HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSC Minutes 4-28-16 approvedCouncil Public Safety Committee
April 28, 2016
MINUTES
Members:
Councilmember Kathy Coffey (chair)
Councilmember Dulce Gutierrez
Councilmember Carmen Mendez
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m.
Staff:
Cally Price, City Manager's Office
Capt. Jeff Schneider, Police
Chief Bob Stewart, Fire
Prosecutor Cynthia Martinez, Legal
Brad Coughenour, SunComm
Joe Rosenlund, Streets
Terri Croft, Police
It was MOVED by Mendez and SECONDED by Gutierrez to approve the minutes of the
March 24, 2016 meeting.
• Updated lighting analysis
Rosenlund advised the committee his department is finalizing a report on lighting needs
in high crime areas. Not much has changed in regard to the areas needing lighting.
The report is expected to be presented at the June 2016 Public Safety Committee
meeting.
Coffey stated that approximately 4 years ago, lighting was installed in high crime/violent
crime areas and she is interested in a report on the crime statistics in those areas
before and after the lighting installation. Crime Analyst Joe Brown will be tasked with
creating the report and presenting it at the May 2016 committee meeting. Brown will
also provide information about research on what type of crime lighting does and does
not impact.
• Joint Task Force update
Schneider reported that the Yakima Police Department is part of two federal task forces:
the DEA task force and the gang task force. DEA provides overtime reimbursement,
vehicles, and some training for the officers participating in the task force. The gang task
force consists of 2 sergeants and 6 detectives. One of the detectives is sponsored by
the FBI, which provides overtime reimbursement, a vehicle, and some training. A
second detective is sponsored by Homeland Security Intelligence, which provides
overtime reimbursement and some training. The department does not participate in the
Safe Streets Task Force, which is designated by the FBI. Mendez inquired if the DEA
task force is part of HIDTA, which it is. Coffey inquired if the department's participation
in the task forces are fiscally sustainable. Schneider advised that the DEA task force is
sustainable through forfeitures. The gang task force is sustainable as long as the
federal agencies want to sponsor it. For the foreseeable future, the gang task force is
sustainable.
Coffey stated that the state provided gang funding of $500,000, most of which went to
Seattle. There were changes in the legislation to disperse funds in a more equitable
manner. She asked if Yakima had received any of those funds. Price will follow up on
that issue.
• YPAL Presentation
Ed Shoenbach and YPAL staff gave a presentation on YPAL activities and reported on
intervention practices. Mendez inquired how many children from outside of the city
limits of Yakima participate in YPAL activities and if their participation is subsidized with
city funds. There are some children from outside of the city who participate. Mendez
requested a report with the distribution of participants according to their residency inside
or outside of the city limits.
The committee inquired what the success rate had been for YPAL referrals through the
People for People 211 line. Shoenbach reported that YPAL had only received two
referrals through 211, which he attributed to the public awareness project for 211 falling
through. Most YPAL referrals come through schools or parents seeking resources.
Mendez asked how the children were determined to be "at risk". Staff reported that
information from the schools is utilized to make that determination. She inquired about
changing the name from YPAL to something that was more of a community center due
to lack of police involvement. Shoenbach advised that being part of the national Police
Athletic League group provides for reduced insurance on the participants and the
building and operations. Mendez also felt that the building is being under-utilized. Staff
reported on some additional programs they are working on bringing to the center during
the day, such as a Mommy and Me class. There was discussion if YPAL had an
advisory board, as the Southeast Community Center has. Shoenbach advised there is
a board of directors. Coffey advised that YPAL is set up differently than the SECC.
SECC representatives will be invited to the next meeting for a presentation on their
activities.
Gutierrez inquired about the deliverables in the YPAL contract. She asked about the
use of the WARNS screening system, how many youths did the system flag as at risk
specifically for gang involvement, and asked if it is an efficient tool or not. Staff reported
that it not entirely accurate or efficient for recognizing that particular risk, as many
responding to the questions are not completely honest. The committee requested
information on the WARNS data. Shoenbach advised that WARNS is a research tool
which may or may not be accurate for assessing risk. He will follow up on the process
status. Gutierrez also requested information about the gang awareness seminars
required by the contract. It was also noted that all deliverable reports are required by
the contract to go to the City Manager's office. The City Manager's office will ensure
that the information is distributed to the council members.
• Good of the order
Shoenbach stated concerns he and YPAL staff have over the homeless activities at
Miller Park.
Mendez mentioned the 100 Jobs for 100 Kids fair on Monday, May 2 from 12:00 noon to
5:00.
People for People will be invited to the next meeting to present on their activities.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
Approved: