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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Safety Cmsn - 9/14/05CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 3:30 p.m. Administrative Conference Room 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Chairman Larsh. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Commissioner James Butzbach Commissioner Gloria Kirkwood Vice Chairman Rick Lebel Commissioner Martin Nethery Chairman James Larsh Also Present: Councilman Richard S. Kelly Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM for Community Services Mark Greenwood, City Engineer Stephen Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager Steve Thetford, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police Department Walt Holloway, Palm Desert/Riverside County Fire Dept. David Avila, Fire Marshal Mary P. Gates, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes of the May 11, 2005, Public Safety Commission Meeting Rec: Approve as presented. APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 B. City Manager Approval of Request from Palm Desert Police Department to Expend Cal Cops Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund) — 2005/2006 to Purchase a Lamination Machine and Initial Stock of Material for Its Patrol Division in the Amount of $490.00 Rec: Receive and file. C. Informational Items: 1. Palm Desert Police Department Request for City Council Approval of Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funding Proposal for Computer Equipment and Digital Camera 2. Letter from Office of Traffic Safety Advising of the Approval of the Traffic Safety Mini -Grant Project as Part of the California Seat Belt Compliance Campaign Program 3. Increased Patrol in Civic Center Park 4. Newspaper Articles A. Fire Marshal Services B. Fire Services Contract C. City of Palm Desert Jurisdiction Over Highways 74 and 111 Vice Chairman Lebel moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Commissioners Kirkwood and Nethery ABSENT. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None I% APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION VI. NEW BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 A. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report - April, May, June, and July, 2005 Upon question by Vice Chairman Lebel, Chief Holloway responded that the "Major Noteworthy Events" portion of future monthly reports could include the total number of man hours for each event. Vice Chairman Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Fire Services monthly reports for April, May, June, and July, 2005. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Commissioners Kirkwood and Nethery ABSENT. B. Palm Desert Target Team Monthly Statistics - May, June, and July, 2005 Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Target Team monthly statistics for May, June, and July, 2005. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Lebel and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Commissioners Kirkwood and Nethery ABSENT. C. Palm Desert Station - Traffic Collision Statistics for April, May, and June, 2005 Upon question by Commissioner Butzbach, Lt. Thetford stated that the Traffic Collision Statistics for July, 2005, were not yet completed. Commissioner Butzbach also asked whether the DUI and seatbelt checkpoints also involved checks of drivers' licenses. Lt. Thetford responded that with regard to seatbelt checks, a quick visual observation will first be done; however, if a violation is noted, the vehicle will be pulled in, and a complete check will be done, including checking the license. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Station - Traffic Collision Statistics for April, May, and June, 2005. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Lebel and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Commissioners Kirkwood and Nethery ABSENT. 3 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 D. Consideration of Fire Department Request to Declare Two Ambulances as Surplus Equipment Chief Walt Holloway reviewed the staff report, noting that two ambulances had been replaced by new vehicles, and the Fire Department was recommending that the old ambulances be declared as surplus equipment. Upon question by Commissioner Butzbach, Mrs. Gilligan responded that the City Council would decide what to do with these two ambulances, although the City of Palm Desert had previously sent two ambulances to its Sister City in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo; however, if the Commission wished to make a recommendation as to their disposal, that could be included in the staff report to the City Council. Commissioner Butzbach said he felt it was important to make sure someone benefits from these vehicles, perhaps Palm Desert's Sister City or the gulf coast cities due to damage from Hurricane Katrina. Councilman Kelly noted that the City had donated an ambulance and two fire engines to its Sister City, and it was his understanding consideration was being given to donating another ambulance as well, as he was almost positive Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo needed another one. In addition, the City donated an ambulance to Tecate. He said he would guarantee the ambulances would go somewhere they are needed and would not be sold to the highest bidder. Vice Chairman Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council concur with the Fire Department request to declare two ambulances as surplus equipment, with suggestion that consideration be given to donating the ambulances to Palm Desert's Sister City or the gulf coast. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Commissioners Kirkwood and Nethery ABSENT. 4 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 E. Consideration of Draft Ordinance to Prohibit Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in the City of Palm Desert Lt. Thetford reviewed the staff report and draft ordinance, offering to answer any questions. Vice Chairman Lebel noted that the proposed section of the Municipal Code made no mention of Federal law. He suggested that Section 3 be amended to read, "If any section, subsection, sentence, clause phrase or word of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction or preempted by state or federal legislation, such decision or legislation shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance..." Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council concurwith the recommendation of the Palm Desert Police Department and the City Attorney to adopt an ordinance pertaining to prohibition of the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the City of Palm Desert, as amended by Vice Chairman Lebel above. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Lebel and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Commissioners Kirkwood and Nethery ABSENT. F. Request for Volunteer to Represent the Public Safety Commission on the Palm Desert Youth Committee Sponsored Public Safety Day Chairman Larsh volunteered to represent the Public Safety Commission on the Palm Desert Youth Committee sponsored Public Safety Day and said other members of the Commission might want to help with the pancake breakfast or other areas. Vice Chairman Lebel suggested that perhaps members of the Citizens on Patrol (COPs) could help as well. Commissioner Butzbach offered to help with the pancake breakfast as needed. G. Presentation by Deputy Rob Bishop Relative to Crime -Free Multi -Housing (CFMH) Program Lt. Thetford reviewed the staff report prepared by Deputy Bishop relative to the CFMH Program and the free seminar conducted on September 1, 2005. 5 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 Vice Chairman Lebel stated that he had gone through a similar experience with other communities trying to get apartment building owners to participate in these types of events. A task force was established with Police, Fire, Code, and Health Departments, which gridded the community, identified where apartment units were located, and went point to point on the grid doing inspections on the complexes. So much interest was generated by those inspections, and many violations were noted. No action was necessary or taken on this item by the Commission. H. Request for Acceptance of Cal COPS (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding - SLESF) Grant Award in the Amount of $100,000 Mrs. Gilligan noted that this item had arisen after posting of the Agenda; however, it was critical in nature and required Public Safety Commission action prior to being taken forward to City Council. Commissioner Butzbach moved to add this item to the Agenda for consideration and action. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Lebel and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Commissioners Kirkwood and Nethery ABSENT. Lt. Thetford reviewed the staff report, noting that he had prepared an expenditure plan for the proposed use of the funds for the Palm Desert Police Department to cover the staffing cost for the 2005 Holiday Theft Suppression Program as well as acquisition of necessary equipment to support front line law enforcement services. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with the Palm Desert Police Department's proposal and recommend to the City Council that it accept the Cal COPS (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding - SLESF) Grant award of $100,000 to be used to cover the proposed staffing cost for the 2005 Holiday Theft Suppression Program and the acquisition of necessary equipment to support the front line law enforcement services. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Lebel and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Commissioners Kirkwood and Nethery ABSENT. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None Vill. OLD BUSINESS None N. APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 IX. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) Mrs. Gilligan reported that the City Council, at its meeting of August 25, 2005, concurred with the recommendations of both the Palm Desert Police Department and the Public Safety Commission that the Visitor Information Center at Highway 111 and Monterey Avenue be used as a more permanent substation, moving the existing substation from the Westfield Palm Desert. While there might be other uses for that old Visitor Center property, that will not happen for at least two years, and the Police Department will use the facility until then. X. REPORTS AND REMARKS Update on the Citizens on Patrol Program Mrs. Gilligan noted that no update on the Citizens on Patrol Program was available at this time, as Bob Kohn, Director of Special Programs, had recently retired, and his department was currently being reorganized. She added that a report would be presented to the Commission at its next meeting. Legislative Update 1. Progress Report on AB 1127 Relative to Establishment of Conference Call Courts Report included in the packet — no action necessary or taken. 2. SB 186 (Battin) Relative to the City of Palm Desert Assuming Responsibility for and Authority Over the Portions of Highways 111 and 74 which are Located within Its City Limits Mrs. Gilligan stated that SB 186 had been passed and was on the Governor's desk for signature. City Engineer Mark Greenwood noted that passage of the bill meant CalTrans was now authorized to conduct the necessary environmental studies/cost analysis to consider transferring responsibility and authority of Highways 111 and 74 to Palm Desert, a process that would take at least six months to complete. Then negotiations would take place between the City and CalTrans relative to how much CalTrans would give Palm Desert to take over, and he added that the City would not actually assume authority until summer of 2006. VA APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 III. Oral Report Relative to Recent Golf Cart Incidents (Lt. Steve Thetford) Lt. Thetford provided an overview of the factual circumstances regarding the recent golf cart accident and resulting death, noting the case was still pending and was being sent to the District Attorney's Office. IV. Peace Officer and Public Appreciation Day Scheduled to be Held on November 22, 2005 Mrs. Gilligan invited members of the Public Safety Commission to this luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2005, at the Hyatt Grand Champions. All three Commissioners present indicated they would attend, with Mrs. Gates to contact the remaining two Commissioners and extend the invitation to them. V. Visitor Information Center Police Substation Please see Section IX above for the report on this item. VI. Update on Content of Special Edition of the BrightSide Newsletter Mrs. Gilligan stated that the City Council had requested that staff prepare a special edition of the BrightSide newsletter that would be devoted in its entirety to earthquake and disaster preparedness. That edition was currently being puttogether, and it would remind everyone of what they should do in a disaster and what supplies they need to have on hand. The issue would be eight pages in length and would be mailed to all residents and businesses in the City of Palm Desert within the next two to three weeks. VII. Oral Report Relative to Fire Station Upgrades (Stephen Aryan) Mr. Aryan distributed copies of photographs of completed renovations at Station 33 - Town Center and ongoing renovations at Station 67 - Mesa View (on file and of record in the Community Services Division). He noted with regard to the Town Center Station that the Fire Department provided the demolition of the existing facility, which helped keep the costs significantly down. With regard to the Mesa View Fire Station, approximately 941 square feet would be added to that facility. He noted that when this station was first opened about 25 years ago, it was staffed with 1-2 0 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 personnel, and now there were 5-6 people on staff. Renovations would include addition of a paramedic dorm room, expanded and new kitchen facilities similarto Town Center Station with commercial grade equipment, seismic retrofitting to meet updated Code requirements, and other site improvements to the landscaping to make it desert scape and cut down on water usage. He noted that construction was expected to be completed some time in December, with a January grand opening event to be planned. Because Council had directed staff to look at possibly relocating Station 71, that facility did not have a lot of renovations done at this time, although the cooking appliances had been replaced to meet the current needs. H. Palm Desert Police Department Units Lt. Thetford showed photos of the new paint schemes for the Palm Desert Police Department Vehicles. Hurricane Katrina Mr. Aryan advised that the General Manager of Marriott's Desert Springs had approached the City of Palm Desert requesting support in obtaining donations to assist approximately 60 Marriott employees and their families (approximately 240 individuals) who had been displaced by Hurricane Katrina, were currently at the Houston Astrodome, and who would be arriving in Palm Desert next week to stay at Shadow Ridge Villas for about 90 days. He said it was his understanding the employees would be provided with jobs while they were here. He noted that the City of Palm Desert had expedited the Certificates of Occupancy for these units in order to make them immediately available. In addition, the City had provided a phone line for donations, and as of today, close to 200 calls had been received. Mrs. Gilligan added that the City of Palm Desert had also donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross to help in the relief effort. Mr. Aryan additionally noted that the City had donated to three charities helping with the rescue and sheltering of animals affected by the Hurricane. Councilman Kelly noted that Desert Willow had recently had a special where anyone donating $50 would play a free round of golf, and that event raised approximately $6,000. 9 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 J. Samsung LPGA World Champion Golf Tournament Commissioner Butzbach noted that BigHorn Golf Club, his employer, would be hosting the 2"d Annual Samsung LPGA World Champion Golf Tournament October 12-16, 2005, which would attract the top 20 female golfers in the world. He said he had been in touch with Lt. Thetford, and one of his sergeants had been assigned to this event. All of the parking for this golf event would be at the McCallum Theatre where the Street Fair was currently being held on weekends. He noted that, as of October 1, the Street Fair was moving to the north end of the College of the Desert campus just off of Monterey Avenue at Magnesia Falls and would no longer be located at the McCallum Theatre. XI. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Butzbach moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 p.m. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Lebel and carried by a 3-0 vote, with Commissioners Kirkwood and Nethery ABSENT. Mary P. Gat s, Recording Secretary 10