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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPub Sfty Cmsn - 02/11/09 � CITY OF PALM DESERT .I"-�'���„-,,,.�, � REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING : APPROVED MINUTES Wednesday, February 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 CITY COUNCILACTION Present: APPROVED DF,NIF.D RECEIVED,;,�� OTNF.R Commissioner James Butzbac��� Commissioner Gloria Kirkwood ��'�TING DATE .3- ��-D� Vice Chairman James Larsh AYF.s:_�s��Lpscn� `r ,�{�� e,I►y , ,e�� Commissioner Rick Lebel �(��''�' �°�N' - �-� -- A I3;�E1ti T: 1JG��. Chairman Martin Nethery ����J,i,�g,�. N��� v�;t�;r��;n [ZY: R.DK.fr� Also Present: (�i•b��a���f On ���e w.�th City Clcrk's Oftice Councilmember Cindy Finerty (arrived at 3:45 p.m.) Lt. Andrew Shouse, Palm Desert Police Department Chief Dennis Dawson, Riverside County Fire Department Chief John Rios, Riverside County Fire Department Stephen Aryan, Assistant to the City Manager Pat Scully, Senior Management Analyst Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Mary P. Gates, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. PRESENTATIONS None APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of December 10, 2008 Rec: Approve as presented. Commissioner Lebel moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for November and December 2008 Chairman Nethery noted that the percentage of response times under five minutes listed in the November report was the best he had ever seen, and he hoped this would continue. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Services monthly report for November and December 2008. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. B. Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams Monthly Statistics for December 2008 and January 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the reports and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Teams monthly statistics for December 2008 and January 2009. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. 2 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 C. Traffic Team Report for December 2008 and January 2009 -- Includes Traffic Collision Statistics for November and December 2008 and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for December 2008 and January 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the reports, noting the increased citations and decreased injury collisions for 2008 as compared with 2007. He added that there was currently only one motor vacancy. Vice Chairman Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Traffic Team reports for December 2008 and January 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. D. Business District Team Report — December 2008 and January 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the reports, noting that Deputy Hignight was back on duty after shoulder surgery and had made an arrest her very first day back on the job. He added the Officer Vasquez was currently out on FMLA leave, as his wife had recently had a baby. He said he hoped to have the full Business District Team back on the job within the next month. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Business District Team reports for December 2008 and January 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. E. Canine Report— December 2008 and January 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that each case number that started with the letter "T" was a Palm Desert item. He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Canine Reports for December 2008 and January 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 F. Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force Report for December 2008 and January 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the reports, noting that Officer Lauer was a great representative of the Palm Desert Police Department and remained extremely responsive to anything that needed to be done on a Palm Desert case. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force reports for December 2008 and January 2009. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. G. Consideration of Purchase of Miscellaneous Fire Station Capital Equipment with Workforce Housing Reward (WFH) Grant Funds Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report, noting that the Fire Department and City staff had worked together to prepare a list of capital equipment they would like to purchase, and the majority was furniture-related. He added that if these grant funds were not used by May 2009, there was a risk of losing them. He offered to answer any questions. Chairman Nethery expressed concern that while the report listed items such as recliners and office chairs, it did not specify how many of each were being recommended for purchase, and he would not feel comfortable making a recommendation to the City Council with such a general description. Mr. Aryan provided the following additional information regarding the number of each item to be ordered: Station 33 Recliners 11 Station 71 Recliners 6 Ergonomic Office Chairs 6 Commercial Washer 1 Commercial Dryer 1 Turnout Gear Extractor 1 Office Furniture Cabinets, desks, & file units 4 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 He noted that the chairs were recommended by the City's Risk Manager, and he added that staff wouid be sure to update the report to the City Council to include these figures. Commissioner Kirkwood moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend to the Palm Desert City Councit the purchase of miscellaneous fire station capital equipment with Workforce Housing Reward Grant Funds. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Larsh and carried by a 5-0 vote. H. Request for Modification to Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding (SLESF) Expenditure Plan 2008-2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed the report, noting that last November, the Commission recommended to the City Council that it accept the $100,000 in Cal COPS funding for 2008-2009 and allocate $30,000 toward the Holiday Theft Suppression Program, with the remaining $70,000 to be used for equipment for front line law enforcement. An expenditure plan was subsequently prepared; however, there was no allocation for services and supplies. He asked that the Commission concur with the Police Department's proposal that the expenditure plan be modified to include a $23,000 allocation to "Services and Supplies." Chairman Nethery said this appeared to basically be correction of a clerical error, and Lt. Shouse agreed. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, concur with the Police Department's proposal that the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding (SLESF) Expenditure Plan for 2008-2009 be modified to include a $23,000 allocation to "Services and Supplies." Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 I. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds to Purchase Additional Cell Phones for the Palm Desert Police Department Lt. Shouse noted the report in the packets and offered to answer any questions. Upon question by Commissioner Butzbach, he noted the cost of the phones was approximately $90 each, and the cost for the service was estimated at between $25 and $60 per month per phone. Vice Chairman Larsh moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council authorize the purchase of additional cell phones for the Palm Desert Police Department in the amount of approximately $1,400 annually, said purchase to be funded from Cal COPS grant funds, Account #229-4210-422-3914. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. J. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds for Bicycle Patrol Course at the Ben Clark Training Center (Riverside, CA) March 9-12, 2009 Lt. Shouse reviewed his report, noting that this training was necessary prior to the deputies being deployed on the bicycles. Commissioner Butzbach noted there were a number of items on the Agenda dealing with training programs that were out of the local area. He asked whether these were programs that would be reimbursed by POST and, if so, where the POST reimbursement funds would go when received. Lt. Shouse said he would have to report on the POST reimbursements at a later time. The intent here was to use Cal COPS funds rather than contingency monies or other sources of funding. Commissioner Butzbach also noted that he would like to see some of the Cal COPS money used to benefit the community, such as for public awareness programs. Lt. Shouse agreed and said while the Police Department supported programs that would directly benefit the community, Cal COPS funds were required to be used for front line law enforcement, such as for the Holiday Theft Suppression Program. However, he could look into some programs to enhance quality of life in the community. Upon question by Commission Butzbach as to whether 6 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 there was still POST money available, he said it was his understanding that POST might be changing its policy regarding funding POST training and may only start reimbursing the basic 24- hour required POST training that an officer was required to take every two years. Chairman Nethery asked Lt. Shouse to provide a report to the Commission at its next meeting regarding the POST funds. In addition, he asked that Lt. Shouse prepare a report giving the Commission an idea as to how the Cal COPS money has been spent in terms of categories over the last several years. Lt. Shouse responded that the Finance Department had provided him with a breakdown of every expenditure from Cal COPS money, and he would summarize that for the Commission. Chairman Nethery also noted that the Commission typically receives annual Police and Fire reports in April or May. He asked Lt. Shouse to provide information about POST and Cal COPS at the next meeting if he has enough time; if not, the April meeting would be okay, and the information could be included in the Annual Report. Lt. Shouse added that there was currently approximately $70,000 available in the Cal COPS account. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council authorize the expenditure of $657.00 in Cal COPS grant funds to send Officers Michael Vasquez, Lawrence Shumway, and Cecilia Ellis, currently assigned to the Palm Desert Police Department's Special Enforcement Team (SET), to a 32-hour Bicycle Patrol Course at the Ben Clark Training Center March 9-12, 2009, said funds to be expended from Account No. 229-4210-422-3914. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 K. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds for Vehicle GPS Tracking Class at the San Jose Police Department (San Jose, CA) February 26-27, 2009 Lt. Shouse noted the report in the packets and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council authorize the expenditure of $731.00 in Cal COPS grant funds to send Officer Nicholas Bazanos, who is currently assigned to the Palm Desert Police Department's Special Enforcement Team, to a 16-hour Vehicle GPS Tracking Class at the San Jose Police Department February 26-27, 2009, said funds to be expended from Account No. 229-4210-422-3914. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 5-0 vote. L. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Course at San Diego State University (San Diego, CA) May 26-28, 2009 Lt. Shouse noted the report in the packets and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council authorize the expenditure of $1,078.00 in Cal COPS grant funds to send Officer Cecilia Ellis, who is currently assigned to the Palm Desert Police Department's Community Oriented Policing Officer (COP) position, to a 24-hour Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) course at San Diego State University May 26-28, 2009, said funds to be expended from Account No. 229-4210- 422-3914. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. 8 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 M. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds for Basic Motorcycle Academy Training at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's EVOC Center (San Bernardino, CA) February 9-20, 2009 Lt. Shouse noted that he had received approval from the Acting City Manager to use contingency funds for this training if Cal COPS funds were not approved. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council authorize the expenditure of $3,712.00 in Cal COPS grant funds to send Officer Mark Chlarson, who is currently assigned to the Palm Desert Police DepartmenYs Traffic Services Team as a new Motor Officer, to an 80-hour Basic Motorcycle Academy at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's EVOC Center February 9-20, 2009, said funds to be expended from Account No. 229-4210- 422-3914. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. N. Request for Authorization to Expend Cal COPS Grant Funds for Officer Steve Rivera and Canine Van Snapp to Attend Additional Narcotic Detection Training at Adlerhorst International (Riverside, CA) from March 23 to April 24, 2009 Lt. Shouse noted the staff report in the packets and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council authorize the expenditure of $4,375.00 in Cal COPS grant funds for Officer Steve Rivera and Canine Van Snapp to attend additional Narcotic Detection Training, said funds to be expended from Account No. 229-4210-422-3914. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None 9 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 IX. OLD BUSINESS A. Request for Approval of the Replacement of the Palm Desert Fire Station No. 71 Ambulance's Cab/Chassis and Refurbishment of Its Existing Patient Compartment at a Cost of $86,875 Plus Applicable Taxes Mr. Aryan reviewed his report, noting that ambulance medic units were typically replaced every five years. The medic unit at Station 71 was in need of replacement at this time; however, the existing unit's patient compartment could be refurbished instead, and a new cab/chassis could be purchased, which would result in a significant cost savings. The estimated cost to purchase the replacement cab/chassis was $87,000, while a new medic unit would cost approximately $160,000. He said Frazier, Ltd. was selected as a sole source vendor because the Fire Department had used this company throughout the County, and it was important to keep a standardized medic system. The Palm Desert City Council had discussed this matter and had questions regarding alternative fuels as an option; however, there was no such configuration currently available. In addition, if a CNG tank was put on that unit, there would be some weight and equipment spacing restrictions. The item was going back to Council at its meeting of February 12, 2009, and staff requested the Public Safety Commission's recommendation for the refurbishment and purchase of a cab/chassis. Upon question by Vice Chairman Larsh, Mr. Aryan responded that while the unit was out of service for the refurbishment, a reserve unit would be brought in to provide service. Chief Dawson added that the unit would be out of service for approximately two months. Chief Rios noted that Frazer, Inc. was located in Texas, and the company would come out to pick up the unit and drive it back for the repairs. He added that this was the first medic unit that would also be changing its color from white to red, and other medic units would follow. With regard to alternative fuels, Chief Dawson said he felt that might be something that could be considered in a few years. 10 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 Upon question by Chairman Nethery, Mr. Aryan responded that although the quote indicated "Optional items," these were actually requested items but not optional. Upon further question, he said there were sufficient monies for these repairs within the equipment replacement fund, and no appropriation was needed. Chief Rios noted that the "Optional items" were required by OSHA. Commissioner Lebel moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend to the Palm Desert City Council replacement of the Palm Desert Fire Station No. 71 ambulance's cab/chassis and refurbishment of its existing patient compartment at a cost of $86,875 plus applicable taxes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) Councilmember Finerty noted that she had received an email from a business owner on Highway 111 (74-051 — 74065 Highway 111) indicating that her glass doors and windows were scratched with graffiti. Deputy Palmer responded promptly and did everything he needed to do, but she felt with the economy the way it was currently, having to spend money for this kind of nonsense was very discouraging to her. She was hopeful that since all of the positions were filled now, the Police Department would be on the lookout for these types of activities. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Comments by Public Safety Commissioners Chairman Nethery suggested that the order of "Reports and Remarks" be changed to put "Comments by Public Safety Commissioners" at the end of this section. The Commissioners agreed. 1. Commissioner Lebel asked Mr. Stendelt to provide a brief update on the Public Safety Subcommittee, which had been meeting on a monthty basis to discuss emergency preparedness. Mr. Stendell noted that an item was on the City Council Agenda for February 12, 2009, requesting approval for two CERT training classes for this fiscal year; staff hoped to increase that number to four or six next year depending on how well the program is received. He said the funding was there, so no 11 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 General Fund monies would be needed. The Committee was looking at doing some temporary power/heat wave programs in the City and refining some of the existing programs. This afternoon's meeting included discussion of two contingency contracts that would probably be brought to the Public Safety Commission at its next meeting. One of the contracts was for resources (i.e., a generator company that could handle fueling), and the second was for a FEMA consultant. He said he had found out that in the event of a disaster, stafF time was not reimbursable; however, a consultant's time was reimbursable as far as preparing documents to be submitted to FEMA for reimbursement. He said the documents can be very cumbersome, and it would be beneficial to the City to have someone who knows the system and knows what FEMA is looking for in these documents. He added that updating plans was one of the major tasks of the Subcommittee, and a draft of a document that would update the City's emergency preparedness plan had been submitted to the State. That document was very generic and met the criteria of what the State wants to see, and when it is received back, more detailed information would be added that would tailor it to Palm Desert. He said he would provide another update to the Commission at its next meeting. Chairman Nethery suggested that a written report be provided to the Commission whenever staff feels it is appropriate, not necessarily on a monthly basis. B. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. Monthly Reports for December 2008 and January 2009 Commissioner Lebel asked that a column be added to future December reports indicating "year to date" figures, and the Commission agreed. Vice Chairman Larsh asked whether COPS members go into private or gated communities. Lt. Shouse said they probably would if invited and if they had some means of getting into those communities. He said he had spoken with some of the COPS leaders who indicated they would like to attend some of the Neighborhood Watch programs along with Officer Ellis and advertise what they do and perhaps 12 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 bolster their numbers. He noted that there were approximately 30 COPS members presently. Upon question by Chairman Nethery, he responded that these individuals were doing a great job and were a great resource; however, the Police Department's challenge was in finding things for the COPS to do and educating the Sergeants and officers about their availability and what they're capable of doing. Commissioner Lebel stated that having the COPS members providing assistance within gated communities did not mean they would replace patrol services within those communities. He said he would want to make sure communities do not cut their budgets for patrol services. Commissioner Kirkwood agreed and noted that a question arose in her association meeting relative to whether the COPS would be interested in perhaps helping some of the citizens within the community with security. Chairman Nethery asked that a report be provided at the next meeting regarding some ideas for the COPS members. He added that he had seen comments in the reports about the COPS not being called by the Watch Commander or deputies on scene for assistance, and he felt that was something that needed to be addressed by educating the deputies, etc. as suggested by Lt. Shouse. Lt. Shouse added that the COPS were very eager and looking to provide assistance in any way they can. He said he felt it was a matter of educating the Palm Desert Police Officers on the availability of the COPS members and making sure they get deployed in various situations. For example, they could be used to man a barricade for a crime scene or road closure, and this would free up a CSO or officer to be put back on patrol. He noted that the report indicated an average of 500 volunteer hours each month by the COPS, and this equaled a lot of dollars and cents. Commissioner Lebel noted that the Public Safety Commission several years ago discussed having the Citizens on Patrol members do vacation checks of homes; however, he did not see any information about that in the reports provided by the COPS. 13 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 Ms. Scully said that while these reports were generated by the COPS members themselves, she would bring this to the attention of Frankie Riddle so that she could ask for that information to be added to the report. C. Legislative Update Ms. Scully reported that there still was no State budget. Though the Federal stimulus package had been approved by both the House and the Senate, the White House would not sign it. Upon question by Chairman Nethery, she noted that the way the stimulus package worked was that funds are altocated to the states, the states allocate funds to the counties, and the counties will allocate to cities. She said what western Riverside County would be allotted would fund one-half of one interchange in the entire County. She noted that she had just signed off on language for a bill that the City of Palm Desert was introducing to amend the Vehicle Code to allow a pilot program for low speed vehicles (such as electric vehicles that go too fast to be in a golf cart lane) on surface streets. She said the City of Palm Desert anticipated that Senator Benoit and Assemblyman Nestande would both sponsor this bill. She added that she had spent the better part of the last two months writing the legislation for this pilot program, which would be brought to the Commission for a recommendation to move forward once she had the final language from the Legislative Analyst's office (due by the end of February). D. Comments by Police and Fire Departments 1. Report on Holiday Theft Suppression Program Lt. Shouse reviewed his memorandum dated February 3, 2009, noting that $33,669.30 was spent on this program in 2008 compared with $15,656.16 in 2007. Hours were doubled in 2008 (593) compared with 312 in 2007. In addition, there was a significant reduction in calls for service this year (86) compared with 2007 (150). 2. "Every 15 Minutes" Program Lt. Shouse invited the Commissioners to attend one or both days of the "Every 15 Minutes" program scheduled to take place on February 24t" and 25th at Palm Desert High School. He noted that this was designed to educate the students at the High 14 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING FEBRUARY 11, 2009 School about the dangers of drunk driving and the fact that every 15 minutes someone is killed driving while intoxicated or by a DUI driver. He said the Cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells had sponsored this event financially. 3. Chief Dawson noted the upcoming College of the Desert Annual Career and Job Fair and said the Fire Department would have a booth on Wednesday, March 4t", from 10am to 1 pm in the Student Center. 4. Chief Dawson noted that police and firefighters would be participating in a Relay for Life run on Saturday, March 7, 2009, which would go from Tram Road/Highway 111 all the way to the Polo Fields in Indio. 5. Chief Dawson distributed and reviewed a summary report regarding a Fire Department training exercise at the Country Village Apartments February 9-15, 2009. Commissioner Lebel noted that at the last major training incident on EI Paseo, he spent part of the afternoon talking to Firefighter Kevin McNally and then met with him again several weeks later and found out he was responsible for the Volunteer Company at the station. He said he felt Mr. McNally was doing a great job for the Fire Department and should be commended. E. Comments by Staff None XII. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chairman Larsh moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:04 p.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. Q Mary P. Gat ecording Secretary 15