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Home My WebLink AboutPublic Sfty Cmsn - 11-13-2013 �°- �� ..� CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR �'�'� PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING � � APPROVED MINUTES . , WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 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 3:32 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner James Butzbach (arrived at 3:45 p.m.) Commissioner Phyllis Harkins CITYCOUNCILACTION Commissioner Terry Kramer AppROVED _.._DF.NIF.D Vice Chairman Doug Luhring RECENED �- F� �� UTHER Commissioner Martin Nethery Commissioner Frank Taylor MEETI G DATE `� -� �'I Chairman Gloria Kirkwood pYFS: ,�r�sc '� r' c.1 �� e�" NOES: �one __ Also Present: ABSENT: �� ------ Councilman Robert A. Spiegel AI3sTA1N:L��- ------ --- Councilmember Susan Marie Vi{��FIED I3Y:��..�.�}'- �_____.__.__ Stephen Y. Aryan, RISk Manage�iginal on �itc with Ci�y CE��a�'4 t�?��i+•c Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Mark Diercks, Transportation Engineer Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs Jane Stanley, Secretary to the City Council Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner 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 NOVEMBER 13, 2013 IV. PRESENTATIONS A. Introduction of Jillian Frisbee, Forensic Technician Mr. Aryan introduced Forensic Technician Jillian Frisbee, noting that she had been hired several months ago to serve the Cove Communities cities (Indian Wells, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage). Lt. Sullivan added that since AB109 went into effect, theft rates had gone up, and Ms. Frisbee had done a tremendous job so far in solving several burglaries just by finger prints. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Public Safety Commission Meetings of September 11 and October 9, 2013. Rec: Approve as presented B. PALM DESERT SPECIALIZED UNITS End of Month Report for September 2013. Rec: Receive and file. C. PALM DESERT FIRE SERVICES Monthly Report for September 2013. Rec: Receive and file. Commissioner Kramer moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 6-0 vote of the Commission, with Commissioner Butzbach ABSENT. VI. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None 2 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 VII. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF DECLARATION OF CITY'S 1988 GRUMMAN AERIAL CAT AS SURPLUS. Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report, noting that in the past, the City had donated these types of fire vehicles to its Sister City of Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo; however, that community does not have the infrastructure in place to support this ladder truck, so it cannot be donated. Councilman Spiegel asked if there was a replacement vehicle for this ladder truck. Chief Hunley responded that the truck in service now was approximately ten years old, and he was in the process of preparing a report for Cove Commission since all three cities share the truck. He said monies would be put aside over the next five years to get a replacement, and then Truck 33 that was currently in service would go into reserve. He added that if the fire truck breaks down now, there is a Country truck in reserve that can be moved into service, so they would never be without a truck. Commissioner Kramer moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council declare the City's 1988 Snorkel Fire Truck (VIN #1 D91 L43FJ100889) as surplus and authorize auctioning this vehicle by Ken Porter Auctions (Carson, CA). Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 6-0 vote, with Commissioner Butzbach ABSENT. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF CAL COPS SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUNDING (SLESF) FOR FY 2013/2014. Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report, noting that the SLESF process has been simplified, and all that is needed now is an expenditure plan approved by the Police Department. Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert 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 costs for the 2013 Holiday Theft Suppression Program and miscellaneous equipment, services, and supplies to support front line law enforcement services. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kramer and carried by a 6-0 vote, with Commissioner Butzbach ABSENT. 3 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE UTILIZATION OF A MOUNTED POSSE FOR ADDITIONAL PATROL OF THE WESTFIELD PALM DESERT MALL DURING THE 2013 HOLIDAY SEASON. Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report and offered to answer any questions. Upon question by Commissioner Kramer, Lt. Sullivan responded that the mounted posse would be used to augment the Business District Team. Commissioner Harkins moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council: 1) Authorize the Palm Desert Police Department to utilize the Riverside County Sheriff's Mounted Posse (Cabazon Station) during the 2013 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 2013 Holiday Theft Suppression Program. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Luhring and carried by a 6-0 vote, with Commissioner Butzbach ABSENT. Note: Commissioner Butzbach arrived at 3:45 p.m. D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW 2013 BMW R1200 RT-P MOTORCYCLES AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT, FROM BMW MOTORCYCLES OF RIVERSIDE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,373.56. Mr. Aryan reviewed the staff report. Upon question by Chairman Kirkwood, he responded that the motors being replaced would either be surplussed or used for training. Commissioner Taylor noted that in 2007, the Police Department transitioned from BMW to Honda motorcycles because of the extremely high maintenance costs associated with the BMW's. In addition, they were too tall for the smaller men and women to be able to ride, and the Honda motorcycles were less expensive. He said he had discussed this with Captain Vest, who felt the BMW's were the best. He noted he was provided with a report from January which showed the price of two new BMW motorcycles at $53,000, and he questioned this report that now reflects the cost of just over $63,000. Mr. Aryan stated that the $53,000 was the approximate cost two years ago when bids were received, and that is the amount staff estimated for the budget this year. He added that the funds would 4 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 be coming out of the equipment maintenance account rather than the City's General Fund. Lt. Sullivan noted there were three major reasons for going with the BMW motorcycles as opposed to the Honda motorcycles: • Safety — breaking is far superior with the BMW's, approximately ten feet quicker. • Service/maintenance — there are more services needed for the Honda motorcycles than the BMW's. • Mileage — the BMW's get approximately ten miles per gallon more than the Hondas. Commissioner Nethery expressed concern with officer safety and said he did not like the idea of officers having to switch back and forth between two different types of motorcycles. He asked whether the officers are trained on both the BMW's and the Hondas. Lt. Sullivan responded that officers are usually issued one motorcycle and stay with that particular unit. Commissioner Harkins asked whether the motors are serviced locally, and Lt. Sullivan responded that there is no place locally that services these units. The Honda motorcycles are serviced in Huntington Beach, and the BMW's are serviced in Riverside. He added that maintenance costs are approximately $30,000 per year for all of the motors. Commissioner Kramer said he felt the motorcycles are an extremely valuable tool for the Police Department and that braking and durability of the bikes were more important than price. He said he was concerned with the acceleration of the Hondas and was comfortable with the recommendation to go with the BMW's. Councilmember Weber stated the staff report indicated one Honda motorcycle was scheduled to be replaced in Fiscal Year 2014/2015; however, we do not yet know whether it will be replaced with another Honda or a BMW. Mr. Aryan agreed and said unless he is told otherwise, we will stay with BMW motorcycles. 5 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, recommend that the Palm Desert City Council approve the purchase of two new 2013 BMW R1200 RT-P motorcycles and emergency equipment, from BMW Motorcycles of Riverside, in the amount of$63,373.56. Motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Luhring and carried by a 7-0 vote. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None IX. OLD BUSINESS None X. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION(S) Councilman Spiegel noted that the four items of New Business on today's Agenda would all be considered by the City Council at its meeting of November 14. He noted the City was in the process of installing solar powered speed signs at all of the grade schools and middle schools in Palm Desert. It was hoped this would help to slow down traffic around the schools and increase safety. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Citizens on Patrol Program 1. Monthly Report for September 2013 Ms. Riddle noted the report in the packets. She stated that one of the Citizens on Patrol members had taken over the duty of producing the COPS Caller newsletter, and copies of the newsletter would be provided to the Public Safety Commission as part of the Agenda for future meetings. She added that members were back in town after the summer months and were doing patrols, and the report for the month of October would reflect an increase in patrol hours and activities. 6 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 Commissioner Butzbach commended the COPS members for their outstanding demeanor and professionalism at the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade in October. He said he felt they had done an outstanding job. He said he was particularly impressed with the way they directed traffic. Vice Chairman Luhring added that they also assisted with an emergency issue that day and did an excellent job. B. Legislative Update Mr. Aryan stated that he had no report at this time, as the State Legislature is not in session until January. C. Police and Fire Departments Lt. Sullivan updated the Public Safety Commission on the activities of the Police Department during the recent American Heat motorcycle weekend. He noted his department worked very well with Palm Springs Police Department and other agencies. Total cost was approximately $45,000 compared to an anticipated amount of $100,000. D. Staff 1. Diagonal Crosswalks (from discussion at meeting of October 9, 2013) Mr. Aryan noted the memorandum in the packets from Transportation Engineer Mark Diercks indicating he felt the intersection of Fred Waring Drive and Monterey Avenue was not an intersection where diagonal crosswalk operation should be implemented. Upon question by Chairman Kirkwood, Mr. Diercks responded that there would need to be approximately 1,200 crossings per day or 30 per cycle over a 10-hour period to justify such a crosswalk. Commissioner Kramer said he had noticed La Quinta High School has diagonal crosswalks at their Adams Street 7 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 intersection, which is a much smaller intersection than Fred Waring and Monterey. Commissioner Nethery added that with La Quinta High School, there are peak times (start and stop of school) where there are a lot of pedestrians using the crosswalk. Commissioner Taylor said he agreed with staff's recommendation regarding Fred Waring and Monterey; however, when he brought this to the Commission, he had also mentioned EI Paseo. He said he was recently at the Apple Store on EI Paseo, had an opportunity to observe the intersection of San Pablo and EI Paseo, and felt there were a lot of people crossing the street. In addition, there were many vehicles violating the crosswalk rules every day. He said there was so much traffic at that intersection that he felt it would be a good location for a diagonal crosswalk, plus it would provide some notoriety to the City with regard to pedestrian safety. He felt this was something that could be considered in the future. Mr. Diercks added that this matter had also been discussed at the Public Works Department's management meeting. He said no conclusion was reached; however, if there was going to be a good location for a diagonal crosswalk, EI Paseo and San Pablo would probably be one. Commissioner Harkins noted that City Manager John Wohlmuth had indicated at the last meeting that he had a concern with regard to ADA issues, and she did not see that mentioned in the memorandum. Mr. Diercks responded that the only real ADA issue would be the walking speed, or how long it would take to get people across. Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the report from Transportation Engineer Mark Diercks. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 7-0 vote. 2. Mr. Aryan reported on the Envision Palm Desert strategic planning sessions that have been held in the last several months. He stated he is on the Public Safety Subcommittee, which is working on some action items for future strategic 8 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 planning purposes. He said there was one more working meeting scheduled, followed by a presentation meeting among the strategic planning group. Once finalized, he will bring that specific section related to public safety to the Commission for review and comment. 3. Mr. Aryan reported that the fatal car crash this morning, originally reported to be in Palm Desert, was actually in Indian Wells on Fred Waring Drive, east of Cook Street. 4. Mr. Aryan noted that the Public Safety Commission is typically dark in December, and he did not anticipate the need to have a meeting. He added that the City Council was presenting each Committee/Commission member with a $75.00 gift certificate for The Gardens on EI Paseo, and these would be mailed out in the next few weeks. E. Public Safety Commissioners 1. Commissioner Taylor stated that a matter would be before the Palm Desert Planning Commission at its meeting of December 3 regarding live outdoor music in the City, and he asked that it be added to this Agenda for discussion by the Public Safety Commission. Commissioner Taylor moved to add to the Agenda discussion of live outdoor music in the City. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Taylor noted that Palm Desert Country Club has been playing live music for approximately the past year outside in the bar area on the patio on Friday and Saturday nights. He said it was his understanding that the Planning Department had received complaints. He stated several years ago, the Public Safety Commission had been asked to review and comment on the City's noise ordinance. The City Council determined in the ordinance that this type of outdoor music would not be allowed without a special permit. Assistant Planner Kevin Swartz reviewed the history of Palm Desert Country Club playing outdoor music as well as the approval process through the Planning Commission. 9 APPROVED MINUTES REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2013 After considerable discussion, Commissioner Taylor made a motion that the Minutes from this portion of the Public Safety Commission meeting be forwarded to the Planning Commission along with copies of the Noise Ordinance and Entertainment Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Harkins. Commissioner Nethery stated that he felt this might not be an appropriate action for the Public Safety Commission and that he would lean toward not doing so, especially since it is a last minute item. He added that he would be against sending a verbatim transcript of this portion of the meeting. Mr. Aryan noted that another option would be for individual Commissioners to provide their comments to staff and the Planning Commission. Chairman Kirkwood called for the vote. Motion FAILED by a 1-5-1 vote (with Commissioner Taylor voting AYE; Commissioners Butzbach, Kramer, and Nethery, Vice Chairman Luhring, and Chairman Kirkwood voting NO; and Commissioner Harkins ABSTAINING). XII. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chairman Luhring moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:02 p.m. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Nethery and carried by a 7-0 vote. Mary P. LaCross, Recording Secretary 10