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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Safety Cmsn - 10-08-2014 \ ��y� \ �' r CITY OF PALM DESERT ��'""� PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING � � APPROVED MINUTES , , WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014— 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 Luhring cailed the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. il. ROLL CALL Present: CITY COUNCII,ACTION Commissioner James Butzbach APPROVED DENiFD _.__. Commissioner Phyllis Harkins RECEIVED OTHER �_ Commissioner Gloria Kirkwood �'`Ze«'�� � F; �-e ,�� Commissioner Terry Kramer MEETING DATE �Z''���`� Chairman Doug Luhring AYES:�tr►uK.�d►'r�t�v�n� sp��eu�1,'��rrn��_ Vice Chairman Martin Nethery NOES: �� Commissioner Frank Taylor ABSF.NT: N� � A13STAtN: VF,RIFIED�v� K r(m Also Present: ----- Mayor Pro Tem Susan Marie Weber Ori�inat on F;le with City Clerk's Oftice Councilmember Bob Spiegel John Wohlmuth, City Manager Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager Captain Kevin Vest, Palm Desert Police Department Chief Bill Hunley, Riverside County Fire Department Sergeant Dave Adams, Palm Desert Police Department Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs Pedro Rodriguez, Code Compliance Supervisor Donna Evans, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Barry Curtis, a 14-year resident of Palm Desert, was present and addressed the Commission stating his concerns regarding the licensing of golf carts within the City. Mr. Curtis commented that he has observed Public Safety Commission October 8, 2014 Page 2 people driving golf carts on the street without seat belts, too many people in a golf cart, children driving golf carts, people driving golf carts while inebriated, and golf carts being operated dangerously in and around Palm Desert Country Club. Vice Chairman Nethery agreed that these are serious concerns and requested that staff discuss the issues with the Palm Desert Police Department and suggested that Mr. Curtis attend the next Public Safety Commission meeting to be held on November 12, 2014, when a report will be given by staff. IV. PRESENTATIONS Mr. Rodriguez showed a Power-Point presentation outlining the duties of Palm Desert's Code Compliance Officers. He stated that their goal is to improve the quality of life and protect the general public. Some of the items that officers respond to are overgrown weeds, abandoned vehicles, green pools, trash, noise complaints, signs, solicitors, illegal construction, squatters, party houses and unlawful camping. Mr. Rodriguez stated that they work with local law enforcement and also other departments at the City. A series of before and after photos were shown depicting examples of different cases that Code Compliance has handled within Palm Desert. A Code Compliance Hot Line is available for residents to utilize. Code Compliance has officers working Monday-Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and also on the weekends from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Public Safety Commission Meeting of May 14, 2014. Removed for separate consideration, then APPROVED as amended: Vice Chairman Nethery requested that the word "where?" be removed from page six and question marks should be removed on page seven so that the sentence is revised to state, "However, the revenues from property taxes were up." Vice Chairman Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the Minutes of the Public Safety Commission meeting of May 14, 2014 as amended. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Kirkwood, Kramer, Nethery, Taylor, and Luhring: NOES: None). Public Safety Commission October 8, 2014 Page 3 B. PALM DESERT SPECIALIZED UNITS End of Month Reports for May, June, July and August 2014. C. PALM DESERT FIRE SERVICES Monthly Reports for July and August 2014. Vice Chairman Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the consent calendar. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Ki►icwood, Kramer, Nethery, Taylor, and Luhring: NOES: None). VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER NONE VII. NEW BUSINESS A. APPROVAL FOR THE PALM DESERT POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE POST-RELEASE ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE TEAMS (P.A.C.T.) PROGRAM FOR FY 2014/15. Mr. Aryan stated that Assembly Bill 109 resulted in a realignment in the State Correction System and subsequently redistributed certain incarcerated individuals from the State to the County Correction System, which resulted in early release of many inmates. To combat this problem of supervision of post-release inmates, the County had enacted a Post-Release Accountability and Compliance Team. One team operates in the East County and one in the West County. The City has participated by having a Corporal be a part of the East P.A.C.T. team. This position is reimbursed with approximately $200,000. each year. One officer was removed from patrol. Part of the conditions of the P.A.C.T. program was that cities or agencies could not create a new position, but have to re- deploy an existing one. The Strategic Plan includes a section that states that one of the priorities is to enhance delivery of public safety services, which this action does by mitigating the impact of public safety realignment under Assembly Bill 109 through this direct supervision. Staff recommends continued participation in the P.A.C.T. program. Commissioner Kramer moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council approve the Palm Desert Police Department's participation in the Post- Release Accountability and Compliance Teams (P.A.C.T.) program for FY 2014/15. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Kirkwood, Kramer, Nethery, Taylor, and Luhring: NOES: None). B. APPROVAL TO ACCEPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, THE 2014 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,562 AND AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A MOBILE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR DISASTER OPERATIONS. Mr. Aryan stated that staff applied for this grant and it was awarded. The City would like to purchase a water filtration system that would provide water for half of the City's non- Public Safety Commission October 8, 2014 Page 4 seasonal population in the event of an emergency. This water fiitration system can be operated at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center, which holds approximately 1.2 million gallons of water. The system has the capability to produce 28,000 gallons of filtered water per day. Mr. Aryan noted that there was some concern that by having this system, there could be less of an inclination by residents to prepare themselves for an emergency, but the City isn't advertising this purchase. It's still recommended that residents have at least 10 days of food and water on hand to handle a disaster situation. The cost of the water treatment system is $40,000 including training and shipping. The net cost to the City will be approximately $25,000. Staff is recommending approval. The City currently doesn't have any type of long-term water filtration capability at this point. This is a similar system thaYs currently being used at the City of Palm Springs. They own one system and are going to purchase a second system this year. Staff will explore joint training with Palm Springs to reduce costs. The system will be stored at the Corporation Yard and can be operated and lifted into a truck by two people. Commissioner Kramer moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Pa1m Desert City Councif approve acceptance of the FY 2014 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG), through the California Govemor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), in the amount of $15,562, to partially fund the purchase of a mobile water treatment system for disaster operations. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 7-0 vote (AYES: Butzbach, Harkins, Kirkwood, Kramer, Nethery, Taylor, and Luhring: NOES: None). Vltl. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE IX. OLD BUSINESS NONE X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION(S) NONE XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Citizens on Patrol Program Ms. Riddle stated that the patrol hours are reduced in the summer, due to the volunteers taking vacations. A majority of COPS volunteers will be returning at the end of October or beginning of November. B. Legislative Update Mr. Aryan stated that he had no report at this time. Public Safety Commission October 8, 201 A Page 5 C. Police and Fire Departments Captain Vest was present and stated that this weekend is American Heat weekend in Palm Springs. Last year one of the groups that attends this event booked the entire Courtyard Marriott located at Cook Street and Frank Sinatra and they've done so again this year. The City of Moreno Valley is lending the Palm Desert Police Department several wireless cameras to assist in monitoring the area, in mitigating any potential issues. There weren't any probtems last year, however, the Police Department will also have additional patrol as the potentiaf exists. D. Staff 1. Fire Department Salary Increase Mr. Aryan noted that the Commissioners received a notice from Chief John Hawkins in their packet. It states that due to labor negotiations settlement and the increase to Califomia minimum wage, staff expects an increase to the City's fire services costs next year. Chief Hunley stated that seasonal firefighters were making just above minimum wage, when averaging their 72-hour shifts. This was raised, which compacted the Firefighter 1 and Firefighter II positions. The Firefighter II position received an increase in wages by 6% to provide separation. Councilman Spiegel asked how much this will cost the City. Chief Hunley stated that he didn't have the information, but that he will get the numbers for him. He commented that Exhibit A is factored in at top step so Fire Department is historically under budget. 2. Medic Unit Refurbishment Mr. Aryan stated that the City has a reserve medic unit at Station 67 (Mesa View) that needed to be refurbished. The refurbished unit will be utilized at Station No. 71 (Country Club Drive/Portola Avenue) because iYs one of the busiest stations for medical aid calls. In addition, Medic Unit 55 operating out of Indian Wells was involved in a minor collision with a overhang on a building. This unit will be repaired and be put back in service soon. There are enough reserve units on hand so service won't be disrupted. Chief Hunley also stated that neighboring medic units can be deployed if needed. 3. Ffash Cam Cameras Purchase Mr. Aryan stated that the City purchased one Flash Cam camera last year. This is a mobile camera that can be deployed anywhere within the City. At the request of the Sheriff Department, the City purchased Public Safety Commission October 8, 2014 Page 6 four additional cameras. The camera purchase is funded 100% by forfeiture funds, which are funds derived from criminal activity. 4. Surplus Police Motors Mr. Aryan stated that two Police motors were listed as surplus because they weren't being utilized. E. Public Safety Commissioners Commissioner Harkins asked Chief Hunley about the Public Assist Program. Chief Hunley explained that it's a service provided to residents to help them with smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors. Commissioner Harkins suggested having public education classes regarding bicycle safety so that cyclists know the rules of the road. Captain Vest commented that due to the fatality at the Tour de Palm Springs last year, the Police Department is going to be more strict with the organizer so that it can be better coordinated. Captain Vest stated that he's going to have the nighttime units focus more on the golf cart issues. He stated that iYs difficult because for every 100 carts, there are probably 97 that are just going from one house to the next house. He feels that there may be a lot of resident complaints if people start getting ticketed for just driving across the street in their golf cart. Vice Chairman Nethery stated that he thought that the main issue is how to identify whether or not a golf cart is registered, especially if the registration sticker is so small. Mr. Aryan stated that in 2002, the City adopted a resolution establishing a policy that the operation of an unregistered golf cart is allowed on all 25 mph streets within Palm Desert Country Club. Commissioner Harkins stated that the Palm Desert Country Club Golf Course owners had protested any type of regulation because the way the course was designed, the golf carts have to cross public streets. The serious issues are when a twelve or thirteen-year-old is seen driving a golf cart and also having more riders on a cart than there are seats. John Wohlmuth stated that the same rules apply to a golf cart as a car. There can only be as many people as there are seats with seatbelts. They also have to have insurance and a California driver's license. The reason that some carts can be unlicensed is because the Vehicle Code, prior to the City passing this ordinance, allowed � Nuolic Safety Commission October 8, 2014 Page 7 golf carts on public streets that are 25 mph or less and within one mile of a golf course. There are legal instances where non-legal golf carts can be on a public street. You can drive unlicensed golf carts on public streets in certain situations, per the Vehicle Code, which expressly allows it. Vice Commissioner Nethery suggested that Mr. Aryan provide a staff report at the next Public Safety Commission meeting outlining the golf cart rules and also publish it in the City newsletter. XII. NEXT MEETING DATE — NOVEMBER 12, 2014 XIII. ADJOURNMENT With Commission concurrence the meeting was adjoumed at 4:47 p.m. Donna Evans, ecording Secretary