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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-2009 PSAC Minutes MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY. MAY 13, 2009 CALL TO ORDER - 6:00 P.M. Chairman Norkin called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Stewart. ROLL CALL PRESENT: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY F1 COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART ABSENT: NONE Also present were: Information/Communications Manager Dennis, Assistant City Attorney Mann, Public Works Manager Payne, Fire Chief Hendershot, Police Sergeant Chavez, and Office Specialist Porche. PUBLIC COMMENTS Rochelle Ceballos, representative from the Cottonwood Canyon Hills Homeowners Association, spoke of Ordinance No. 1252 which addresses abandoned residential properties. She stated she's been working with City employee Scott Burns with the up-keeping of the abandoned homes. She asked who imposes the penalties for homes that are not register within the 10-day time period, and what happens if a home is not registered. She wanted to be assured that all of the abandoned homes are being addressed and to get a better understanding of the process. She requested the Commission to look into proposing a four (4) way stop sign at the rrr intersection of Cedarhill Lane and Poppy. She stated currently there is only a one way stop; however, lately there have been many accidents including one fatality. John Treese, resident of Lake Elsinore, provided a follow up on the status of Palomar Road. He stated he spoke with engineering staff and the surrounding Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 2 of 9 neighbors. He stated no one had any major concerns with any three designs that engineering proposed. He stated his next step is to meet with the neighbors in the Fairfield and Madison community and go over the designs that engineering has proposed. He stated he would know in two (2) weeks if he would have enough information to bring it back to the Commission for discussion. COMMISSION APPROVES CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) 1. Minutes from the Regular Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting of April 22, 2009. Recommendation: Approve Commissioner Stewart noted a correction to the April 22, 2009 Minutes under the heading Commissioner Stewart comments on page 7 of 7 where it states he apologized for not attending the outreach program in Tuscany Hills. He advised the Commission that he did attend the meeting and to have the minutes reflect the change. It was motioned by Commissioner Lyons and seconded by Commissioner Dailey to approve the March 11, 2009 Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes with the noted corrections. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Wildland/Urban Interface-Defensible Space Update Recommendation: Discuss fire season issues related to recent laws and building code changes updating Wildland/urban interface risk analysis and defensible space requirements affecting new residential construction and homeowner improvements. Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 3 of 9 Fire Chief Hendershot stated on March 12, 2008 he spoke to the Commission addressing the new State Laws for State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). He provided a map that shows the high fire danger zone which was provided to the Commission by the IT/GIS Department. He stated the City has adopted Uniform Building Codes for higher resistant building codes which has jurisdiction over defensible space. He stated this means removing all flammable vegetation within a prescribed distance from all structures. He noted last year's fires across California was one of the worst fire seasons in recorded history. He stated this year the fire potential could be just as bad or even worse. He indicated that CAL FIRE is mandated by the Public Resource Code that identifies the fire hazard severity zones statewide which are significant fire hazards based on fuels, terrain weather and other relevant factors. He stated in areas, CAL FIRE has mapped three hazard ranges from moderate, high and very high. He indicated the statute arose out of legislation following the large, catastrophic urban conflagrations and is designed to implement mitigations to reduce damages from wildfires. He noted the new Wildland-Urban Interface Building Codes would increase the cost for new construction on an average of $1,800 per home. He advised the Commission the best way to view what is available is to go to the Cal Fire Web site. Vice-Chairman Bhutta suggested having the links uploaded onto the City's Web site and having a tracking device on how many viewed the web page. Chairman Norkin asked when the last major fire in Lake Elsinore was. Chief Hendershot replied by saying around 1991. Chairman Norkin asked if there is anything that the Code Enforcement can regulate the overgrown or brush in the public's yard. Robin Chipman stated Code Enforcement can provide assistance with regulating the cleaning of the weeds and brush but not regulating the clearance of brush distance or bushes. Chief Hendershot spoke of the new development in the City and the types of fuel/vegetation that grows. He stated the best defense is education and suggested to the public to view the Riverside County Fire prevention Web site and suggested making the City's Fire Department's Web site more user-friendly. Chairman Norkin asked if the City is doing enough for fire protection. Chief Hendershot responded by saying "yes", once the map has been adopted by Ordinance. Commissioner Lyons spoke of a major fire in 1995 and how fixed wing aircraft assisted with putting the fire out. He stated he was concerned with all the new development in the City particularly with the homes in the Lincoln neighborhood Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 4 of 9 which only has two exits. He suggested posting an evacuation route for the public viewing. Commissioner Dailey asked how much responsibility does the Homeowners Associations (HOA) have and if they assume any of the responsibility. Chief Hendershot replied by saying he doesn't know what the responsibility the HOA has. Commissioner Dailey suggested educating the HOA's in the City and asked if Cal Fire has a budget to allow education. Chief Hendershot replied by saying, no they do not have the funds for educating the public. Commissioner Dailey suggested a media tour or press release and tour of a high risk area which could possibly create an article for the paper. She also suggested posting an announcement at the Storm Stadium and on the City's Web site which all is inexpensive. Vice-Chairman Bhutta asked if there is any more money left in the City's budget. Information/Communications Manager Dennis replied by stating most of the money was used for the graffiti program. Vice-Chairman Bhutta suggested on having information printed onto HOA new leaflets that discusses the fire danger and have the Web site address listed for further information. Chairman Norkin suggested cross-training City staff particularly in the Code Enforcement Department to identify areas that are potentially dangerous with overgrown vegetation. Chief Hendershot asked the Building Official if there is anything in the Municipal Code that mandates property owners from clearing their land. Building Official Chipman responded by saying, no, not that he is aware of. Chairman Norkin asked Assistant City Attorney Mann if the Commission could request implementing an Ordinance that would give the City the authority to require homeowners to clean up their overgrown weeds/vegetation. r Assistant City Attorney Mann replied by saying he would look into it. Chief Hendershot stated once the map has been approved by Sacramento, it would then come to the City for adoption. Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 5 of 9 F1 Assistant City Attorney Mann commented in order for the City to regulate conduct , the City must show a need and the map identifying particular areas with high risks associated with the property. Commissioner Stewart concurred with Vice-Chairman Bhutta on utilizing the City's HOA's to post valuable information regarding fire safety. He also suggested posting the information on utility bills such as CR&R trash bills. Chief Hendershot showed a video to the audience and Commission regarding a new program being adopted by FIRESCOPE called Ready, Set, Go, which would also be on the Riverside County Fire Department's Web site. There being no further discussion, Chairman Norkin called for a Motion. It was motioned by Commissioner Dailey and seconded by Chairman Norkin to recommend to the City to assist the Fire Department to create an education opportunity such as partnering with Homeowner Associations within the City and identifying media opportunities, spending collateral material for distribution and for advertisement opportunities and to instruct the City Attorney to research information that would require homeowners to clean up their overgrown weeds/vegetation. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 3. Annual Fireworks Prohibition Campaign Recommendation: Discussion and direction on publicity tactics. Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated because this project is so closely related to the last item discussed, it is recommended that staff shows that staff has put together a key message that "Fireworks and Fire Season Don't Mix." F1 He stated in the past, staff has put the messages on billboards and sent direct mailings. However, this year is constrained due to the City's current budget. He suggested utilizing CR&R trash bill mailings for a fireworks prohibition insert. i Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 6 of 9 Chairman Norkin asked Police Sgt. Chavez if the Police Department has a task force that could control the use of illegal fireworks. Police Sgt. Chavez replied by saying the Fire Department and the Bomb Squad have selected Deputies that make sure no one is firing off illegal fireworks. He stated last year CALFIRE had a few of their prevention officers driving around the City and County to assist the Deputies if needed. He stated illegal fireworks have a zero tolerance policy within the Riverside County. Commissioner Dailey suggested the LCD display at the Storm Stadium which would include graffiti and fire issues as well as a way to introduce it to the community. She also suggested using the Penny Saver newspaper or possibly the City's Web site and having it in English and Spanish. She suggested using the water bill as many citizens do not get a trash bill and suggested asking EVMWD for assistance. Commissioner Stewart spoke of having a video presentation regarding fireworks on CALFIRE's Web site or on the City's Web site. Fire Chief Hendershot replied by saying he wasn't sure if there was a video presentation on their Web site. However it could possibly be on the US Fire Administration's Web site. Vice Chairman Bhutta suggested having a video presentation regarding fireworks just before the City Council meetings. Commissioner Stewart concurred with Commissioner's Dailey's suggestions and stated it would capture many residents' attention at one time. A motion was made by Commissioner Dailey and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to consider outreach opportunities recommended by the Public Safety Advisory Commission such as publishing notices in the local Pennysaver, water bill, HOA's, Storm Stadium and prior to the City Council meetings. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 7 of 9 F1 I 4. Update on Recruitment Process for Three PSAC Commission Openings in June Recommendation: Receive and file Information/Communications Manager Dennis advised the Commission three Commissioners' terms would expire in June (Norkin, Lyons, & Bhutta). He indicated the City has published the volunteer opportunity on the City's Web site and in the local newspaper. He indicated the application period would close on May 27th and be presented to the City Council on June 9th. A motion was made by Chairman Norkin and seconded by Commissioner Dailey to receive and file the Public Safety Advisory Commission recruitment process. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIRMAN BHUTTA COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER LYONS COMMISSIONER STEWART i NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Public Works Manager Payne provided the Commission with the status of the last Citizen's Corp meeting which was held on May 13, 2009. He stated 160 citizens have expressed their interest in volunteering for the program. He stated the next meeting would be held on June 10, 2009 at 4:00 at the City's Cultural Center. Chairman Norkin stated he heard some of the residents requesting the CERT Training to be held on weekends. He suggested using the Storm Stadium for practicing the drills. Public Works Manager Payne concurred with Chairman Norkin's recommendations of using the Storm Stadium and stated there have been discussions of weekend training which may be considered. I I I I Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 8 of 9 CITY STAFF COMMENTS Fire Chief Hendershot commented on the following: • He spoke of the upcoming fire season and advised the Commission due to the increase of the fire activity and dryness of the vegetation, the second state engine would be coming to the City on May 25, 2009. Information/Communications Manager Dennis commented on the following: • He advised the Commission that it is Public Works` Week. • He spoke of the upcoming Budget Study Session to be held on May 21, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the City's Cultural Center. • He spoke of the success of the Outreach meetings and reviewed with the Commission suggested areas that could be targeted for the next meeting. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS Chairman Norkin commented on the following: (-I • He requested information from the Assistant City Attorney if commercial property owners could establish their own rules on curfew. • He thanked the Fire Chief for his presentation. Vice-Chairman Bhutta commented on the following: • He thanked Public Works Manager Payne for the report on the Citizen's Corp meeting. • He thanked Fire Chief Hendershot for the great presentation on fire safety. Commissioner Dailey commented on the following: • She spoke of the education opportunities available for the public regarding fire safety and ways of protection. • She requested an update regarding the City's budget for the Public Safety Advisory Commission. Commissioner Stewart commented on the following: • He thanked the Canyon Hills HOA for attending the meeting and hopes to continue a r great working relationship. I i Public Safety Advisory Commission May 13, 2009 Page 9 of 9 I Commissioner Lyons commented on the following: • He spoke of the highly qualified Sherrill Deputies that patrol the lake and stated they are a pleasure to work with. PUBLIC COMMENTS I None ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Commission to adjourn to a regular meeting on June 10, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the Cultural Center located at 183 North Main Street, Lake Elsinore, California, CA, 92530. Vice-Chairman Bhutta adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. VICE CHAIRMAN BHUTTA PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ,ia" DANA C. PORCHE OFFICE SPECIALIST