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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Public Safety Commision - September 12, 2012CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING 634 APPROVED MINUTES WEDNESDAY, September 12, 2012 — 3:30 p.m. Palm Desert City Hall Administrative Services Conference Room 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Butzbach convened the meeting at 3:32 p.m. II. ROLL CALL IV. V. Present: Vice Chairman Gloria Kirkwood Commissioner Doug Luhring Commissioner Martin Nethery Chairman James Butzbach Also Present: Mayor Pro Tern William Kroonen Chief Bill Hunley, Riverside County Fire Department Lt. William Sullivan, Palm Desert Police Department= John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager w Stephen Aryan, Risk Manager w f Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs = O Mary P. LaCross, Recording Secretary z ' ORAL COMMUNICATIONS `� v None A2�- PRESENTATIONS UOit F ZQr�. None CIO uax �azad>o CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of June 13, 2012. Rec: Approve as presented. APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 B. Palm Desert Specialized Units End of Month Reports for June and July 2012. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. C. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for July 2012. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Upon motion by Vice Chair Kirkwood, second by Commissioner Nethery, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by a 4-0 vote. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY VIOLENT CRIME GANG TASK FORCE (CWCGTF) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. Lt. Sullivan reviewed the report, noting that nothing had changed from the previous MOU. Mr. Aryan added that Items A and B of New Business were each five-year agreements that could be canceled by either party with 30 days written notice. B. CONSIDERATION OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY NARCOTICS TASK FORCE (CVNTF) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Recommend that the Palm Desert City Council approve the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (CWCGTF) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU); 2) recommend that the Palm Desert City Council approve the Coachella Valley Narcotics Task Force (CVNTF) Memorandum of Understanding. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kirkwood and carried by a 4-0 vote. FA APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 C. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY THE PALM DESERT POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE ONE FlashCAM-880SX DIGITAL CAMERA SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,650 (PLUS TAX AND SHIPPING). Lt. Sullivan reviewed the staff report, noting that the City had been hit quite heavy with graffiti and vandalism in the parks over the past several years. This camera system could be either tree- or pole - mounted. It is motion -activated and produces high -quality digital photographs and also puts out a loud voice message warning individuals that the Police are on the way. He added that no City funds were necessary for this purchase, as he had received authorization to use gang -related asset forfeiture money. Upon question by Commissioner Nethery as to where these cameras would be installed, Lt. Sullivan responded that they would be given to the City's Public Works Department to determine where they were most needed in City parks and public places. Commissioner Nethery asked if the cameras could be moved fairly easily, and Lt. Sullivan responded that there was a dummy (fake) unit that goes along with the camera. The concept was that you install the camera and leave it for a certain amount of time. Then if there is a problem in another area, you put the dummy camera up and move the real camera to the new location. Mr. Aryan added that the purchase included multiple mounting hardware, so it was just a matter of taking the real camera down, relocating it to another area, and installing the dummy camera in its place. He said this was being looked at as a pilot program and, if successful in limiting graffiti and deterring crime, staff might return at a future date with recommendations to purchase additional camera systems. Commissioner Luhring expressed concern with use of the dummy camera and asked if the City Attorney had been consulted about possible liability. He said even though individuals are being warned they are doing something wrong, they could be injured and then come back and say they felt they were safe because of the cameras. For example, if someone was being beat up in the park, they could come back and say that the City had a camera in place and should be able to substantiate what happened; however, the City would not be able to do so because it was not a working camera. 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 Vice Chair Kirkwood added that this had been a concern at her country club as well. Commissioner Luhring suggested that this matter be looked at by the City Attorney. Mayor Pro Tern Kroonen asked if it would be possible to have the City Attorney's response prior to Council's consideration at the September 13th meeting. Mr. Aryan noted that the manufacturer would be at the City Council meeting tomorrow, September 13, to make a presentation on these cameras, and the Commissioners might want to attend. Chairman Butzbach asked whether items such as this would qualify for SLESF (Cal COPS) grant funding, and Mr. Aryan responded that he would look into this. Mr. Wohlmuth noted that although the liability issue was not specifically discussed, the City Attorney was part of the Management Team meeting where the cameras were discussed and did not voice any concerns at that time. He said the City had previously had "dummy" cameras in several locations throughout the City. He added that he would talk to the City Attorney prior to the Council meeting. Chairman Butzbach asked whether there were any other cities in the Coachella Valley using these types of cameras, and Lt. Sullivan responded that San Jacinto was the closest. Commissioner Luhring moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council approve the purchase of one (1) new FlashCAM-8800SX Digital Camera System, from QStar Technologies, in the amount of $6,650 (plus tax and shipping). Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kirkwood and carried by a 4-0 vote. D. CONSIDERATION TO ACCEPT THE OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY (OTS) SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP) GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,072. Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Chairman Butzbach stated that he had noticed over the years that the Palm Desert Police Department has received a high number of State grants, and he asked if we have our own grant writer. rd APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 Lt. Sullivan responded that the Police Department does have its own grant writer, Sgt. David Adams, who is always searching for grants. Chairman Butzbach said he felt Sgt. Adams was doing an outstanding job and offered congratulations to him and to Risk Manager Stephen Aryan. Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council accept the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant for 2012-2013 (Grant No. PT13114) in the amount of $100,072. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Luhring and carried by a 4-0 vote. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None IX. OLD BUSINESS None X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION(S) Mayor Pro Tem Kroonen noted that he was in Riverside earlier this week to speak with representatives of the Riverside Sheriffs Association, and they were filled with complimentary statements about cooperation with the City of Palm Desert and the fine work being done out here by their fellow law enforcement officers. He said he assured them that, in large part, the fine cooperation was under the overall jurisdiction and excellent work of the Public Safety Commission. He also reported on the following Council actions since the last Public Safety Commission meeting: ■ Cooperative agreements for police and fire services had been extended through June 2013. ■ A balanced budget was passed in June, with approximately $22.5 million of the $45 million budget allocated to public safety. 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. Monthly Reports for June and July 2012 2. C.O.P.S. Caller -September 2012 Ms. Riddle noted that in the last two to three months, three new COPS members had been recruited. The first COPS meeting of the season was held yesterday, September 11, 2012, and hopefully hours of patrol will increase. A new office program is starting this month where some of the COPS members will be coming in to .City Hall to help provide clerical support to staff and act as dispatch for other COPS members to deal with issues such as graffiti and other violations. That person would enter the data, track it, and be able to report back to the COPS members about what is happening with those particular issues. Lt. Sullivan noted that staff. was also exploring the possibility of COPS members doing the vacant housing checks. This would be a program where residents who are going to be gone for certain periods of time can sign up at the City and have the Citizens on Patrol periodically check the exterior of their residences for signs of vandalism, burglary, etc. He said there were still some issues to be worked out before presenting this to the COPS members. B. Legislative Update Mr. Aryan reported that AB1993 (Assemblyman Ma) would prohibit a peace officer form impounding the vehicle of an unlicensed driver if that vehicle could be parked safely. The City opposed this bill, and it has since died, although it could be resurrected next legislative calendar year. Chairman Butzbach asked whether deputies were empowered to still impound a vehicle of an unlicensed or suspended operator, and Lt. Sullivan said they were still empowered to do so. Chairman Butzbach asked whether Police Department policy dictated alternative methods to administering that law. Lt. Sullivan stated that if the Police Department could find a licensed driver or family member within a reasonable amount of time, that vehicle could be turned over to them. r-i APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 C. Police and Fire Departments 1. Update on The Fountains Apartments CSOII Stacey Austin stated she met with Brad Taylor, Manager of The Fountains Apartments, and did a CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) survey at that community. There were only a handful of items that needed to be addressed. One of the main items was lighting. There were several power poles that belong to Southern California Edison (SCE) that appeared may provide sufficient lighting for some of the areas of concern; however, there his call to SCE needed to be addressed by SCE before she could follow up on that and do the second survey to make sure that all the corrections were made from the first one. She noted that the Police Department was holding an eight -hour Crime -Free Multi -Housing Seminar next Wednesday, September 19, 2012, in the Council Chamber. The Fountains Apartments were on -board with this program and would be attending the seminar, although they were not currently crime -free. She said the Department would be working with them to get the second crime prevention survey done and complete the process of being crime -free. Measures were currently being taken to deal with the criminal element within that community, such as evictions. 2. Update on Purchase of Police Department BMW Motor Units Mr. Aryan reported that this purchase had been approved, and a purchase order had been processed. Staff is waiting for the motorcycles to be outfitted. If possible, they will be brought to the next Public Safety Commission meeting. Upon question by Chairman Butzbach, Mr. Aryan confirmed that this was a motorcycle replacement purchase. 3. Update on High Visibility Patrol Operation Lt. Sullivan reviewed his memorandum, noting that no overtime hours had been used for this operation as mentioned in the report and that it was, instead, covered by regular officer hours. 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 4. Commercial Vehicle Inspection Operation Mr. Aryan noted an article in The Desert Sun, a copy of which was included in the packets. He said this inspection program was done in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol and took place on Monterey Avenue at Gerald Ford Drive. He said 28 vehicles were inspected, and 24 violations were found. Upon question by Chairman Butzbach, Mr. Wohlmuth noted that the cost for this operation was shared by the Cities of Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage per the Cove Commission funding formula. 5. Riverside County Fire Department (Cal Fire) Annual Report Commissioners complimented the Fire Department on preparation of this report. Upon question by Chairman Butzbach, Chief Hunley responded that the Fire Department was still maintaining its five-minute response time. 6. Riverside County Fire Department -Eastern Operational Area Mr. Aryan noted the organization chart included in the Agenda packets. He congratulated Bill Hunley for his promotion to West Desert Division Chief. He added that there were two new Battalion Chiefs for the Cove Communities cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells: Chief Rick Griggs and Chief Casey Hartman. D. Staff 1. SHSGP Award of Funds Mr. Aryan reported that last year the City Council appropriated approximately $30,000 to conduct two CERT classes and purchase the equipment necessary to conduct the courses. The City was subsequently able to recoup $23,121.00 of that cost from a Homeland Security Grant. Upon question by Chairman Butzbach, Mr. Aryan responded that the money received goes back into the City's General Fund. FA APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 2. Update on Purchase of New Medic Unit Mr. Aryan noted that he had an opportunity to see this new medic unit at the 9/11 event yesterday. He added that it would be brought over to City Hall for the Public Safety Commission to view at its next meeting on October 10, 2012. Upon question by Chairman Butzbach, Chief Hunley responded that this new unit would be at Station 33. He said it would replace an existing unit that was being placed into reserve. He added that there were currently four reserve units in the battalion — one in Indian Wells, one in Rancho Mirage, and two in Palm Desert. 3. Mr. Aryan reported on the Police presentation to the business community this morning. Lt. Sullivan and the Business District Team did an outstanding job, along with Community Service Officers Stacey Austin and Candy Munoz. Lt. Sullivan added that the Department was also looking at a neighborhood watch type program on El Paseo where the businesses could communicate with each other and advise of things that are happening, such as suspicious individuals. He said he felt this would create a real sense of community on the street. Mr. Aryan added that the system would be administered by the Police Department. In order to participate, one would need to have a valid El Paseo address. It would be implemented as a pilot program to begin with, and once it has been up and running for about six months, staff will bring a report to the Public Safety Commission. E. Public Safety Commissioners The Commissioners complimented both the Police and Fire Departments for their excellent monthly reports and said they were very informative and helpful. APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 Chairman Butzbach recognized a member of the audience, Frank Taylor, retired member of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. He congratulated him on his retirement and thanked him for attending this meeting. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Kirkwood moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:20 p.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Luhring and carried by a 4-0 vote. Mary P. La os , Recording Secretary 10