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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-2009 PSAC MinutesMINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009 CALL TO ORDER - 6:00 P.M. Chairman Norkin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Cummings. ROLL CALL PRESENT: CHAIRMAN NORKIN COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART ABSENT: NONE Also present were: Information/Communications Manager Dennis, Assistant City Attorney Mann, Police Sergeant Chavez, Police Officer Liebrand, Police Officer Sinz, Building and Safety/Code Enforcement Manager and Office Specialist Porche. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Norkin requested to have the Public Comments regarding the house on Fir Circle in the Alberhill Ranch development heard after the Business Items. COMMISSION APPROVES CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) 1. Minutes from the Regular Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC) Meeting of June 10, 2009. Recommendation: Approve It was motioned by Commissioner Dailey and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to approve the June 10, 2009 Public Safety Advisory Meeting Minutes. Public Safety Advisory Commission August 12, 2009 Page 2 of 9 The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Reorganization of Officers Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated in July of each year the Commission of the Public Safety and Advisory Commission nominates and selects new offices to include a Chairman and Vice Chair. Chairman Norkin requested nominations for Chairman for the new fiscal year. Commissioner Stewart nominated Chairman Norkin for Chairman for another year. Commissioner Dailey seconded the nomination. There being no other nominations for Chairman, Chairman Norkin called for a vote. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE Chairman Norkin requested nominations for Vice Chair. 2 Public Safety Advisory Commission August 12, 2009 Page 3 of 9 Commissioner Stewart nominated Commissioner Dailey for Vice Chair for the new fiscal year. Chairman Norkin seconded the nomination. There being no other nominations, Chairman Norkin called for a vote. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 3. Neighborhood Outreach Meetings: Alberhill Ranch Request Information/Communications Manager Dennis provided an overview and stated this year the City's goal is to recognize and offer an opportunity to arrange a community meeting in the west end of the City. Vice-Chair Dailey asked if the Boys & Girls Club would be available to use. Information/Communications Manager Dennis replied by saying the Boys & Girls Club has enough floor space, however, he did not know if it is available in the evening and if they would be able to accommodate a large-group setup by supplying their chairs and PA/microphone equipment. . Commissioner Stewart asked if the Boys and Girls Club would only charge for the use of their Public Address System (PA). Information/Communications Manager Dennis responded by saying he did not know about any Boys and Girls Club facilities use fees, though there is a small fee to use the multipurpose room at schools which covers the cost for the use of the room, AV equipment and cleaning up after the meeting. Commissioner Cummings asked if the outreach is limited to the surrounding area of Alberhill. Information/Communications Manager Dennis replied by saying it could be publicized to get other citizens interested who may have neighborhood concerns or issues. 3 Public Safety Advisory Commission August 12, 2009 Page 4 of 9 Vice-Chair Dailey requested to have the meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Chairman Norkin requested to have the meeting as soon as possible and called for a motion. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Dailey, seconded by Chairman Norkin to have staff coordinate and schedule a community outreach for the Alberhill Ranch Community as soon as possible at a nearby facility or at the City's Cultural Center. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 4. Crime Free Multi-Housing Program Assessment Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated Mayor Pro-Tem Melendez has requested this item be placed on the agenda to form a two-person subcommittee to meet with staff and Police Department to reestablish the program and ensure greater program exposure and compliance by leveraging available resources. Chairman Norkin asked if he knew of how many Crime Free Multi-Housing establishments there are in the City. Information/Communications Manager Dennis replied by saying he did not have a number for Chairman Norkin. He stated that this is an area that the committee could research. Chairman Norkin asked Sergeant Chavez if the City's Police Department has a CSO that would be in charge of the program. Sergeant Chavez replied by saying one of the issues the Police Department is having is there currently isn't anyone trained to train an apartment manager because of the budget cuts. He stated in order for an apartment complex or condo complex to be designated as a crime-free housing facility, the Police Department would need to provide additional training. Chairman Norkin asked if it would be possible to select a date in the future. 4 Public Safety Advisory Commission August 12, 2009 Page 5 of 9 Sergeant Chavez responded by saying a date could be set as long as there is someone available who could conduct the training. He stated at this time there isn't anyone available. Commissioners Stewart and Fairchild volunteered to be on the subcommittee with Commissioner Cummings as the alternate. A motion was made by Chairman Norkin and seconded by Vice Chair Dailey to select Commissioner Stewart and Commissioner Fairchild as the subcommittee and Commissioner Cummings as the alternate to review the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE 4. Annual Inspection Tour of the Lake Recommendation: Receive and file Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated one of the goals of the Public Safety Advisory Commission is to annually inspect the lake safety facilities on and off the lake. He requested the Commission to discuss a date and time that would accommodate the entire Commission. Chairman Norkin suggested meeting August 25 or August 27, 2009 at 7:30 am at the Seaport Boat Launch. A motion was made by Chairman Norkin and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to have the annual inspection of the lake scheduled for either August 25 or August 27, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER DAILEY COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD 5 Public Safety Advisory Commission August 12, 2009 Page 6 of 9 COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: NONE PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Commissioner Daily noted that the Citizen Corps meeting that was scheduled for August 12, 2009 had been cancelled, however, she provided an overview of what the Citizen Corps is currently working on. CITY STAFF COMMENTS Police Officer Sinz commented on the following: • He commented on the foreclosed home on Fir Circle and stated they are working closely with City staff to take the proper enforcement action in coordination with the City's Code Enforcement Division. Information/Communications Manager Dennis commented on the following: He circulated a draft Outlook Newsletter for their review and stated the mailing would occur the following week to over 22, 500 residents and businesses. He spoke of the upcoming State of the City which is scheduled for August 20, at 5:00 at the Diamond Club. He spoke of the upcoming CERT Training and invited the new Commissioners to take advantage of CERT training when convenient. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS Chairman Norkin commented on the following: He requested a study session to be scheduled for the week of September 14 for the purpose of discussing foreclosures and requested a representative from the Water District, SCE and the City's Code Enforcement Department and Police Department to attend. Vice-Chair Dailey commented on the following: • She welcomed Commissioners Fairchild and Cummings to the Commission. • She thanked the audience for their participation. • She stated that the Outlook Newsletter looked great and thanked Information/Communications Manager Dennis for all his hard work. Public Safety Advisory Commission August 12, 2009 Page 7 of 9 Commissioner Cummings commented on the following: • No comments. Commissioner Fairchild commented on the following: She thanked the City Council for the appointment of serving on the Commission and stated she is looking forward to serving the City as Commissioner. Commissioner Stewart commented on the following: • No comments. PUBLIC COMMENTS Pat Dagan, resident of Lake Elsinore spoke to the Commission regarding the foreclosed home on Fir Circle in Lake Elsinore that is currently being occupied by "squatters" and has been for two years. She stated she lives next door to the house and she can smell urine, feces and trash and has concerns for her family. She stated she has called the City's Code Enforcement Department, the HOA and Fox 11, about the problems with a varying degree of responsiveness. She acknowledged the efforts of Code Enforcement and the Sheriffs Department, though she felt the ongoing situation is still a safety concern that has not yet been resolved the way she and her neighbors would like it to be. She indicated she would continue to send emails to any that are involved and would attend City Council Meeting until she gets results. Chairman Norkin pointed out to the audience that this item was not on the agenda and therefore the Commission could not take any actions. He stated the Commission would listen to the concerns of the public and, if necessary, have the item placed on an upcoming agenda for discussion, if appropriate. Edward Dagan, resident of Lake Elsinore indicated this has been ongoing for two years and encourages the Commission on whatever they can do to resolve the issue. David Janus, resident of Lake Elsinore stated it is important for the Commission to be involved with the situation and find a way to coordinate with all involved including the utility companies, law enforcement and the County of Riverside and to form some organization that could assist with problem. Commissioner Fairchild asked how it was possible to identify owner and if there was a sign posted in the front yard. Pat Dagan replied by saying she researched the owner of the house by way of the internet and stated that there is no sign in the front yard. 7 Public Safety Advisory Commission August 12, 2009 Page 8 of 9 Building & Safety/Code Enforcement Manager Chipman was requested to provide to the Commission a summary of ongoing actions that have taken place. He stated the house was fraudulently purchased and never lived in by the buyer and the bank took possession of the property but fell into bankruptcy leaving no one responsible for the property. He indicated squatters moved into the house and set up accounts for utility services. He stated the neighbors started filing complaints with the Code Enforcement but each time the City responded there was little they could do as long as the occupants had proper utilities. He indicated the City has no jurisdiction to determine legal occupancy of the property for the purpose of vacating someone. He stated that process must be followed through by the legal owners of the property or law enforcement. Assistant City Attorney Mann asked Building & Safety/Code Enforcement Manager Chipman if American Mortgage has indicated that the squatters have any legal rights to the property. Building & Safety/Code Enforcement Manager Chipman replied by saying that American Mortgage has indicated that the squatters do not have rights to the property, however, the legal department for American Mortgage is trying to decipher and clarify information before they are willing to take any legal action. Commissioner Cummings asked if there are any animals on the property and if so, are they contained to the backyard. Pat Dagan replied by saying there were dogs living in the backyard but have since been taken away. Vice-Chair Dailey asked if the City has any legal rights and if they can do anything to help out with "squatters." Assistant City Attorney Mann responded by saying he would research to see what other surrounding cities are doing and report back to the Commission. He stated the only way the City can evict someone out of a home would be if there were an emergency or if they were in any immediate danger. Commissioner Cummings asked Building & Safety/Code Enforcement Manager Chipman what are the procedures when the bank decides on removing the squatters from the property. Building & Safety/Code Enforcement Manager Chipman replied by saying when American Home Mortgage signs a "No Trespassing" letter and provides it to the Sheriffs Department, it then gives the right to the Sheriffs Department to enforce eviction. He stated the City would not be involved. Commissioner Cummings asked if there were any children currently living on the premises. 8 Public Safety Advisory Commission August 12, 2009 Page 9 of 9 Pat Dagan replied by saying, sometimes children are seen on the weekends Commissioner Cummings asked if child protective services need to be notified and does the City have any legal stand to protect any children living in the home. Commissioner Stewart stated that there is a moratorium with banks and their procedures. He stated in Riverside County there are approximately 25,000 foreclosures which could be a reason why it is taking so long to get any action. Vice-Chair Dailey asked the Police Department if they have increased patrolling the street where the house is located. Police Officer Sinz replied by saying all they can do is drive by occasionally and check the area to make sure all is safe. Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated that these questions could be addressed at the staff level and reported back to the residents, since the item is not presently on the PSAC agenda. ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Commission to adjourn to a regular meeting on September 9, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the Cultural Center located at 183 North Main Street, Lake Elsinore, California, CA, 92530. Chairman Norkin adjourned the meeting at 7:26 MIKE NOW N, CHAIRMAN PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION RESPECTF,~~UL~/L'/~Y SUBMITTED: AM ` ' &Z/ DANA C. PORCHP OFFICE SPECIALIST 9