HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-22-18 PSC agenda packet
Council Public Safety Committee
2nd Floor Conference Room
City Hall
February 22, 2018
3:00 p.m.
Members: Staff: Others:
Councilmember D. Gutierrez (chair) City Manager Cliff Moore
Councilmember Coffey Police Chief Dominic Rizzi
Councilmember Mendez Fire Chief Bob Stewart
Councilmember Hill (alternate) City Prosecutor Cynthia Martinez
Brad Coughenour
Scott Schafer
Agenda
1. Approval of January 30, 2017 minutes
2. New Business
a. Proposed parking legislation amendment - Goosman
b. Traffic calming procedure revision – Schafer
c. 7th Annual Gang Prevention & Intervention Conference – Gutierrez
3. Old Business
a. Speaking points for joint Yakima City Council/Yakima School District meeting
b. Comprehensive Community Safety Plan for the City of Yakima Vision 2025 -
Cortez
c. Public forum planning
d. Domestic violence
i. Legislative action
4. Other Business
5. Information items
6. Recap of future agenda items
7. Audience Participation
Council Public Safety Committee
January 30, 2018
MINUTES
Members present: Staff:
Councilmember Dulce Gutierrez (chair) Asst. City Mgr. Ana Cortez
Councilmember Kathy Coffey Chief Dominic Rizzi, Police
Councilmember Carmen Mendez Deputy Chief Pat Reid, Fire
Scott Schafer, Public Works
Prosecutor Cynthia Martinez, Legal
Terri Croft, Police
Members of Public:
Tony Coursey
Joe Willis
James Turner
The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m.
1. Approval of minutes of December 7, 2017
It was MOVED by Gutierrez and SECONDED by Coffey to approve the minutes as
presented. Motion PASSED unanimously.
2. New Business
2.a. Elect Committee Chair
Mendez MOVED to nominate Gutierrez as chair for 2018. Motion was SECONDED by
Coffey. Gutierrez accepted the nomination and motion was PASSED unanimously.
2.b. Determine 2018 meeting dates/times
The committee decided to keep the meetings scheduled on the 4th Friday of the month
at 3:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room.
2.c. Governor’s Yakima budget proviso
Cortez reported that staff is optimistic funding can be secured under the Governor’s
supplemental budget request. There was an understanding that the funding was
contingent upon utilizing the Denver model, however it has been determined that it not a
requirement. We can take elements from that model and adapt them to best suit our
needs.
Cortez introduced a draft of the Comprehensive Community Safety Plan for the City of
Yakima. In November the committee had requested a comprehensive status report
regarding gang violence, however, in compiling the information, other areas of
community safety were identified that were relevant to the report. Cortez noted that the
report was still in draft form and input had not been received from all partners. She
summarized the report with an explanation of the current conditions, which would set a
baseline for determining future improvement; the National Citizen Survey, which noted
31% of residents indicated an overall feeling of safety – would like to see that increased
to 55-60% by 2025; neighborhood forums and the outcomes of those; the vision
statement; desired changes; programs and activities; and operational models. She
discussed the importance of incorporating the media, evaluators, and capacity building
into the operational model.
Cortez asked the committee for approval to convene a meeting of the partners to
review, update, and finalize the report. The committee was appreciative for the report
and found the information to be excellent. They asked that the request for approval to
meet with partners be presented at the Thursday council briefing meeting, as they felt
all council members should be apprised of the report and included in the request.
Gutierrez asked if the report would be going directly to council after meeting with the
partners. Cortez stated the intent was to present to the full council at the end of
February or beginning of March after meeting with the partners. She advised she would
draft a cover memo for the Thursday briefing indicating the request for input. Coffey
suggested she include the timeline and desired outcomes, and that the intention is to
prepare a document that will be delivered to our legislators. Gutierrez also requested
input from Prosecutor Martinez. Coffey requested information on the cost and
availability to do an update to the 2015 National Citizen Survey. Cortez noted some
issues with the specific methodology used in the last survey and suggested possibly
redoing the survey, however it was determined that would make it difficult to compare
information between surveys.
2.d. Firefighter live fire burns
Reid advised of a state requirement for firefighters to train annually on a live fire burn.
The fire department is having difficulty scheduling these burns due to issues with the
Clean Air Authority. The fire department is requesting a letter from Council authorizing
them to work with the Clean Air Authority to accommodate this required training.
Mendez made a recommendation to send this issue to the full council for approval. She
noted that she would not be available to attend the February 8 Clean Air Authority
meeting but would ensure that her alternate, Councilmember Funk, was aware of the
issue and could advocate on behalf of the fire department at that meeting. Coffey
concurred and Gutierrez inquired if there were any costs associated with the request.
Reid advised there were not.
It was MOVED by Mendez and SECONDED by Coffey to move the issue to the full
council under committee comments at the February 6 meeting. Motion PASSED
unanimously.
2.e. 2018 FEMA SAFER grant
Reid requested on behalf the fire department authorization to solicit a grant for ballistic
protections for firefighters. If authorized and the grant was received, the 25% required
to be paid by the City would be included in the fire department’s 2019 budget allocation
and would not be an additional funding request.
Coffey felt it was important to move this safety issue forward as soon as possible.
Committee consensus was to forward the issue to the full Council at the February 6th
meeting.
2.f. Private Ambulance Dispatch Fees
Reid reported that the fire department and SunComm had previously requested a fee be
implemented for the private ambulance companies who are dispatched by SunComm.
At the time, the discussions were tabled with the intention of the stakeholders
reconvening for further discussions. The ambulance companies were asked to provide
a counter proposal to the fee recommendation. Several months later, the county fire
commissioners issued a letter determining that the private ambulance companies
should not be responsible for any financial contributions to the operation. He noted that
the county fire commissioners have no governance over SunComm operations. He
requested that the issue be brought back to the full council for consideration.
Gutierrez noted that the issue was voted down by the full council. Coffey stated that
she had been in support of the fee previously and still supports the fee. Mendez also
continues to support the fee imposition. Gutierrez asked Rizzi what his stance was.
Rizzi supports the fee imposition, as the full cost is currently being born by the cities.
It was MOVED by Coffey and SECONDED by Mendez to move the issue back to the full
council for consideration. Motion PASSED.
3. Old Business
3.a. Forum planning
Gutierrez advised a 6th forum is currently being planned after discussion with the full
council permitted an extension into the current year. Looking to hold forums at Lewis &
Clark Middle School and McClure Elementary, and there is a request from
Councilmember Funk for one in her district. The committee is looking for direction as to
how many more months the forums should continue, what the end point should be so
the information gathered at the forums can be summarized to implement, and additional
dates so outreach can start. Mendez advised she would coordinate dates with
Gutierrez after the meeting, as both the current requests are in her district. Coffey
requested that the dates be selected prior to the Thursday council briefing. It was
agreed to select dates and put the item on the council briefing agenda so consent could
be obtained from the other council members to proceed. Cortez advised she would e-
mail the council members to get any additional requests for forums.
3.b. Domestic Violence
Martinez reported that Legal staff had applied for a technical assistance grant through
the American Prosecutors Association to start diversion programs to address domestic
violence crimes. The programs would incorporate moral recognition therapy programs
and give Yakima the opportunity to try something new to address domestic violence.
She advised Seattle is trying a 6 week moral recognition therapy program. There would
also be possibility of victim treatments through the YWCA and another partner.
Coffey discussed the legislative possibilities that were shared with our legislators before
they went into session. Coffey urged the committee members to press the legislative
committee to meet early and get this item before our legislators. Mendez is on the
legislative committee and feels the committee can be more proactive and identify
legislators who will sponsor a bill.
Coffey requested that legislative action be placed as a sub topic under domestic
violence for future Public Safety Committee meetings.
Gutierrez would like to look into getting the 6 week treatment program in Yakima, as
well as getting healthcare to cover the treatment. She would also like to look into
enhanced sentencing.
4. Other Business
4.a. Fire Operations 101 training
Mendez asked Reid if the fire department would be providing the fire ops 101 training
for council. Reid advised this would be discussed with the city manager and that the fire
department would like to offer it on an annual basis. They are currently looking for a
Saturday in the spring to hold one.
4.b. Juvenile Justice Partnership Council update
Gutierrez briefed the committee on the first quarter Juvenile Justice Partnership Council
meeting at Green Hills School. The council is working with youths who have been in the
criminal justice system. There have been efforts to raise the age for juvenile
rehabilitation limits from 21 to 25 to provide additional support. She reported that there
are a lot of Yakima youths housed at Green Hills. They expressed concern to her for
their release back to Yakima due to the inability to get away from their gang ties.
Gutierrez offered to share the information provided to the council members to anyone
who would like to review it.
4.c. Dispute Resolution Center
Gutierrez reported that the group is working through de-escalation and communications
skills with differing persons. There are many community partners participating in this
process, providing many different perspectives.
4.d. March joint meeting with Yakima School District
The joint meeting of the Yakima City Council and Yakima School District is scheduled
for March. It was suggested that the committee should discuss potential agenda items
and “asks” of the school district at the February Public Safety Committee. Mendez
would like to see a willingness from the school district to keep the schools open after
school hours and plan to make that happen.
Coffey suggested that our issues be sent forward to the council briefing to add to the
council meeting agenda. She also suggested the Street by Streets report be distributed
to council members to use as a prototype.
5. Information items
No information items.
6. Recap of Future Agenda Items
Speaking points for joint school district meeting
Report on costs to update/redo community survey
Domestic Violence legislation
Public forum planning
7. Audience Participation
James Turner spoke about his efforts to have a speed bump or traffic calming measure
installed in the area Cornell and S. 7th Avenue. He has been working with Scott Schafer
from Public Works and will continue to take all necessary steps as he is directed.
Schafer noted that Public Works would be presenting a revision of the traffic calming
measure process to the February Public Safety Committee meeting.
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:43 a.m.
Approved:
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. ______
For Meeting of: March 6, 2018
ITEM TITLE: relating to Traffic; amending the Yakima Municipal Code, Ch. 9.50, Parking and Rules
of the Road, and Ch. 9.60, Enforcement, adding a prohibition of parking a motor vehicle in front of a
mailbox.
SUBMITTED BY: Brooke Goosman, Assistant City Attorney
CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Brooke Goosman: 509-575-6033
SUMMARY EXPLANATION: The City of Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 9.50, Parking and Rules
of the Road, should be amended to add language prohibiting parking a motor vehicle within 15 feet
of a mailbox. Mail delivery services are impeded by motor vehicles parked in front of mailboxes.
There have been increased complaints regarding this issue and this amendment will address these
complaints, and allow for a civil parking infraction to be issued. The City of Yakima Municipal Code
Chapter 9.60, Enforcement, should be amended to include the $20 penalty for parking within 15
feet of a mailbox.
Resolution Ordinance ____X______Contract Other(Specify)
Contract Mail to (name and address):
Phone:
Funding Source
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: _____
City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Pass Ordinance.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
COUNCIL ACTION:
1
ORDINANCE NO. 2018-____
AN ORDINANCE relating to Traffic; amending the City of Yakima Municipal Code, Section
9.50.085, and adding language prohibiting parking a motor vehicle in front
of a mailbox; also amending Section 9.60.030 to include the penalty for this
parking infraction.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Chapter 9.50, Section 9.50.085 of the Yakima Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 9.50
PARKING AND RULES OF THE ROAD
9.50.085 Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places.
(1) Except when necessary to avoid conflicts with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the
directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device, no person shall stop, stand or park a
vehicle:
(a) On any part of a sidewalk at any time; or
(b) Within the vision clear view triangle defined in YMC 15.05.040, at any time; or
(c) Between any sidewalk and the curb or edge of the paved roadway between
ten p.m. and seven a.m.; or
(d) Within 15 feet of a clearly visible mailbox which is located directly adjacent to
a curbside or on a public right-of-way, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m., except on Sundays and holidays. (Ord. 2015-030 § 1, 2015: Ord. 97-25
§ 1, 1997).
Section 2. Chapter 9.60, Section 9.60.030 of the Yakima Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Chapter 9.60
ENFORCEMENT
9.60.030 Penalties.
Unless another penalty is provided by ordinance of the city, every person convicted of a
misdemeanor defined by this title or a violation of any provision of this title shall be punished by
a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the city jail facility for not more
than ninety days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Further, for all violations of traffic
infractions as defined by RCW 46.63.020, and prohibited by this chapter the monetary penalty for
the commission thereof shall be as made and provided for under the provisions of RCW
46.63.110. The monetary penalties for parking infractions in the city shall be as follows:
2
VIOLATION: YMC/RCW: FINE:
Over time limit—2-hour zone 9.50.070/9.50.075 $20.00
Over time limit—2-hour core business district 9.50.080 20.00
Over time limit—30-minute zone 9.50.090 20.00
Over time limit—15-minute zone 9.50.095 20.00
Over time limit—city lots 9.50.215 20.00
No parking 3:00—5:00 a.m. 9.50.060 20.00
In alley (residential/business) 9.50.010 20.00
More than 12″ from curb 9.50.015 20.00
Right-hand wheels parallel to and beyond 12″ from the curb 9.50.015 20.00
Head-in parking only 9.50.130 20.00
City lots permits required 9.50.230 20.00
Motorcycles only 9.50.020 20.00
Bus zone 46.61.570 20.00
Taxi zone 46.61.570 20.00
Sidewalk/planting strip 46.61.570 20.00
Loading zone (people/merchandise) 46.61.570 20.00
Within 15 feet of a mail box 9.50.085 20.00
Blocking traffic 46.61.570 20.00
Driveway safety zone 46.61.570 20.00
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant 46.61.570 20.00
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk 46.61.570 20.00
Handicap stall violation 46.16.381 250.00
(Ord. 2005-79 § 1, 2005: Ord. 2735 § 2 (part), 1983).
Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 6th day of March, 2018.
ATTEST: Kathy Coffey, Mayor
Sonya Claar Tee, City Clerk
Publication Date:
Effective Date:
To: Public Safety Committee and City Manager, Cliff Moore
From: Ana Cortez, Assistant City Manager
Scott Schafer, Public Works Director
Date: February 14, 2018
Subject: Traffic-Calming Procedure Revision
The City of Yakima generally receives one inquiry for traffic-calming measures per week from
the public, translating to approximately five submitted petitions per year. The City currently
requires “signatures of approval” from at least 51% of the property owners within the immediate
affected area to officially begin the process. If City determines that a calming measure is
needed, the process usually takes about one year from the time a petition is submitted until
traffic-calming measures (typically speed humps) are actually installed.
Budget reductions within the Streets/Traffic Division have negatively impacted the City’s ability
to address traffic-calming requests. Most notably has been the loss of two key Traffic Tech II
positions in 2014/2015. Those positions were able to conduct traffic reviews and counts in a
timely manner; helping to expedite the process. With reduced budgets and the loss of the
Traffic Tech II positions, it is challenging for the Street/Traffic Division to both fund traffic-
calming projects and to timely provide the necessary traffic reviews/studies.
Currently there is no dedicated funding allocated to traffic-calming projects within the Streets
Division budget. Funding to cover such projects is diverted from the limited Street Maintenance
budget. In 2017, a total of $375,000 was allocated to street maintenance ($100,000 from the
General Fund and $275,000 from REET 2) to address pothole repair, crack-sealing, paving and
other maintenance activities. The City appropriated $450,000 for the same use in 2018.
To understand street maintenance, it is important to recognize the conditions of our streets.
The City’s pavement condition index (PCI) provides a metric for measuring the quality or
condition of city streets. Yakima’s PCI is currently at 63 (out of 100) indicating that City crews
have done a fair job of maintaining streets. However, diverting more funds away from actual
street maintenance negatively impacts pavement conditions/PCI. As such, traffic-calming
projects are typically delayed until the end of the construction year to determine remaining
funding availability.
To address these concerns in 2018, staff has dedicated $30,000 to proposed traffic-calming
projects ($25,000 from Street Maintenance and $5,000 from Traffic). These funds should cover
the cost of some required traffic reviews/studies along with some actual installation of the traffic-
calming measures (labor/materials). Staff will execute and prioritize Traffic-calming projects be
based on funding availability and safety concerns. Limited funding caps the number of projects
staff can complete each year. Traffic-calming is an important component of public safety; it
needs dedicated funding that complements street maintenance appropriations.
To increase our capacity to collect traffic data, we are seeking a formal partnership with Yakima
Valley College. We want to offer traffic internships to Engineering YVC students; this innovative
approach hopes to not only build better partnerships with the college, reinforce learning among
Yakima students, but also, increase the City’s capacity to be more responsive to traffic calming
requests.
Another concern came to light recently with the controversial installation of speed humps within
a particular neighborhood. It became abundantly clear that revisions to the City’s current
procedure for traffic-calming was needed. It was identified that the following crucial elements
were needed to develop a successful procedure:
Petition - Increased percentage of property owners required (75% approval)
Traffic review/studies/follow ups
Public meetings with neighborhoods/public input
Appeal process
Attached is the proposed revisions to the City’s Traffic-Calming Procedure, which increase the
City’s capacity to effectively address public requests for traffic-calming and to properly
implement determined traffic-calming measures. The provided revision includes that the
“proposed projects” list will continually be reassessed and prioritized by staff based on funding
availability and safety concerns/factors.
We feel that by allocating a specific amount of funding for traffic-calming projects, in conjunction
with revising our traffic-calming procedure to include traffic reviews/studies and public meetings,
allows the City to properly address public safety within our neighborhoods.
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