HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-27 CC Item No. 8 CITY OF its
LAKE 5
K � LSINORE
4- DREAM EXTREME.
REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ROBERT A. BRADY
CITY MANAGER
DATE: OCTOBER 27, 2009
SUBJECT: GRAFFITI ACTION PLAN UPDATE
Background
Last March, the City Council adopted a modified version of the Graffiti Action Plan that
was developed by the City's Graffiti Task Force and introduced in February. This item is
to update the City Council on the ten strategic initiatives contained in the- plan and a
project schedule for remaining tasks.
Discussion
Through the Graffiti Task Force, the Graffiti Action Plan represents a multi - departmental
effort to coordinate graffiti related activities under the following strategic goal headings:
1. Standardized reporting & work 6. Business outreach & compliance
order procedures monitoring
2. Graffiti `rapid response' 7. Public outreach & education
organization 8. Prosecution & restitution
3. Database technology 9. Program evaluation & application
4. Web site `e- government & graffiti for awards recognition
forms automation 10. Law enforcement grant funding &
5. Surveillance technology research grant eligibility
These ten strategic goal areas are designed to increase the effectiveness of the City's
anti - graffiti vandalism efforts as measured by public reporting, incident abatement and
cost tracking, and prosecution and restitution results.
CC October 27, 2009 Item No. 8
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Graffiti Action Plan Update
October 27, 2009
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The action plan recommended having all ten goal areas in place by year end.
Competed tasks within the ten goal areas are summarized in Attachment `A.' The
remaining milestone tasks (Attachment 'B') are ongoing priorities.
The Task Force's emphasis so far has been on T.A.G.R.S. database and Q -Star
surveillance technology implementation (secured through grant funding), improving
internal communications and staff training, and automating reporting via the Web and
Graffiti hotline. Distribution of the Fall/Winter OUTLOOK newsletter has been the main
public outreach activity, in addition to the City Web site.
Ahead, the focus will be upon business outreach and compliance monitoring, which is
dependent on establishing customer service procedures and working out procedural
responsibilities among departments (e.g., tip reporting, reward administration, and Q-
Star and T.A.G.R.S. data analysis). The value of a graffiti school program was
emphasized early on by the City Council, though staff is just beginning to define the
scope of work.
Staff has held one meeting with LEUSD to discuss anti - graffiti education. The LEPD has
recommended working in partnership with School Resource Officers (SROs)'to leverage
anti - graffiti messages with their on- campus activities and student interaction.
Staff is working to implement the ten Action Plan goals and priority tactics, by January
2010. The Graffiti Task Force continues to meet on a monthly basis.
Fiscal Impact
The estimated implementation cost approved last March was $40,274 (reduced from
$68,000 as proposed in February). Expenditures to date total approximately $35,073.
Staff has used funding sources available in the FY 2008 -09 budget, in combination with
a federal Department of Justice grant, to pay for technology purchases and outreach:
• $27,228 Supplemental Law Enforcement Grant (used for purchase of 5
handheld Trimble GPS /camera PDAs and 3 Q -Star surveillance camera bundles)
• $7,845 General Fund (PSAC outside services account used for publication
and postage associated with the mailing of 22, 574 OUTLOOK newsletter v9n2)
• $15,500 Edward Byrne JAG grant (not yet spent, this grant will be used to
pay for a dedicated server to host the T.A.G.R.S. application)
Sufficient grant funding has been available to offset project costs without significantly
impacting the General Fund. No increase in FY 2009 -10 project funding is being
requested at this time.
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Graffiti Action Plan Update
October 27, 2009
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Recommendation
Receive and file.
7k
Prepared by: Mark Dennis '
Information /Communications Manager
Approved by: Robert A. Brad
City Manager
Attachments: Attachment 'A', Activity Summary
Attachment 'B', Remaining Milestone Tasks
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Attachment A
Graffiti Action Plan Update
COMPLETED TASK SUMMARY:
1. Standardized Reporting & Work Order Procedures
a. Field data collection has been standardized among departments
i. Public Works /Parks & Recreation /Lake
b. Restitution values have been revised and standardized citywide
c. Collaborative interagency graffiti response process has been implemented
i. Open line of communication between City and LEPD
ii. Improved workflow processes
d. Established the graffiti hotline and Web reporting and integrated with work order
procedure
e. Standardized statistical reporting process through T.A.G.R.S.
2. Graffiti `Rapid Response' Organization
a. Centralized incident reporting and data collection while allowing for abatement
flexibility among departments
i. Departments will continue to abate within their duty areas (e.g., Parks &
Recreation, Pubic Works, Lake Department)
ii. Equipped departments above with Trimble devices to standardize data
collection
b. Maintain proactive commitment to rapid graffiti abatement
i. Abatement is treated as a cost of doing business
ii. Enforcement approach per Graffiti ordinance is `don't victimize the victim'
3. Database Technology Initiative
a. Implemented T.A.G.R.S. centralized database for incident reporting, data
collection and analysis (in lieu of licensing Graffiti Tracker)
b. Equipped field personnel with Trimble Juno PDAs with integrated GPS and
camera system
c. Obtained grant funding of $15,000 for T.A.G.R.S. server (Byrne -JA,G_ Grant)
d. Used supplemental law enforcement grant funding for Trimble PDAs
e. Formed new training partnerships with OCSD, RCSD and OCTA
f. Met with Riverside County Sheriff's Department IT Committee to introduce
T.A.G.R.S.
4. Web site `e- government' & Graffiti Forms Automation
a. Automated incident report form
b. Developed program Web page
c. Developed News/Top Story Web page
i. Promotes hotline
ii. Promotes "how to" information
d. Graffiti program publicity
iii. Articles in Outlook newsletter (v.9n.2)
iv. Articles in City of Lake Elsinore Recreation Guide
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Attachment A
Graffiti Action Plan Update
5. Surveillance Technology Initiative
a. Implemented Q -Star pilot mobile, digital surveillance still camera system
b. Obtained supplemental law enforcement funding for Q -Star bundle purchase
($22,954 for 3 bundled cameras plus 3 dummies and mounting kits)
c. Substituted research methodology with observational analysis of hot spot
conditions
d. Changes to S. McCarty research design necessary because of budget and
manpower reductions (prior to departure of Mr. McCarty)
6. Business Outreach & Compliance Monitoring
a. Task force has delegated responsibility to the City Manager's office and Code
Enforcement
b. (Activity pending, see Attachment 'B' for work breakdown)
7. Graffiti Awareness Public Outreach & Education
a. Direct mailed Outlook newsletter (v.9 n.2)
b. Included information in Lake Elsinore Recreation Guide
c. Created graffiti program presence on City Web site
d. Graffiti action plan awarded "Rose" by the Californian
e. City branding and hotline number put on abatement trailer
f. Presentation of graffiti program given to the Inland Empire GIS User Group
g. T.A.G.R.S. presentation given to the Task Force, Sheriff's Department and City
Council
h. Invited to participate in California POST presentation with OCSD
8. Prosecution and Restitution
a. LEPD is the lead in submitting restitution /prosecution cases to the DA
b. Restitution cost recovery analysis complete (T.A.G.R.S.)
c. T.A.G.R.S. database is now active. This will be used for evidence collection and
incident analysis by LEPD
9. Graffiti Program Evaluation & Awards Application /Recognition
a. Graffiti Task Force meets monthly and monitors performance against goals
b. Action Plan presentations and reports to City Council
i. February 10, 2009
ii. March 10, 2009
iii. June 9, 2009
iv. October 27, 2009
10. Law Enforcement Grant Funding & Research Grant Studies Eligibility
a. Byrne -JAG Grant application and award for server for $15,500
b. Supplemental law enforcement grant purchases (FY 2008 -09) of $27,228
i. Q -Star cameras
ii. Trimble /Juno PDAs
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Attachment B
Graffiti Action Plan Update
REMAINING MILESTONE TASKS:
1. Standardized Reporting & Work Order Procedures
a. Evaluate interdepartmental workflow and communication
b. Formalize LEPD graffiti liaison and data sharing for Q -Star and T.A.G.R.S.
i. Manual process coordination
ii. Data sharing procedures (across City and LEPD channels)
c. Train field staff in customer service techniques for businesses and the public
related to graffiti awareness and education
2. Graffiti `Rapid Response' Organization
a. Evaluate abatement statistics collected through T.A.G.R.S.
b. Evaluate Trimble field use and performance
c. Provide remedial training for users on T.A.G.R.S. and Trimble technologies
3. Database Technology Initiative
a. Continue T.A.G.R.S. training partnerships with OCSD, RCSD and OCTA
b. Met with Riverside County Sheriff's Department IT Committee to promote
T.A.G.R.S. use throughout Riverside County
c. For Manager's weekly, include T.A.G.R.S. statistical reports and map graphics
d. Prepare regular graffiti statistical reports using T.A.G.R.S. and GIS technologies
e. Determine additional Trimble /GPS /PSA equipment needs /users
4. Web site `e government' & Graffiti Forms Automation
a. Use Web site to provide residents and businesses with reward incentive
information
b. Continue to use "e- government" opportunities to promote graffiti programs,
regulations, fines, penalties, tip reporting and incident reporting instructions
c. Promote "anti- graffiti" public awareness and public involvement messages
5. Surveillance Technology Initiative
a. Complete pilot study analysis of the effectiveness of cameras as a deterrent
i. Note: Research design protocol prepared by Steven McCarty was
suspended due to labor and cost constraints
ii. Apply for grant funding for research as available
b. Use graffiti incident records to establish a deployment pattern for Q -star cameras
c. Evaluate "interactive" dummy camera option (units contain audio warning, flash
and motion sensor, but no camera)
d. Install mounting poles at park and right -of -way hot spot sites as needed and as
budget allows.
6. Business Outreach & Compliance Monitoring
a. Provide affected businesses with timely information to comply with new point of
sale requirements before strict enforcement commences
b. Identify and canvass affected retailers that are subject to new point of sale
regulations
c. Inform affected businesses through direct mail notification letter
d. Develop and supply businesses with the sample log forms to be used for
recording purchases of paint totaling 3 cans or more per person per transaction
e. Inspect businesses for compliance, review purchaser log forms and process
violations via Code Violations
f. Work with utilities and retailers to promote voluntary commercial entry permit
agreement for removal of graffiti by City forces
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Attachment B
Graffiti Action Plan Update
7. Graffiti Awareness Public Outreach & Education
a. Inform residents and property owners about graffiti regulations, penalties,
rewards and entry permit waiver option
b. Conduct volunteer program or clean up day to promote graffiti awareness
c. Train staff on customer service techniques for graffiti related service requests,
entry permit process inquiries and outreach to the public about graffiti impacts.
d. Partner with LEUSD to develop anti graffiti messages to communicate with
parents, students and staff
e. Work with SROs for assistance with investigation of juvenile offenders
f. Promote direct mailings about graffiti as a property crime with serious penalties
g. Contribute a graffiti related information article in the City magazine at least
semiannually
8. Prosecution and Restitution
a. LEPD is the lead in submitting restitution /prosecution cases to the DA
b. T.A.G.R.S incident data to be used for LEPD evidence compilation
c. Q -Star photos may also serve as evidence to augment T.A.G.R.S. records
d. Pursuing civil action concurrently with criminal prosecution is dependent on
budget and would be considered on a case by case basis.
9. Graffiti Program Evaluation & Awards Application /Recognition
a. Graffiti Task Force is responsible for monthly statistical review and program
evaluation
b. Annual report to City Council (February 2010)
c. Upcoming awards applications
i. CAPIO (Winter 2010)
ii. League of Cities Helen Putnam Award (Spring 2010)
10. Law Enforcement Grant Funding & Research Grant Studies Eligibility
a. Sheriff's Technology Committee meeting and approvals for T.A.G.R.S. server
maintenance /acceptance
b. T.A.G.R.S. server acquisition- Byrne -JAG Grant @ $15,500 (Jan /Feb 2010)
c. Supplemental law enforcement grant (FY 2009 -2010)
i. Q -Star Pole hardware purchases
ii. Q -Star "interactive" dummy purchase
d. Seek grant opportunities for education program, technology reimbursement,
public safety, etc.
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