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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Sfty Cmsn - 09/08/2010 /'��•�"`\ /� : � CITY OF PALM DESERT I REGULAR . . PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING APPROVED MINUTES Wednesday, September 8, 2010 — 3:30 p.m. � Palm Desert Sheriff s Station Community Room 73705 Gerald Ford Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211 L CALL TO ORDER Chairman Larsh called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. 11. ROLL CALL C1TY Cf}I7NCILACTtON Present: ��'��l�nv�;n ��;�l�� Commissioner James Butzbac�{j���E�vEn .� c�`��E�cR Commissioner Gloria Kirkwood�,�F,rT1NtT DATE -� - ��c Chairman James Larsh AYF,S: zs , �� u on voner - ���� i' r�� Vice Chairman Rick Lebel ���,�; ��,�� Commissioner Martin Nethery A135f�N�.: _�1�ne.. aas�rAt;v: " an�, Also Present: VERIFICD BY: � � �� John Wohlmuth, City ManagerOr; 7ina1 an File witl� City Clerk's ffice Stephen Aryan, Assistant to the C�y Manager . Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works Pedro Rodriguez, Sr. Code Enforcement Officer Chief Dan Wilham, Palm Desert Police Department Lt. Andrew Shouse, Palm Desert Police Department Chief Dorian Cooley, Riverside County Fire Department Battalion Chief Bill Hunley, Riverside County Fire Department Fire Marshall Steve Brooker, Riverside County Fire Department Captain Scott Visyak, Riverside County Fire Department Lori Kritzer, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIDNS None APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 IV. PRESENTATIONS A. Van Snapp Deputy Rivera addressed the Commissioners. He stated that the vest was made of the same material as those used by the police officers. The vest was fitted for Van Snapp and covers his whole chest and belly area, which will protect his organs. He explained the types of calls that would ensue the need for Van Snapp to utilize the vest. He stated that the Canine Units were equipped with three different temperature gauges so it remains comfortable for Van Snapp at all times. He also leaves the car running while he is not in it so it stays cool for Van Snapp. Chief Dan Wilhelm stated that Van Snapp was the only Canine currently at the station because their other Canine passed away this past month. He said the dog was around 7 years old and at the end of his service time. B. Tour of the Palm Desert Sheriff Station (after the meeting). Chair Larsh stated that there will be a tour of the Palm Desert Sherriff's Station after the meeting. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of June 9, 2010 B. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for May, June and July 2010 C. Palm Desert Special Enforcement Team Monthly Report for June, July and August 2010 D. Traffic Team Report for May 2010 -- Includes Traffic Collision Statistics for April 2010 and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for June, July and August 2010 E. Business District Team Report for June, July and August 2010 F. Coachella Valley Narcotics Task Force Report for June, July and August 2010 G. Canine Report for June, July and August 2010 2 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 H. Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force Report for June, July and August 2010 Commissioner Gloria Kirkwood moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Martin Nethery and carried 5-0. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Request to expend funds for various Traffic Collision Investigations Courses (Intermediate and Advanced) Lt. Shouse stated that it was a routine training course. Commissioner Nethery moved, by Minute Motion, to recommend the approval of an expenditure of $1,708.00 in CAL Cops funds for Various Traffic Collision Investigations Courses as follows: Intermediate Traffic Collision — October 18-22, 2010, Officer Francisco Velasco and Corporal Troy Lawrence; Advanced Traffic Collision — November 29-December 10, 2010, Officer Harold McGowan and Officer Bradley Stone; and Advanced Traffic Collision — April 25-May 6, 2011, Corporal Courtney Donowho. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried 5-0. 2. Request to expend funds for Bicycle Patrol Course at the Ben Clark Training Center (Riverside, CA), September 13-16, 2010. Lt. Shouse stated that they were sending two officers. Commissioner Nethery moved, by Minute Motion, to recommend the approval of an expenditure of $262.00 in CAL Cops funds for Bicycle Patrol Courses for Officers Donald Isaacs and Giovanni Barr. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried 5-0. 3. Business Window Signage Chair Larsh introduced the item. Upon inquiry by Chair Larsh, Lt. Shouse responded that the photographs were taken to show examples of some businesses that were in compliance with the Ordinance and some businesses that were not. The concern for public safety is that when convenience store's windows are covered with excess signage, it 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 creates concealment from public view. When officers respond to robberies in progress they do not have a clear view of the inside of these stores and the potential for violence is greater. The Police Department feels that Code Enforcement should enforce the Ordinance as written. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Nethery, Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, responded that they were staffed adequately to enforce the Ordinance. There are business owners who are going through very difficult times and trying to do everything they can to optimize sales and maintain their businesses as being viable. Part of what they feel makes their business viable is to put out as much signage as possible. We are trying to be respectful of that, but at the same time, there are certain types of businesses that really do themselves harm by putting themselves in positions where they are vulnerable and susceptible to crime. Ms. Aylaian proposed to work on a case by case basis using the Code Enforcement staff and the Sheriff's Department. A team would visit the businesses that were problematic and talk with them about its signage and help them with improvements. The business owner would not be sited prior to these meetings. Ms. Aylaian stated that the current Sign Ordinance was approved about a year ago. The City Council would like the neon portion of the Ordinance brought back to them with proposed changes, recommendations and considerations. It was a lengthy process as Architectural Review, Planning Commission and City Council would all be involve in the process. At this point and time, there was not a proposal to change the neon portion of the Ordinance. Upon a statement by Chair Larsh, Ms. Aylaian responded that the neon signage can be enforced right now. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Butzbach, Ms. Aylaian responded that they would be looking at businesses that have been identified by both the Code Enforcement team and the Sheriff's Department. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Kirkwood, Pedro Rodriguez, Sr. Code Enforcement Officer, responded that there were about 10 businesses that have been identified. The Code Enforcement team would educate them from a law enforcement perspective wherein it would be beneficial for them to come into compliance before any code enforcement action was taken. 4 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 Lt. Shouse said typically the large corporations know that they need to maintain good visibility inside their markets. The buildings are generally designed to have one entrance and exit to reduce the likelihood of crime. Commissioner Butzbach moved, by Minute Motion, to support the recommendation by the Palm Desert Police Department to enforce the current sign regulation that no window signage is permitted to cover more than 25% of the window area. Motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried 5-0. 4. Surplus Bicycles Chair Larsh said that it sounds like the bicycles will be put to good use. Commissioner Nethery moved, by Minute Motion, to support the approval of the donation of surplus bicycles to the Desert Sands Unified School District. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried 5-0. 5. Cansideration to close the Highway 111 Palm Desert Police Department Substation. Stephen Aryan explained the reasoning behind the decision to close Highway 111 substation. He stated that there was no longer a need for a substation at that location because the "old" police station at the Civic Center on Fred Waring Drive was moved to its new location on Gerald Ford Drive. The Civic Center Substation has set business hours from 8 to 5 p.m. each day. Commissioner Nethery stated this obviously makes sense and we did talk about this. Mr. Aryan stated that there were no current plans for the building on Hwy 111 and Monterey Avenue. Commissioner Nethery moved, by Minute Motion, to support the approval of staff's recommendation to close the Palm Desert Police Department Substation at Highway 111/Monterey Avenue. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried 5-0. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 IX. OLD BUSINESS None X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION (S) None XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. Monthly Reports for June and July 2010 Frankie Riddle stated that the hours for patrol were down as anticipated during the summer months. Ms. Riddle announced that the C.O.P.S. new public service announcement was just completed and she will bring it to the next Public Safety meeting. Lori Kritzer distributed the C.O.P.S. Newsletter and the August 2010 Monthly Report. B. Legislative Update None C. Police and Fire Departments 1. Report on the reorganization of County Fire Volunteer FF Program — Chief Cooley Chief Cooley gave an overview of the County Fire Volunteer FF Program. They were working on restructuring and updating the program, which will be evolving into a reserve firefighter program. The volunteer companies as they currently exist across the county, were self-governing and non-profit. There were aspects of these volunteer groups that the County could not control, i.e., how they raise money or what they do with the money. There is somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 volunteers across the county, but actually only 125 to 150 of those produce any service on a monthly basis. Although 6 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 they are called volunteers, they are actuaily paid when they go to fires. Human Resources and County Council were concerned about the liability of having paid volunteers who furnish their own transportation and their own equipment. The were not county employees, yet the County was responsible for them. This raised a number of red flags. Using the Sheriff Reserve Program as a template they started working with HR and County Council to rewrite the program. The Fire Department has had input and feel that a reserve program would be an upgrade to the program because there would be a level of training that would need to be obtained before the individuals could go to a call. There was some resistance in that a lot of old time volunteers do not want to see any changes. They have been working with the Board of Supervisors and various volunteer groups across the County in order to make this a workable program. The volunteers in the City of Palm Desert, La Quinta and Thousand Palms have not voiced any concerns over the program. It is typical of what happens in these types of situations often times the very few local minority create a lot of waves and stir up a lot of issues, but are not speaking for the majority. We have been asked to go carefully and move this forward making sure that everyone's interests are addressed. Hopefully, within the next 60 days or so, they will be able to take this to the Board of Supervisors for final approval and then move forward. They were not anticipating any changes within the volunteers in the City. There will be a slight cost savings to the City with this new program. Upon inquiry by Commissioner Nethery, Chief Cooley stated that the existing volunteers would have the first opportunity to receive proper training. He said the intent was to actively work to grandfather those folks in depending on their fitness level and whether we can bring them up to speed. The volunteers will also be given physical aptitude tests and background checks. This will be something new to them, but the Department feels it is important. Chief Cooley said the volunteers were currently insured by County's Workman's Comp insurance. They also have private insurance on their own vehicles, but again the 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 County is concerned about liability issues there as wetl. They really want to bring this under the County umbrella and make this functional. That's the goal. Chief Cooley stated that the reserve program volunteers will not be paid. 2. JAG Grant Application approval — Lt. Shouse Lt. Shouse reported that the Department of Justice has approved the JAG Grant Application. The JAG Grant monies will be used for new computer equipment. Lt. Shouse also mentioned that the Police Department will be modifying its monthly reports. They will be combining the six individual reports into one making it more comprehensive. The same information will be incorporated, just in a different package. D. Staff 1. Improvements to Fire Stations — Stephen Aryan Mr. Aryan reported that over the past few months, Mark Greenwood, the City's Director of Public Works, himself and Chief Cooley have met regarding fire station improvements. Station 67 had a complete renovation in 2006, but Station 33 at Town Center and Station 71 at Portola and County Club were the two stations that currently need the improvements. Chief Cooley prepared a list of improvements that he believed was necessary to update the two stations. There have been some improvements to Station 33 and remaining projects were moving forward. He will bring the City's recommendations for improvements to the next Public Safety Commission meeting. Mr. Aryan said Vice Chair Lebel had the opportunity to tour the three stations. He asked Vice Chair Lebel if he would like to comment on his findings. Vice Chair Lebel stated that from time to time comments come from either employees or former employees as to what the quality and level of service is at the fire stations. He said 8 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 Chief Cooley did an inspection of the stations in October 2009. Vice Chair Lebel will provide a follow up on his inspections once he has reviewed the reports. His report will outline the findings and observations, as well as provide photographs of some of the conditions at the fire stations and photographs of other fire stations that Palm Desert may want to look at for consideration. Mr. Aryan stated that there is $1 million dollars set aside for the improvements. Station 33 will need a complete reroofing and Station 71 will need minor roof improvements. Those items will be coordinated with Vice Chair Lebel's report. E. Public Safety Commission Vice Chair Lebel announced that he will be undergoing total knee replacement surgery and asked for consideration for a one month absence from the Commissioners. Ms. Kritzer stated that Vice Chair Lebel's request would be given to Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk, and she will contact Vice Chair Lebel regarding its action. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Butzbach moved to adjourn the meeting in the memory of Dick Kelly, a long time City Councilman who served with distinction and facilitated many contributions to the City over many years. Motion seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and approved by a 5-0 vote. � Lori ritzer, ec r 'ng Secretary 9