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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Safety Cmsn - 10-09-2013 �� � �F� CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR �"-1�"� PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING � � _ APPROVED MINUTES , WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2013 —3:30 p.m. Palm Desert City Hall 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Administrative Services Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Kirkwood called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL CiTY COUNCILACTION API'ROVF,D DENIF.D Present: RCC�IVED �'�i��"- OTHF,I2 Commissioner James Butzbach �rcT[ G DATE ���a-���3 Commissioner Phyllis Harkins AVEs: P-��s�n, N�,rn i}C . ����lt���� T��n�� Commissioner Terry Kramer ��n��: ��n� Vice Chairman Doug Luhring A135ElVT: t��v►�_ Commissioner Martin Nethery ABST�IN: o Commissioner Frank Taylor VE:R1F[F,D l3Y: r Chairman Gloria Kirkwood Original on File with City Clcrk's Of'fice Also Present: Councilman Robert A. Spiegel Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Chief Bill Hunley, Riverside County Fire Department Lt. William Sullivan, Palm Desert Police Department Mary P. LaCross, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2013 IV. PRESENTATIONS A. PRESENTATION by Public Safety Commissioner Frank Taylor Regarding Unmanned Aerial Systems. Commissioner Taylor gave a Power Point presentation regarding unmanned aerial systems. Councilman Spiegel asked whether the City of Rancho Mirage had a current ordinance regulating these systems and where they were sold. Commissioner Taylor stated it was his understanding that when SB 15 was put in place, Rancho Mirage put its ordinance on hold. He added they are sold in places like hobby shops. Upon question by Commissioner Harkins, Commissioner Taylor responded that his presentation today was for informational and educational purposes only. He also introduced Mr. Chris Willison and said he was working on his doctorate regarding some of the research aspects of these systems. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Public Safety Commission Meeting of September 11, 2013. Rec: Continue to the meeting of November 13, 2013. B. PALM DESERT SPECIALIZED UNITS End of Month Reports for August 2013. Rec: Receive and file. C. PALM DESERT FIRE SERVICES Monthly Report for August 2013. Rec: Receive and file. Commissioner Nethery asked that Items B and C be removed for separate discussion and action under Section VI, "Consent Items Held Over." Commissioner Butzbach moved to approve Item A continuing the Minutes of the Regular Public Safety Commission meeting of September 11, 2013, to the meeting of November 13, 2013. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Luhring and carried by a 7-0 vote of the Commission. 2 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2013 VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER ' B. PALM DESERT SPECIALIZED UNITS End of Month Report for August 2013. Commissioner Nethery noted that on the Summary of Activity for August 2013 for the Crime Prevention Team, most of the entries indicate patrol and/or check inside Silver Sands Racquet Club or Desert Breezes. Lt. Sullivan stated that patrols were increased in these two areas, and the Police Department recently arrested two individuals for burglaries inside Silver Sands Racquet Club. This is increased coverage by the CSO's, who are contacting homeowners to offer CPTED analyses and assist in setting up neighborhood watch programs. Upon question by Commissioner Nethery regarding Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Lt. Sullivan stated that this is a sworn officer who is looking for commercial vehicle violations. He is doing full inspections, which sometimes take a long time, as they are very comprehensive evaluations of the vehicles he pulls over. Upon further question by Commissioner Nethery, Lt. Sullivan responded that the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officer does back up the other police officers as needed. Commissioner Harkins moved to receive and file the Palm Desert Specialized Units end of month report for August 2013. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 7-0 vote. C. PALM DESERT FIRE SERVICES Monthly Report for August 2013. Commissioner Nethery stated he felt the response times were looking good in this report. Commissioner Harkins moved to receive and file the Palm Desert Fire Services monthly report for August 2013. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 7-0 vote. 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2013 VIi. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO IMPLEMENT A BIENNIAL SPONSORSHIP FOR THE PALM DESERT EXPLORER PROGRAM Lt. Sullivan reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Nethery asked whether, through this program, potential law enforcement officers and/or firefighters are identified. Lt. Sullivan stated that there are many success stories from this program. He said one of his sergeants was in his Explorer program when he was 14 years old, and now he is in his 30's and working in Palm Desert. Chief Hunley added that there is also a Fire Explorer program in La Quinta, and last he heard, there were approximately 15 kids in that program. Commissioner Nethery asked whether the Fire Explorer program had the same types of results as the Police Explorers, and Chief Hunley responded that it did. He noted that Chief Cooley's son, who was a Fire Explorer, is now a paramedic in Alaska. Commissioner Kramer noted he himself was an Explorer, and it sounded like the program was being well-supervised. Commissioner Taylor said he felt it was fantastic that cities have recently funded this program because in the past, the program itself had to raise funds for uniforms, etc. Mr. Aryan noted that this matter was also being considered by the Cove Commission at its meeting of October 23. Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the City council approve implementation and funding, in the amount of $13,800, for the Palm Desert Explorer Program. An appropriation from the unobligated general fund is required. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Luhring and carried by a 7-0 vote. 4 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2013 VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None IX. OLD BUSINESS None X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION(S) None XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. Monthly Report for August 2013 Ms. Riddle noted the report in the packets. She stated that while two Citizens on Patrol members were conducting a vacation check recently at a home in Palm Desert, they encountered a gas leak and called it in. The Fire Department and Gas Company responded and were able to shut off the gas to the home. Commissioner Kramer moved to receive and file the COPS monthly report for August 2013. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 7-0 vote. B. Legislative Update Mr. Aryan noted that the Legislature was currently adjourned, and the Governor has until this coming Sunday to veto or approve any bills. He also noted that AB 604 (Medical Canabis) had failed to pass the Legislature. C. Police and Fire Departments 1. Mr. Aryan stated that the new school year had started in September, and he had received some positive comments from parents regarding enforcement around the schools. Upon question by Commissioner Kramer regarding letting drivers know that enforcement measures are in effect in school zones, Mr. Aryan stated that the City's Public Works Department was 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2013 going to be installing solar powered speed signs with flashing lights, similar to the signs speed radar trailers that tell drivers when they are going too fast. Mr. Wohlmuth added that 14 would be installed, two at each school (one in each direction). 2. Chief Hunley noted that the Fire Department was busy responding to calls. In addition, they were spending seven to eight hours each day on the Mini Muster program at the different schools. D. Staff 1. Schedule of Refurbishment of Fire Department Medic Units Mr. Aryan noted that the Fire Station 67 Medic Unit had been sent to be refurbished. He added that the refurbishment schedule was included on the second page of the staff report that went to the City Council at its meeting of September 26, 2013. 2. Mr. Aryan noted that the City had hosted a CERT class last month that was very well-attended, and he hoped to have another one in the near future. Commissioner Harkins noted that one of her employees had attended, spoke very positively about the CERT class, and felt it was well-done. 3. Lt. Sullivan provided a status report to the Commission regarding the upcoming American Heat motorcycle weekend and the group of motorcyclists who had booked a large block of rooms at the Courtyard Marriott and Residence Inn. E. Public Safety Commissioners 1. Commissioner Harkins noted that Section 10.98.010, Section B1 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code indicated that it is unlawful to park any commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more on any residential street. She said people who work for towing companies are parking their large, flat-bed towing vehicles on City streets, and she had personally seen some of them parked on Minnesota Avenue in Palm Desert Country Club and also in the Portola Avenue/San Pablo area. She asked who was responsible for enforcing this code, as she had witnessed a Police Officer drive past the towing vehicle that 6 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2013 was parked on Minnesota Avenue and never stopped. She added that there are finro tow trucks regularly parked in the Palm Desert Country Club community, one on Minnesota and one on Texas. They were not there every day because it depended on the drivers' schedules, but they were regularly in the community and are not being ticketed. Lt. Sullivan responded that the Police Department should be called while those vehicles are illegally parked so that an officer can be dispatched. Commissioner Harkins stated that there was a similar situation a few months ago with one parked on Califomia. Residents of the street were calling the non-emergency number for the Police Department and were told by the dispatcher that the Police probably would not respond because they were busy, would not be able to address it, and to call the City's Code Comptiance Department. She said Code Compliance addresses the issue if the officers are working; however, they are not available at 8 p.m. to drive around and see those tow trucks parked on residential streets. She said she understood that the drivers of these vehicles want to have the vehicles close by so that they can respond quickly to a service call; however, parking a vehicle that is over 10,000 pounds on a residential street, blocking the neighbors' driveways, and potentially blocking intersections is a dangerous situation that should be addressed. Commissioner Taylor stated that, with regard to the tow truck on Minnesota, he had called the towing company and told them he was a private citizen and understood there was a City ordinance regarding parking these vehicles on residential streets. He was told that the towing company had a contract with the Sheriff's Department and that they wouldn't do anything to the towing companies anyway. He suggested perhaps some education with the towing companies might help them to understand. He said in Palm Desert Country Club, there were a certain number of rentals in the area, and the tow truck drivers like to be on call and park their trucks all over the place when they rent houses. 2. Commissioner Harkins asked Lt. Sullivan to explain how the "No Trespassing Order" works. She said there were issues with the golf course in the Palm Desert Country Club community, and it was her understanding that the golf course management and ownership would not sign a "No Trespassing Order." When a 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2013 community such as this signs a "No Trespassing Order," finds someone trespassing on the premises when they are not supposed to be, and the Police are called, what exactly do the Police do from that point forward? Lt. Sullivan stated that if the letter is on file, and if that person has already been notified, the person is arrested. Commissioner Nethery stated his understanding was that, in essence, the person would get the equivalent of one warning and would be told if the Police find them there again, they will be arrested. He added that there would have to be some kind of proof of service in the Police Department file to show that. Lt. Sullivan agreed and said those letters are kept on file, and Dispatch can access them. Commissioner Taylor stated that he felt it would be a big help if the officers document the contacts so that it goes into the system, and that would serve as the notification to the individuals who are trespassing. 3. Commissioner Taylor distributed copies of an article from the Union-Tribune San Diego newspaper regarding installation of a diagonal crosswalk at a busy intersection in Carlsbad, California. He said there was a lot of foot traffic from College of the Desert using the intersection of Monterey Avenue and Fred Waring Drive, especially with four bus stops there as well. There is a lot of foot traffic on EI Paseo on a regular basis as well. With the diagonal crosswalks at intersections in Carlsbad, they do what they call the "Carlsbad scramble" where, instead of allowing people to keep changing the lights for pedestrians, the lights are red in all directions for 35 to 45 seconds, and everyone gets to cross the intersection at one time diagonally. That allows vehicle traffic to continue for a longer period of time and not get backed up. Commissioner Nethery noted that these were also in place at several intersections in Old Town Pasadena, and he felt it worked very well, especially after events with thousands of people walking. He said he would think there would have to be enough foot traffic to make it worthwhile. Commissioner Taylor stated he was bringing this to the Commission as an informational item only. 8 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2013 Commissioner Nethery stated he would be interested to know at a future meeting if the Public Works Department has ever considered this type of crosswalk system. He felt there must be some statistics as to how much foot traffic would be needed. Mr. Wohlmuth stated that he could see several issues with this. He doubted it would be ADA compatible, and we would probably have to talk to someone in Carlsbad to find out how they have dealt with the ADA issue. In addition, the crossing time in Palm Desert is probably about 20% longer than in other communities because of the elderly pedestrians, etc., and he did not know how that would be impacted. He said he would suspect the first thing to do is to look at our traffic controller to see whether it is efficient and effective before modifying an intersection or other type of crossing. Perhaps the American Public Works Association or American Civil Engineers Association would have some data on the number of pedestrians needed to make this worthwhile. Vehicles are normally counted rather than pedestrians, but staff can certainly look into this issue. Mr. Aryan stated that he would bring this matter back to the Commission at a later meeting and would ask Public Works staff to come and speak on this subject as well. 4. Commissioner Butzbach stated that he travels along Portola several times a day to and from work, and he had noticed that the red paint on the curbs had really faded along this street, particularly south of the Whitewater Wash in front of the school. He asked whether the Public Works Department was still painting curbs. Chairman Kirkwood added that there were several areas throughout the City where the painted curbs were faded. Mr. Wohlmuth responded that the City was trying to get away from painting the red curbs and was putting in "no parking" and "no stopping" signs instead. He said painting was very costly, and lanes have to be shut down while the painting is being done, while signage was far less expensive. Signage does not work at every location, so there are areas where the City will maintain the red curbs. 9 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2013 XII. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chairman Luhring moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 p.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 7-0 vote. � �C°.�_��� Mary P. L r s, Recording Secretary 10