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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Sfty Cmsn - 12/09/09 �..�..`��""`�\ , � � CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING APPROVED MINUTES Wednesday, December 9, 2009 — 3:30 p.m. Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Nethery called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL CITY COUNCILACTiON Present: APYROVED DF,NiF,D CommissionerJames Butzbach RECEIVED�����' OTHF.R Commissioner Gloria Kirkwood MEF,TING DATE - • ��-��v Vice Chairman James Larsh AYF,S: 1 N ��r� Commissioner Rick Lebel NQES: n � Chairman Martin Nethery At3s[:N'_r: u AI3STAIN: " III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS VERIFIED I3Y: � Original on File with City Clerlc's Of'tice None IV. PRESENTATIONS A. Coachella Valley Regional Earthquake Warning System presentations by Seismic Warning Systems, Inc. Vice President of Engineering Michael Price and Vice President of Sales Scott Nebenzahl. Gary Rosenblum introduced Seismic Warning Systems Vice President of Engineering, Michael Price, and Vice President of Sales, Scott Nebenzahl, to the Commissioners. Mr. Nebenzahl gave an oral and PowerPoint presentation on the Coachella Valley Regional Earthquake Warning System. He stated that Seismic Warning Systems, Inc., CVAG, and the three unified school districts have formed a partnership called "CREWS" wherein they focus on earthquake preparedness. APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 Upon inquiry and comments by Commissioner Butzbach, Mr. Nebenzahl responded that even though the window of warning was short, he believed that it is a critical window of initiating the drop, cover, and hold protective measures that first responders can take. George Dickson Chief Executive Officer for Seismic Warning Systems, Inc. addressed the Commissioners. He briefly explained the history of his company and the importance of the early warning system. Upon inquiry by Chairman Nethery, Mr. Dickson responded that there will always be concerns about false positives; however, Seismic has an excellent accuracy record and its system is the only one of its kind that carries a patent. Commissioners thanked Mr. Dickson and Mr. Nebenzahl for their presentation. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of October 14, 2009 Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. B. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for September - October 2009 C. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Palm Desert Special Enforcement Team Monthly Report for October- November 2009 Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Traffic Team Report for October — November 2009 -- Includes Traffic Collision Statistics for September- October 2009 and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for October- November 2009 Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. D. Business District Team Report— October- November 2009 Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. 2 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 E. Canine Report— October- November 2009 Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. F. Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force Report for October— November 2009 Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Upon motion by Commissioner Larsh, seconded by Commissioner Lebel, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by a unanimous vote. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None ' VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Request to Purchase Child Identification Fingerprint Kits. Lt. Shouse stated that the Child Identification Fingerprint Kits were very popular with the public and the Department receives multiple requests for them. Chairman Nethery commented that it sounds as though it is a very good thing to provide to the citizenry. Commissioner Butzbach moved, by Minute Motion, to concur with the Police Department's request to purchase Child Identification Fingerprint Kits in the amount of $996.00. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Larsh and carried unanimously. B. Recommendation to accept Cal COPS Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding (SLESF) for 2009/10. Chair Nethery stated that this was a new Cal COPS Grant Award. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Butzbach, Lt. Shouse stated that the State has committed to fund the Cal COPS Program for this fiscal year. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend staff to concur with the Police Department's proposal and that the City Council accepts the Cal COPS Grant of $100,000. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 5-0 vote. 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 C. Pool Safety Act (H&S Code Section 155920). Stephen Aryan introduced Russell Grance, the City's Building & Safety Director, to the Commissioners. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Lebel, Russell Grance did not believe that there would be a fiscal impact because under current state law, homeowners would have to select one of the seven safety features. His proposed amendment was to eliminate three of the seven features. The picture depicted in the staff report shows an installation in Palm Desert Greens wherein a homeowner opted to install door alarms and no barrier around the swimming pool. Anyone could enter the backyard and fall into the pool. He believed that when the Legislature passed AB 2977, they tried to create building codes and, in that effort, they made a mistake. All building codes prior to the implementation of AB 2977, required barriers of some kind around a pool. Mr. Grance was aware that the City had several ordinances dating back to 1981, the most recent being Ord. 1024, which allowed homes in golf communities to maintain views by not requiring any barriers around swimming pools. In Mr. Grance's opinion, this sets the City up for having two separate safety standards for children and a potential lawsuit in the event there is a drowning. He believed that among the seven safety features there were three that do not service child safety. Mr. Grance said the Pool Safety Act went into affect locally when the 2007 California Building Code was adopted. Any home built prior to 2007, had to comply with the City of Palm Desert's Ordinance No. 1024, which has five different safety features listed in order of priority. For example, if you built a home in Bighorn and you wanted to install a pool in your backyard, a barrier would not be required, just exit alarms (as depicted in the photo of the home in Palm Desert Greens). Upon inquiry by Chair Nethery, Mr. Grance stated that the amendments he was proposing would be more restrictive than current state law. Councilmember Jim Ferguson stated that when the State changed the Pool Safety Act from five safety features to seven, there was serious debate among the City Council as to whether they would consider suing the State of California over the ordinance because they did not like the additional restrictions. The Council believed that it was also an unfair encroachment on local control. 4 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 Chair Nethery commented that these proposed amendments would certainly bring concern to homeowners in and out of country clubs. Mr. Grance stated that if the proposed amendments were enacted, existing legal non-conforming pools would not be subject to the new codes. In the event that a homeowner wanted to make improvements on his home to the degree that those improvements would generate a building permit, then the homeowner would have to adhere to the new codes. A discussion ensued regarding the cost to the homeowner with the approval of these amendments. Mr. Grance stated that the California Building Standards Commission, who is the author of all California Building Codes, gives local jurisdictions the authority to amend the codes; they just cannot be less restrictive. In this case, these proposed amendments would be more restrictive. The City Attorney has reviewed the proposed amendments and cautioned Mr. Grance that he may have difficulty getting the amendments approved due to past history with the gated golf communities. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Lebel, Mr. Grance responded that the scenario he outlined would not apply as the swimming pools at Monterey Country Club are public swimming pools. He added that private spas are required to have the same safety features as swimming pools. There are spa covers that now meet the safety standards. Mr. Grance said that upon endorsement by the Commissioners, the proposed amendments would be taken to the City Council for review and approval. Commissioner Lebel moved, by Minute Motion, to recommend approval of staff's draft code amendment language to require all new or remodeled swimming pools to install a pool enclosure, isolation fencing, or safety pool cover. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried unanimously. D. Purchase of a Surplus Medic Unit from the City of Indian Wells. Upon inquiry by Chair Nethery, Chief Rios stated that the surplus medic unit was a good buy for $8,000. He said they can get about 120,000 to 130,000 miles on these vehicles. The unit was in good condition and has been well maintained. 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 Commissioner Lebel moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the purchase of a surplus medic unit, in the amount of $8,000, from the City of Indian Wells to serve as a reserve medic unit for the City of Palm Desert. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkland and carried unanimously. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None IX. OLD BUSINESS None X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) A. Mayor Protempore Finerty reported that she went on a ride-along last Saturday evening, the swing shift, with Officer Steve Rivera and Van Snapp. She said it was interesting, informative and Van Snapp performed admirably. At the end of the shift, Van Snapp was able to locate Officer Rivera's bullet, garage door opener and car keys in the middle of a grassy field. After returning to the station, Van Snapp also opened a briefcase containing Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Marijuana. He also identified the location of three narcotic substances placed in the room by Officer Rivera. Mayor Protempore Finerty attended the Canine Trials in Temecula. Van Snapp received third place overall in a field of 57 dogs. The most important news that came from her attendance was that she garnered the Canine Trials to be held in Palm Desert in 2010. The Trials will be held either the first or second weekend of November. B. Councilmember Ferguson said that over 10 years ago, the City of . Palm Desert made an effort to urge the County of Riverside to expand the police station that adjoins City Hall. Nearly one year ago, the City broke ground on a new police station, which is located on 10-acreas of land at Gerald Ford and Portola, and slated to open on May 5, 2010. He visited the most recent constructed police stations in Lake Elsinore, Hemet, Marino Valley, and Lake Perris. He said it was safe to say that the Palm Desert Police Station has the most "state-of-the-art" police facility in the county. A police presence will remain at City Hall with dispatchers and officers in south Palm Desert. The new facility will amply service the north sphere. He was pleased with the progress of construction 6 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 and was looking forward to having the Commissioners out on May 5, 2010, for the dedication. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. Monthly Reports for October - November 2009 Frankie Riddle gave a report on the COPS Monthly Report. She stated that the COPS Caller Newsletter was not included in this month's agenda packet; however, the Commissioners will begin receiving the COPS Caller each month beginning January 2010. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Larsh, Ms. Riddle responded that COPS members were not allowed to issue tickets; however, they do issue warning citations. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Butzbach, Ms. Riddle responded that there were five marked COPS vehicles on the road at any given time. A discussion was held regarding patrol hours. B. Legislative Update None C. Police and Fire Departments 1. CWCGTF Narcotic Seizure Statistics — Lt. Shouse Lt. Shouse reported that at its October 14, 2009, meeting, the Commissioners requested a report on narcotic statistics from Officer Lauer that were not included in his presentation. The document in this packet is the requested statistics. 2. Van Snapp/Press Release — Lt. Shouse No comments. 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 3. Mini Muster— John Rios Chief Rios reported that he was unable to get the information for this item to staff in time for this meeting. The report will be given at a later date. D. Staff 1. 2009 Public Safety Commission Disaster Planning Subcommittee Report— Gary Rosenblum Chair Nethery complimented Mr. Rosenblum on his report. Gary Rosenblum reported that a Gated Community Radio Network has been created that includes six gated communities. A gated community meeting is scheduled on ' Friday, December 11, 2009, which will include presentations by the Red Cross and Safe-T Proof. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Kirkland, Mr. Rosenblum responded that the Gated Community Network was a voluntary organization. The requirement is the ability to purchase a radio that matches the City's frequency and costs around $300. There were 10 to 15 gated communities that have sent representatives to the meetings. His last roaster estimates that there are about 40 communities that would be considered gated or organized homeowner association groups. Commissioner Kirkland asked Mr. Rosenblum if he would be interested in making a presentation at a CAI meeting to managers and board members. Mr. Rosenblum responded that he would be very happy to do that. Commissioner Lebel thanked Mr. Rosenblum for the annual report, which was requested last month from the Public Safety Subcommittee. One of the main focuses and purposes of the report was so the Commissioners could review it, as well as the City Council. 2. CNG Ambulance — Stephen Aryan Mr. Aryan reported that the CNG Ambulance was delivered to the fire department a few weeks ago. There was a slight modification that needed to be made to the ambulance, 8 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 which the vendor was proactive about sending a team out to complete. Training will begin the first week of January 2010, and it will be fully functional and operational by the second week of January with the grand unveiling shortly thereafter. Chief Rios reported that their IT people were installing the intercom and computer systems. It still needs to be lettered and detailed. He added that they were preparing an engine to preview as well. Mr. Aryan stated that the Commissioners will receive invitations for the unveiling. Commissioner Ferguson stated that they were looking at the third week of January 2010, for the unveiling. Beyond being a unique vehicle it will be the first CNG Ambulance in the nation. They are expecting quite a lot of trade press at the unveiling and was told by the City's consultant that this will be the centerfold of fire publications across the country. Stenciling will be a key point because we want Palm Desert to be identified as those who blazed the trail. It runs on clean natural gas and is safe for the environment. The manufacturer has bent over backwards and we will need to give them credit for engineering and designing a prototype for us that is special and exactly what we asked for. We will have a key turning over ceremony to the Fire Chief the third week of January. Chief Rios reiterated the comments of Commissioner Ferguson with regard to the vendor, Fraser, Inc. They have been outstanding to work with and very accommodating to our needs. Mr. Aryan reported that a preliminary meeting was held regarding the City's Family Safety Fair. A date has been set for Saturday, March 27, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Civic Center Park. The event will be for the entire community. Organizations that we have asked to join us are: The Living Desert, MADD Organization, the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, the Canine Team and more. The next scheduled meeting is January 25, 2010. 9 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 9, 2009 Lt. Shouse reported that the Holiday Suppression Program is in full swing. There will be an increase of police presence at the mall, on EI Paseo, and the business district. Lt. Shouse reported that there will be a DUI Checkpoint on December 18. E. Public Safety Commissioners Commissioner Butzbach directed his comments to Mayor Protempore Finerty and Commissioner Ferguson thanking them for their gift as recognition for their service to the City. Mayor Protempore Finerty thanked the Commissioners for a job well done. Commissioner Lebel thanked the Council, his fellow Commissioners and staff for another wonderful year and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Commissioner Kirkland inquired as to whether the City has considered or required that all business owners in Palm Desert have a Knox Box at their place of business as part of the permitting process in order to gain entry without having to break a window or door, as well as emergency contact information. Chief Rios responded that when the Fire Marshall's office sends an individual out on new business or occupancy inspections, contact information is obtained from the new occupant. That information is complied and passed on to all fire stations, property managers and/or property owners. If the business has fire alarms they will obtain the providers name and telephone number, which then gets passed along to our dispatchers. Chair Nethery wished everyone happy holidays and it was a pleasure being Chairperson this year. XII. ADJOURNMENT Upon no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m. � � . ' ,,��� ��h��f�ti� Lori Wimbish, Recording Secretary 10