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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Sfty Cmsn - 12/10/08 � CITY OF PALM DESERT ��--�7--�-� � REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING . APPROVED MINUTES Wednesday, December 10, 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 CITY COUNCIL ACTiON Present: APPROVF.D _._.DF.NIED RECEiVED £� P OTHER Commissioner James Butzbach CommissionerJames Larsh MEET[NG DATE �-�a'�`� r Commissioner Rick Lebel AYF,S: ���._.�..Fin���'�Kp1��a����'�'�-� Vice Chairman Martin Nethery NOES: ���� Chair Gloria Kirkwood ���ENT: ���c���G� A�3STAIN:n!�n � Also Present: v[?�3tF�E� t�Y: - r� Ors�inril on Filc witl� City ��cr c's Of�ce Councilman Jim Ferguson 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 Chief Jorge Rodriguez, Riverside County Fire Department Stephen Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager 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 DECEMBER 10, 2008 IV. PRESENTATIONS The Commission meeting was recessed at 3:35 p.m. for the following demonstrations/presentations: A. Demonstration by Palm Desert Police Department on License Plate Readers. No action necessary or taken on this matter. B. Comprehensive Overview of CERT Program — Power Point Presentation (Chief Steve Brooker) No action necessary or taken on this matter. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of November 12, 2008 Rec: Approve as presented. Vice Chairman Nethery moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Selection of New Commission Chair and Vice Chair Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Vice Chairman Nethery as the Commission's new Chair and Commissioner Larsh as the Commission's Vice Chair. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lebel and carried by a 5-0 vote. Chairman Nethery said he felt Commissioner Kirkwood had done a great job as Chair of this Commission for the past year. His colleagues agreed. With Commission concurrence, Commissioner Kirkwood continued as Chair for the remainder of this meeting. 2 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 B. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for October 2008 Chief Dawson reviewed the report and offered to answer any questions. Vice Chairman Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Fire Services monthly report for October 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 5-0 vote. C. Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams Monthly Statistics for November 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report and also discussed the Toys R Us incident that took place the day after Thanksgiving. Vice Chairman Larsh said he felt this was a major emergency that Lt. Shouse and the Police Department handled very well. Chairman Nethery suggested that some kind of commendation be given to several businesses in the area that provided assistance with this event, including Jiffy Lube, Pizza Hut, and Toys R Us. Councilman Ferguson responded that the Council would be doing something to thank them. Councilman Ferguson also noted that he and Public Information Officer Sheila Gilligan had received calls from many different media people who could not believe the Police Department was on scene within one minute. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams monthly statistics for November 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. D. Traffic Team Report for November 2008 -- Includes Traffic Collision Statistics for October 2008 and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for November 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report and offered to answer any questions. Vice Chairman Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Traffic Team report for November 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 5-0 vote. 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 E. Memorandum from Lt. Andrew Shouse Relative to Traffic Report Statistics Inquiry Lt. Shouse noted that the Commission had requested at its last meeting an explanation for the apparent abnormal increase in Hit & Run collisions and vehicle vs. bicycle collisions shown in the Traffic Team report. He reviewed his report, noting that in October 2007, the Police Department began inputting data from private property collisions as well as counter report collisions into the Crossroads software with the intent to capture the maximum amount of collision data possible. This additional data resulted in the increases noted by the Commission. The Department was no longer including that data, and the current Traffic Team Report reflected that change. Vice Chairman Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the memorandum from Lt. Shouse relative to Traffic Report statistics inquiry. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 5-0 vote. F. Business District Team Report— November 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the Business District Team report, noting that Deputy Hignight would probably be out the rest of the year because of a shoulder injury. In addition, Officer Chlarson would be a Palm Desert Motor Officer as of January. He added that all but one vacancy had been filled, and there were three motor officers in the pipelines just waiting for motorcycles. Chairman Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Business District Team report for November 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lebel and carried by a 5-0 vote. With Commission concurrence, Item X, Report on City Council Action(s), was taken out of order, as Councilman Ferguson had to leave the meeting at 5pm. Please see that portion of the Minutes for discussion and/or action. G. Canine Report— November 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that Deputy Rivera and Officer Van Snapp had competed at the 13t" Annual Riverside County Canine Trails held November 14-15, 2008. There were 44 Canine teams from California, Arizona, and Nevada, and Palm Desert's team was able to perform extremely well, earning a first place in obedience, second place in protection, and third place in evidence. 4 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 Commissioner Butzbach added that Deputy Rivera and Van Snapp would also like to attend the Western States Police and Fire Games this summer. With regard to the Canine Report, he asked that a column be added for year-to-date totals, and Lt. Shouse responded that he would do so. Chairman Nethery asked Lt. Shouse to extend the Commission's congratulations to Deputy Rivera and Van Snapp. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Canine Report for November 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. H. Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force Report for November 2008 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report and offered to answer any questions. Chairman Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force report for November 2008. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. I. Request for Acceptance of "Sobriety Checkpoint Mini-Grant Program for 2008/2009" Funding Supplied by the California Office of Traffic Safety Lt. Shouse reviewed the report and offered to answer any questions. Chairman Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with the Police DepartmenYs recommendation that the City Council accept the "Sobriety Checkpoint Mini-Grant Program for 2008/2009" funding supplied by the California Office of Traffic Safety; said grant to be used to fund sobriety checkpoints during two mobilization periods in 2008/2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lebel and carried by a 5-0 vote. 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 J. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund — SLESF) 2008/2009 to Purchase Safety Glasses and Gloves for the Motor Officers Assigned to the Palm Desert Police Department Lt. Shouse reviewed the report. 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) 2008/2009 to purchase safety glasses and gloves for the motor officers assigned to the Palm Desert Police Department; funds would be expended from the Cal COPS Account #229-4210-422-3914. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None IX. OLD BUSINESS None X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) A. Councilman Ferguson said he would like to see the Fire Department personnel wear pins on their uniforms that identify them as being associated with the City of Palm Desert. B. Councilman Ferguson noted that in trying to get information to the Palm Desert Police Department regarding non-emergency matters, he had called 4-1-1 several times and asked for the Palm Desert Police Department. He was given several numbers (for Mecca, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, etc.), but none of the numbers were for the Palm Desert Police Department. He suggested registering the name "Palm Desert Police Department," and Mrs. Gilligan responded that City staff was already working on that. C. Councilman Ferguson expressed concern about the level of communication between the City's Public Information Officer, Mrs. Gilligan, and the PIO for the County of Riverside. He said he and Mrs. Gilligan had both been bombarded by news organizations across the United States wanting information about the recent Toys R Us incident, and he said he felt there was nothing worse than not being able to respond as a member of the City Council. 6 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 Mrs. Gilligan stated that she, Lt. Shouse, and Marketing Manager Kristy Kneiding had met with the County's PIO, Dennis Gutierrez, on Monday, and they were developing a good idea of what needs to be done in these types of situations, even if it means that someone from the City needs to be on scene. She said everyone will be better organized in the future. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Comments by Public Safety Commissioners 1. Commissioner Kirkwood said she felt serving as Chair of this Commission had been very interesting and informative. She expressed appreciation to her colleagues, Police and Fire Departments, and City staff and said she enjoyed the relationships, participation, and help everyone gives. Mrs. Gilligan noted that Commissioner Kirkwood had been incredibly involved in this Commission and also kind to staff, and she thanked her for her service. 2. Chairman Nethery said he felt the Police Department had done an unbelievable job with the Toys R Us incident in a very difficult situation. He said he did not feel anyone on the Commission realized how many people were involved, and he commended the Police Department for a job well done. B. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. Monthly Report for November 2008 Ms. Riddle reviewed the report for November 2008, noting there are currently 24 members. Upon question by Commissioner Kirkwood, she stated that the COPS had offered their assistance during the Toys R Us incident, but they were not utilized due to the nature of the incident. Mrs. Gilligan added that the COPS did provide assistance with the recent accident on Highway 74 involving a motor home that lost its brakes. 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 C. Legislative Update Mrs. Gilligan noted that Pat Scully was currently on vacation. She said the Legislature was not doing much except trying to figure out how to make up the budget shortfall. D. Comments by Police and Fire Departments Lt. Shouse noted that all vacancies have been filled except for one motor position, which he would try to fill after the first of the year. He said he was waiting to get more motorcycles from Honda, which was very far behind in production of these vehicles. Until the bike arrives, the new motor officer would be out in the field in a regular black and white unit. 1. Report Relative to Police Department Use of Country Village Apartments on Avenue of the States on November 12, 2008, for Training Prior to Demolition (Lt. Shouse) Lt. Shouse reviewed the report he provided to the Commission, noting that this had been a very successful training program. 2. Update on Regulation of Tow Trucks (Lt. Shouse) Lt. Shouse noted that the Pubtic Safety Commission had requested this information at its last meeting. He said tow truck companies are regulated several different ways, primarily by the State through the California Vehicle Code. In addition, tow operators are required to obtain a Palm Desert business license in order to operate within the City. The State, through the California Highway Patrol, can conduct limited inspections of tow yards as long as they meet certain requirements, primarily when they are towing commercial vehicles. The Department of Motor Vehicles also requires motor carrier permits for anyone transporting property on the roadway for compensation, and all tow companies operating in the City of Palm Desert would be required to obtain such a permit. He said companies used by the Palm Desert Police were under annual contracts and were required to be inspected. In addition, the City requires that companies towing vehicles at the request of the Police Department have a yard located physically within the Palm Desert city limits to store the towed vehicles, although this requirement does not apply to impounds (i.e., the fatal traffic collision that occurred on Highway 74 where significant after 8 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 action analysis of the vehicle would have to be done, and that vehicle was towed to Indio as an impound versus a regular storage). 3. Report on Mesa View Fire Station Locker Project (Chief Dawson) Chief Dawson reviewed the memorandum dated November 4, 2008, from Fire Captain Daniel Talbot to Battalion Chief John Rios showing some before and after pictures of the locker project and thanking the City for Its support. He said this project was a budget item approved by the City Council this fiscal year. Mr. Aryan added that staff had found there was some extra money in the Workforce Housing Grant program applied for several years ago (approximately $30,000). He said he and Chief Rios were working together to obtain for Palm Desert Station 33 a commercial grade turnout extractor which cleans the turnout gears. Right now, if there are any incidents such as significant structural fires, the firefighters have to travel to Indio as the nearest location to clean their turnouts. 4. Update on Cove Communities Fire Services Growth and Expansion Report (Chief Dawson) Chief Dawson reviewed the report that was presented to the Cove Commission. Upon question by Commissioner Lebel, he said Riverside County has two-in, two-out rules based upon firefighter fatalities at a national level and OSHA requirements where fire crews cannot go into a burning building unless there is a second crew on scene whose sole job would be for firefighter rescue if needed. He said that in 2001 a third firefighter was added to some of the engines, with four firefighters on the trucks. He said there were also two paramedic/firefighters on the ambulances, and those two individuals can be used as either paramedics or firefighters as the need arises. Commissioner Lebel asked whether there were plans for Riverside County to add a fourth person to the engines or if this was something the City of Palm Desert should consider. He said he noted in the report that many times the ambulances are tied up and not available, so those two paramedics/firefighters really could not be counted on, and it might be very beneficial to have a fourth firefighter on each engine. 9 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 Chief Dawson said this was something he as a Fire Chief would like to have. Mrs. Gilligan noted that the ambulance issue was being considered by the Cove Commission through the City Managers' Technical Advisory Committee, and a report would be brought back to the Public Safety Commission as soon as it was available. Chairman Nethery noted that in reviewing the report, it seemed that another medic unit was needed at Station 71, at least until the new station is built on the north end. However, that was not one of the options listed in the report. He said the fact that 60% to 70% of the Indian Wells calls are in Palm Desert is due to the fact that Palm Desert wraps around Indian Wells, especially the Palm Desert Country Club, and he did not understand why there was not an option to add another unit at Station 71. Mrs. Gilligan said one thing that needed to be taken into consideration was that the funding comes from the fire tax, which is $48 per resident in Palm Desert, and the costs for a new paramedic/ambulance unit were very high. She said staff was aware of the concerns, and the City Manager was looking into this matter, including discussions with the City's Executive Management Team. While staff did not disagree with anything that had been said at this meeting, there were budgetary concerns to be considered as everyone faces tight financial times. The City had not used the private sector for paramedic service and hoped to continue that; however, staff was looking at every possible alternative to make sure the City is covered in a way that can be afforded. This will be part of the budgetary process, and a report will be provided to the Commission so that it has input as to what the Cove Commission is looking at. Chairman Nethery expressed concern that sometimes issues are brought to the Public Safety Commission after the fact and when it's a "done deal." He understood that this will be part of the budget, but his concern was that the Public Safety Commission have input before decisions are made. Mrs. Gilligan stated that the concerns of the Commission would be forwarded to the City Manager. 10 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 Mr. Aryan added that a meeting had been scheduled for Friday with the City Manager to go over these issues. Chair Kirkwood asked that staff continue to update the Commission as to changes or recommendations so that members have an opportunity to comment prior to the budget process. E. Comments by Staff 1. Progress Report on CERT Training Program with College of the Desert (Ryan Stendell) Mr. Stendell noted that he and other staff members had been looking at this training program for some time. He said Pam Lecalsi from College of the Desert was planning to make a presentation to the Commission but had to leave. Mr. Rosenblum stated that Ms. Lecalsi had a personnel emergency she needed to deal with and said he would provide the update. He noted that one of the key discussion items for the newly formed Public Safety Subcommittee was a City- sponsored CERT program to perform the training that was presented earlier in this meeting. One of his responsibilities as the City's Risk Manager was to make sure the City and residents are prepared for a disaster. He regularly gave presentations in the gated communities in Palm Desert, as he felt these gated communities provided the best unit of operation for citizens to band together in a disaster and function to help themselves. He said the vision was for the CERT training to be a City-sponsored program partnering with College of the Desert. He said Ms. Lecalsi indicated College of the Desert was capable and willing to partner with the City to provide the training infrastructure, hire the teachers through the local Fire Department, and utilize the Public Safety Academy to provide a "Train the Trainer" class. Details would need to be worked out as far as how often to have the training, and the cost was estimated to be approximately $6,000 for a single class of up to 30 people, or $200 per person. He said College of the Desert would handle the registration, paperwork, scheduling, etc, and the City would be a sponsor. He added that Ms. Lecalsi could come to the next meeting to discuss this in greater detail. Upon question by Commissioner Lebel as to whether or not ADA funding or FEMA grant funding might be available, he said there was potential grant funding; however, he felt it might be better 11 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2008 for the City to sponsor the training initially. Then once the capability and need were demonstrated, staff could spend more time and effort looking for grant money. Commissioner Lebel noted that it had been his experience, both personally and dealing with this from a public standpoint, that people typically do not feel the value of a program unless they have invested something other than time, and perhaps participants could invest some dollars to the program which would also offset the cost. Mr. Rosenblum said staff would recommend having some kind of fee for the class just so people are committed. No action was taken on this matter. 2. Report on Gated Communities Disaster Preparedness Group (Ryan Stendell) Mr. Stendell noted that this group used to meet at the City, had gone dormant, and was just recently revived. Quarterly meetings were being held, and gated communities throughout Palm Desert were invited to attend. The meeting format was open forum, and the last meeting included disaster preparedness vendors who came in and showed attendees various disaster preparedness kits they can have in their homes. He said these were vendors the City has used to purchase emergency supplies. For the next meeting, staff hoped to have Chief Steve Brooker speak about the CERT training. He offered to add the Public Safety Commissioners' email addresses to his mailing list to receive information about these meetings. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Lebel moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 5-0 vote. � Mary P. G te , Recording Secretary 12