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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0 PSACMINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 10, 2010 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 Stewart. ROLL CALL PRESENT: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIR DAILEY COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART ABSENT: NONE Also present were: Information/Communications Manager Dennis, Assistant City Attorney Mann, Police Sergeant Rose, Fire Captain Juarez, Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo and Administrative Assistant Paltza. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. COMMISSION APPROVES CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) 1. Minutes of the January 13, 2010 Public Safety Advisory Commission Chairman Norkin asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes. There being no comments, Chairman Norkin called for a motion. MOTION was made by Vice-Chair Dailey and seconded by Commissioner Fairchild approving the Consent Calendar. AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIR DAILEY Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 2 of 11 COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Proposed PSAC Goals & Objectives for 2010 Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated that the pattern is to present goals in several service areas and identify how deep into the year we see our activity going. Some of the projects such as the Citizens Patrol recommendation are just getting started; the Crime Free Multi-Housing reaching the peak of getting close to a presentation ready to you all for consideration and recommendation; we have safety goals for the Lake which are recurring and ongoing. Mr. Dennis stated that he does not have a specific highlight to bring out other than to ask if the goals as presented make sense, both in scope and priority. He stated that things can change, for example, if we don't have a rising lake level, then we won't do a notification letter to the surrounding lake property owners, like we did a few years ago when we had imminent flooding. Chairman Norkin asked if there were any comments, questions, or additions from the Commission. Vice-Chair Dailey inquired what the lake level was Information/Communications Manager Dennis replied that it was at 1244' mean sea level which is 5 feet above since the storms began, which is enough to offset a full season's worth of evaporation, so that has reset the lake and all the recreation at the boat launch for another full season, and that is a good thing. Vice-Chair Dailey inquired if the budget is still $10,000. Information/Communications Manager Dennis replied that we have not made a specific budget recommendation in this discussion. We have not yet started our citywide budgeting, so there's an opportunity to make adjustments ultimately to feed into that process. He said if they have the meeting on March 18th, they could still get the information to the City Council and make recommendations overall or per line item. Vice-Chair Dailey inquired if the acquisition of Constant Contact will be done. Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated it will be done, but has not been done yet, and he will check with IT to see because it will be largely turned over to the Citizen Corps to maintain. Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 3 of 11 Chairman Norkin commented that he mentioned at the last meeting was the inclusion of the red-light cameras or at least looking into that as a possible program at several intersections in the City. He wasn't sure if it was something that comes through the PSAC, or Engineering, but he wanted to make sure it's appropriate to have on this document. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied that that was an older item and when Ed Basubas was the Traffic Engineer, he was working with the Police Department to try and get red-light cameras installed. He said a company did come out and evaluated intersections, and determined that Railroad Canyon Road and Summerhill/Grape Street was a candidate for a location. Mr. Seumalo could not find anymore details but said he would look into it and hopefully give a more successful report at the next meeting. Chairman Norkin stated that this will be included in the PSAC objectives for 2010 since Mr. Seumalo said that we do qualify for it at that intersection. He also inquired about the PSAC covering the monthly licensing cost for Constant Contact for the Citizen Corps. Vice-Chair Dailey responded that the Constant Contact had been brought up a couple of meetings ago, and the cost is only about $200 a year. Commissioner Stewart inquired that if Citizen Corps purchased the Constant Contact software, would PSAC be able to access that software and use it if they had certain circumstances where they needed to do an e-blast. Vice-Chair Dailey responded that the City could use the Constant Contact for whatever they wanted to use it for to create newsletters or invitations, i.e., creating a flyer for community outreach meetings, rather than going door-to-door; and whoever signed up to receive PSAC email notifications would receive it. She added that one of the reasons for using Constant Contact versus going thru the City's Website is for certain volunteers to be able to utilize it by setting up a username and password when appropriate. MOTION was made by Vice Chair Dailey and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to approve the proposed PSAC goals and objectives for 2010, with the addition of looking into the feasibility of red-light cameras. AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIR DAILEY COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 4 of 11 3. Proposed Joint Study Session with City Council Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated that the annual goals and objectives are used to plan and guide the PSAC's activities and priorities, and at least once a year, they like to meet in a joint study session with the City Council to establish and guide the activities for the year. Mr. Dennis stated that the Mayor has given a suggested date of Thursday, March 18th for a joint study session, 5:00 p.m., at the Cultural Center. MOTION was made by Chairman Norkin and seconded by Vice-Chair Dailey to set the Joint Study Session with City Council for Thursday, March 18th at 5:00 p. M. AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIR DAILEY COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE 4. Proposed Community Outreach Meeting: Rosetta Canyon Information/Communications Manager Dennis indicated that one of the thins that staff is recommending is scheduling this meeting on Wednesday, April 7 h because we have two PSAC functions in March, the regular meeting and the joint session. Also, because of the school spring break, the faculty and janitorial staff are not present that week. MOTION was made by Chairman Norkin and seconded by Commissioner Cummings to set the Rosetta Canyon Community Outreach meeting for Wednesday, April 7th at 6:00 p.m. AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIR DAILEY COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE 5. Crime Free Multi-Housing Public Outreach Letter Information/Communications Manager Dennis gave an update stating that the subcommittee met again on Friday, and is recommending that in the regular Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 5 of 11 PSAC meeting on March 10th meeting, they devote a portion of that to serve as a discussion forum. A letter would be sent to the target audience and this is being finalized in the database to find out how many letters we will need to send out. Chairman Norkin asked if by sending out this letter, they would have an agenda item in March for Crime Free Multi-Housing as a presentation to these people. Information/Communications Manager Dennis said yes, and the subcommittee discussed a couple of format: 1) They would have a PowerPoint presentation that would explain what Crime Free Multi-Housing is; and 2) Using some Crime Free Multi-Housing experts who have participated in the level one training as subject matter experts to help facilitate the dialogue about tenants rights, legal questions, security, etc. They would like at least three experts from the training group in Riverside County. Chairman Norkin asked how many letters would be sent out Information/Communications Manager Dennis replied that the older version of the database had over 100 listings but he is not sure yet. The Lake Elsinore Municipal Code defines a multi-housing unit as anything with four dwellings or more, so we would have quite a few; if we stick to the traditional rental complexes, that would narrow the scope down by half. Chairman Norkin asked if the target would be to get the mailings out by the end of this month so that they would have at least two weeks to prepare to be here. Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated that the letters are ready to go and the database will be finalized so that we can print the mailing labels and mail them out tomorrow. Chairman Norkin asked if it would be wise to ask for RSVPs or just leave it open for general attendance. Information/Communications Manager Dennis answered that the letter would have contact information at the bottom of the letter; they could contact Mr. Dennis if they had any questions and this would give him an idea of their interest based on their feedback. Vice-Chair Dailey indicated that it was a great idea and commented that the letter should start out with the invitation as an opportunity to learn about the proposed crime free multi-housing. Also, in case they are not aware of the benefits to them, it would be a good idea to explain why this would be beneficial to them as a manager or owner of a multi-housing unit in Lake Elsinore. Chairman Norkin inquired if there was already a tri-fold that exists that could be included with the letter. Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 6 of 11 Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated that he contemplated having an attachment with that information, but did not have a sample to include in the PSAC packet at that time. 6. MOTION was made by Vice-Chair Dailey and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to approve the Crime Free Multi-Housing Public Outreach Letter. AYES: CHAIRMAN NORKIN VICE-CHAIR DAILEY COMMISSIONER CUMMINGS COMMISSIONER FAIRCHILD COMMISSIONER STEWART NOES: NONE PUBLIC SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Information/Communications Manager Dennis commented that they have the Citizens Patrol subcommittee kickoff meeting coming up on Tuesday, February 16tH at 4:30 p.m. Vice-Chair Dailey stated that the Citizen Corps subcommittee was canceled and they are working on their goals and objectives for the coming year which is very important, so the meeting in March may be canceled as well. She met with the Recruiting subcommittee and they had some great ideas and she looks forward to presenting it to PSAC possibly in May. Commissioner Fairchild asked Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo if the striping at McVicker has happened yet. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied that it has not happened due to the weather delays, and they are in the process of rescheduling. Commissioner Fairchild asked when it is being rescheduled Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo responded that they were supposed to go in but had to stop due to the storms coming; after the storms came, they tried to schedule it, but then another storm came. He said he will attempt to contact them and send the inspector on it. Commissioner Stewart stated that the Crime Free Multi-Housing subcommittee had their meeting and looking forward to getting it ready for PSAC and then moving it to Council for approval. Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 7 of 11 CITY STAFF COMMENTS Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo already reported on the signal light camera at the Railroad Canyon / Grape Street and giving an updated schedule on the striping. He wished everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. Information/Communications Manager Dennis commented that the Mayor is starting a "Coffee with the Mayor" every second Wednesday of the month at Flour Fusion, and encouraged everyone to get the word out to the citizens to drop in for coffee and ask the Mayor about any issues with the city government. Also, this Thursday is the EWDC's second business luncheon of the year at the Diamond Club which is sponsored by the Chamber, so if you would like to attend please contact Susan Reid. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS Commissioner Cummings asked Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo about Lake Street where all the construction has been done: Has the speed limit been changed to 40 mph, has it gone down, or has it always been 40? Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo stated that it has always been 40; the traffic engineer recently did a speed study out there, and unfortunately it will go up. Commissioner Cummings said the issue is that now there is a sign there, but before there was not. So the problem is that people are doing 70. Will there be a sign going up? It's hard for people to drop from 70 to 40 mph. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo said yes there will be a sign going up. The traffic engineer wanted to do a study on the upper segment of Lake Street so that the whole street will be consistent. His 85th percentile was 52 mph so at a minimum, you will see it posted at 50. He said that they will have two signs at each direction, one closer to Lake Street near the curb, and one coming into town on Temescal Road. Commissioner Stewart asked Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo if he had success in asking the County about the problem at Lake Street. There is still that potential hazard of a head-on collision happening, where they sell the fruit so close to the off-ramp that people have to go around them. There is no place to park but they stop there anyway. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo stated that he did not have success with the County, but he did have some success with our Code Enforcement team. They spot-checked it and Mr. Seumalo also noticed it last Saturday, and he will have Code Enforcement check it regularly. Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 8 of 11 Commissioner Stewart stated that they moved it down a little bit but he thinks it is still a potential hazard. Commissioner Cummings indicated that there is now another vendor there selling firewood. She commented that it has become a swap meet. Commissioner Stewart wanted to thank Information/Communications Manager Dennis and the entire City staff for the floral arrangement and card that was sent on behalf of the City for his mother's memorial. The continuous support that he received from Information/Communications Manager Dennis, Chairman Norkin, Commissioner Fairchild, and everyone was very heartwarming to his family. Commissioner Fairchild asked Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo about a turnoff when you're coming off the Ortega left onto Grand and then it splits off to Riverside and Grand, the left-hand goes on an upgrade and is dark and dangerous. Is there any work planned for that dangerous turnoff because you have oncoming traffic? Mr. Fairchild asked if Sergeant Rose could comment if there have been accidents there. Sergeant Rose stated that he was aware of what she was talking about, but he had not seen the statistics. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo said the curve is super-elevated where it banks to accommodate the speed that goes around that corner. There was a small development on the northeast corner of that intersection and they were supposed to signalize that intersection. And then another development came in on the inside of that curve with the same condition of approval. There is no City project currently on the books on the capital improvement program to signalize or change that intersection and currently it's State right-of-way, so CalTrans controls that right- of-way. Mr. Seumalo stated that he attended a meeting with CalTrans about the relinquishment of SR74 and he believes that that they will have the relinquishment by July of this year, so that intersection will be under City control by that time. If he can find the funds, then he can put it on the unfunded portion of the capital improvement program. Commissioner Fairchild expressed her gratefulness to the graffiti removal team. She stated that she really appreciates it when she puts in a phone call and it gets taken care of quickly, because it's very disturbing to her when she sees graffiti. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo said he will pass it on to Edgar Salas, the graffiti technician. Vice-Chair Dailey thanked everyone for coming and welcomed Administrative Assistant Paltza in her new position as the Clerk and thanked her for taking it on. Ms. Dailey announced that Carl Armbrust, who has been a community leader in Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 9 of 11 Canyon Lake for a long time and an active member with LEJSWA, passed away last night, and there will be a memorial service on Saturday at the Church of Canyon Lake. Chairman Norkin commented that he received a letter from a member of the public pointing out a potential hazard on Grand and Macy Streets coming out of that tract where Commission Stewart lives. The resident asked that the City take a look at that because coming off of Macy either north or south onto Grand is potentially hazardous. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo responded that the signal light is warranted on that location. He said that towards Ortega, there is a piece of land that a development is entitled on and they are conditioned to put a signal in; the staff knows about it as well, and it will be on the unfunded capital improvement program. Chairman Norkin also commented that the intersection on Franklin and Main Street is being used ten times more than they used to, and it is getting to be dangerous there. It is an uncontrolled intersection so maybe the City can take a look at it for possibly a stop sign or some type of traffic control device there. Chairman Norkin stated that the Burger King is getting vandalized and there is graffiti all over the back of it now, so Code Enforcement needs to take a look at that or get the property owner to clean it up. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo said he will convey it to Code Enforcement and if they don't get action within a week, he will send the graffiti tech out to take care of it. Chairman Norkin commented that Kim Ryan spoke last night at the Council meeting about illegal vendors on street corners, parks, etc. Mr. Norkin didn't know if that is a City Council item or if it falls under PSAC, but if it falls under their jurisdiction, then they will to see it as an agenda item in the future, so that they can look at illegal vendors setting up shop wherever they feel like it. Assistant City Attorney Mann stated that he believes there is an ordinance and will present it to the Commission. Information/Communications Manager Dennis stated that he could have a presentation by Code Enforcement because it is a recurring issue. Commissioner Fairchild asked if they can also find out about people having yard sales every day of every weekend. Assistant City Attorney Mann stated that there is a prohibition for that and it is addressed in it. Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 10 of 11 Chairman Norkin also commented that some shopping centers have parking lots that have constant construction going on and are causing problems, like the Chase Bank at the bottom of Tuscany Hills; the parking lot is in disrepair and dangerous. He asked if the City inspects or does a complaint need to be filed, or since it's private property, can they do whatever they want. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo commented that is it not in the purview of the Public Works Dept. and believes it might fall under Code Enforcement, so he will talk to Tom Weiner, Director of Community Development, and have his guys take a look at it. Mr. Seumalo added that in that area of Canyon Estates Drive and Summerhill, when a project is being developed, they have a group plans and a City inspector will inspect that street for compliance with the approved plans. Once approved, it is considered private property, and then it's put on the property management company, but he believes Code Enforcement has a say on it, so he will confirm this with Community Development Director Weiner. Commissioner Cummings commented that she spoke with Community Development Director Weiner regarding an issue which she had brought up with Information/Communications Manager Dennis. Lakeside High had their Winter Formal at Trevi Entertainment. She dropped off her daughter there and felt unsafe because of the very dark parking lot, and there were kids running around. She found out from Information/Communications Manager Dennis that many of the parking lots are lit dimly because of the Palomar Observatory. Ms. Cummings asked if Lake Elsinore has constraints about their lighting in parking lots. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo stated that he didn't know but he said there is a Palomar Observatory radius where we have to keep our lighting to a minimum, but he knows that that does not apply to our arterial streets. He said that we use high pressure sodium street lights for the arterials, and believes they are exempt from that regulation, but he will look it up and see what that radius actually is. Commissioner Cummings replied that would be helpful to know. PUBLIC COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Commission to adjourn to a regular meeting on March 10, 2010, 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 6:44 p.m. Agenda Item 1 Public Safety Advisory Commission February 10, 2010 Page 11 of 11 MIKE NORKIN, CHAIRMAN PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: LA-Iu~--,ZAZ MARLENE S. PA TZA ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Agenda Item 1