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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Sfty Cmsn - 06/11/08 CITY OF PALM DESERT i^��----� � � REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING � APPROVED MINUTES Wednesday, June 11, 2008 —3:30 p.m. Administrative Conference Room � � -�� 4-, �a I. CALL TO ORDER � � Chair Kirkwood convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. � a� � II. ROLL CALL c.� A � Presenfi � � �; zx Commissioner James Butzbach A o � � Commissioner James Larsh -3 Commissioner Rick Lebel H � Vice Chairman Martin Nethery � °+ Chair Gloria Kirkwood (left at 4:05 p.m.) � w Also Present: z w � � � ° a � Q •. Ur-, Councilmember Cindy Fineriy � � � �� �-j � H � �; � [� -.� Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager c� � H cn oa w E-+ H � Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM/Community Services Division �° � �"-� c" "' a -� Lt. Frank Taylor, Palm Desert Police Department ' ��- �'� �'�� � �' Chief Steve Brooker, Riverside County Fire Department Chief John Rios, Riverside County Fire Department Chief Jorge Rodriguez, Riverside County Fire Department Lauri Aylaian, Director of Planning David J. Erwin, City Attorney Hart Ponder, Code Compliance Manager Pat Scully, Senior Management Analyst Mary P. Gates, Recording Secretary I11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of May 14, 2008 Rec: Approve as presented. B. Informationai Items: 1. Traffic Safety Grants Announced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger 2. Police Department Blog Commissioner Butzbach moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation by Officers Steve Rivera and Van Snapp Officers Steve Rivera and Van Snapp gave an outdoor presentation outlining the skills and types of activities the City's new K-9 officer has been trained to perForm. B. Introduction of Corporal Keith Offenbach and Motorcycle Officers Courtney Donowho and Don Olsen Lt. Taylor noted that neither Corporal Offenbach nor Officer Olsen were able to attend this meeting. He introduced Sgt. Misty Reynolds, Officer Courtney Donowho, and Community Service Officers Morii Taylor and Dorene Perez. C. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for April 2008 Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Fire Services monthly report for April 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. 2 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 D. Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams Monthly Statistics for May 2008 Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams monthly statistics for May 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. E. Traffic Team Report for May 2008 -- Includes Traffic Collision Statistics for April 2008 and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for May 2008 Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Traffic Team Report for May 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. F. Business District Team Report— May 2008 Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Business District Team Report for May 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. G. Canine Report— May 2008 Lt. Taylor noted that Officers Rivera and Van Snapp would be attending narcotics school in the fall, and this was a four-week course. The Canine Reports later in the year will then show more activity and more arrests. Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Canine Report for May 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 5-0 vote. H. Consideration of Updated Citizens on Patrol (COPS) Standard Practice Manual Mrs. Gilligan reviewed the major revisions to the manual, including: • revised organization chart to reflect more clearly who is doing what within the organization • addition of the cell phone policy • language reworded on how to conduct monthly meetings • forms updated to better reflect information that is more useful to the City 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 She noted that there had been some problems in the past with the radios, and now the COPs had 12 new radios in operation. Included in next year's budget was funding for a new, larger, energy-e�cient vehicle to replace one of the older vehicles. Commissioner Larsh said he felt this revised manual read very well. Mrs. Gilligan added that Sgt. Purdue works closely with Special Programs Manager Frankie Riddle in the COPs program. The City now has better communication with this organization when they are out in the community. She said she was very proud of how far the COPs program had come. Upon question by Commissioner Butzbach, Mrs. Gilligan responded that the manual had been prepared by Sgt. Purdue and Special Programs Manager Frankie Riddle. Commissioner Butzbach said both were to be commended for their hard work, and the other Commissioners agreed. Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the updated Citizens on Patrol (COPS) Standard Practice Manual. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. Chairman Kirkwood left the meeting at 4:05 p.m., noting that she had another meeting she needed to attend. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None 4 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. Report Relative to Proposed Entertainment Ordinance The following is a verbatim transcript of this portion of the Minutes: � MN Marty Nethery, Public Safety Commission Vice Chairman DJE David J. Erwin, City Attorney SRG Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM for Community Services HP Hart Ponder. Code Compliance Manager LA Lauri Aylaian, Director of Planning JL Jim Larsh, Public Safety Commissioner JB Jim Butzbach, Public Safety Commissioner RL Rick Lebel, Public Safety Commissioner MN Next item is...there's no Continued Business...Roman Numeral VIII, Old Business A, Report Relative to Proposed Entertainment Ordinance. That's going to come from Mr. Erwin. DJE Thank you. You have the report... SRG We have our Director of Planning (unclear) she's been sort of spearheading the rewrite on behalf of the Committee. We have Hart Ponder, who has had a huge part (unclear) co-spearheading. Ryan Stendell is here to hear what we do, and Dave Erwin is here because he prepared the ordinance (unclear). We wanted to be well-prepared. MN Hart, are you going to take the lead? HP I'd be happy to if my peers would like. Commissioners, before you, as you know, it's been the goal of the City to be able to address certain types of entertainment, and before you staff is very confident that this is a way that we can do that in such a way that it gives the business reasonable goals of what we expect our events to be. And these can be events not only of a permanent nature but also, just importantly, the temporary ones. We know we've had situations on the weekend where something would pop up, and we'd get complaints about traffic, loud music, excessive parking spilling over...this will address this, too. Also what is addressed is the entertainment that a regular business may want to offer. As we know in the past, over the last four or five years, we've had certain situations that have caused the police to respond and use precious resources by maybe after hours noise complaints, excessive drinking or outside drinking, traffic problems...and what this does is this brings it all together that the City can 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 regulate it. Well, how so? What we have in front of you here is the procedure for special event temporary entertainment permit, and what that wiil do is businesses that want to hold a grand opening or extend it beyond a normal business operating that they may have, this will help to identify how much space do they need? What needs to be done? Will there be alcohol served? Will minors be involved? Will there be outside entertainment? It answers all the questions that we need so our responsible staff from a zoning and law enforcement perspective can do what's necessary. What I really appreciate about this ordinance is iYs not a one size fits all. It's not requiring that so many uniformed people be present if there are so many people, but instead it steps back, sees the area that's going to be used, looks at past history and sees what's going on, and then our Chief of Police can be able to make a determination based on past history, what the proposed event is, what type of law enforcement or security may be appropriate. Or it may help our Director in Planning to realize is there going to be more parking that is going to be needed, what's going to be the traffic situation. So it brings all these questions together in a way that we can be able to help the business to do what they need to do in a very responsible way. I also am very...we're also very pleased with the due process. If someone feels we're not being reasonable or we need to look at something else, there's a process procedure in place that can be reviewed that goes all the way up to the Council if need be. And that's basically the essence of it. You do have a copy of it. Staff is very enthusiastic about this tool, and we agree it's going to be an asset for as we grow and as businesses want to engage in these types of businesses. I also would like to thank this Commission and the Commissioners, who have helped inspire and have just shown a concern for this. Your comments through the months have been very productive. I'd like to thank, too, Commissioner Lebel for being part of our committee that we have with prominent business members in the community. They've helped us to really shape this and come to a consensus. MN Thank you. Does anyone else have anything to add? Commissioners, questions? Is there in place a current entertainment ordinance like...similar to this, or is it just totally unregulated at this point? LA There is no ordinance currently. MN Okay. This ordinance looks likes it's intended to cover both sort of temporary entertainment situations or out of the ordinance and also the second part of it covers businesses that have ongoing entertainment, correct? HP Correct. DJE The second part, really, is much more an informational type of thing. If you Iook at it, it lets us know exactly what they are routinely doing so that we are aware of it, and it does give us some authority, if they're out of line, to take some action. 6 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 JL Will there be finro types of permits? HP Correct. There is a temporary event that may fall under a grand opening and then one that's called entertainment site plan, and what that will do, that will assist identifying what entertainment we have currently going, and as new businesses come in, it will help the Planning Department, the Police Department, Public Works, to also ascertain, based on what they would like to do, how it impacts infrastructure, how it may impact the surrounding area, and how it may impact other different agencies. If they're going to serve alcohol, of course we would want to bring in the ABC; if there is some sort of fire concern, we would want to hear from the Fire Department. So it takes a lat of things that have to be done, generally in the zoning code and our municipal code, and it sort of creates a conduit where all these things can be addressed, the proper departments can have their input, the Police Department can have a review, and then it can go to Planning for the final determination on how to address it. JL So somebody that has entertainment three nights a week or four nights out of the seven, they don't have to keep coming back for a temporary... DJE Basically, they can get, in effect, an annual one because it's done in conjunction with the business license. The routine one is done in conjunction with the business license. MN Is there...in the first part of the entertainment permit, there's a definition...it says "entertainment means any and every form of non-adult-oriented live entertainment..." and I didn't see a definition of that. Is there a definition of that in the adult entertainment ordinance? DJE Yes, there is. MN Okay, so that's using the language there, so that's defined someplace. And then, there's another term in here, and I will admit that I may have missed this, but in the 5.100.030, entertainment site plan required, this is the permit one or the annual one as you said. DJE Yes. MN It says "entertainment in the normal course of a business"...I didn't see that phrase used "and exempt from the requiremenY'...1 didn't see that phrase used. Maybe it was in there and got deleted in one of the modifications or something, but...it says "to establish what...an Entertainment Site Plan will be filed." I guess what that...seems like there ought to be someplace that says this part of it is for...applies to "entertainment in the normal course of business" or something. (unclear) long days, I'm not sure. 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 DJE We can certainly clarify that and make sure that it appears as a definition. That's not a problem. HP Are you looking at 030C? MN Yes HP Okay. DJE We're saying what to include, but we don't really define it. MN Define it or why it's important to know what it is. DJE It's very easy to define. MN Yeah. It looks great. It's...considering what it's going to regulate, it looks real straight-forward and, Hart as you said, kind of detailed enough to probably pass muster but general enough that it can be used for any kind of situation. It looks good. Any other comments? You're looking for us to make a recommendation to the Council, or is this... DJE Yes MN Is that what you're looking for at this point?Alright, so...do you have a question? JB I just had a question. I was talking to Sheila just before the meeting a little bit. There is also in our packet today under "L" is a memo prepared by Pat Scully regarding special permit as it has to do with private property, maybe the industrial area. And that might be a little bit of a clarification as to the types of areas, too, if we had any questions, and we hadn't gotten to that yet. MN I think...we can jump ahead if we need to, but I understood that to be something that is in place until the entertainment ordinance is passed. It's just a stop gap measure. (unclear) LA Yes JB Okay, I was trying to put that together. JL The other will take over once it's passed. MN Right 8 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 JL Okay (unclear) MN Hart, in your cover memo, it says the proposed noise ordinance is being advanced under separate cover. Is that coming to us some time in the future? HP Right. What we've done is...since these issues are so important, iYs going to impact what we do and how we do it...we are taking and looking at each one and making sure we're getting it right so to speak the first time. MN So they're separate? HP Right. And the noise ordinance...we're working with the City Attorney, the Planning Department, and we're even in contact with the State, who offers the State noise ordinance, and we want to make sure that what we do is going to be accepted through the courts or all the agencies that are involved in all aspects of our noise. MN Great...so that'll come to us some time in the future. HP Yes. MN Alright, so...the Chair will entertain a motion to recommend...to make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the draft entertainment ordinance that has been presented to us. Does anybody want to make a recommendation or a motion to recommend... JB Rick, who sat on the Committee, I think it might be appropriate... RL I would move to recommend the ordinance to the Council as modified with the recommendations indicated for the clarification of... DJE on the definition? RL Right MN Second? JL Second MN Alright...any other comment or questions? JL No MN All in favor... 9 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 J B Aye J L Aye RL Aye MN Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. B. Report Relative to Expenditure of 2007/08 Cal COPS Grant to Date and Update on Future Funding Lt. Taylor noted that the Commission had requested this report at its last meeting. He said the Police Department was still waiting for the Honda motorcycles to become available, but it would be around October before they received the first one because of a huge delay caused by the sale of 4,000 of these units to Malaysia. Ms. Scully noted that she had called the Governor's office earlier today, and they were still recommending at this point a 10% reduction in the Cal COPS money. Lt. Taylor said this was good news because he had heard they were going to reduce it to zero. Lt. Taylor added that the Police Department had received a $16,000 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant last year and used the funds to purchase the Segways and other equipment; however, he had just received notice from the Federal Government that these funds would not be available this year. He said he had heard there were a lot of Narcotics Task Forces and Gang Task Forces that rely heavily on those funds, but they would not be receiving any this year. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the report relative to expenditure of 2007/2008 Cal COPS Grant Monies to Date. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Chair Kirkwood ABSENT. 10 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 C. Report from Staff Regarding Availability of Asset Forfeiture Funds Mrs. Gilligan noted that the Commission had requested this information for quite some time. Lt. Taylor looked into this matter and was able to find some funds. Lt. Taylor said the Police Department would be identifying potential items for purchase with these funds in the near future. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the report regarding availability of asset forfeiture funds. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Chair Kirkwood ABSENT. D. Staff Update on City Manager's 2008/09 Draft Budget Mrs. Gilligan noted that the proposed budget was presented to the City Council in a Study Session. The Police and Fire budgets were going forward exactly as recommended by the Public Safety Commission. Commissioner Lebel noted that the recruitment office was now in place in Palm Desert in the back of the Washington Street substation. The Commission discussed the issue of vacant Police Department positions. Lt. Taylor noted that the vacancies were actually being covered by existing officers putting in overtime in order to make sure the level of service to residents and businesses remains the same. He added that there were several intensive academies coming up, and he hoped to fill the vacancies as quickly as possible. No action was taken or necessary on this item. E. Discussion Relative to Use of Mattresses as Noise Buffer at Augusta's Restaurant Ms. Gilligan noted that the day before the City Council hearing on Augusta's Restaurant, the Public Safety Commission met, and the subject of the use of mattresses as noise buffers was raised by Commissioner Lebel. Because of the action taken by the Council, the issue of the mattresses was a moot point. Mr. Erwin stated that although the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) had not been revoked, the City Council modified a condition of the CUP to eliminate amplified music. The owner can still have music, but it cannot be amplified. 11 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 Chairman Nethery asked whether eventually every restaurant, nightclub, business, etc. would have to complete an application to have entertainment as their business licenses are renewed. Ms. Aylaian noted that their entertainment site plans would be submitted at the time that they renew their business licenses. If at some point in the future they do want to have ampti�ed music, they would have to have some way made modifications and would have to go through the pubtic hearing process. Upon question by Chairman Nethery, Mr. Erwin responded that not all restaurants are required to have Conditional Use Permits. It was required of Augusta's because of the zoning at that site. Other restaurants, such as South Beach, were in zoning areas where Conditional Use Permits were not required. F. Discussion Relative to Approval of Events and/or Concerts in the City's Industrial Area. Vice Chairman Nethery noted that the Commission had already discussed this issue earlier in the meeting. Mrs. Gilligan said this matter had come up as a report and inquiry from Commissioner Lebel at the last meeting relative to events taking place in the industrial areas of the City. Vice Chairman Nethery said it was his understanding that this was a stop gap measure until an entertainment ordinance is adopted. Ms. Aylaian agreed and said this permitting process through the Planning Department was a stop gap measure that had been in place for a number of years. Until the new entertainment ordinance is passed, applicants can continue to come in and get temporary use permits for their special events. When the new ordinance is adopted, any requests for special event permits will go through all departments for input, including police and fire. Commissioner Lebel said some of his concerns as a former fire person were that concerts were being held in an industrial building, they were using a stage, it was not approved for that occupancy initially, exiting was not approved, exiting through roll-up doors was not an approved method of exiting, etc. He said he had gone to the Fire Department and advised them of that location so they could look into it and also advised the City's Code Compliance Department. 12 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 Ms. Aylaian said there was a weakness in the system internally in the way the temporary use permit process was administered where the permits were issued without necessarily getting input from all departments involved. That gap had been patched, and the new ordinance would address that as well. Chief Rodriguez noted that the building is used for a church youth group on Monday evenings. Both times the Fire Marshal had been there, there were two young adults playing music. It was under the required occupancy limit of 50, so it was basically considered a gathering, the door was closed, and they were not cited. He said the whole building was vacant, and there was a stage on the back part outside the offyce in the warehouse part of the building. They talked to the owner and suggested that he obtain a multi-use permit if he is going to continue to do this. He added that the Fire Marshal would be out there again this coming Monday to make sure the owner is doing what he is supposed to be doing. He added that although there used to be a motorcycle shop at that location, it was no longer there. Mr. Ponder noted that the motorcycle shop had recently closed down. He said the Code Compliance Department was also monitoring the situation. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the report. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Chair Kirkwood ABSENT. IX. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) Councilmember Finerty thanked the Commission for its input on the budget. She also thanked the Code Compliance Department and the Police Department because Smokers' Corner had left the City, and Starlight Dance Studio was absolutely delighted. 13 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 X. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Comments by Public Safety Commissioners Commissioner Lebel noted that the City Council, at its meeting of June 12, 2008, would be considering the smoking ordinance and the issue of second hand smoke. He asked whether it looked positive in terms of being passed and approved and how staff perceived enforcement taking place, particularly with respect to country clubs. Mr. Erwin responded that although staff would not make any predictions as far as what action would be taken, the Council asked for an ordinance that was stronger than the one with regard to second hand smoke, which was passed on first reading. The second ordinance presented was much more comprehensive and covered the entire City. It did not deal just with second hand smoke, but it did eliminate smoking in a number of other places. There were few exceptions, such as private clubs and private residences, but for the most part it was prohibited except in posted smoking areas on all public property or privately owned property where the public was invited. That ordinance would be before the Council for the first time tomorrow. He noted that the Council had voted unanimously, to direct him to draft a stronger ordinance. He said if the Council passed the more restrictive ordinance on first reading, there will probably be no action taken on the second hand smoke ordinance. Commissioner Lebel asked whether the new ordinance would apply to swimming pool areas in gated communities that are open to the public, and Mr. Erwin responded that it would. Upon question by Mr. Ponder, Mr. Erwin responded that the ordinance provides for enforcement by anyone, including private parties, Code Enforcement, the Police Department, etc. Upon further question, he responded that Desert Willow Golf Course was excepted from the regulation on the course itself, not in the restaurant. Mrs. Gilligan said staff would email the draft ordinance to all members of the Public Safety Commission for information. 14 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 B. Report Retative to Citizens on Patrol Program Vice Chairman Nethery noted the report in the packets for May 2008. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, review and file the report for May 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Chair Kirkwood ABSENT. C. Legislative Update Mrs. Gilligan noted that Assembly Bill 811 had moved through the local government committee. This bill would allow the City to provide low-interest loans to residents and businesses for instatlation of energy-efficiency improvements, including solar. The bill will next be on the Senate floor, and if it passes, it will go back to the Assembly and then to the Governor. She said it was an urgency measure, so if the Governor signs, it will go into effect immediately. Staff was already working on a method of implementation in order to be ready to go as soon as the bill is signed. She added that Councilmembers Ferguson and Finerty had worked very hard on moving this bill forward. D. Comments by Police and Fire Departments 1. Update on Demolition of the Palm Desert Lodge Building Battalion Chief Brooker distributed and reviewed the "Palm Desert Lodge Training Exercise After Action Report." He noted that the Fire Department was allowed to use one of the soon-to- be-demolished buildings for four days of full-scale training exercises involving 99 Fire Department members. There was no live fire, and smoke was produced by theatrical smoke machines. Personnel were given the opportunity to practice all of their fundamental skills, from the first arriving engine company to hose lines, fire attack situation, search and rescue drills, forcible entry, etc. He added that the training was provided in an extremely financially responsible manner, and there were very little overtime costs incurred. He noted there was a large media presence, including local and one Los Angeles network. He said it also gave them a hands-on opportunity to mentor and train the volunteer company who will be future firefighters. 15 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 2. 4�h of July Battalion Chief Brooker noted a planning meeting was held that morning regarding 4th of July festivities. The Fire Department was planning a very thorough and positive fire prevention campaign for the children in Palm Desert. He felt it was a golden opportunity for the Fire Department to reach every child who will be in the Civic Center Park that day. He said they would be handing out all sorts of public relations supplies, fire prevention coloring books, materials, badges, hats, etc. He added that a story would be in the July issue of the City's Brightside newsletter about the fireworks celebratian, and it would include a reminder to people that private fireworks are illegal in the City of Palm Desert. Commissioner Butzbach stated that during the months when the Commission does not meet, staff sends the Commissioners the Police and Fire reports as informational items, and he asked if a 4th of Juty activity report could be included as well. 3. Chief Rios and Chief Rodriguez updated the Commission on several additional Fire Department activities: • A medical doctor associated with the Police and Fire Departments in Palm Desert's Sister City of Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo will be visiting this evening through Monday. He will be visiting several fire stations in the Valley, including Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Perris. • Calls are being received from local middle schools for medic units to be on hand during promotion ceremonies, especially with the hot weather. One of the units was scheduled to be on standby tonight for promotion ceremonies at the Palm Desert High School football field. • Groundbreaking ceremonies were scheduled for this Friday at 10:30 a.m. for the training service center in 1000 Palms. • The exhaust fume systems have been completed at both Mesa View and Portola Fire Stations. The system at Town Center Fire Station was scheduled to begin in the 16 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 next few weeks. All three were funded by the City of Palm Desert. • The power lift gurneys have been received and are in service. He was planning to bring one of the gurneys to the Jufy Public Safety Commission meeting to demonstrate how simple it is to operate. • Four Palm Desert Fire Department employees are currently receiving high rise training. This is an ongoing training program, and with the increasing number of high rise structures, it is important for the Fire Department to keep pace with the ever-changing requirement. • Reports have been received relative to a company called Orco Fire Protection (from Whittier) approaching businesses in the Valley offering to do several types of annual inspections (i.e., alarms, fire sprinklers, etc.). The company does not have a business license and is not registered with the State Fire Marshal's office. There are two people driving unmarked cars and not wearing any uniforms or identifying clothing. Chief Rodriguez sent an email to the local Chambers of Commerce stating that only the Fire Departments do annual fire system inspections and advising businesses not to make any kind of payments to these companies. 4. Update on "Avoid the 30" Program Lt. Taylor noted this program started in March, is being run by the Riverside Police Department, and the City of Palm Desert and the Palm Desert Police Department have participated. Because of reductions in funding, they are only authorizing one day per month for reimbursement for officers to go out and work overtime on this program. He noted the Police Department would receive a new $110,000 grant for the next year to focus on intoxicated drivers. Upon question by Vice Chairman Nethery relative to the name of the program, Lt. Taylor responded that the "30" referred to 30 agencies throughout all of Riverside County that designate one day each month where they go out and target intoxicated drivers. The one checkpoint authorized in the Coachella Valley was given to Desert Hot Springs approximately a month ago. The Palm Desert Police Department was in the midst of a mini sobriety checkpoint program, with another one scheduled for August. 17 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 11, 2008 5. Lt. Taylor noted that the new license plate readers had just been delivered, and he hoped to have them up and running the first part of July. He offered to include a presentation at the ne� Public Safety Commission meeting. E. Comments by Staff 1. Mrs. Gilligan noted an article in the May BrightSide newsletter regarding theft of plants in the City from parks, roadway, medians, and at the Visitor Center. Residents were asked to contact the City if they saw someone working on City landscaping at a time other than the usual hours of 6am (7am in winter) and 5pm, Monday through Friday. A resident called in shortly after the newsletter was mailed out and reported seeing a truck full of cacti, although there was no way to prove they belonged to the City. The story about plans to micro-chip the plants received large media attention, including in Los Angeles. 2. Ms. Aylaian updated the Commission on the new 78,000 square foot Sheriff substation being built on ten acres on Gerald Ford west of Portola just east of Shadow Ridge maintenance facility. It was approved by Architectural Review Commission and Planning Commission and would be going to City Council on June 26t". Several outreach programs were held to let neighbors know what was happening, and nobody showed up at the Planning Commission meeting to speak on the project. XI. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Larsh, second by Commissioner Lebel, and a 4-0 vote (with Chair Kirkwood ABSENT), the meeting was adjourned at 5:22 p.m. Mary P. G es Recording Secretary 18