HomeMy WebLinkAboutPub Safty Cmsn - 11-14-2012 CITY OF PALM DESERT
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REGULAR
�"'�'� PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING
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APPROVED MINUTES
, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012— 3:30 p.m.
Palm Desert City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Administrative Services Conference Room
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chairman Kirkwood convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Vice Chairman Gloria Kirkwood Chairman Jam s z a h
Commissioner poug Luhring
Commissioner Martin Nethery
Also Present:
Chief Bill Hunley, Riverside County Fire Department �,r� J
Lt. William Sullivan, Palm Desert Police Department � � Q �
Sgt. Mike Bianco, Palm Desert Police Department z = �ri �
Sgt. Dave Adams, Palm Desert Police Department � C ` s
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager , =
Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager 0 � �
Mary P. LaCross, Recording Secretary � �
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III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS V �'" o tl �
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IV. PRESENTATIONS � pa„ w w } O ,.'�M.`, ,�.M', c�, 'L°
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Presentation of Newly Purchased Palm Desert Medic Unit.
Vice Chairman Kirkwood recessed the meeting at 3:34 p.m. for presentation of
the newly purchased Palm Desert Medic Unit and the finro new BMW motorcycles for the
Palm Desert Police Department, which were just delivered this week. She reconvened
the meeting at 3:54 p.m.
APPROVED MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2012
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Minutes of the Public Safety Commission Meeting of September 12,
2012.
Rec: Approve as presented.
B. Palm Desert Specialized Units End of Month Reports for Aug. &
Sept. 2012.
Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file.
C. Palm Desert Fire Services Monthly Report for Aug. & Sept. 2012.
Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file.
Upon motion by Commissioner Nethery, second by Commissioner Luhring, the
Consent Calendar was approved as presented by a 3-0-1 vote, with Chairman Butzbach
ABSENT.
VI. C4NSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF CAL COPS
SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUNDING
(SLESF) FOR 2012/2013
Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report, noting that the Police Chiefs
recommendations for use of the FY 2012/2013 SLESF funds were
included in the report. He said this matter was also on the City
Council Agenda for its meeting of November 15, 2012.
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APPROVED MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2012
Upon question by Commissioner Nethery with regard to specific
spending recommendations being reviewed by the Public Safety
Commission in the past, Mr. Aryan responded that requests for
expenditures over $5,000 would be brought back to the Public
Safety Commission for consideration before being taken to the City
Council for approval.
Commissioner Luhring moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the City
Council approve the Cal COPS Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding
(SLESF) Expenditure Plan, as provided by the Chief of Police, for expenditure of a
$100,000 grant award to cover the cost for the 2012 Holiday Theft Suppression
Program and miscellaneous equipment, services, and supplies to support front line law
enforcement services. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by
a 3-0-1 vote, with Chairman Butzbach ABSENT.
B. APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH
THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE, TO PARTICIPATE IN A CALIFORNIA
OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY AVO/D THE 30 DUI GRANT
PROGRAM FOR FY 2012-2013 (October 1, 2012-September 30,
2013).
Sgt. Adams explained the Memorandum of Understanding and the
Avoid the 30 DUI Grant Program as outlined in the staff report.
Mr. Aryan added that the Police Department anticipated
participating with one DUI checkpoint and at least three saturation
patrols, likely during the major holiday period.
Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the City
Council: 1) Authorize the City Manger and/or his designee to enter into a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the City of Riverside, to participate in a
California Officer of Traffic Safety (OTS) AVOID the 30 DUI grant program for FY 2012-
2013 (October 1, 2012 — September 30, 2013); 2) appropriate $5,000 from unobligated
Public Safety Police Grants Fund to Account No. 229-4210-422-3918, and estimate
revenue of $5,000 to account 229-0000-334-5000, related to OTS Avoid fhe 30 DUI
Grant Program for FY 2012-2013. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Luhring and
carried by a 3-0-1 vote, with Chairman Butzbach ABSENT.
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APPROVED MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2012
C. APPROVAL TO UTILIZE A MOUNTED POSSE FOR
ADDITIONAL PATROL OF THE WESTFIELD PALM DESERT
MALL DURING THE 2012 HOLIDAY SEASON.
Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report, noting that use of the Mounted
Posse would provide for better visibility and easier maneuverability
on the part of the officers.
Lt. Sullivan added that use of the posse patrol wauld result in a
savings of approximately $5,000 compared to using regular sworn
officers.
Commissioner Luhring moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the City
Council: 1) Authorize the Palm Desert Police Department to utilize the Riverside County
Sheriff's Mounted Posse (Cabazon Station) during the 2012 holiday season to patrol the
Westfield Palm Desert Mall; 2) authorize the donation of $1,000 from the SLESF Cal-
Cops Account No. 229-4210-422-3914 to fund a mounted posse patrol as part of the
2012 Holiday Theft Suppression Program. Motion was seconded by Commissioner
Nethery and carried by a 3-0-1 vote, with Chairman Butzbach ABSENT.
D. APPROVAL TO ACCEPT THE OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY
(OTS) SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT GRANT PROGRAM FOR 2012-
2013 (GRANT NO. SC13302) IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,000.
Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any
questions.
Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the City
Council: 1) Accept the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Sobriety Checkpoint Grant
Program for 2012-2013 (Grant No. SC13302) in the amount of $73,000. Account No.
229-4210-422-3919 was designated by the Finance Department for this purpose; 2)
appropriate $73,000 from unobligated Public Safety Police Grants Fund to Account No.
229-4210-422-3918, and estimate revenue of $73,000 to account 229-0000-334-5000,
related to OTS Sobriety Checkpoint Grant for FY 2012-2013 (Grant No. SC13302); 3)
authorize the City Manager, Director of Finance/City Treasurer, Assistant Chief of
Police, and Palm Desert Motor Sergeant, to execute all necessary OTS Sobriety
Checkpoint Grant Documents. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Luhring and
carried by a 3-0-1 vote, with Chairman Butzbach ABSENT.
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APPROVED MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2012
E. APPROVAL TO IMPLEMENT AND PARTIALLY FUND THE 2012
"SHOP WITH A COP" PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $2,415.
Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report.
Commissioner Nethery noted that last year, Lt. Reynolds indicated
they had as many kids as they could handle, and additional funding
would not help. He asked if that was the case again this year.
Sgt. Bianco agreed and said they had already been given the
names of 75 kids and needed to narrow that down to 45 in order to
keep the program manageable.
Mr. Aryan added that any funds remaining after the "Shop With A
Cop" program would be used to purchase and distribute bicycles.
Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the City
Council approve implementation and partially funding, in an amount not to exceed
$2,415, the 2012 "Shop With A Cop" program. Funds are available under the Police
Department Contingency Account (No. 110-4210-422-3042). Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Luhring and carried by a 3-0-1 vote, with Chairman Butzbach ABSENT.
F. REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT'S 2013 "EVERY FIFTEEN MINUTES"
PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $6,900.
Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any
questions.
Sgt. Bianco noted that this program was scheduled for February
2013.
Vice Chairman Kirkwood noted that Chairman Butzbach had asked
her to pass along his comments that he felt this was a strong
program that should be supported continuously.
Commissioner Luhring moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the City
Council approve the City of Palm Desert's participation in the 2013 "Every Fifteen
Minutes" program, in an amount not to exceed $6,900. Funds for this program are
available under the Police Contingency Account No. 110-4210-422-3042. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 3-0-1 vote, with Chairman
Butzbach ABSENT.
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APPROVED MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2012
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 Reports for August, September, and October 2012
2. C.O.P.S. Caller-October 2012
3. NACOP Volunteer of the Year Award for 2012
4. COPS Program Comment Card
Mr. Aryan noted that the reports had been included in the Agenda
packets. He pointed out that Citizens on Patrol Administrative
Sergeant Jeanne Foster had been awarded the 2012 National
Association of Citizens on Patrol (NACOP) Volunteer of the Year
Award. In addition, a postcard was received from a local resident
expressing appreciation to the Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol for
their assistance during a situation in the Costco parking lot in
October.
Commissioner Luhring noted that he had attended the K-9 Trials
the previous weekend at Freedom Park and at Palm Desert High
School. The Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol members were there
every minute and had done a terrific job.
Lt. Sullivan stated that the Citizens on Patrol members were going
to be an integral part of the Holiday Theft Suppression Program.
They have been tasked with going to shopping malls and
neighborhoods and looking for opportunities to steal things (i.e.,
unlocked cars, packages on car seats, open garage doors, bikes on
the driveways, etc.). They will try to contact the owners just to
make them aware that these situations can invite crime.
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APPROVED MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2012
B. Legislative Update
Mr. Aryan noted there was no report, as the Legislature is currently
in recess until December.
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C. Police and Fire Departments
1. Update on The Fountains Apartments
Lt. Sullivan noted that the SET Team was in the process of
doing a 34 Beat saturation patrol in the Palm Desert Country
Club area and had been out there every day this week. He said
The Fountains Apartments management had stepped forward to
try and improve the area and had attended the recent Crime-
Free Multi-Housing classes held at the City of Palm Desert.
2. Riverside County Fire Department-Eastem Operational Area
Chief Hunley noted that with the season upon us, call volume
had increased.
3. Desert Willow Fires
Mr. Aryan reported that there had been a total of five palm tree
fires recently at Desert Willow Golf Resort, with a person or
persons setting fire to the palm tree "skirts" or "beards."
Approximately 38 trees were involved so far. Chief Hunley
noted that both the Fire Department and Police Department
were currently investigating the situation.
D. Staff
1. Update on FlashCam Camera Purchase
Mr. Aryan reported that the FlashCam had been received, and
Staff had been trained in its use. It was currently located on a
signal pole at Frank Sinatra and Portola. Unfortunately, there
was no footage of anyone involved in the recent Desert Willow
palm tree fire.
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APPROVED MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2012
2. Update on Refurbishment of New Medic Unit
Mr. Aryan noted that Medic Unit 233 was currently in Houston
undergoing refurbishment. The entire patient box will be
refurbished and then placed on a larger chassis. It should be
returned at the end of December and put back in service in
January or February. It is anticipated it will be assigned to
Station 67 — Mesa View. He noted that refurbishing rather than
replacing the unit resulted in a cost savings of between $40,000
and $50,000.
E. Public Safety Commissioners
Commissioner Nethery reported that he had also attended the K-9
Trials and watched several of the dogs go through their exercises.
He said he felt this was a great event for the City of Palm Desert.
Lt. Sullivan added that handlers came to the event from many
places, including Mexico.
Mr. Aryan noted that this event rotates annually between eastern
and western Riverside County, and next year's event will be back in
eastern Riverside County.
Commissioner Luhring suggested that the event be publicized more
so that people are aware of it.
LINDA WRIGHT, a resident of Palm Desert, agreed that there
should be more publicity, as she would have loved to attend. She
added that she does not receive The Desert Sun and only found
out about the event from Palm Desert Patch.
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APPROVED MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2012
Vice Chairman Kirkwood reported that Lt. Sullivan had attended the
recent Resort Communities Security Association meeting. He
spoke to members about what is going on in the City with regard to
crime and provided good ideas/tips. She said this was a
membership of security officers, security companies, and managers
for homeowner associations and gated communities.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Nethery moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:20 p.m. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Luhring and carried by a 3-0-1 vote, with Chairman
Butzbach ABSENT.
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Mary P. laCro s, ecording Secretary
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