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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Sfty Cmsn - 03/11/09 ..� CITY OF PALM DESERT ����� � ; � REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING . APPROVED MINUTES Wednesday, March 11, 2009 — 3:30 p.m. Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Nethery convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: ����Y��nUg'CILACTION r1.1'Pff2(�V�:D ����.�«3P�;A)_ Commissioner James Butzbach �Zi'��'�«"'�-��-�-Fi� � �s-� ���,.�� _---� Commissioner Gloria Kirkwood ����� Vice Chairman James Larsh �"�Ft'J'1'►�vG UATE � /-O� A�Fs: �s�� �in �, . Commissioner Rick Lebel �;�)�,�: ��a�_ � "� - , Chairman Martin Nethery A13�;FNT. ' � ne, A13STAIN: b � Also Present: VER[F'[�:U BY: � . Original on Fi1e with City Clerk s OI'tice Councilmember Cindy Finerty Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM/Community Services Lt. Andrew Shouse, Palm Desert Police Department Sgt. Robert Perdue, Palm Desert Police Department Chief Steve Brooker, Riverside County Fire Department Chief John Rios, Riverside County Fire Department Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Mary P. Gates, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2009 IV. PRESENTATIONS A. Demonstration of New Ambulance Equipment The Commission recessed to the Council Chamber for a demonstration of the new stair chair. An additional presentation was made by Captain/Paramedic Scott Visyak, Engineer Brian Neely, Paramedic Jimmy Barraza, and Trainee Claudio Tepper regarding the new, upgraded cardiac monitors and the request that the purchase of two additional units be included in the budget for next fiscal year. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of February 11, 2009 Rec: Approve as presented. Upon motion by Vice Chairman Larsh, second by Commissioner Kirkwood, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by a 5-0 vote. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for January 2009 Chairman Nethery stated that while this report was for January, the "month to date" and "year to date" figures were different, and they should be the same. He also noted an item under "Significant Events" outlining the response to a structure fire at an 8-story hotel and the problem with the Fire Department radio system being almost totally unusable during the incident because of the construction type of the buildings. Chief Rios responded that this was a typical situation due to the Fire Department's radio system and the building construction type. He said it was necessary to rely on the hotel's phone system. This issue had been discussed with the IT Department, and it was hoped the problem could be overcome by switching to a newer system. He 2 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2009 added that as far as firefighter safety, the Department had a relay system in place so that contact with the firefighters is not lost. Chief Brooker added that the Fire Department would keep the City updated on any progress made regarding this issue. Upon question by Commissioner Butzbach, Lt. Shouse noted that the Police Department experiences similar issues at any structure that has a lot of concrete and steel, such as the Marriott and WestField Shoppingtown. Chairman Nethery stated that the Commission would like to be informed of any significant radio problems encountered by both Police and Fire Departments. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Fire Services monthly report for January 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams Monthly Statistics for February 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams monthly statistics for February 2009. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. C. Traffic Team Report for February 2009 -- Includes Traffic Collision Statistics for January 2009 and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for February 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that he was proud of the Traffic Team and the motors in particular. He said they had written 42% more citations this year versus last year. While overall collisions were up by 5%, injury collisions were actually down. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Traffic Team report for February 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2009 D. Business District Team Report— February 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that Officer Hignight was back on the job after shoulder surgery. Officer Vasquez was also back at work after being off for the birth of his son. Upon question by Commissioner Butzbach regarding the video surveillance program, Mrs. Gilligan responded that the Council had appropriated a certain amount of funds for this program, and it was on a first-come, first-served basis. With those funds, 11 different businesses were helped. Chairman Nethery asked if there was any way to judge the effectiveness of the program, and Mrs. Gilligan responded that staff would provide a report relative to the video surveillance program at the next meeting. She added that there had been a recommendation in the past for the City's Code Compliance Director to come to the Public Safety Commission meetings quarterly to provide updates on the Department's activities, and staff would agendize that for next month. Chairman Nethery suggested that it be either the April or May meeting, and if there is something significant to report, the Code Compliance Department representatives could provide an update more often than quarterly. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Business District Team report for February 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. E. Canine Report— February 2009 Upon question by Chairman Nethery, Lt. Shouse responded that Deputy Rivera and Van Snapp would be receiving additional training by the end of the month. Chairman Nethery asked that Deputy Rivera provide a report to the Commission after this training is completed. Upon question by Lt. Shouse, Chairman Nethery responded that a demonstration would be good if Van Snapp has learned additional skills. Vice Chairman Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Canine report for February 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. 4 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2009 F. Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force Report for February 2009 Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force report for February 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. G. Consideration of Termination of Lease of the Washington Street Substation Mrs. Gilligan reviewed the report, noting that the lease had gone from $1 per month to $55,000 per year. She said that as of this morning's meeting with the City Manager, staff was continuing to recommend that the landlord be notified that the lease will be terminated effective June 1, 2009. She said this was more money than the City wanted to spend and more space than was needed. She added that staff had a new idea to put a substation in the North Sphere (i.e., at The Fountains) in an area with more crime and problems. Upon question by Councilmember Finerty, she said there was a new property manager at The Fountains who was very interested in this. Upon question by Chairman Nethery, she responded that staff would bring this matter back to the Commission at a later date. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Recommend to the City Council termination of the lease of the Washington Street Substation as of June 30, 2009, and transfer of staff and programs to the main station or the substation located at Highway 111/Monterey Avenue; 2) direct staff to continue tooking into relocation of that operation. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None IX. OLD BUSINESS A. Report from Palm Desert Police Department Relative to POST Funds (from the meeting of February 11, 2009) Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, continue this matter to the meeting of April 8, 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2009 B. Report from Palm Desert Police Department Relative to Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding (SLESF) Expenditures for FY 2008/2009 Year to Date (from the meeting of February 11, 2009) Vice Chairman Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the subject report. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. C. Consideration of Palm Desert Police Department Proposal and City Manager Recommendation for Purchase of Three (3) new Honda Police Motorcycles and Ancillary Equipment Lt. Shouse reviewed his memorandum, noting that the funds had already been encumbered since Fiscal Year 2007/08. Vice Chairman Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with the Police DepartmenYs proposal and City Manager's recommendation that a Purchase Order No. 015161, dated June 20, 2008, and issued to Desert Cities Honda in the amount of $80,907.73 be canceled and a new Purchase Order be issued for three (3) new Honda Police motorcycles and ancillary equipment; said new Purchase Order to be in the amount of $85,173.09 and issued to Huntington Beach Honda (revised amount based upon updated bids and specifications). Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) None XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. Monthly Report for February 2009 Ms. Riddle reviewed the report, noting that patrol hours continued to increase for the COPS members. Mrs. Gilligan added that a new video for the program was in the works with Time Warner. 6 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2009 2. Oral Report Relative to Suggested Activities for Citizens on Patrol Members Ms. Riddle noted that with regard to the suggestion brought up at the last meeting that Citizens on Patrol (COPs) members provide assistance in gated communities, staff was concerned about the liability issue and had opted not to do so at this time. Another concern was that those communities might then tend to rely on the COPs to provide their patrol service. Mrs. Gilligan added that there was also an issue with providing a public service on private streets, as the City cannot put public services in private gated communities. Even if it could, there was potential liability if something happened (i.e., if the COPs didn't stop a burglary, etc.). She said the best thing for the City to do was to advise that gated communities needed to provide their own security, and the City's Police Department will respond to calls within those gated communities as needed. Ms. Riddle stated that in response to a Commission question regarding vacation checks, the COPs group was not participating in that program as of yet. With regard to YANA (You Are Not Alone), the Citizens on Patrol had announced at its last meeting that it will be assisting with home visits for individuals who request that service, although the specific details still need to be worked out. Upon question by Vice Chairman Larsh, Lt. Shouse noted that both the vacation checks and the YANA programs were currently being handled by the Police Department's Community Service Officers. Sgt. Perdue added that there were a number of things that needed to be looked at before the Citizens on Patrol can do the home visits and vacation checks, including liability. Chairman Nethery suggested that perhaps the City Attorney could look at whether or not the Citizens on Patrol might benefit from the immunities that public agencies have. Mrs. Gilligan added that the Senior Center was establishing a system where individuals can sign up and call in regularly; if they do not call, that would trigger a reaction, and someone would then check on them. She said the City's IS Department 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2009 was assisting the Senior Center with this program, and the Citizens on Patrol program would be tied in to that. B. Legislative Update Mrs. Gilligan noted that Ms. Scully asked her to report that the Red Light Runner Program had fallen out of favor with cities due to legal challenges, financial costs, and maintenance and accuracy issues. Chairman Nethery added that the Palm Desert City Council had opted not to participate in such a program for similar reasons. C. Comments by Police and Fire Departments Lt. Shouse noted that Sgt. Perdue would be joining him at these meetings more often so that he will have a feel for what is being requested by the Commission. D. Comments by Staff 1. Public Safety Subcommittee Update (Ryan Stendell) Mr. Stendell reviewed his report dated March 5, 2009, and offered to answer any questions. Mrs. Gilligan commended Mayor Pro Tem Finerty and said public safety was a huge concern she brought with her when she joined the City Council. Mayor Pro Tem Finerty expressed appreciation to Mr. Stendell for all of his assistance with this subcommittee. Mr. Stendell noted that he would be providing these updates to the Public Safety Commission monthly. Chairman Nethery suggested that the reports be provided every two months instead or whenever something significant happens that Mr. Stendell would like to bring to the Commission. E. Comments by Public Safety Commissioners 1. Commissioner Butzbach noted that he and Commissioner Kirkwood had attended the "Every 15 Minutes" program at Palm Desert High School, and he felt this year's presentation was the best he had ever seen. He said there was great interaction between the Police and Fire Departments, and there was much 8 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2009 more focus this year from the juniors and seniors in the audience. He congratulated the Police and Fire Departments for a job well done. 2. Commissioner Butzbach noted a very serious issue in Riverside County dealing with the jails/detention facilities. Because of the overcrowding, people were being released after having served only one day of their sentence. He said he had seen a program on television regarding the new detention facility that was being proposed for the Whitewater area on Interstate 10, and he asked if it would be possible for the Commission to receive a presentation on this new facility. Chairman Nethery suggested that perhaps the Assistant Sheriff or Chief Deputy Steve Thetford could provide a summary version of this program at the next Public Safety Commission meeting. Commissioner Butzbach added that there was a Power Point presentation that goes with the program, and perhaps that could be shown. Mayor Pro Tem Finerty said she had also seen the presentation and felt there should be more education in the community about the need for this new facility and the difference between a detention center or jail versus prison. She noted that the land for this facility was already owned by the County. Mrs. Gilligan noted that the CVAG Public Safety Commission had received this presentation, and the cities had supported it. As far as the Power Point presentation at the next meeting, she suggested that the Commission could adjourn this meeting to either 2:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. on April 8, 2009, just prior to the regular meeting at 3:30 p.m. 3. Commissioner Kirkwood agreed with Commissioner Butzbach's comments about the "Every 15 Minutes" program at Palm Desert High School. Chief Rios said the Fire Department had a Power Point presentation about this program which could be shown at a future Public Safety Commission meeting. Chief Brooker added that an after action report could also be provided with photos of the event. Chairman Nethery asked that this be agendized for the May meeting. 9 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 11, 2009 4. Commissioner Lebel stated that the grand opening of the College of the Desert Public Safety Academy was scheduled for tomorrow at 10 a.m. He said he was not sure whether it was by invitation only or if it was open to the public. Mrs. Gilligan noted that it was the Palm Desert Public Safety Academy, and if inembers of the Public Safety Commission wished to attend, they could do so. 5. Commissioner Lebel said he would like to have both Police and Fire consider a program to provide for paramedics on the Sheriff's Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. He said when the Police Department goes out on a SWAT assignment, it relies at the present time on the availability of one of its reserve officers who is a physician to be able to go on that assignment with them, and that physician may or may not be available when the SWAT team is deptoyed; however, paramedics were generally available. He said there may not be the degree of collaboration between the paramedics and the Police Department right now to be able to assure there will be paramedics on scene to provide for officer safety, assist officers who may be injured as a result of that operation, or provide assistance to hostages, bystanders, or suspects who may be involved in that type of operation. He noted that he had a procedure and a policy established by another agency to share with the Police and Fire Departments so they can determine whether or not it might be appropriate, particularly as if affects officer safety. Mrs. Gilligan suggested that Commissioner Lebel meet with Lt. Shouse, Chief Rios, and staff to look into the possibility of this type of program and bring a report back to the Commission within the next few months. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Kirkwood moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:08 p.m. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. Q Mary P. G te , Recording Secretary 10