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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-13-1992 City Council Study SessionMINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE . 130 S. MAIN STREET i LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 1992 **~***************************************************************~***********~ CALL TO ORDER Mayor Washburn called the Study Session to order at 3:10 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, CHERVENY, DOMINGUEZ, WINKLER, WASHBURN ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERSt NONE DI3CUSSION ITEMS 1. Law Enforcement (F:127.2) City Manager Molendyk introduced Captain Wayne Daniel and Chief Bob Doyle and detailed the organizational structure of the Sheriff's Department. Mayor Washburn commented briefly on the recent concerns for service and local identity. City Manager Molendyk advised that he had relayed the concerns with responsiveness, County Procedure vs. City Procedure and crime reporting to Chief Doyle recently. Mayor Washburn advised that there is some confusion with the reporting districts. Captain Daniel explained that previously there have been only two reporting districts for the entire City making specific statistics difficult to pinpoint. He further explained that the City has now been broken into nine reporting districts to assist in this area. He also explained the variables by which these districts can be researched with the computer. Ne detailed the method of assigning "beat" areas with primary and secondary assignments. Chief Doyle clarified the primary and secondary coverage assignments and flexibility within those areas. Mayor Washburn questioned the time element and the ability to allow more time in an area for recognition between officers and residents. Chief Doyle emphasized the importance of rotating the officers so they are familiar wiht the entire City. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned the number of cars on duty and how the beats are divided. Captain Daniels detailed the number of cars on duty in a 24 hour period and the possible coverage areas. He stressed that they can not staff for possibilities, however do plan the shifts and coverage to meet the need for coverage based on statistical data. Chief Doyle commented on the prioritization of calls and stressed the relationship between priority level and response time. Councilman Dominguez questioned the type of calls and the timing of calls between midnight and 2 a.m'. Chief Doyle explained that the incoming calls peak at approximately 7 p.m. and decline from there. He further explained that the midnight to 2 a.m. time frame is typically the lightest time for called for services. City Treasurer Pape questioned the deployment levels. Captain Daniel detailed the deployment with 2 officers from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 PAGE TWO - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - AUGUST 13, 1992 officers the rest of the day. Mr. Pape inquired whether this is sufficient. Captain Daniel explained that this depends on the level of service wanted. Chief Doyle commented on the improvements which have occurred in this community and the impact on the sheriff's ability to serve the City. Councilman Winkler questioned the statistics presented. Chief Doyle advised that with the latest amendment the City has 20 officers. He further advised that the current level of service in the County areas in .90 per 1000, while the City is currently maintianing a level of 1.0 per 1000. He pointed out that a number of cities are backing off of public safety due to economic constraints. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned the cuts in other cities. Mr. Doyle advised that he is aware of 5 officers to date. Councilwoman Cherveny inquired when the City's two new officers could be expected. Mr. Doyle explained the recruitment process and training. City Treasurer Pape asked if this time could be reduced by taking officers from other cities' cutbacks. Chief Doyle explained that this could potentially help, but he explained other factors of timing for this type of transfer. City Manager Molendyk emphasized that the Council would like these officers as soon as possible. Chief Doyle advised that he would expedite these positions as much as he could. Mayor Washburn requested as much advance notice as possible so the Council can announce the increased level of service. City Manager Molendyk reminded the Council that the timing for new officers is much quicker through the Sheriff's Department than it would be with an independant department recruiting on an as needed basis. Councilman Alongi questioned the impact of the new officers and what additional visibility could be provided by these positions. He also questioned the ability to provide more visibility in problem areas. Councilamn Winkler suggested that Council look at planning ahead at least months to allow time for obtaining new officers. Chief Doyle clarified that he needs the letter of intent bef6re he can proceed with recruitment. Captain Daniel provided statistics on response time with the average for all called for services being 6.3 minutes. with average investigation time running about 34 minutes. Mayor Washburn inquired if the number of officers are increased, what would be recommended to create more visibility. Captain Daniel suggested bicycle patrol, etc. Councilman Alongi questioned the arrangement of beats and whether the coverage areas are adjacent. He also questioned ways to increase patrol time. City Manager Molendyk commented on the abiltiy of Council to provide input to the Sheriff's Department on use of the target team. He also commented that it may be necessary to exclude certain types of enforcement. Chief Doyle clarified the processing and prioritizing of calls. He also confirmed that based on specific information, the target team can be utilized in problem areas. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez commented on the conference he attended in San Jose and information presented regarding the use of reserve officers. Chief Doyle advised that the County now has over 2,000 reserve officers which are utilized as much as possible; the City currently has approximately 12-14 reserves. Chief Doyle also explained the training levels of reserve officers. Mayor Washburn commented on the new 800 mhz system. Chief Doyle offered a demonstration of this system to the Council. ' Mayo~^ Pro Tem Dominguez further addressed reserve officers and suggested . PAGE THREE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - AUGUST 13, 1992 that possibility of paying the officers. Captain Daniels advised 'hat this is already being done in some other areas. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned recruitment of reserve officers. Captain Daniels advis~d that there is really an ongoing recruitment. Councilman Alongi commented on neighborhoods experiencing substantial increases in crime and questioned options to address this type of situation. Councilman Dominguez commented that he would like solution for this as well, particularly in the downtown area. 2. Downtown Enforcement Captain Daniel advised that the Downtown area is a Primary beat in which the officer only leaves if necessary to cover a secondary beat. He detailed the statistics being noted in this area, and commented that a decline in drug related problems is being seen. City Manager Molendyk commented that particular concerns have been noted with burglaries downtown over other areas. He further commented that an interest has been expressed in supplemental enforcement through reserves or private security. Councilman Dominguez advised that he now believes reserve officers would be the most appropriate use for the downtown area. Mayor Washburn inquired what the feasibility of this would be. Captain Daniels advised that last year approximately 1,450 hours of reserve time were utilized in the City. City Manager Molendyk inquired if these officers would be appropriate for working a beat downtown, Captain Daniel advised that level l officers would be appropriate. Further discussion ensued regarding use of reserves and the limitations. Councilman Dominguez requested a report on the possibility of a bicycle program. 3. Truck Routes City Manager Molendyk addressed specific concerns in the downtown area with large trucks making deliveries, as well as trucks in residential areas. He suggested that it might be most appropriate to address this on a City-wide basis rather than case by case. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez stressed that the downtown was intended to be a primarily pedestrian area; with the alley to be used for deliveries. Mayor Washburn commented that the call-to-call situation does not allow time for enforcement of truck routes and related issues. Chief Doyle commented that parking restrictions need to be used in addition to truck route designations. He further commented that this some times means amendment of existing sign codes. Captain Daniel commented that the intent had been for loading and unloading on side streets or in alleys; however the State Code allows for loading and unloading. City Manager Molendyk commented that the biggest pro6lem with trucks on Main Street is the turning radius. Captain Daniels suggested that contacting the business owners to have suppliers delivery diffently might be the best solution. Chief Doyle suggested the possibility of a letter on Sheriff's Department letterhead on behalf of the City to the business owners. Public Services Director Tecca indicated that it is possible to limit the hours for loading and unloading and suggested that maybe the loading and unloading could be prohibited completely. Councilman Alongi questioned the ability to deliver from alleys, as some stores do not have alley access. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez stated that access is available. Mayor Washburn questioned the impact on the merchants. Chief Doyle advised that the Sheriff's Department would be PAGE FOUR - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - AUGUST 13, 1992 willing to review the situation. Councilman Dominguez expressed concern that the truck route signs were being ignored. MAYOR WASHBURN CALLED A RECESS AT 4:40 P.M. MAYOR WASHBURN CALLED TNE MEETING BACK INTO SESSION AT 4:47 P.M. City Manager Molendyk stressed the need for an overall master plan. He also suggested that the street sweeping program be reviewed to determined that the signs are correct, but reaffirmed that tickets are valid during the posted hours. Captain Daniels suggested other parking restrictions which might be helpful such as height restrictions where visibility is an issue, parking of trailers, parking of big trucks on private property, permit fees, etc. City Manager Molendyk added that some cities have no parking between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Councilman Alongi inquired with regard to street sweeping tickets, whether code enforcement officers check the signs posted in the area before issuing a ticket. He particularly addressed Pottery Street. Captain Daniels commented that some areas may be missing signs, but generally they are strategically placed in each tract. 4. Councilman Alongi stressed the need to get the Community to work with the Sheriff. He commented that he doesn't feel the patrol car should follow the street sweeper, instead it should proceed it so the street gets clean. He stressed that it is important to identify areas where signs are missing and replace them and if necessary increase the number of signs posted. Public Services Director Tecca advised that the signage had been reviewed in depth approximately one year ago and adequate signs were in place, however, it might be good policy to increase the number of signs for visibility. Councilman Alongi again stressed the need to increase the number of signs. Captain Daniels added that the every other week sweeping needs to be clarified. Public Services Director Tecca advised that the program is currently being revamped and the signs will.be updated soon. Other Mayor Washburn commented on planning underway for the new Police Facility and suggested that the City might need its own 911 system. He inquired if filing through the Sheriff's Department to f.C.C. would be necessary. Chief Doyle advised that he would investigate this process. Mayor Washburn requested an update on the Police Facility. City Manager Molendyk advised that the architect is working on it and he will need to check on it. Curfew City Manager Molendyk questioned the effectiveness of a curfew to curtail and resolve gang related problems. Chief Doyle advised that curfew is a difficult issue due to changes in the law in 1989 or 1990. He explained that they are prohibited from detaining juveniles for certain codes including curfew. He further commented that actions are also limited in dealing with runaways. Councilwoman Cherveny requested clarification as to whether curfew even exists any more. Chief Doyle clarified that technically it does not exist. Discussion ensued with regard to the ability to fine for violations and the ability to collect those fines. Councilman Alongi questioned the number of juveniles out after curfew. City Manager Molendyk explained that there are specific problem areas such as Machado Park, Joy Street, etc. Councilman Alongi questioned the ability to adopt an ordinance targeting specific areas: City Manager Molendyk furt~er explained that in the parks and beach areas they are signed for limi ed hours. Councilman Alongi expressed concern with law abiding Y PAGE FIVE - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - AUGUST 13, 1992 citizens being cited for violations such as curfew just by their presence. Discussion followed regarding juveniles sitting in parks and aroun~ town after 10 p.m. and the reason curfew laws were originally developed. Also discussed was the new family situations and values. Chief Doyle stressed the limitation on addressing specific elements of society because of civil rights issues. He further stressed that specific crimes such as vandalism/graffiti can be addressed to help curtail some of the problems. Councilman Alongi questioned the ability of the City to make parents more responsible, particularly through the use of fines. Mayor Washburn inquired what alternatives exist for the City/Sheriff to be more proactive and what programs the Sheriff's Department might be considering. Chief Doyle commented on the gang identification system and the associated officers and programs. Councilman Alongi questioned the cost of Community Services Officers and suggested that they be considered for an alternate form of security. He further questioned the ability to use the C.S.O.'s as extra eyes for the patrol officers. Chief Doyle confirmed that the C.S.O.'s are used in this way, however he stressed the difference in training, etc. between C.S.O.'s and Deputies. Councilman Alongi advised that he would like some options at the next budget review. Chief Doyle commented on the possibility of expanding the use of the target team as an alternative. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez commented on public telephones and the ability to limit the calls to outgoing calls to prevent some of the drug related activities. Captain Daniels commented that this sort of prog;nm would need to be balanced to accommodate emergency situations. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez stressed the need for educating the public in regard to this type of program. Mayor Pro Tem Dominguez questioned the availability of officers in the station on weekends and after hours. Captain Daniels advised that there is no one available, however the phone recordings now provide appropriate numbers to obtain assistance. Mayor Washburn suggested that there should be some consideration of staffing the new facility. City Treasurer Pape questioned jail facilities. Chief Doyle explained briefly that the existing holding cells in Lake Elsinore are not adequate. Councilman Winkler questioned the impact of the City's abatement program and the results the Sheriff's Department is seeing. Captain Daniel advised that they have noted a positive impact. City Manager Molendyk stressed that the ability to prioritize the enforcement is dependent upon money available. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned the possibility of using reserve officers to man the telephones. Mayor Washburn questioned other potential increases the Council could consider. Chief Doyle advised that they will provide whatever level of service the City Council wants. Councilwoman Cherveny questioned the flexibility of reporting within the new reporting districts and whether there would be summaries available by district. Captain Daniels advised that they could provide summaries of all called for services by month. Mayor Washburn suggested the future potential of tieing in to the City's GIS System to highlight the crime patterns and direct the target team. Discussion ensued with regard to particular information which would be helpful. Captain Daniels advised that he will have a weekly report. Mayor Washburn commented that in cases of apartment complexes with repeated problems he would like to see a system for billing the land owner and encouraging better property management. PAGE SIX - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - AUGUST 13, 1992 City Manager Molendyk presented information requested by Council on the background for the new City of Murrieta Police Department. Chief Doyle commented briefly on the new Murrieta Department and stressed that a primary concern of any City should be the liability involved in law enforcement. He further stressed that there are trade-offs for any situation. It was the consensus of Council that Captain Daniel prepare recommendations on the items discussed including associated dollar amounts. Councilwoman Cherveny requested information that could be considered at mid-year budget discussions to place an early order for next year. Councilman Winkler commented that he has received good feedback on Deputy Rubio. Brief discussion on Neighborhood Watch programs followed. THE STUDY SESSION WAS ADJOURNED AT 5~ 9 P.M. ~' (, ~~~1,~~---~ GARY WASHBURN, MAYOR CIT F LAKE ELSINORE CLERK CITY Of LAKE ~LSINORE ~ ~ ~