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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Public Safety Commission 04/14/2004CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MINUTES April 14, 2004 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Nethery called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Commissioner James Butzbach Commissioner James Larsh Commissioner Rick Lebel Commissioner Martin Nethery Also Present: Councilman Dick Kelly Councilman Jim Ferguson Assistant City Manager/Community Services Sheila R. Gilligan Assistant City Manager/Development Services Homer Croy Lt. Steve Thetford Division Fire Chief Ignacio Otero Robert Kohn, Director of Special Programs Patricia Scully, Senior Management Analyst Guests Representatives from the Explorers Program: Sgt. Randy Vasquez Corporal Brian Hightower Explorer Eddy Reyes G\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\April 2004 A innes.wpd Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the Public Safety Commission meeting of March 10, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Minutes as presented. B. Ratification of Approval of P.A.C.T. billing for the month of February, 2004. Rec: By Minute Motion, ratify the approval of the P.A.C.T. billing for February, 2004. Motion by Commissioner Larsh, seconded by Commissioner Butzbach, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None. VL NEW BUSINESS A. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report - February, 2004 Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file the monthly report for February, 2004. Chief Otero reported that a couple of firefighters were sent to Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo, along with Councilmember Kelly, to provide training on equipment that was donated. Councilman Kelly mentioned the two firefighters were extremely helpful and did an excellent job in providing training. The first day they were there they used an engine that was donated to fight a fire. They both worked hard every day and should be commended for doing an outstanding job. The Rotary Club donated money to the G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\April 2004Ivfinutes.wpd Page 2 Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** day care center. Ms. Scully indicated she and Ms. Gilligan met with the Executive Director of the League of California Cities recently, and the League is interested in featuring a story on this project in Western Cities magazine. The Commission requested that a copy of the article be included in their agenda packet when it is available. Motion to receive and file the monthly report for February, 2004, made by Commissioner Butzbach, seconded by Commissioner Larsh, and unanimously carried. B. Presentation by the Palm Desert Police Explorers Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file report. Lt. Thetford introduced members of the Explorers Program who were in attendance to give the Commission an overview of the program. Introduced were Sgt. Vasquez (of the Palm Desert Police Department) and Corporal Hightower, advisors for the program. Sgt. Vasquez indicated there are currently ten Explorers who have donated approximately 400 volunteer hours during 2003. There are currently 3-5 Explorers in the application process at this time. They have to meet minimum standards: (1) between the age of 14-1/2 and 21 years of age, (2) maintain a "C" average, (3) no major contact with law enforcement or criminal background. The Explorer Program is associated with Boy Scouts of America and sponsored by the Sheriffs Department. Supervision provided is on a volunteer basis. The program offers teenagers exposure to the law enforcement field. Weekly meetings are held that include training on vehicle enforcement stops, building checks, and a wide variety of other training. Explorers also assist in City activities and in crime scene searches. They participate in crowd control at events such as the Golf Cart Parade and Concerts in the Park. Corporal Brian Hightower spoke about the program and the goals: (1) want residents in Palm Desert to see that kids are doing something productive with their lives; (2) supply reserve unit of individuals for emergencies or community service; (3) provide elementary law enforcement training; (4) watch and observe what deputies do; (5) give Explorers the experience necessary for them to make an educated decision as to whether to pursue a law enforcement career G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\April 2004 Mlnutes.wpd Page 3 Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES in the future; and, (6) promote a spirit of cooperation through personal growth and group development. The Explorers provide hundreds of hours of community service to the City of Palm Desert. Examples are Concerts In The Park on Thursday nights, the 4th of July celebration, Golf Cart Parade, Spring Fest. Sgt. Vasquez talked about the National Explorer Competition that will take place in Georgia in July, 2004. It allows Explorers the opportunity to compete in scenarios with agencies throughout the United States. There will be over 1,000 Explorer Scouts attending. This is the first time the City's Explorer Scouts have had the opportunity to participate in National competition. They have participated in regional and local competition and have done very well. The Commission wished the Explores good luck and asked for a report when the competition is over. No motion required as this was an oral presentation. C. Palm Desert Police Department Computer Equipment Request Rec: By Minute Motion, recommend to the City Council it concur with the Police Department's proposal to expend approximately $9,551.17 in Cal COPS (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding - SLESF) Grant funding to purchase computer equipment. Motion by Commissioner Larsh, seconded by Commissioner Butzbach, to recommend to the City Council it concur with the Police Department's proposal to expend approximately $9,551.17 in Cal COPS Grant funding to purchase computer equipment, unanimously approved. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2004/05 Palm Desert Police Department Budget for Law Enforcement Services. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the budget as presented with a recommendation to the City Council to approve. Ms. Gilligan mentioned that the City has been going through its budget process. As part of that process and because of the State's G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 20041Apri12004 Minutes.wpd Page 4 Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES ********** weak financial position and the uncertainty of what they will take from the City, the City Manager asked departments to provide for a potential of a 15% cut in the budget. However, since then, the City Council has met in a Study Session to review the budget proposed. Councilman Kelly reported that the Council is not considering any reductions at this time. The feeling of the Council is that taxes are collected from citizens to provide services and not to hold the money in reserves. Councilman Ferguson mentioned that he was not at the budget meeting, but concurs with what the Council is doing now because the City is fighting with the State over our money and working with the California League of Cities to preserve our funds and insure a backfill of the money they are taking. In gross numbers, there is a $35 million budget; the State wants to take $3.5 million of our sales tax in June, promising to repay it a year from this June. Every time they have done that in the past, they have never made good on their promise. That is a 10% cut to us right off the top. The State is also considering taking $1.9 million of our vehicle license fees, which brings that number to 15%. The State's program will last ten years. While the City has reserves and is flush, it cannot fund a deficit of $5 million for ten years. This year Palm Desert will continue its level of service. Although it may not be an issue now, it may be next year, and Councilman Fergusonmentioned that he would still be interested in seeing the prioritization Lt. Thetford has proposed. The Council is seeking input from the Commission. The threshold argument is, if you are going to make cuts, do you do it across the board or do you prioritize? Public Safety is the largest budget item, and it is important to provide that function to our residents. Councilman Kelly mentioned that because the City has an adequate reserve, it should continue to do the kind of job for its citizens that it has always done. The City has been successful in finding ways to generate revenue for the City, and he felt confident that it will keep finding ways to create new sources of revenue. He is strongly opposed to any reduction in services. Ms. Gilligan said the budget presented is a rollover budget from last year, with the same number of positions and the same level of service. The budget is projected at a 10% increase due to workers' comp, retirement, health benefits, salaries, etc. Commissioner Lebel asked if departments had given consideration to increasing revenues within their departments; i.e. fines, forfeitures, seizures, increase in permit fees, etc. G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\April 2004 Minutes.wpd Page 5' Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES Councilman Ferguson does not believe there is any division on the Council about cutting the level of service to residents — but the level of service to residents and what the City pays for the service are two different things. The City has been working with the Cove Commission's fire formula on how to maintain the same level of service and do it more efficiently. The direction from the Council has never been on how to reduce service. It has been on how to be more lean and efficient so that we do not have to get to the point of talking about reducing services. The City has never had an unbalanced budget. Lt. Thetford mentioned that there was discussion about Vehicle Impound Cost Recovery (VICR). This is something the City of Palm Desert currently does not do. The Vehicle Code allows a city or municipality to charge a fee for the cost of its officers to impound, tow, and store vehicles. They are entitled to charge a reasonable amount, which has been determined as one hours' worth of salary of an officer. If Palm Desert charged $90, that would generate almost $90,000 in revenue. They are also looking into reassigning the cost of certain positions that service redevelopment, such as the Crime Prevention Officer, to the RDA. A question was asked as to what other cities are charging for V1CR. Fountain Valley is charging $200. The Indio Station is charging $85. Rancho Mirage charges $90. Palm Desert is looking at $90. This would apply to DUI drivers, people who leave vehicles abandoned on the roadways, etc. A question was asked as to whether towing companies were required to bid for City contract, and the answer was no. There was discussion about the School Resource Officer positions the City funds. DSUSD is not paying part of the cost as they do in other cities. Ms. Gilligan mentioned that the Two By Two Committee has discussed this, but the school district feels the City has the money and they are not willing to share this cost. Councilman Ferguson stated that he didn't feel that anyone would accuse the Commission of being over parochial if it were to send the Council a message that across the board cuts don't treat public safety with the priority that it deserves. Basically, this is the last place he would start in a budget reduction process because he feels this is the most important service that we have. Councilman Kelly said he saw no reason to send any message because as far as he is concerned, the Council is not considering or G:1CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\April 2004Kmutes.wpd Page 6 Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES discussing any cuts and he does not like the idea of talking about considering cuts. He does not feel it is an issue. Ms. Gilligan asked the Commission to take action and to recommend to the City Manager and City Council that the budget be adopted as submitted by Lt. Thetford, recognizing that it will be budgeted at an 8% increase rather than the 10%. Motion to recommend approval of budget as presented made by Commissioner Lebel, seconded by Commissioner Larsh, unanimously approved. B. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2004/05 Palm Desert Fire Department Budget for Fire Services. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the budget as presented with a recommendation to the City Council to approve. Ms. Gilligan indicated Paul Gibson, Finance Director, was present to given overview of where the Cove Commission is and where the negotiations are between the three cities. Mr. Gibson mentioned the City Managers and Finance Directors met to discuss the Cove Commission formula. Indian Wells had made notification to the Commission of its intent to withdraw if the formula (cost allocation) was not adjusted. A cost allocation has not been finalized as yet because the Cove Commission has not met to consider the proposal. We have asked for alternatives going back to the 2001 level of staffing (2 men per engine, etc.). At this point the Fire Department has not come back with a proposal. What is provided is the total budget, less revenues to be received. The City would contribute from the General Fund approximately $1 million, plus additional monies would be used from Prop A Fire Fund to cover the total cost incurred for the City's share of approximately $6.7 million. Indian Wells has proposed a formula based on the number of calls in each city. If we had 600 calls in Palm Desert versus 1,000, we would pay that percentage. Mutual aid would be on a 1/3 for each city - with each city paying an equal share. There was discussion that in other agencies (San Diego and San Bernardino County) they use the formula which includes calls for service. They do it over a two year period, excluding all mutual aid calls for service. It is based on a two year period G:\CityCkkWKaren Russotpublic Safety Commission 20041Apnl 2004 Mimrtes.wpd Page 7 Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************** ***** *************************************** due to the fact there may be a higher incident because of development or some other factor in one community in one year which might mitigate itself over a two-year period. Councilman Ferguson felt it would be better to come back to the Commission with what was negotiated. Councilman Kelly felt something should be resolved by the next meeting. Motion to continue item to next meeting made by Commissioner Butzbach, seconded by Commissioner Larsh, unanimously approved Councilman Kelly mentioned that several years ago, consideration was given to charging non-residents for ambulance service. This was never implemented. In discussing the creation of sources of revenue without affecting service, this might be a consideration at this time. Chief Otero mentioned that the cities of Cathedral City and Indio charge. The ambulance service charges $1500. Indio charges $800 to everyone across the board, including residents. Last year, the department transported approximately 5,300 people. If half were non-residents, at a cost of $800, this would generate approximately $200,000. The Department has not tracked the percentage of residents versus non-residents, but believes it would be about 50%. This recommendation was made to the TAC last month. Ms. Gilligan mentioned that as a point of information, this is the standard budget process. Staff knew going in that the Cove Commission hadn't made any decision, but it needed to present the budget to the Public Safety Commission to give an update on where it stood. The City Manager was calling for 15% cuts at the time the memo was prepared, and staff's instruction was to bring that to the Commission as well. C. Discussion of Public Safety and Public Welfare Ordinances Rec: By Minute Motion, continue item to May, 2004, Public Safety Commission Meeting. Ms. Gilligan said that Steve Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager, will be completing the project and has met with Rick Lebel, Dave Erwin, and her. It will probably be 60-90 days G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\April 2004 Mmutes.wpd Page 8 Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** before the City Attorney's Office can go through the ordinances. The recommendation is, therefore, to continue the item to the October meeting. Motion to continue this item to October, 2004, made by Commissioner Lebel, seconded by Commissioner Butzbach, unanimously carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS None. IX. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION(S) Ms. Gilligan advised that as the result of the Commission's recommendation to the City Council, the Council recognized the Fire Chief and Police Chief at a Council Meeting. The waiter at Macaroni Grill was also recognized for his assistance in capturing an individual who took a ladies purse. Chairman Nethery asked about an article in the paper concerning Highway 74. Ms. Gilligan said a meeting was held as a result of the death on Highway 74 at Thrush. The residents from the area wanted to meet with the Mayor, and presented a petition of 250 names requesting a signal. In order to listen to the residents, a study session was scheduled. The matter will go back to the City Council in May, and it will be brought to the Public Safety Commission in May. Councilman Kelly said that at the Council meeting, several people who live on Grapevine were in attendance. Since it is a residential street, they are upset that it is a cut -through street that is used by commercial vehicles. The Council decided to have a double yellow line installed to insure there is no passing, and a stop sign will be installed. If a light were to be installed, it might encourage motorists to use it as a main street. Homer Croy, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, will oversee this. The item will go back to the City Council on May 13. Since the Commission meets May 12, Mr. Croy will provide the Commission with an update. Ultimately, Caltrans makes the decision. We will make strong recommendations, but traffic counts have to be justified. It looks like one for sure, two maybe. Where it will be and how it will be installed will still go through the Caltrans timeline and their approval system. The City is doing all it can to help the citizens. At the Council's direction, the City is trying to come up with something quickly in order to get it on the table so they can G:1CityClrk\Karen Russolpublic Safety Commission 2004\April 2004 Minutes.wpd Page 9 Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES move forward with their process. X. REPORTS AND REMARKS Councilman Kelly mentioned that the Mayor asked him to bring up the request for a report that gives the number of citations being issued. Lt. Thetford said that they are working on a crossroads program being funded by a block grant which will allow the department to generate that type of report. Within the next month there should be enough data in the system to generate a report of this nature. Councilman Kelly said that it would be helpful to have the information on a daily or weekly basis, rather than monthly, and he requested the report identify the number of citations issued by area. Lt. Thetford mentioned that the City Manager requested this information be provided at a recent meeting, and he is working on it. A. Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force Report - March 3, 2004. Ms. Gilligan said that this report was presented to the CVAG Public Safety Commission and the Mayor is a member of that Commission. He asked that the report be included with the agenda. Lt. Thetford said that the Palm Desert Police Department supports the Coachella Valley Violent Gang Task Force by providing financial support in allowing them to use JAIPG money every year. The report is generated from the Gang Task Force explaining the job they are doing. B. Highway 74 Traffic. Item covered earlier. C. 911 Calls from Cell Phones. Ms. Gilligan mentioned that this was brought up at a recent meeting and staff was not certain the information the Commission wanted to receive. Lt. Thetford gave an overview, indicating that when a call comes in to 911 from a cell phone, it goes directly into the CHP. At this point there is no technology to pinpoint the location of the caller. Cell phones are still considered to be mobile, and mobile calls go into CHP. G:1CityCtrk\Karen RussolPu6Gc Safety Commission 20041Apri12004 Minutes,wpd Page 10 Public Safety Commission April 14, 2004 MINUTES *************************************************************************************************** D. Coachella Valley Associations of Governments. Ms. Gilligan distributed the list of goals received from CVAG. This item will be agendized for the May, 2004, meeting. Councilman Kelly feels that there isn't enough being done to accommodate those who are not able to drive in the valley. He feels there needs to be a better way of getting people where they need to go in a timely manner. Sunline has ideas to help correct this situation. E. Legislative Update. Ms. Scully reported that the State Legislature has been working on the Workers' Compensation issue. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by CommissionerButzbach, seconded by Commissioner Lebel, to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m. Karen Russo, Recording Secretary G:\CityClrk\Karen Russo\Public Safety Commission 2004\April 2004 Minutes.wpd Page 11