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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPub Sfty Cmsn - 05/09/07 .�--�--� CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES � Wednesday, May 9, 2007 -3:30 p.m. Admi�istrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Chairman Jim Butzbach. II. ROLL CALL Pr ent: �ce Chair Gloria Kirkwood Commissioner Jim Larsh Commissioner Rick Lebel Commissioner Martin Nethery Chairman James Butzbach Also Present: Councilman Jim Ferguson Councilmember Cindy Finerty Paul S. Gibson, Finance Director/City Treasurer Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM/Community Services Division Hart Ponder, Code Compliance Manager Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs Pat Scully, Senior Management Analyst Chief Dennis Dawson, Palm Desert/Riverside County Fire Dept Lt. Frank Taylor, Palm Desert Police Department Chief Travis Witten, Palm Desert/Riverside County Fire Dept Mary P. Gates, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 2007 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of April 11, 2007 Rec: Approve as presented. Removed for separate consideration under Section V, Consent ltems Held Over. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of April 11, 2007 Chairman Butzbach stated that staff was requesting that the Commission continue these Minutes to the next meeting. Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the Minutes of the Public Safety Commission meeting of April 11, 2007, to the meeting of June 13, 2007. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for March 2007 Chief Dawson noted that a majority of the vacant Fire Department positions had been filled. The Battalion Chief position was filled by John Rios, who had retired from the Fire Department approximateiy two years ago. Commissioner Nethery questioned the Response Report, specifically the "% of calls on scene in 5 minutes or less." He asked if this was something that met the goals of the Fire Department or if there was something that needed to be done to improve them. He added that he would like to see 95% or 97%on scene in five minutes or less and asked if that was even possible. Chief Dawson responded that throughout the County, the program goal was typically 80% to 90% within the adopted response criteria. Anything higher than that was really not a realistic goal. That percentage was basicaNy the first unit on scene, which could be a ladder truck, ambulance, etc. Commissioner Nethery said he would like to see some statistics on the response times for just EMS calls. In addition, he asked the Fire 2 APPROVED MINUTES PUBI.IC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 2007 Department to advise in the next few meetings whether there is anything the Public Safety Commission and the City can do to help lower response times for life-threatening situations. Chief Witten said there would be no problem breaking down the times for EMS calls because the Departrnent already has those statistics separated out. He noted that overall, the response times would be very similar to what was in the report. He added that there were many different factors that caused the fluctuation in response times, including the time of the season, growth rate, etc. Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Fire Services monthly report for March 2007. Motion was seconded by �ce Chair Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams Monthly Statistics for April 2007 Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams Monthly Statistics report forApril 2007. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kirkwood and camed by a 5-0 vote. C. Palm Desert Station -Traffic Collision Statistics for March 2007 Lt. Taylor noted that a checkpoint had been conducted recently at Highway 111 and Panorama, and 14 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Station -Traffic Collision Statistics report for March 2007. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kirkwood and camed by a 5-0 vote. D. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for April 2007 Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics report for April 2007. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. With Commission concurrence,the remainder of the Agenda was suspended at this point in order to consider Item X-C, Updat�from City's Code Compliance Manager. 3 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 200T E. Position Paper Relative to Implementation of CO.M.E.T.—Combined Communities Motor Enforcement Team Lt. Taylor reviewed the staff report and recommendation. He noted that all motor officers were required to go through a training period on a monthly basis in order to keep up with peace officers standards of training. The training was approximately five hours during one day, officers from all three Cove cities (five from Palm Desert, two from Rancho Mirage, and one from Indian Wells)trained together, and the location rotated befinreen the three cities each month; the remaining shift hours were spent doing a specific enforcement program wherever they did the training on that particular day. Upon question by Chairman Butzbach, he said this matter had been discussed by an advisory committee of the Cove Commission, and City ManagerCa�los Ortega had requested Public Safety Commission input. Mrs.Gilligan added that the Commission's recommendation would be forwarded to Mr. Ortega. With regard to reimbursemenUcharges, Lt. Taylor noted that the time our motor officers are out of Palm Desert worlcing in another city would be billed to that city rather than to the City of Palm Desert. Commissiener Nethery stated that having the training location rotated between the cities meant it was in Palm Desert every third month. Based on the fact that Palm Desert has more than half of the moto r officers, he suggested that the rotation be changed so that Palm Desert would be the location every other month instead. Lt. Taylor agreed this would be a good recommendation, especially since there will be eight motors in Palm Desert in the near future. Commissioner Lebel said having attended some of the Cove Commission meetings in the past relating to fire issues, he knew that from time to time, the representatives in other communities focus more on the dollars and cents than they do on the benefits. He said perhaps an approach to selling the program to them could be the presentation of a six-month pilot program with reports at the end of the six months showing what the benefits have been for thei r communities in terms of enhanced enforcement issues for that few dollars they would have to spend for it. He felt they might be more receptive to approving the program for that pilot period. For the City 4 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 2007 of Palm Desert, he did not feel there wouid be any down side to such a program, as the City would be getting some additional officers periodically to do a focused and enhanced program. Commissioner Nethery stated another selling point could be the fact that doing the program on a four-month rotation (two in Palm Desert, one in Rancho Mirage, one in Indian Wells) would cost the City of Palm Desert approximately $2,800 every four months, with a cost of approximately $500 for Rancho Mirage and $1,800 for Indian Wells. Lt. Taylor added that if approved, this program would be included in the monthly report to the Public Safety Commission. Mrs. Gilligan noted that the City of Palm Desert loses the most in enforcement when its five motor officers are in other cities for the training, and the Cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells gain the most. After additional discussion, Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend to the City Manager approval of the implementation of the "CO.M.E.T." (Combined Communities Motor Enforcement Team)monthly program that would allow for ali City motor officers to combine their monthly training day into a "training and joint enforcement day," provided that at least 50% of the programs will be within the City of Palm Desert, with reimbursement/charges to be modified accordingly. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. F. Consideration of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Program Officer Cost Analysis Lt. Taylor reviewed the staff report, noting that an evaluation had been conducted recently regarding the contract cit�r billing for the Commercial Vehicle Enforoement Program Officer position. The current billing formula was 80% Palm Desert, 10% Rancho Mirage, and 10% Indian Wells; however, it was felt that might not be the most efficient way to bill the cities, and a consistent shared formula needed to be determined in the event an additional officerwas needed in this assignment. Discussion ensued regarding the various funding options included in the report as wetl as suggestions from several Commissioners. Councilman Ferguson noted that over the years, Option 1 had been the Cove Communities funding formula: 50% Palm Desert, 30% Rancho Mirage, 20% Indian Wells. 5 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMiSSION MAY 9, 2007 Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve Option 1 as a starting point,with the cost breakdown percentages of 50/30/20 between the Cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells respectively. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. G. Consideration of Request from Palm Desert Police Department for Authorization to Expend Cal Cops Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund)—2006/2007 to Purchase Five Hundred (500) City of Palm Desert Police Uniform Patches in the Amount of Approximately $1,134.00 Upon question by Chairman Butzbach, Lt. Taylor responded that this was a reorder of uniform patches. Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, ratify the expenditure of Cal Cops Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund) - 2006/2007 to purchase five hundred (500}City of Palm Desert Police Uniform Patches in the amount of approximately $1,134.00. Motion was seconded by�ce Chair Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for February 2007 - Continued from the Meeting of April 11, 2007 Commissioner Nether moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Fire Services monthiy report for February 2007. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. Consideration of Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2007/08 for Police Services, Including Review of 2006 Annual Report from the Palrn Desert Police Department - Continued from the Meeting of April 1 1, 2007 Lt. Taylor noted the proposed budget in the packets as well as the requested 2006 Annual Report. Commissioner Nethery stated that at the last meeting,discussion was held relative to the possibility of replacing two motorcycles in fiscal year 2007/08 and two the following year rather than all four in 2007/08. Chairman Butzbach noted that the proposed budget was approximately 6% higher than the operating budget for 2006/07. H is concem was whether the City's revenues and revenue forecasting for 6 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 2007 the year would be able to absorb those recommendations and proposals, and he had discussed this concem earlier with Finance Director Paul Gibson. Mr. Gibson stated that the City Manage�s recommendation was to eliminate the Narcotics Task Force position. Upon question by Commissioner Lebel, Lt. Taylor noted that the budget document provided to the Commission included the recommendation for the Narcotics Task Force position (Option 4). The total increase with Options 1, 2a, 3b, and 5 (deleting Option 4) was approximately$454,086 rather than the $650,031 shown on the report. Option 1 was conversion of the four dedicated Traffic Team Officers to dedicated Motorcycle Officers (including purchase of equipment and vehicles); Option 2a was the replacement of four existing motorcycles; Option 3b was conversion of a dedicated Traffic Officer position to a fully-funded dedicated K-9 position, inctuding service dog and equipment; and Option 5 was a dedicated Community Services Officer II for the Tra�c Division. Commissioner Nethery noted that approximately $250,000 of the $454,000 increase was for one-time expenses. Chairman Butzbach asked whether Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells would be billed for the K-9 position, and Lt. Taylor responded that it was a dedicated position in Palm Desert. However, if one of those cities needed the K-9 services during a regular shift, it would be billed for the time the dog leaves the City until it retums. If it was an overtime issue (not during a regular shift), the other city would pay for the entire time. Upon question by Commissioner Nethery regarding the motorcycles, Lt. Taylor stated that the Califomia Highway Patrol (CHP) would not use BMW motorcycles any longer. In addition, there was not going to be a buy-back program through BMW on the motorcycles. Chairman Butrbach noted that some members of the Commission would prefer to replace two of the existing BMW motorcycles (Option 2b)instead of all four(Option 2a). Commissioner Nethery agreed and said with 2b, the City would have to pay approximately $40,000 instead of $117,000 with 2a, and he asked if there was a way to stagger the purchases over finro years so it would not impact the budget so much. 7 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 2007 Lt. Taylor responded that the BMW motorcycles were out of warranty now and would continue to be a high maintenance problem for the City. Every time they have to be serviced, the cost is at least$500 to $1,000. He added that right now, they could be sold for about$6,000 each; however, if we wait, that amount will be less. Upon question by Mrs. Gilligan, he stated that he did not currently have staffing for all eight motor positions; however, he was hoping to fill the four new positions during this next fiscal year. Vice Chair Kirkwood asked whether the old motorcycles could be used for training. Lt. Taylor responded that if the City approved the replacement of all four existing motorcycles, he would ask that one be kept for training purposes and also for use when one of the new bikes is down. Commissioner Nethery suggested that if the purchase of two new motorcycles was approved, the Police Department could put the new motor officers on the new bikes. Then as the other positions are filled, those new officers could be put on the old bikes for a short time until the new bikes are received. He added that he would not have any problem requesting a mid-year budget adjustment if needed to purchase the other finro new bikes. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend to the City Manager approval of the budget as submitted by the Police Department with Options 1 (conversion of four dedicated Traffic Team Officers to four dedicated Motorcycle Enforcement Officers), 2b (replacement of two aging BMW motorcycles with two new Honda motorcycles, including ancillary equipment to outfit the new cycles), 3b (conversion of dedicated Traffic Officer position to a fully-funded dedicated K-9 position, including Police Service Dog and all equipment),and 5(dedicated Community Services Officer II forTraffic Division). Motion was seconded by�ce Chair Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the 2006 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report and direct staff to forward the report to the City Council. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. C. Consideration of Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2007/08 for Fire Services, Including Review of 200fi Annual Report from the Fire Department- Continued from the Meeting of April 11, 2007 Chief Dawson briefly reviewed the 2006 Annual Report. Mrs. Gilligan noted that the City Manager had had discussions about the contract with the County of Riverside, which needed to be 8 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 200T updated, as amendments had been made which the City did not know about. She said staff was working on a different way of submitting costs for items such as those listed on page 2-3 of the proposed budget (i.e., replacement of bed mattresses, code books, reference books, fumiture, etc.). Mr. Gibson said the City Manager was reviewing the City's leases of the buildings to the Fire Department and recommended that the items on page 2-3 be included on page 2-1 as part of the normal costs billed to the City. That way the County can determine what is necessary to keep the Fire Stations at the level needed, and the City would not have to be involved in the process of reviewing those items; the County would bill the City for the actual cost of the items. He said the� City would also work with the County Chief on the issue of leases because those were written back when the buildings were first constructed in the 1980's and 1990's. They all need to be updated to current times,especially dealing with the maintenance of the facilities_ He said the past agreement said the County was required to put into the buildings 1% of the original cost of the buildings, and that had not been done. The City will bring all the buildings up to standard (i.e., air conditioning, etc.), and the maintenance would be done by the County. Mrs. Gilligan said there had been growing concem over the years that the City is asked to purchase copy machines, fax machines, etc., which staff felt were costs that should have been under the agreement. Those costs have grown more and more on an annual basis. The City Manager's position was that we need to bring those contracts into cuRent days and update the responsibilities of both the City and the County. Commissioner Nethery agreed there was a necessity to get the procedures and lease agreements updated; however, he also felt the Fire Department should have the best possible consistent with being fiscally responsible, and if the County would not provide it, the City should step in and consider it. Mr. Gibson said he did not feel the City Manager would have a problem writing a letter for the Fire Department to go to their Chief saying the City recommends the items requested. Commissioner Nethery said if there was something the Commission feels should be done for the Fire Department that is extra but that is reasonable, it can be brought to the Public Safety Commission for consideration and recommendation. Mrs. Gitligan agreed. 9 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 200T Commissioner Lebel said that as part of his review of the budget and the Annual Report, he had gone back and looked at the budgets done in 1994/1995. It appeared that the staffing level for prevention at that time was the same as today, yet the occupancy and inspections had increased considerably. He said he was surprised to see that there was no request for an additional Fire Prevention Specialist this year. Chief Dawson responded that 1994/1995 was under the Cove Commission, and the Fire Marshal's Office served all three cities. It now serves Palm Desert alone. Mrs. Gilligan noted that the County's cost for fire services to the City was up 52% this year. Mr. Gibson added that the methodology of how the County is charging overhead costs for support, training, apparatus maintenance, etc. had increased by 50% for the City of Palm Desert alone. He said it was approximately $700,000 extra for that alone this year, and it was projected to increase simila�ty next year. He said they were now basing it on a different methodology as to how they were allocating costs to the cities. It used to be a per station cost, and now the allocations were based on factors such as manpower, catls, actual costs, etc. Small cities had benefitted because their costs have been reduced, but the larger cities have seen drastic increases. He added that he had been asking for several months for a revised budget but had yet to receive it. Commissioner Nethery said Mr. Gibson was talking about numbers that the Commission did not have, and he asked which figures on page 2-1 had increased. Mr. Gibson responded that it was the �Draft Estimated Support Services" and the "Estimated Direct Charges (including Medic expenses)". He added that what the Commission had was the proposed budget that he received back in February 2007. He said one option would be to hold this matter until the June Public Safety Commission meeting in order to allow time for the Fire Department to provide updated numbers. Because the City Council budget study session was scheduled for June 1�, he would have to advise Councilmembers that this particular item would be reviewed befinreen now and the meeting where the budget is adopted. Commissioner Lebel offered to make a motion to recommend to the City Manager adoption of the Fire Department budget based on current level of services, without any additions, as reflected by the Fire Department request. 10 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 2007 Mr. Gibson said that would be acceptable; however, the Fire Marshal did request in his budget that the Office Assistant II position be upgraded to Office Assistant III, which was the standard throughout the County. He asked that the motion include approval of that position reclassification. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend to the City Manager adoption of the 2007/2008 Fire Department budget based on current level of service,with reclass�catio� of Office Assistant II to Office Assistant III. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. Mrs.Gilligan stated that staffwould take this recommendation forward to the City Manager and would bring back more specific numbers at the next meeting for Public Safety Commission review. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the 2006 Palm Desert Fire Department Annual Report and direct staff to forward the report to the City Council. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. D. Consideration of a Draft Operating Manual for the Citizens on Patrol Program - Continued from the Meeting of April 11, 2007 Mrs. Gilligan noted that numerous meetings had been held over the last several months with Ms. Riddle, Lt. Taylor, and Sgt. Purdue to revise the Citizens on Patrol (COPS) operating manual. She said it included moving the program and the COPS dispatch to the old Visitor Center(now a Police Substation). She commended the effort of Ms. Riddle and said she was available to answer any questions. Commissioner Larsh questioned page 1 of the manual, specifically "COPS duties include but are not limited to: observatioNsurveillance" and said surveillance was a very technical part of police work. He asked what staff's intent was as far as this duty and said there was a difference between patrolling and observation/surveillance. Mrs. Gilligan stated that the thrust of the COPS program was that these volunteers be ambassadors for the City and be of assistance to the Police Department. These ambassadors will do things such as going through the neighborhood and leaving a note on someone's mailbox that their garage door was open. If the word "surveillance" is the wrong word, that could be changed. Ms. Riddle added that in looking at similar programs in other cities, many of them do include surveillance as a duty. Upon question by Commissioner Lebel, she responded that the wording in red in the 11 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 2007 manual sign�ed initial changes,while the green was the more recent changes and additions to bring the manual more consistent with othe r programs she reviewed. Commissioner Lebel noted several corrections to be made: — Page 34 - "Visual inspection of each vehicle's interior and exterior is perFormed weekly by the lieutenant in charge...° — from a risk management standpoint, such inspections need to be done at the beginning of each shift. Ms. Riddle said this inspection was more comprehensive, but an inspection log is required to be compteted each time they get in the vehicle. Mrs. Gilligan suggested adding the words "In addition to daily inspections"to the beginning of that sentence. — Page 44 — Patrol Areas —This does not include any mention of gated communities. Ms. Riddle said patrol areas do not include gated communities, and wording will be added to this section to indicate that. Upon question by Chairman Butrbach, Mrs. Gilligan responded that members were still in a holding pattem. Upon further question, Ms. Riddle responded that the manuat included a Code of Conduct as wel l as membership standards, requirements, etc. Mrs. Gilligan added that the vehicles would have better identification such as striping, wording, a City Seal, etc. Volunteers would also have contact with the Palm Desert Police Department in briefings. She said the goal was to make this a positive program and something where people feel they are giving back to the City. She said once the Commission moves this forward, staff will put it together in final form. She asked that Commissioners contact her or Ms. Riddle if there are any other comments or issues. Ms. Riddle added that the first COPS meeting would be held in May, and she offered to email the Commissioners with information as to the specific date. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the revised Citizens on Patrol Operating Manual with changes as noted. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. 12 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 2007 Vllt. OLD BUSINESS None IX. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) Mrs. Gilligan noted that the medical marijuana dispensary issue would be before the City Council at its meeting of May 24, 2007. She said the Council was looking very seriously at the Public Safety Commission recommendation, and she invited members to attend the Council meeting. X. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Comments by Public Safety Commissioners None B. Update on the Citizens on Patrol Program Please see Item VII-D above. C. Update from City's Code Compliance Manager Code Compliance Manager Hart Ponder reviewed his report for the months of January through March 2007 (on file and of record in the Community Services Division). Ms. Scully stated that Mr. Ponder and his staff had provided invaluable assistance in special events, especially with regard to ensuring public safety and making sure that every event comes off without a hitch. D. Legislative Update Ms. Scully noted that 546 bills relating to fire protection issues and 442 relating to police safety issues had been introduced to the Legislature, most having to do with specific benefits, wortcers compensation,disability requirements, specific fire zones,etc. None specifically affect the City of Palm Desert at this time. She reviewed a bill, introduced by Senator Gloria Romero, which would place more restrictions on the Brown Act. As an example, if a Councilmember attended a meeting of the Planning Commission or Architectural Review Commission and an item discussed at that 13 APPROVED MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MAY 9, 2007 meeting was called up for Council action, that Councilmember could not participate in the discussion or vote because, according to the Brown Act, they had been influenced. If Senator Romero's bill passes, Commission members would not be able to discuss with a Councilmember anything that comes before the Commission that will be recommended for Council action. She said she had received a notice from the committee today promising to soften the language to say only serial communications, which is open to interpretation. Based on that, the League of Califomia Cities had removed its opposition to the bill. She said this would really restrict who can speak to local elected officials a�d would prohibit stafffrom discussing things that come before the Council. She added that the City's Legislative Review Committee would be discussing this bill at its next meeting, and at that point, the City of Palm Desert would officially register its opposition. E. Comments by Police and Fire Departments Lt. Taylor noted the Health and Safety Fair that would be held on Saturday at College of the Desert from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A lot of Police Department equipment would be there, including the helicopter. F. Comments by Staff None XI. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Nethery, second by Commissioner Lebel, and a 5-0 vote of the Commission, Chairman Butzbach adjourned the meeting at 6:17 p.m. Q Mary P. G te , Recording Secretary 14