HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/15/2017 05B Neighborhood Forums DiscussionBUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDASTATEMENT
Item No. 5.13.
For Meeting of: August 15, 2017
ITEM TITLE: Discussion regarding neighborhood forums
SUBMITTED BY: Cliff Moore, City Manager
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
As part of ongoing efforts to assist in crime prevention, the Public Safety Committee is preparing
to host multiple neighborhood forums on the subject of public safety. The Committee has
discussed format and logistics for hosting these forums and is prepared to encourage the public
to contact the City and/or their Council member representative to request a neighborhood forum.
The Committee is planning to conduct approximately seven neighborhood forums by the end of
2017 (with flexibility to accommodate or adjust based on the requests made by the public or
Council). Recognizing the budget constraints of the City, the Committee members will actively
seek low cost or free facilities where the forums can be held and will also encourage residents to
assist with promotional efforts.
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
APPROVED FORcl*�
SUBMITTAL: `City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
D model 8!912017 Co r Menio
Model for Public Safety Neighborhood Forums
The City Council granted the Public Safety Committee (PSC) permission to work on
hosting multiple neighborhood forums citywide on the subject of public safety. So far,
PSC members have discussed the following:
A.) Hosting a total of 7-10 neighborhood forums across the city
B.) Incorporate the seven questions suggested by Southern California Cross Roads
representatives Paul Carrillo and Ron Nobles
C.) Encourage residents to request a neighborhood forum in their neighborhood
D.) Encourage Council members to attend a neighborhood forum in their district
E.) Possibly using the tentative model suggested by Councilmember D. Gutierrez
Tentative Model for Public Safetv Neiahborhood Forums
Welcome and Introduction
a. Welcome attendees - Councilmember and neighborhood resident
b. Introduce staff and briefly describe each respective role for forum - Councilmember
c. Explain format for section 1, 2, and 3 of the forum - Councilmember
Section 1 - "How to Report Crime"
a. Explain the ways witnesses and victims may choose to report a crime - Staff
b. Clarify current Yakima Police Department (YPD) procedure does not include inquiring
citizenship status of witnesses and victims - Staff
c. Explain how to report crimes using Crime Stoppers and 911 Text - Staff
Section 2 - "Neighborhood Patrolling"
a. Explain how the YPD generally patrols residential areas — Law Enforcement Officer
b. Explain city limitations due to resources & volume of crime - Law Enforcement Officer
c. Explain how YPD neighborhood patrolling can be supported with neighborhood input
and reporting of crimes - Staff
Section 3 - "Crime Prevention"
Questions and Answers for attendees - facilitation included
1.) What are the most important needs for the safety of this neighborhood?
2.) Do you recognize any of your neighbors here today? (Attendees asked to raise their
hand)
3.) Do you think it would be useful to know your neighbors' name and/or phone number?
(If yes: attendees invited to contact city for a coordinated list)
4.) What challenges do we face in reducing violence?
5.) What positive things do we have as a neighborhood that can help reduce violence?
6.) As neighbors, what do we need in order to keep violence and crime down?
7.) Would "Street Captains" be helpful for fearful witnesses who wish to report crime?
8.) What are short term needs?
9.) What are long term needs?
10.) What other issues need to be addressed for public safety?