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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPub Sfty Cmsn - 11/12/08 CITY OF PALM DESERT .�,,."",��-'� � � REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING . APPROVED MINUTES Wednesday, November 12, 2008 — 3:30 p.m. Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kirkwood called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m. II. ROLL CALL ��y �p�CIL ACTION: �'�'��D Dr NIED —__ Present: ��EZV�D�--- � --. � JT�?E;. �.�,.�_�.��o,�. . . Commissioner James Butzba�TA������;� ��p �'�'� • Commissioner James Larsh ��'��a ,� - � Commissioner Rick Lebel ����� � ' Vice Chairman Martin Nether����T' A�`3S T.F�.I N: Chair Gloria Kirkwood 'y'��TFIED BY• � ;�riginal on File wit City Clerk's Office. Also Present: Councilmember Cindy Finerty Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM/Community Services Division Lt. Andrew Shouse, Palm Desert Police Department Chief Steve Brooker, Riverside County Fire Department Chief Dennis Dawson, Riverside County Fire Department Chief John Rios, Riverside County Fire Department Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Mary P. Gates, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 IV. PRESENTATIONS A. Demonstration of New Ambulance Gurney (Fire Department) Chief Dawson introduced Captain/Paramedic Scott Visyak who was taking over for Joe Rodriguez as Ambulance Coordinator. Captain Visyak introduced his crew (Engineer Brian Neely and Paramedic Jimmy Barraza). They demonstrated the new ambulance gurney, noting that all three stations in the City were equipped with these. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of September 10 and October 8, 2008 Rec: Approve as presented. B. Informational Items: 1. Click It or Ticket Grant Application Commissioner Lebel moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 5-0 vote. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for September 2008 Chief Dawson noted there had been no significant incidents or fires to report. He offered to answer any questions. Upon question by Commissioner Lebel regarding inspections and re-inspections, Chief Dawson responded that staffing is still up, and compliance is good. 2 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 Vice Chairman Nethery asked for the definition of a "dry run," and Captain Visyak responded that a dry run was when the Fire Department goes on a call and the patient does not want to be transported. Vice Chairman Nethery also asked what the Commission and/or City Council can do to help increase the percentage of response times within five minutes. Chief Dawson responded that the City of Coachella staffs an extra engine company, and he was looking into that for Palm Desert. Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Fire Services monthly report for September 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams Monthly Statistics for October 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the highlights of the report and offered to answer any questions. Upon question by Commissioner Lebel, he stated that the Crime Free Multi Housing Task Force was a program managed by one deputy (a member of the Special Enforcement Teams) who has been tasked with implementing this program at the Fountains Apartments, which has 250 units with approximately 25 vacancies. The Police Department hoped to make a difference at those apartments in reducing crime. Commissioner Lebel suggested that the Redevelopment Agency, Code Enforcement, and the Fire Department also be involved in this effort. The Redevelopment Agency can be used to improve properties, and all three entities could assist in designing the infrastructure that leads to a reduction in crime. Mrs. Gilligan responded that the City was already doing that. The Code Enforcement Department moved forward with a meeting with residents and actively investigated different aspects of code violations in that area. The Citizens on Patrol have increased their presence out there as well. She said the owner of the apartment complex wrote a letter expressing appreciation to the City for its efforts, and she would be happy to email that letter to the Commissioners for their information. Commission Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams monthly statistics for October 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 C. Traffic Team Report for October 2008 -- Includes Traffic Collision Statistics for September 2008 and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for October 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that two more black and white DUI enforcement vehicles were being added to the one the Department has now. Vice Chairman Nethery questioned the increase in hit and run collisions, vehicle vs. pedestrian, vehicle vs. bicycle, and vehicle vs. object. Lt. Shouse stated that he would look into this and would report to the Commission at the next meeting. He noted that most of the vehicle vs. bicycles were not incidents where the bicyclist was run over by a vehicle but were minor incidents (i.e., the bicyclist traveling on a sidewalk going against traffic, and a vehicle pulls out causing a minor collision). Mrs. Gilligan asked if it was possible to get a breakdown on what happened with these incidents. Lt. Shouse responded that he would try and get better statistical information for the next meeting. Commission Butzbach asked whether traffic accident reports are provided to the Public Works Department. Mrs. Gilligan responded that Public Works Director Mark Greenwood and Traffic Engineer Mark Diercks both receive that information. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Traffic Team report for October 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. D. Business District Team Report— October 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that one of the two Business District Team Officers was out with a shoulder injury. 4 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 Commissioner Lebel asked who regulates tow companies. Mrs. Gilligan responded that staff would look into this and would report at the next meeting. Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Business District Team report for October 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. E. Canine Report— October 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that the Department planned to begin a program through Desert Sands Unified School District where Van Snapp would be visiting the schools. Mrs. Gilligan noted that there was discussion relative to Van Snapp going to Palm Desert High School. She said Desert Sands Unified School District had a dog that comes in on a contract basis. Lt. Shouse said it was his understanding that the contract is with an outside vendor for a non-bite dog to come in periodically to do drug searches. Mrs. Gilligan said Lt. Shouse and Captain Wilham were looking into this matter, and they would be coming back with a report in the near future. Councilmember Finerty noted that there was an issue with drugs at Palm Desert High School, and she felt the School District needed to adopt a zero tolerance policy. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Canine Report for October 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. F. Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force Report for October 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force report for October 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 4-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Lebel ABSENT. 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 G. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund — SLESF) to Send Officer Mark Hanson to a Crash Data Recorder (CDR) Conference in Houston, Texas, January 26-30, 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the request. Commissioner Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council authorize the expenditure of Cal COPS Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund — SLESF) to send Officer Mark Hanson to a Crash Data Recorder (CDR) conference in Houston, Texas, January 26-30, 2009, at a total cost of $3,077.10, including tuition, travel, lodging, and meals. Funds would be expended from the Cal COPS Account #229-4210-422-3914. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lebel and carried by a 5-0 vote. H. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund — SLESF) to Purchase a Replacement LIDAR Prolaser III Hand-Held Radar Unit Lt. Shouse reviewed the report and offered to answer any questions. Vice Chairman Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council: 1) Authorize the expenditure of Cal COPS Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund — SLESF) to purchase a new replacement LIDAR Prolaser III hand-held radar unit at a total cost of $3,153.75; 2) authorize Kustom Signals as a sole source vendor for these products. Funds would be expended from the Cal COPS Account #229-4210-422-3914. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lebel and carried by a 5-0 vote. 6 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 I. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund — SLESF) and Edward Byrne Memorial — Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds to Purchase Five (5) Fujitsu Scansnap S510 Scanners Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that these scanners would be for his position and also for the four dedicated Sergeant positions. Vice Chairman Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council authorize the expenditure of Cal COPS Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund — SLESF) and Edward Byrne Memorial — Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds to purchase five (5) Fujitsu Scansnap S510 Scanners at a total cost of $2,482.78. Funds would be expended from the Cal COPS Account #229- 4210-422-3914 ($1,355.15) and JAG Grant Funds Account #229-4210-422-3916 ($1,127.63). Commissioner Butzbach asked whether the government was going to make the JAG funds inaccessible. Mrs. Gilligan responded that staff would have an answer at the next meeting. J. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding (SLESF) for the 2008 Holiday Theft Suppression Program Lt. Shouse reviewed the report and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with the Police Department's proposal to recommend that the Palm Desert City Council accept the Cal COPS (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding — SLESF) Grant award of $100,000 to be used to cover the cost for the 2008 Holiday Theft Suppression Program and the acquisition of necessary equipment to support front line law enforcement services. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 K. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund — SLESF) to Purchase Equipment for Officer Steve Rivera and K-9 Van Snapp Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that the requested equipment was mostly training aids. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council authorize the expenditure of Cal COPS Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund — SLESF) to purchase various equipment to be used to provide additional safety to both the Officer and Canine and/or to provide additional training aids/equipment as outlined in the report dated November 6, 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. Report from Police Department Relative to Part I Crimes Statistics (continued from the Meeting of October 8, 2008) Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this matter until such time as the annual statistics are available. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. IX. OLD BUSINESS None X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) None XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Comments by Public Safety Commissioners 1. Commissioner Larsh expressed concern with having only one officer available on the Business District Team and asked whether the Police Department would have the two-person team back up for the holidays. 8 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 Lt. Shouse responded that it would be covered one way or another. He said Deputy Hignight was currenty working light duty after her shoulder surgery and might be back to full duty by Thanksgiving time. He added that the Department would also be providing more officers for the business district, on EI Paseo, and at the mall. 2. Commissioner Butzbach noted that several months ago, the Palm Desert Police Department was providing assistance with traffic enforcement in Desert Hot Springs, and he asked whether that was still happening. Mrs. Gilligan responded that it was finished. 3. Commissioner Butzbach noted that the Commission had approved a recommendation for the purchase of license plate recognition units several months ago, and he asked whether that system had been put into service. Lt. Shouse responded that the Police Department had two LPRs in place at this time. Mrs. Gilligan added that when the units were installed on two cars, a trainer was showing how they would work, and before the cars even left the parking lot, the alarm sounded because there was a stolen vehicle in the City Hall parking lot. She said these units have been very effective from the very beginning. Lt. Shouse noted that the trainer said that was the first time this had happened. He added that the City had purchase two units, and Officer Lauer had an additional unit. Commissioner Butzbach asked that the Police Department provide a demonstration to the Commission at its next meeting, and the Commission concurred. B. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. Monthly Report for October 2008 Ms. Riddle reviewed the report, noting that the COPs had an entry in the Golf Cart Parade this year and also participated with traffic control for that parade. She noted the pictures of the new vehicles included in the report. 9 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 Mrs. Gilligan expressed appreciation to Ms. Riddle, Lt. Frank Taylor, and Sgt Rob Purdue for their efforts in getting the COPs program back up and running so well. C. Legislative Update Mrs. Gilligan noted that the Legislature was currently not in session and that Ms. Scully was on vacation. D. Comments by Police and Fire Departments 1. Lt. Shouse noted that officers from the Palm Desert Police Department and other officers were training today at the Country Village Apartments on Avenue of the States before they are demolished. Dedicated Sergeant Misty Reynolds was doing scenario training on domestic violence and "officer down,", and they would also be utilizing entry tools when necessary. He said this was an opportunity for the officers to do some real, live training using role players. He added that from the report Sgt. Reynolds gave him right before this meeting, the officers were enjoying the training, and some said it was the best training they had had in a long time. Chief Brooker added that the Fire Department would also be doing some training at those same apartments prior to demolition. Vice Chairman Nethery asked that a report be provided at the next Public Safety Commission meeting relative to the training for both the Police and Fire Departments. 2. Chief Brooker noted that tomorrow, November 13, 2008, was the "Great Shake Down" earthquake drill, and approximately 4.2 million California residents had signed up to participate. He said it would be the largest disaster drill in history, and the Fire Department would be working with City staff on this event. Mr. Stendell stated that the City would be participating in this exercise and would be activating its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and turning on all communication channels. A temporary cooling shelter would also be opened at the Joslyn Senior Center, including the pilot program for backup power generators. He noted that the Red Cross had pledged to send four employees to run the cooling shelter. He said staff was 10 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 looking to test the radios as well, and Commissioner Butzbach said he would call in, as would Chair Kirkwood. Mr. Rosenblum added that the temporary cooling shelter should be up and running at approximately 11 am, and the EOC would be opened at 10am. He noted that Mr. Stendell had invited all the CERT people to the CERT Field Day on Saturday at the Palm Desert Campus of Cal State University San Bernardino. He said he had spoken with Clayton Mays at the CVAG Public Safety meeting, and the City was going to move forward with a CERT program. He said staff would also be looking into grant funding or any other funding that might be available through the State or Federal Government to fund the program. He said there were two presentations held today that were related to earthquake preparedness. The morning session dealt with how cities can get recovery assistance through FEMA, and the afternoon session was about structural engineering. Mr. Stendell added that one of the presenters had actually gone to 150 earthquake locations throughout the world to do filming and documenting, and he had indicated that the Coachella Valley was known throughout the world as having the most hazardous potential for a major earthquake. 3. Chief Brooker noted that he recently attended and completed the CERT "Train the Trainer" course and was looking forward to working with staff to see if something can be done to explore options for CERT training in the City. E. Comments by Staff 1. Upon question by Mrs. Gilligan, Commissioner Butzbach, Chair Kirkwood, and Commissioner Larsh indicated they had all attended this past weekend's Art of Food & Wine, and all had a great time. Vice Chairman Nethery noted that he went to Restaurant Week and said it was a very nice event. Chief Rios stated that the Fire Department had medics on site for the Saturday and Sunday events, which were very well- attended. He noted that there were only four minor band-aid calls the entire weekend. 11 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2008 Mrs. Gilligan said this was the 3�d Annual Art of Food & Wine, and it was very well-attended and successful. She also discussed the Veterans Day celebration at Freedom Park on November 11 t", noting that approximately 300 people attended. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Butzbach moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:10 p.m. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Nethery and carried by a 5-0 vote. Mary P. G es, Recording Secretary 12