There was consensus that once this facility becomes available, it would be in the best interest to close the substation at the Mail and relocate to the Visitor Information Center. Motion to recommend to the City Council that it support a staffed substation at the Mall and further recommend that it consider relocating the substation to the Visitor Information Center once it has relocated to the new facility made by Commissioner Lebel, seconded by Commissioner Butzbach. Motion carried 3-0. F. "Adopt A School" Program. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Motion to receive and rile the "Adopt A School" Program made by Commissioner Butzbach, seconded by Commissioner Larsh. Motion carried 3-0. G. School Safety Program - September 7-17, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Motion by Commissioner Lebel to receive and file, seconded by Commissioner Butrbach. Motion carried 3-0. G-TityClrkWaren Russo)PuWc Safety Commission 20041September Nfinutesmpd PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 H. Palm Springs Narcotics Task Force (PSNTF) Sheriffs Service Officer position reassignment. Rec: By Minute Motion, recommend to the City Council it concur with the Police Department's proposal to reassign the Dedicated Sheriffs Service Officer (SSO) from the Palm Springs Narcotics Task Force to the Palm Desert Station. Lt. Thetford indicated the Department funded a Sheriffs Services Officer position for assignment to the Palm Springs Narcotics Task Force. To date, the City of Palm Desert has not received any asset forfeiture funds from PSNTF to offset the cost of its funded SSO position and there has been minimal, if any, PSNTF activity in the City of Palm Desert in the past few years. A question was raised as to whether there was a plan to phase out this position and Lt. Thetford said that could be done. The contract process is that once reassignment is approved by Council, PSNTF will be put on notice that the position will be returned to the Palm Desert Station. Motion that the Commission recommend to the Palm I Desert City Council that it concur with the Police Department's recommendation to reassign the Dedicated SherifFs Service Officer from the Palm Springs Narcotics Task Force to the Palm Desert Station made by Commissioner Butzbach, seconded by Commissioner Lebel. Motion carried 3-0. !. Local Law Enforcement Block Grant - FY 2004/2005. Rec: By Minute Motion, recommend to the City Council it approve the Police Department's proposal to accept the LLEBG Award (approximately $11,535) and approve the matching fund expenditure (approximately $1,282) in police contingency funds for a total of LLEBG Grant eligible award amount of approximately $12,817. Lt. Thetford stated that every year many cities in the country are given opportunities for grant money. Palm Desert has been receiving this grant for the last three years. The amount is based on a formula that includes Part I crimes._ The higher the Part 1 crimes, the more money is given; the lower the Part 1 crimes, the less money is given. The good news is Palm Desert's Part 1 G:1CityC1rk\Karen RuswTAfic Safety Commission 2W4VSept—ber Mmutes."d 6 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 crimes has begun to taper off when compared to total population and crime index, which is based on a crime index per 1,000 residents. This year the grant totals $12,817. The Palm Desert Police Department would like to use the grant funds to purchase night vision equipment and mapping software for patrol staff. Motion by Commissioner Lobel to recommend to the City Council it approve the Police Department's proposal to accept the LLEBG Award (approximately $11,535) and approve the matching fund expenditure (approximately $1,282) in police contingency funds for a total of LLEBG Grant eligible award amount of approximately $12,817, seconded by Commissioner Butzbach. Motion carried 3-0. J. Approval of estimated expenditures under the Police Supplemental Law Enforcement (SLEF - Cal COPS) grant for FY 2004/05. Rec: By Minute Motion, recommend to the City Council it concur with the recommendation of U. Thetford to approve the list of estimated expenditures for the City of Palm Desert Police Supplemental Law Enforcement Funds (SLEF - Cal COPS) grant for fiscal year 2004/05. Lt. Thetford reported that Palm Desert has been receiving this grant for the last couple of years. The purpose of the grant is to supplement front line law enforcement. Palm Desert is estimated to receive $100,000 for 2005. it is proposed that $50,000 will be used for computer hardware/software upgrades and miscellaneous patrol equipment, and $50,000 for personnel costs and training for supplemental enforcement programs. Motion to recommend to the City Council that it concur with the recommendation of the Police Department to approve the list of estimated expenditures for the City of Palm Desert Police Supplemental Law Enforcement Funds (SLEF - Cal COPS) Grant for Fiscal Year 2004f05 made by Commissioner Butzbach, seconded by Commissioner Lobel. Motion carried 3-0. G: QtyCkk\Karen Ru&wTublic Safety Commission 2004\Septemba Mwte&vipd 7 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. None. Vill. OLD BUSINESS A. "Draft" Adult Life and Residence Monitoring (A.L.A.R.M.) Program. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Lt. Thetford gave an overview of the program, which consists of two parts. The first portion of the program is the "You Are Not Alone" (YANA) program and the second portion is the "Vacant Property Check" Program. The YANA program consists of a registration procedure for local senior citizens, a telephone contact and/or home visits protocol, and an activity tracking system to check on registered YANA members. The Vacant Property Check program is designed to provide temporary enhanced security to residents in the event they are on vacation or leave the valley for an extended period of time. This program consists of a registration procedure and a tracking system. Current staff will operate both programs during the initial start-up. As the programs evolve, the goal will be to utilize the members of the Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol to help accomplish the mission. There was a question as to whether there is a budget to facilitate the programs, and Lt. Thetford indicated they are still in the process of putting together the financial plan. Councilman Ferguson asked if this item would be going to the City Council, and the answer was yes. He mentioned a program in existence at the City of Scottsdale where individuals register with the Fire Department and provide information on allergies, medications being taken, physician information, emergency numbers, pager number, etc. The Fire Department stores this information in their database, and if called concerning an individual who is registered, information is available and they know who to contact. Mrs. Gilligan summarized by stating that before the item goes to the City Council, there will be a financial plan prepared and G:\CityCltk\Karen Russo\pubHc safety Commission 2004\September Mumtes.wpd PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 brainstorming meetings will be held with Police, Fire and City departments to formulate a program. Motion to recommend to the City Council that the A.L.A.RM. Program be approved in concept and ask staff to provide further details and bnancial plan made by Commissioner Lebel, seconded by Commissioner Butzbach. Motion carried 3-0. IX. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) Mrs. Gilligan mentioned that the 990 Store will be opening this week. The Police Department is aware of the opening date and will be closely patrolling the center since there are several advertised specials and the grand opening should be well attended. The new Lincoln After School Program is being sponsored by the YMCA with maximum enrollment being reached the first day. This program is being offered at $101week per student. A live theater will be opening in November in the Westfield Shoppingtown. One of the movie theaters has been renovated and will seat 425. Red 74, a restaurantllounge, opened on September 3. Councilman Ferguson mentioned that HOA presidents received a letter stating that in 2003, one in ten Palm Desert households was the victim of a crime. Lt. Thetford was asked by the City Manager to prepare a report on crime statistics. The report has been completed for the last five years using the 2002 FBI crime report. The Crime Analyst also incorporated 2003 county stats along with population information from the City of Palm Desert and the Police Department's crime database. Lt. Thetford does not know what source was used in making the statement "1 in 10 households". According to Police Department statistics, 6 in every 100 people in the City of Palm Desert were victims of Part 1 crimes (murder, rape, assault, robbery, burglary). A question was raised concerning the 6 in 100 being involved in Part 1 crimes. It would appear that a large percentage of people involved in these types of crimes do not live in Palm Desert. This then means the Part 1 crime happened in Palm Desert but not necessarily to a resident. The population in Palm Desert has increased over the last five years, white the victims per thousand ratio stayed the same. There was a 5% GACityarkWaren RuswTubfic Safety Commission 20041September Mnutes.wo 9 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 decrease in crimes against persons over the last 5 years. Vice Chairman Larsh introduced guests: Leon Bennett and Gloria Kirkwood. X. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Peace Officer & Public Safety Appreciation Day Awards. The luncheon will be held on November 23, 2004. A question was raised as to whether Palm Desert would be presenting any awards or receiving recognition. The Police and Fire Departments are working on this. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Butzbach, seconded by Commissioner Lebel to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 4.45 p.m. by a 3-0 vote. IaCL, I�c.44,l, Karen Russo, Recording Secretary GACityClrk\Karen Russoftblic Safety Commission 20041September Mnutes.wpd 10