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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/01/2012 14A Council General Information BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT a , Item No. 1 ``�' For Meeting of: May 1, 2012 ITEM TITLE: Council General Information SUBMITTED BY: CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: SUMMARY EXPLANATION: • 1. City Meeting Schedule for week of April 30 - May 7, 2012 2. Preliminary Future Activities Calendar as of April 30, 2012 3.4/26/12 Weekly Issues Report 4. Preliminary Council Agenda 5. Spring 2012 Municipal Research News re; Newly- Elected Officials: Finding Your Way 6. Newspaper /Magazine /Internet Articles: * "Creating Active, Livable Cities Through Play," U.S. Mayor, April 16, 2012 * "At Justice Department Summit, Mayors Villaraigosa, Nutter Discussed Need, Ways to Reduce Youth Violence," U.S. Mayor, April 16, 2012 * "Olympmia Coucnil may OK plans for ambassadors," The Olympian, April 24, 2012 * "Public Safety Problem in San Diego," NBC San Diego, April 23, 2012 * "Police Union Wants to Transfer Some Responsibilities to Sheriffs Office," ThelndyChannel.com, April 24, 2012 * "Oklahoma City Council wants to cut unnecessary emergency responses," NewsOK.com, April 25, 2012 Resolution Ordinance Other (specify) Contract: Mail to: Contract Term: Amount: Expiration Date: Insurance Required? No Funding Source: Phone: APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: BOARD /COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: ATTACHMENTS: Click to download 0 5 -1 general info CITY MEETING SCHEDULE For April 30, 2012 — May 7, 2012 Please note: Meetings are subject to change Monday, April 30 10:00 a.m. City Council Media Briefing — Council Chambers Tuesday, May 1 10:00 a.m. County Commissioners Agenda Meeting — Council Chambers 4:30 p.m. City Council Executive Session — Council Chambers 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting — Council Chambers Wednesday, May 2 5:30 p.m. Community Review Board — Council Chambers Thursday, May 3 9:00 a.m. County Hearing Examiner — Council Chambers 6:00 p.m. Regional Fire Authority Meeting — Station 86 Office Of Mayor /City Council Preliminary Future Activities Calendar Please Note: Meetings are subject to change . "i-`;: (('�'�' %'fit3 .:� , kw" ..a",y`N`s`ai'.2 '�'4''i�." .T.�a vy. 'n ,.R. �l..: t �',.�,{.�" �•� f' �' ., 0. 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AA :J� ?sir . ::F'. , Wr^i .aiac� <'v.".,n. r� a� .t ° `�:�: ^ ,;:; a w ` adY,`;% ' :� t , e ` 5`'.: : "� "x a a', .t . ,x . : ° Gs .,.k..x r 911' :. : ^�t Mon. April 30 10:00 a.m. City Council Media Briefing Scheduled Meeting Bristol Council Chambers Tue. May 1 12:00 p.m. Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Cawley TBD 4:30 p.m. City Council Executive Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers Session 6:00 • m. Cit Council Meetin• Scheduled Meetin• Council Council Chambers Thur. May 3 6:30 a.m. Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Scheduled Event Open Howard Johnson 9:00 a.m. Joint Admin & 911 Scheduled Meeting Lover Fire Station 9 - Toppenish Operations Meeting 9:00 a.m. Welcome Water Works Scheduled Event Cawley Convention Center Association Conference 4:00 p.m. GFI Steering Committee Scheduled Meeting Ettl CWCMH Meeting 6:00 ..m. Resional Fire Authori Scheduled Meetin• Cawle Station 86 " on. May 7 .00 a.m. Police Chief Swearing -in Scheduled Event Open Yakima Police Dept. Muster Ceremon Room Tue. May 8 10:00 a.m. City Council Study Session - Scheduled Event Council Council Chambers review dept. service levels 12:00 ..m. Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meetin • • Cawle , Adkison TBD . „ .._ ..._ _.__ _ Wed. May 9 1:00 p m. Welcome WA Association Scheduled Event Cawley Convention Center of School & Business Officials 3.30 p.m. Yakima Planning Scheduled Meeting Ensey Council Chambers Commission 5.30 p.m. YCDA Member Reception Scheduled Event Cawley Gilbert Cellars 5 30 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting Scheduled Meeting Adkison Council Chambers Thur. May 10 1:00 p.m. Harman Center Board Board Meeting Adkison, Cawley Harman Center Meeting 1.00 p m. Yakima Regional Clean Air Scheduled Meeting Lover Council Chambers Meetin • Mon. May 14 00 a.m. City Council Media Briefing Scheduled Meeting Adkison Council Chambers Tue. May 15 12:00 p.m. Miscellaneous Issues Scheduled Meeting Cawley, Adkison TBD 2:00 p.m. Yakima County Gang Scheduled Meeting Adkison TBD Commission 4:30 p.m. (T) City Council Executive Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers Session - 6 00 p.m. City Council Meeting Scheduled Meeting Council Council Chambers Wed. May 16 12:00 .m. PAL Board Meetin Board Meeting Coffe PAL Center o msv Thur. May 17 5:30 p.m. YCDA Board Meetin• Board Meeting Adkison New Vision Offices MEMORANDUM April 26, 2012 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael Morales, Interim City Manager SUBJECT: Weekly Issues Report • LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT IN YAKIMA: This weekend there will be 67 youth baseball teams ranging in age divisions from 9U to 14U. Out of the 67 teams only 14 teams are local. The remaining teams come from all over Washington State, Oregon, and Idaho. The games will be played at Elks Park, Gateway Complex, and Gardner Park in Yakima and McGonagle Park in Selah. • NATIONAL TAKE -BACK INITIATIVE: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take -Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications. If you want to dispose of any medications or prescription drugs, please bring them to the Yakima Police Department on Saturday. • LINCOLN AVENUE UPDATE: The first layer of asphalt is going down this week. The second layer and striping will take place next week. • IMMIGRATION MARCH: There will be an immigration march on May 1. Participants will gather at Miller Park at 5:00 p.m. The march begins at 6:00 p.m. This year's route will be from Miller Park, down 3rd Street to Walnut, west on Walnut to 1 Street, and north on 1 Street back to Miller Park. Yakima Police Department is assisting with the event. • SISTER CITY VISIT: A delegation from Morelia will be in town next week for Cinco de Mayo festivities in downtown Yakima. They will also be at the City Council meeting on May 1 to receive a sister city proclamation from the City of Yakima. • SOUTH AFRICAN PROFESSIONALS IN YAKIMA ON MAY 4: The World Affairs Council of Seattle will be hosting a delegation of 5 international professionals from South Africa the first week in May. These visitors have been nominated by the U.S. Embassy in South Africa as upcoming leaders in their field and have been invited to the U.S. as guests of the Department of State on a professional exchange program entitled "Empowering the Next Generation: Skills and Youth Development." These visitors are professionals working to build the capacity and civic engagement of youth in South Africa through education, job training, and community - building activities. Please welcome them to Yakima on May 4. They will be at City Hall, in the Council Chambers, from 1 -2:00 p.m. PRELIMINARY FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA May 8 10:00 a.m. City Council Study Session — Council Chambers May 15 4:30 p.m. Executive Session — Council Chambers 6:00 p.m. Business Meeting — Council Chambers • Resolution of the City of Yakima Transportation Benefit District concerning a voter - approved license tab fee to pay for transportation needs; submitting a ballot measure regarding transportation funding to the qualified electors of the City of Yakima Transportation Benefit District at an election to be held on November 6, 2012; authorizing the Yakima County Prosecutor review ballot title; and requesting that the Yakima City Attorney prepare an explanatory statement for Yakima County's local voter's pamphlet • Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the attached engineering and consulting services agreement with Gray and Osborne, Inc. for engineering and consulting services associated with the Water Utility Advanced Metering Infrastructure Request for Proposals • Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with Brown and Caldwell Consulting Engineers in an amount not to exceed $360,897 to provide engineering services for design and installation of required fine screens and associated equipment upstream of the primary clarifiers at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plan • Resolution accepting a donation from the Arts Commission • Review first quarter financial reports: o Bond Sale o Accounts receivable o Treasury report o Court report 7:00 p.m. Public Hearings 4/25/2012 1 PM 1 * Ir i , 441 0 . •, h 1' r Spring 201 • �- " _ • -:41 .. 1 ,'. ' - " r: (E) - T r,---l iii , A . ., . /,•, X '''+I!fiiiiiji.ij 'd _ } id m1II Jn'%.0 'Jr A ` 1-li t101l s - r i ■ • it 1 r, i What's Insi Newly- Elected Officials: Finding Your Way By Pam James, Legal Consultant, Municipal Research and Services Center Nordby's Notes 5 Congratulations on being elected to office! officer and is in charge of carrying out the Now what do you do? policies set by the council and of seeing that local laws are enforced, while in council - If you are a newly - elected councilmem- manager cities, that function is performed Ask M RSC 6 ber, commissioner, or mayor, this article by the city manager. The mayor, or the city is for you. The intent is to help you find manager in a council- manager city, is basi- your way through some of the major legal cally in charge of the day -to -day operations Heads UP 8 requirements imposed on local government of the city, including the supervision of all officials. As you read, keep in mind that appointive officers and employees in the MRSC consultants are "standing by" to take performance of their official functions. The your calls and answer any additional ques- mayor or city manager, as the case may be, Now Acquisition, 9 tions you may have. is in charge of hiring and firing all appoint- ive officers and employees, subject, where City, town, and county councilmembers and applicable, to laws regarding civil service. Social m ji county commissioners are legislators. A leg- Except in towns, councils have some d Ill i iii-Inq 10 islative body is given authority by the state authority to require confirmation of the ap- constitution and state law to make local law. pointment of certain officials; councils may We elect legislators to make policy decisions not, however, require confirmation of firings and enact laws on our behalf. by the mayor. The essence of the legislative process is Issues that may baffle or confuse you the give and take of different interests and the search for a compromise that is accept- Separation of Powers able to the majority. Although citizens and interest groups voice their opinions on local Like the federal and state governments, a legislative matters, in the final analysis, city government's powers are distributed legislative bodies make the decisions. among three separate branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The council is analo- Compromise is a critical component of gous to the state legislature or the Congress; legislation. Because the majority rules in the mayor or city manager, like the gayer- Municipal Research News is enacting legislation or policy, individual nor or the President, heads the executive published quarterly by the councilmembers or commissioners have no branch; and the municipal court (or the Municipal Research and Services (enter authority on their own. district court by contract) exercises judicial 2601 4th Avenue, Suite 800 functions, although in a much more limited Seattle WA 98121 - 1280 In mayor - council cities or towns, the mayor way than the state or federal courts. Under 205 - 525,1300 • FAX 205,525.120 is the chief executive and administrative the "separation of powers doctrine," each vncrw.mrsc.orq • rsrrsc: +?'mrsr.ar9 continued on page 3 \A'crkinp tooet er for excellence in local government Newly - Elected Officials: Finding Your Way continued from page 1 of the three branches exercises certain from statutory language. Because of board has no authority to regulate the defined powers, free from unreason- the fragmentation of authority in county subsequent promotion, suspension, or able interference by the others; yet all government, the budget is the primary discharge of deputies or other employ - three branches interact with each other method of establishing policy and ees who are appointed by and serve at as part of a "checks and balances" achieving goals for the county and its the pleasure of the other county- elected system. The powers of these branches citizens. The county budget sets the officials. For a more comprehensive in city government are defined for the limits for spending for every program discussion of lines of authority regard - most part by state statute. and department in the county. ing budget and personnel issues, see the Power Point presentation on the In county government, other than For a more in -depth discussion of the MRSC website, County Governance in some charter counties, the board responsibilities of county commis- Legal Review, by Joe Levan, from the of county commissioners possesses sioners, see Your Responsibilities as WACO Annual Conference, October 7, both legislative and executive powers. a Commissioner on the MRSC web- 2010, http: / /www.mrsc.org /research/ The various county- elected officials site at http: / /www.mrsc.org /subjects/ libraryresults.aspx ?cat =146. (commissioners, prosecutor, asses- governance /responsibilities.aspx. sor, auditor, clerk, treasurer, coroner, Information about the duties of other Open Meetings Law judges, and sheriff) have the author- county- elected officials may be viewed ity to establish subordinate positions, on the website at http: / /www.mrsc.org/ The days of backroom decisions made with the consent of the board of county subjects /governance /locgovl7.aspx. in smoke - filled rooms are long over. commissioners, and appoint people to Today, the public demands that the de- fill those positions. Personnel Matters cisions reached by their officials occur in meetings open to the public, provid- In cities, the city council is not au- In cities, the council has almost ing an opportunity for decisions to be thorized to interfere with the mayor's no authority in personnel matters. scrutinized, and for officials who have administration of city government. Depending on the classification of the made them to be held accountable for Councilmembers may not give orders city, the council may have confirmation their actions. to department heads or to other city authority over certain mayoral -ilk employees. In council- manager cities, appointments. Under that confirmation The state Ope - Public Meetings Act the council must deal with the city authority, the council can reject the requires that all meetings of state and manager concerning matters of city appointee and force the mayor to municipal governing bodies be open administration, except that it may deal choose another. If the council does and public, with the exception of courts directly with officers and employees not have confirmation authority, it can and the legislature. The definition of under the manager's direction "for the express its dissatisfaction to the mayor, "meeting") quite broad and generally purpose of inquiry." If inquiries of staff but it can do nothing else with respect includes any situation in which a ma- become overly burdensome or unrea- to that particular appointment. jority (a quorum) of the council, board sonable and take them away from their of commissioners, or other "govern - duties, it may be necessary for the In council- manager cities, the council ing body" (including certain kinds of mayor or city manager to require those has no confirmation authority over ap- committees) meets and discusses the inquiries be channeled through the pointments by the manager, with the business of that body. Social gather - mayor's or a department head's office. exception of the municipal court judge. ings are expressly excepted, unless municipal business is discussed at the In counties, governance is divided The council may, however, provide for gatherings. among different elected offices. The a detailed personnel system establish - board of county commissioners con- ing specific qualifications for positions, There are two kinds of meetings, regu- sists of three members that serve as requiring publication and public posting lar meetings and special meetings: both full -time executives and legislators of job opening announcements, and or policy- makers. Under the county the like. Moreover, the mayor, at least • Regular meetings are recurring structure, the commissioners have pri- in code cities, is required by statute to meetings held according to a mary authority over the county budget, make appointments "on the basis of schedule fixed by statute, ordi- but, other than appropriations, they ability and training or experience." nance, or other appropriate rule. have no role in the day -to -day running (If the designated time falls on of the offices of other county - elected In counties, each elected official is a holiday, the regular meeting is officials. responsible for the employees within held on the next business day.) his or her own department. Through There is no statutory limitation County- elected officials have only the county budget, the commissioners as to the kind of business that those powers expressly conferred or set spending limits for departments may be transacted at a "regular" delegated to them by specific statutory and establish employee "compensa- (as distinguished from "special ") language or by necessary implication tion," including fringe benefits. But the meeting. Although there are no Municipal Research News - Spring 2012 • 3 particular notice requirements for a not include a quorum but cumulatively Once I'm through with the record, I regular meeting (because they are do. Serial meetings are illegal. Basi- can get rid of it. Local governments held according to a schedule), city cally, a "meeting" occurs anytime a and their officials must keep public re- councils are required to establish a majority of a governing body discusses cords for the minimum required period procedure for notifying the public city business, and if such a meeting of time as outlined in the applicable of all meeting agendas. does not comply with Open Public state record retention schedules. This Meetings Act requirements, it is illegal. may be done by forwarding all commu- • Special meetings are all meetings nications to the agency's public records other than "regular." They may be Beware of social media postings — If a officer. called by the presiding officer or a majority of city councilmembers com- majority of the members. They are municate through tweets, comments, / don't have to keep emails once I to be announced by written notice or blog posts, this may also qualify as send them. Any time a public official to all members of the governing a serial meeting — even if these com- creates or receives an email regarding body; also to members of the news munications are made on websites public business, the email is subject media who have filed written re- open to the public. It's important for to public records and retention law. quests for such notice. The notice local governments to establish clear Also, emails must be kept in electronic of a special meeting must specify standards about how councilmembers format and remain usable, searchable, the time and place of the meeting may post, tweet, or comment. retrievable, and authentic for the length and the business to be transacted; of the designated retention period. must be delivered personally, by Public Records Law Printing and keeping a hard copy is not mail, by fax, or by e -mail 24 hours a substitute for the electronic version. in advance; may be waived by a Public records aren't just paper docu- member. New legislation enacted ments. Public officials use emails, It's Okay to Ask Questions by the 2012 legislature (yet to social media, and other types of com- be signed by the governor as of munication to conduct public business. If you are new to local government, the date of the publication of this The physical form of the communica- you've got a lot to learn. Although this newsletter) adds requirements that tion doesn't matter anymore — it is article can only briefly address a small agencies post notices of special what is being communicated. All local portion of the things you will need to meetings at the main entrance of government records are available for know, the good news is that MRSC is an agency's principal location and, review by the public, unless they are available to help get you started and with some exceptions, post such specifically exempted or prohibited keep you on the right track. Call us notices on their web sites. from disclosure by state statutes. (206) 625 -1300 or email us mrsc@ mrsc.org. We are here for you. A quick note about executive session Be aware that local governments — An executive session is a portion of a are required to appoint and publicly For a more detailed outline of general regular or special meeting from which identify a public records officer whose municipal law, see MRSC publication, the public may be excluded for the responsibility is to serve as a point of Knowing the Territory, Report Number purpose of discussing certain mat- contact for members of the public in 47 Revised (November 2011). www. ters that are authorized by the Open requesting disclosure of public records mrsc.org /publications /mrscpubs.aspx Public Meetings Act to be discussed in and to oversee the municipality's executive session. Before convening an compliance with the public records For a more detailed treatment of the executive session, the presiding officer disclosure requirements. The name public records disclosure law, see the must publicly announce the purpose for and contact information for the public MRSC publication, Public Records Act excluding the public and the time when records officer may be given to the for Washington Cities and Counties, the executive session will conclude. public by posting on the municipality's and Special Purpose Districts, Report The executive session may be extended website or some other place likely to No. 61 Revised (November 2009). by announcement of the presiding serve as notice. http: / /www.mrsc.org /publications/ officer. An ordinance, resolution, rule, pra09.pdf regulation, order, or directive must be Here are some common mistakes voted on in the "open" part of a meet- about public records: For a more detailed treatment of the ing, not in executive session; no voting Open Public Meetings Act, see the may take place in an executive session. Communications sent from personal MRSC publication, The Open Pub - computers and smart phones don't lic Meetings Act - How it Applies to Beware of inadvertent or serial meet- count as public records. Any time you Washington Cities, Counties, and ings that violate open meetings law discuss municipal business you are Special Purpose Districts. Report No. — A serial meeting can occur where most likely creating a public record. So 60 (May 2008). http: / /www.mrsc.org/ members of a governing body engage if you do municipal work from home on publications/opma08.pdf in a series of communications involving your own computer, you must be aware agency business, whether in person or that you are still creating a public re- by phone or email, that individually do cord that may be subject to disclosure. 4 • Municipal Research News - Spring 2012 Nordby's Notes Lessons and observations from a career in public service By Lynn Nordby, Public Policy Consultant, Municipal Research and Services Center The Suggestion of the Year digester to be heated externally rather within a pipe, set up so that the sludge than try to make some kind of repair was circulated through the central pipe In January 2012, Bill Kling, founder to the heating coils inside the digester. while the larger outer pipe was filled and president emeritus of the American Such a repair would have required a with heated water. Valves on the ends Public Media Group, was interviewed shutdown of the tank and probably of the "U" regulated the flow to make for the New York Times online "Corner the entire treatment plant. Meanwhile, sure it transferred enough heat. We Office" column. He was asked, "What every day that went by meant more asked our engineers if it would work have you learned about getting the and more fresh water was diluting the and, once they confirmed that it would, most out of people ?" He responded, tank's contents, upsetting the biological we contracted with a local welding "Ask them. Keep your eye on them. process of breaking it down into more shop to build it. In about a week, it Watch carefully for who's doing or Tess harmless fully- digested sludge. was up and running for less than 10 something interesting but is very quiet So, though it would cost tens of thou- percent of the original estimate for a and not promoting themselves." Be- sands of dollars, the heat exchanger manufactured heat exchanger. The ing in the creative media business, he was the way to go. It would have to quick installation saved the ongoing went on to elaborate about the value be manufactured to order and would treatment process from being disrupt - of creative talents that people develop be ready in roughly 30 days. We only ed, which, in turn, prevented untold outside of work. His comments made hoped we could keep the plant going negative environmental damage, in me think about an incident early in my long enough. addition to whatever economic impact career that illustrated the value of this some sort of temporary sewage inter - advice. Before starting the design, the engi- ruption might have had on the local neers scheduled a site visit to walk economy. The simple cost - effectiveness I had been recently appointed to my through the plant and determine the of this solution was an added bonus. first position as a city administrator. best location for the installation. The That improvised heat exchanger contin- The city operated a wastewater treat- chief operator gave us a tour of the ued to serve the plant effectively until a ment plant that had been state of the plant and the possible locations for the completely new wastewater treatment art - before I was born! We were just heat exchanger. After the engineers left, facility was brought online eight years beginning the preliminary studies on the operator, who hadn't said much un- later. how best to replace the aging facil- til then, expressed some reservations. ity, when the public works supervisor He was very reluctant to question the Not only did I get a condensed les- advised me that there were indications professional engineers. After all they son in secondary sewage treatment, I the pipes circulating hot water inside were the professionals. However, he learned a much more valuable lesson the digester (a large concrete tank con- was concerned about being able to in management. Some of your most taining thousands of gallons of sewage keep the treatment process going for valuable resources exist in the people sludge) were leaking fresh water into the time it would take to get the heat in your organization who are perform - the tank. exchanger designed, built, delivered, ing the daily tasks of public service. and installed. We had to press him, The practical knowledge they've gained Without going into the details of but with some encouragement, we should not be overlooked in problem - secondary sewage treatment, let me convinced him to tell us what he really solving. Be alert to subtle cues that just say that this was a bad thing; it thought. He said he thought he had your staff may give. Not all will be was threatening the entire treatment seen a homemade heat exchanger on a quick to come forward with a sugges- process and the local environment. We tour of another city's treatment plant. tion. You may have to coax a "minority immediately brought in our consulting Without hesitation, we sent him to get report" out of someone that will wind engineers to analyze the situation and more information about what he had up as the suggestion of the year, or make recommendations for appropriate seen at the other city. even the decade. W corrective action Their recommenda- tion was to install a heat exchanger Within 24 hours, he had photos and that would route the sludge out of the a sketch of a simple "U" shaped pipe Municipal Research News - Spring 2012 • 5 Ask MRSC Summaries of recent inquiries answered by MRSC consultants May hotel - motel (lodging) tax So, the only obligation on the part of RCW 58.17.060 does not — nor does revenues be used for banners? the agency is to produce records that any other provision in chapter 58.17 exist at the time the request is made. RCW — require a planning commission Hotel -motel funds may not be used for "to hear and issue recommendations banners that would be used simply for for" short plats. As quoted above, city beautification, such as decorative May an Optional Municipal Code RCW 58.17.060 provides that admin- banners that might hang from light city adopt an ordinance authorizing istrative personnel (planning staff) are posts. all plat approvals (preliminary, to make decisions on short plats. final, short) be decided by a However, hotel -motel funds may be As to preliminary plats, the authority used for banners that, for example, hearing examiner, rather than by the city council? to make decisions - either final ones announce events that tourists might (final as to the preliminary plat) or ones attend, such as an announcement of that function as recommendations to It is our opinion that the authority to the city council - may be delegated to an upcoming annual festival. That decide preliminary plats — but not final y y g would be considered "tourism promo- a hearing examiner. Given the language tion," which is one of the authorized plats or short plats — may be delegated of RCW 58.17.330 quoted above and purposes for the use of hotel -motel tax to a hearing examiner. the fact that RCW 58.17.100 provides revenues. See RCW 67.28.1815. that the planning commission is to First, we note that the city council should "review all preliminary plats and make hould not be deciding short plats in recommendations thereon to the city any event; decisions on short plats legislative body," the council can Must a local government comply should be made administratively. RCW with a public records request for 58.17.060(1) states in relevant part: authorize a heardg ex to make p "all future" information regarding preliminary plat decisions. As provided what has been requested? The legislative body of a city, town, RCW a t decisions or county shall adopt regulations can functt ioon n in n anny y of of f t three e ways: No, a local government is not required and procedures, and appoint (a) The decision may be given the to comply with a request to provide re- administrative personnel for the effect of a recommendation to the cords in the future that don't currently summary approval of short plats legislative body; exist. The Attorney General's "Model and short subdivisions or altera- (b) The decision may be given the Rules" regarding the Public Records tion or vacation thereof. effect of an administrative decision Act addresses this issue at WAC 44- appealable within a specified time 14- 04004(4)(a) as follows: (Emphasis added.) limit to the legislative body; or (c) An agency must only provide ac- Second, that authority to decide short effect o f a a final inal inal may be given the eff of decision of the cess to public records in existence plats should not be given to a hearing legislative body. at the time of the request. An examiner. There is no public hear - agency is not obligated to supple- ing that is required or should be held As to final plats, that decision must ment responses. Therefore, if a for a short plat. Also, note that RCW be made by the city council. RCW public record is created or comes 58.17.330, which authorizes the use 58.17.100 clearly states that "sole into the possession of the agency of a hearing examiner in plat decisions, authority to approve final plats .. . after the request is received by the states in relevant part: shall reside in the legislative bodies." agency, it is not responsive to the Even without that language in RCW request and need not be provided. As an alternative to those provi- 58.17.100, we do not think that the A requestor must make a new sions of this chapter requiring a council could delegate authority to request to obtain subsequently cre- planning commission to hear and decide final plats to a hearing examiner ated public records. issue recommendations for plat - the planning commission is not given approval, the county or city legisla- authority "to hear and issue recom- The reasoning is that a record that may tive body may adopt a hearing mendations for" final plat approval; so, be created in the future is not a public examiner system and shall specify RCW 58.17.330 does not allow the record at the time of the request. by ordinance the legal effect of the hearing examiner to be delegated the Clearly, it would be quite a burden on decisions made by the examiner. authority to make decisions on final public agencies if they were required to plats. comply with such requests for records (Emphasis added.) that may be created in the future. 6 • Municipal Research News - Spring 2012 How does Initiative 1183, relating act on the grounds of location, na- initiative, grocery stores that currently to liquor privatization, affect local ture, or size of the premises to be sell wine and beer would be deemed zoning authority? licensed. The board shall not deny to be premises "now licensed." These a spirits retail license to applicants stores would be grandfathered under The following sections from the text of that are not contract liquor stores local zoning. A city or county could Initiative 1183 relate to the zoning of or operating rights holders on the not likely prevent an existing store of liquor premises, including restrictions grounds of the size of the premises 10,000 square feet or larger that sells on premises that may be licensed to to be licensed, if such applicant is beer and wine from obtaining a license sell liquor: otherwise qualified and the board to sell liquor. determines that: (i) There is no F • Section 101(2)(i): Ensure that lo- retail spirits license holder in the Stand -alone liquor stores are also per - cal communities have input before trade area that the applicant pro- mined, subject to criteria in Initiative a liquor license can be issued to poses to serve ... 1183. There is no maximum size for a local retailer or distributor and a liquor store. We believe that a local maintain all local zoning require- Section 104(7): Licensees holding government could require a conditional ments and authority related to the a grocery store license must main- or special use permit and restrict the location of liquor stores; [Empha- tain a minimum three thousand size of stand -alone liquor stores. MRSC sis added] dollar inventory of food products also believes that a moratorium, if lim- for human consumption, not ited in scope to apply to applications • Section103(3)(a): Except as including pop, beer, strong beer, or for new liquor stores (not including otherwise provided in subsection wine. any existing state stores or grocery (c) of this section, the board may - premises that currently have licenses issue spirits retail licenses only MRSC legal consultants have advised to sell beer and /or wine), would be for premises comprising at least that there is no preemption of local permissible. A local jurisdiction would, ten thousand square feet of fully zoning regulation of liquor premises of course, have to have some type of enclosed retail space within a based on the language of the initiative. application required for a liquor store single structure, including store-According to Section 103(3)(b) of the for a moratorium to be effective. wg rooms and other interior auxiliary areas but excluding covered or fenced exterior areas, whether or not attached to the structure, and only to applicants that the 4114110,111tiS board determines will maintain systems for inventory manage- ment, employee training, employee supervision, and physical security E -`1, •1: of the product substantially as ef- fective as those of stores currently ASkiMRSV rnc.org operated by the board with respect if to preventing sales to or pilferage by underage or inebriated persons. [Emphasis added] • Section103(3)(b) excerpt: - - - However, existing grocery prem- ises licensed to sell beer and/ 206.625.130i_::‘ f0.933.67 or wine are deemed to be prem- ises "now licensed" under RCW 66.24.010(9)(a) for the purpose of processing applications for spirits retail licenses. • Section 103(3)(c): The board may Research s . quest; • not deny a spirits retail license to �WLW ,RIrsc.or . ;4 = rc l/re uest an otherwise qualified contract _ liquor store at its contract location or to the holder of former state liquor store operating rights sold at auction under section 102 of this Municipal Research News - Spring 2012 • 7 Heads Up Emerging information for local government By Lynne De Merritt, Senior Research Consultant, Municipal Research and Services Center Election Update — February 14, 2012 Pomeroy, passed an M &0 levy lid Innovative Program Trains Firefighters Special Election lift. as Community Medical Technicians There were 14 funding measures on • Lincoln County Public Hospital Eastside Fire & Rescue, based in the February 14, 2012 special election Proposition No. 1, which includes Issaquah, is partnering with Pub - ballot for local governments, other than Odessa, passed an excess levy for lic Health - Seattle & King County's school districts. There were four city M &0. Emergency Medical Services on a measures, seven fire district measures, • Lincoln County Park and Rec- Community Medical Technician (CMT) two hospital district measures, and one reation District, which includes pilot program. The CMT program park and recreation district measure. Almira, passed an excess levy for utilizes firefighter personnel to serve as All passed. operations and improvements to a single - person response unit that can the Almira Community Center. be dispatched to patients requesting • Castle Rock passed an excess levy assistance through the 911 system, for providing library services to its Update on Smoking in Parks but who may not necessarily need full citizens. King County published a Tobacco -Free emergency medical response. All medi- • The voters of the Ferndale and Parks Policy Implementation Guide cal situations do not necessarily meet Walla Walla Transportation Benefit that is being viewed by local govern- the present criteria for sending a full Districts each authorized a sales ments considering policies to prohibit medical response typically answered by and use tax of two - tenths of one smoking in public parks, particularly local fire departments. Since present percent (0.002) for the purpose in areas where children are present. criteria and protocol require a fire en- of paying or financing the costs of In November, Burien joined five other gine and /or aid unit be sent to answer transportation improvement proj- King County cities that have made emergency calls, costly fire department ects. parks smoke free. Washington jurisdic- equipment and personnel are often • Rosalia voters passed an excess tions that are known to have policies sent to patients experiencing minor street fund levy to help defray the relating to smoking in public parks are medical conditions. Once these fire costs of street lights, seal coating, Auburn, Battle Ground, Burien, Cov- department units respond to such pa- shoulder work, capital improve- ington, Dayton, Ellensburg, Gig Harbor, tients, they are unavailable to respond ments, equipment, and other Kennewick, Lake Stevens, Marys- to other more severe and emergent regular maintenance of city streets. ville, Moses Lake, Olympia, Pomeroy, situations in their area. • Grays Harbor County Fire District Poulsbo, Puyallup, Richland, Seattle, No. 7 and Pierce County Fire Pro- Snoqualmie, Spokane, Tacoma, Tum- The objective of the CMT pilot program tection District No. 14 (Riverside water, Wenatchee, West Richland, is to help in reducing non - emergent Fire & Rescue) passed property tax Mason County, Skagit County, Snohom- responses, to identify patients who levies for M &0. ish County, Vancouver -Clark County may be served by social service as- • The voters of Central Whidbey Is- Parks, and Vashon Park & Recreation sistance or other local resources, and land Fire & Rescue, which includes District (King County). To view the to promote medical stability in our Coupeville, approved a levy lid lift. guide and sample policies, see MRSC's communities. The pilot program is • King County Fire Protection District webpage on "Smoking Regulations, To- meant to provide a cost and resource - No.10, which includes Carnation, bacco Prevention Programs" at http: // efficient alternative to the typical received approval for a bonds levy www.mrsc.org /subjects /humanservices/ non - emergent response calls. Eastside to construct and remodel fire sta- tobacco.aspx. Rescue includes the cities of Issaquah, tions. North Bend, and Sammamish and • Lewis County Fire District #9 Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) King County Fire Districts 10 and (Mineral Emergency Medical Ser- Residency Program 38. From Seattle -King County Public vices) passed its regular property In an effort to reduce response times News Release 02/21/12 http: / /www. tax levy. to the south end of Vashon Island kingcounty.gov /healthservices /health/ • Lewis County and Grays Harbor (King County), Vashon Island Fire and news /2012/12022101.aspx County voters agreed to dissolve Rescue purchased a home to house Lewis County Fire District No. 12. volunteers a block away from Vashon's Technology Use The district formed the Riverside Burton fire station. VIFR officials said Use of the iPad by Vancouver City Fire Authority with Centralia in that it routinely shaves two or three Council — Instead of mounds of paper, 2007. minutes off the response time to the you'll see paper thin iPads on desktops • Garfield County Public Hospital southern end of the Island and a min- at Vancouver City Council meetings. District No 1, which includes ute or two to parts of Maury Island. Councilmembers and city leaders 8 • Municipal Research News - Spring 201 2 now electronically send and review hundreds of pages of documents F ew Acquisitions weekly as Vancouver begins its ew resource materials now available migration from a print government culture to a paperless one. For more information, see Vancouver News Economic Development Lasting Value: Open Space Planning Release, Friday, March 02, 2012 Main Street Renewal: A Handbook for and Preservation Successes, by Rick http: / /www cityofvancouver. us /News Citizens and Public Officials, edited Pruetz; Chicago, IL, APA Planners asp = &id= 94955. by Roger L. Kemp; Jefferson, NC, Press, 2012 [PL 5.2800 L37 2012] McFarland, 2000 [ED 5.3400 M35 Contact an Officer with SkypeT''' in 2006] Planning Paradise: Politics and Lacey — The Lacey Police Department - Visioning of Land Use in Oregon, by is now equipped to answer audio Making Business Districts Work: Peter A. Walker and Patrick T. Hurley; and video calls through Skype' - a Leadership and Management of Tucson, University of Arizona Press, free service that allows you to talk to Downtown, Main Street, Business 2011 [PL 1.0000 P53 2011] other users over the computer. Video District, and Community Development calls are free, but your device must Organizations, David Feehan, Marvin Sustaining Places: The Role of the be equipped with a camera, and D. Felt, editors; New York, Haworth Comprehensive Plan, by David R. you must have a Skype"" account Press, 2006 [ED 5.3400 M351 2006] Godschalk and William R. Anderson; This non - emergency service will be Chicago, American Planning available Monday through Friday, 9 00 e Finance Association, 2012 [PL 14 1000 S97 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From 5 00 p m. to How to Be Successful at Sponsorship 2012] midnight, calls will be answered only Sales, by Sylvia Allen; Holmdel, NJ, when the on -duty sergeant is available. Allen Consulting, 2010 [F 5.8100 Takings Law in Plain English, by To contact an officer, simply search H68 2010] Christopher J. Duerksen and Richard for "Lacey Police" in Skype" or enter J. Roddewig; 4th ed. Washington, DC, "LPD report." From Lacey Police Oak Harbor Ordinance No. 1620 - National Trust for Historic Preservation, Department Home Page. Fund balance reporting policy, passed 2011 [PL 5.6100 T356 2011] 12/20/2011 [F 2.4000] Public Relations Cheney Resolution No E -003 — Fund Special Events and Festivals. How to balance reporting policy, passed Plan, Organize, and Implement, by 12/13/2011 [F 2.4000] Angie Prosser and Ashi Rutledge; State College, PA, Venture Publishing, 2003 Governance and Management [PR 5.0000 S74 2003] Extreme Government Makeover: Increasing Our Capacity to Do More Miscellaneous Good, by Ken Miller, Washington, DC, Langley Resolution No. 739 - Supports Governing Books, 2011 [ G 9.1500 legislation providing marriage E88 2011] equality to all persons in the state of Washington, passed 01/25/2012 We Don't Make Widgets: Overcoming [G 4.5000] the Myths That Keep Government from Radically Improving, by Ken Miller; Cheney Ordinance No. V -87 — Washington, DC, Governing Books, Regulates electronic cigarettes and 2006 [G 9.1500 W4 2006] related devices, passed 2/28/2012 Planning and Land Use The Creative Community Builder's Handbook: How to Transform Communities Using Local Assets, Art, and Culture, by Tom Borrup, with Partners for Livable Communities, foreword by Robert McNulty; Saint Paul, MN, Fieldstone Alliance, 2006 [PL 4.0000 C74 2006] Municipal Research News - Spring 2012 • 9 Social Media in Hiring: Minimizing Legal Risks By Sofia D'Almeida Mabee, Employment Attorney, Summit Law Group Never before have employers had ac- a gray area — dozens of photos show- Ensure That Information is Authentic cess to so much information about job ing an applicant in various states of and Reliable applicants. Through a few clicks of a inebriation and undress may not reflect mouse, you can learn from a Facebook how the applicant would perform spe- Employers shouldn't rely exclusively profile all about an applicant's friends cific job duties — but those photos may on social media content to vet job and family, recreational activities, reflect on whether the applicant has applicants. They should consider the clubs, and professional associations. the judgment and discretion needed for reliability of the source, especially if it Some of this information could provide a particular job. It would be worthwhile is a third party. Not everything on the valuable insights into the applicant's to have someone who is not a decision- Internet is accurate. A savvy job hunter experience and judgment that simply maker in the hiring process conduct may have persuaded dozens of friends can't be gleaned from a resume or this research. That person can filter out to provide glowing endorsements, for interview. Because of this, some em- information that should be irrelevant example. By automatically accepting ployers check applicants' social media (e.g., church affiliations, sexual orienta- online information as authentic and profiles during the hiring process, tion) to ensure that decision - makers reliable, an employer risks making poor and there have been media reports of only have job - related information. hiring decisions. people who lost out on job opportuni- ties because of inappropriate content Keep Privacy Rights in Mind Be Consistent posted on social media sites. If an applicant's social media site is One of the golden rules in hiring is to While employers may be tempted to publicly available, then the applicant treat all applicants the same whenever take advantage of these new sources of would have a difficult time asserting possible. If you decide to use social information about job applicants, they that an agency that accessed the site media sites in your hiring process, should understand and take steps to violated his or her privacy rights. In make sure that you do so consistently minimize the risks associated with this some cases, however, employers have for all applicants. For example, check new hiring tool. accessed sites that are not available to the same sites for all applicants (or all the public by using other employees' applicants who make it to a particular Avoid Discrimination Claims passwords or third parties to enter the step in the hiring process) and keep a site. Depending on the circumstances, record of your efforts. As an employer, if you don't have doing so could expose the agency to information about an applicant's pro- allegations that the applicant's privacy Social media is a powerful tool that, tected status, such as religion, sexual rights have been infringed, including if used properly, can be a valuable orientation, marital status, race, family under the federal Electronic Communi- source of information in the hiring medical history, etc., in the first place, cations Privacy Act (ECPA). process. 't you can't be accused of discriminating against the person on that basis if you Fair Credit Reporting Act 1 iev4 =!m'•4, choose not to hire them. However, if it t+ O at Licau an employer acces ses an applicant's If an employer retains a tjri social media profile on a website like third party to conduct / � —� te r ' Facebook, it is likely to be exposed to a background check V �� � a a � j, � just that kind of information, whether on an applicant, ��,, rm n or not it actually considers the informa- certain procedural �,.r. rt "p'°" "°° ` 1 101 , 0 tion in the hiring process. 11 M Although a protections must „„,,�+ later claim of discrimination may have be afforded �� b no merit, merely being exposed to the under the o y information can subject the agency to Fair Credit Reporting Act ma ,.a„+ 9 r ¢' . 1 E � p CW1 EEOC investigations, costly litigation, p Inn f a n - ■� g Dikomeg E„ and undermine the public's trust in the (FCRA). To x d agency. the extent an tslge ii a ze, employer uses All .7 i For that reason, if you use social a background iS f media sites to evaluate job applicants, checking agency n 1 . � i you should disregard any information that accesses " y 1 Y i ► `o , that is not job - related and take steps social media sites, to ensure that the decision -maker is it should ensure that �",, 'k"t ` -I P- ro d shielded from that information. Obvi- FCRA requirements are N,..e. � � �£ � g ously, some information can fall into observed. = :, =. lo • Municipal Research News - Spring 2012 Creating Active; Livable Cities Through Play By Jeannie Fanning Program, creating a unique learning enabled so much of this playground." environments as community assets. In environment that is cis fun as it is edu- GameTime and PlayCore Play Envi- addition, GameTime offers all of its cus- There are more than 20,000 parks cational. ronments are available through the U.S. tomer's resource guides on maintenance within the nation's 85 largest cities, Germantown Mayor Sharon Gold- Communities program. Through the U.S. and supervision, to help them ensure according to the Trust for Public Land's sworthy was grateful for the dedication Communities program, cities and coun- their play space remains a vital part of city park facts. What we do with city of GameTime and PlayCore to building ties can access the best overall supplier the urban environment, and provides park resources to make them vital for communities and enriching childhood government pricing while eliminating the citizens with an active space to play, be citizens is a responsibility that is becom- through play and called the project "a need to go through a formal bid pro- together, and stay healthy! that will delight and chal- cess, making the procurement process For more information about how ing more exciting with the advent of new playground g � 9 p p options, and program resources for rec- lenge youngsters [and the adults in their much simpler! GameTime and PlayCore can work with reation and play. lives] for years to come in our commu- your city through the U.S. Communi- Take for example the play space nity." About U.S. Communities ties Government Purchasing Alliance, recently installed in Germantown, Ten- Not only did "Everybody's Tree- U.S. Communities is the leading contact Jeff Bean with the Conference nessee, appropriately named "Every- house" contribute to Germantown's national government purchasing cooper- of Mayors at 202 - 446 - 8140 or Jeannie body's Treehouse." The community in community - building goals, it was also a ative, providing world class government Fanning at 240- 393 -9672. You can also Germantown leveraged their partner- major contributor in winning the coveted procurement resources and solutions to contact GameTime directly by visiting ship with PlayCore and GameTire to City livability Outstanding Achievement local and state government agencies, the website www.gametime.com or send provide an environment that would Award in 2011. Awarded at The U.S. school districts higher education insti- a -mail to info @gametime.com with the bring the community together. The com- Conference of Mayors Annual Meet - tutes, and nonprofits looking for the best subject line "City play." munity playground provided children ing, the award recognizes leadership overall supplier government pricing. It of all abilities an opportunity to play in developing and implementing pro- combines the potential cooperative pur- and interact with one another while set- grams that improve the quality of life in chasing power of up to 90,000 public ting an example for other communities America's cities, focusing on the leader- agencies, so cities are able to access the across the country. ship, creativity, and innovation demon- best overall supplier government pricing Riverdale Park was an ideal, though strated by the mayors of those cities. The through negotiated contracts at the best somewhat challenging site, utilized by award and the playground that helped possible rate. the nearby Riverdale Elementary School, win the award are examples of how GameTime and PlayCore can also Baptist Rehabilitation Germantown hos- a well - planned play environment can provide cities with research that helps pital, and residential neighbors. This was bring community groups together and them specifically. The Power of Urban a highly visible area where families and positively affect the lives of people of all Play is a resource guidebook that con - individuals gather, and an ideal location ages and abilities. siders the viewpoints and work of more to encourage joint use by a variety of Goldsworthy graciously shared some than 40 urban park and recreation citizens and groups. GameTime, with of the credit for the award with Game leaders. This resource helps identify the input from key community stakehold- Time and PlayCore by saying, "Every- important role of play in urban commu- ers, designed and but a tree- themed body's Tree House would simply not nities, define the trends and unique char - playground based on PlayCore's Met have happened without your vision and acteristics of urban playgrounds, and Inclusive Play Program then naturalized leadership. The design, extraordinary recognize the best practices for devel- the space using their NatureGrounds fulfillment and exhaustive persistence oping and maintaining wholesome play At Justice Department Summit, Mayors Villaraigosa, Nutter Discuss Need, Ways to Reduce Youth Violence By Laura DeKoven Waxman Angeles is the only city with an around- bags of spinach on the shelf somewhere, + the -clock incident response program. someone would put out a national alert. Conference of Mayors President Los Whatever the time, a staff member from Every bag would be snatched off the Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa our GRYD office responds to each and shelves until someone figured out where FY and Conference of Mayors Vice President every gang shooting. They work with they came from, what was going on, f ie 4 .4 Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter intervention workers and the LAPD to and there would be a national investi- were among severs mayors in Washing- counsel victims and - to take the critical gation. There is no national investigation ton (DC) April 2 for a Summit on Prevent- steps to stop retaliation." about this issue - that black people are ing Youth Violence. The meeting, con- He also described his Summer Night killing black people all across the United " "� vened by the U.S. Department of Justice's Lights program, which over the last four States of America," he continued. t y National Forum on Youth Violence Pre- He called for "a serious conversation, '. _, . years has created evening recreation not onl about Tra von Martin -and 1 1° "`E"B"""" vention, provided an opportunity for the and entertainment in city parks that y y / 11.-..---: six cities now in the Forum to share infor- wont take anything away from that dis- t' have been notorious as havens for gang people cussion -but the thousands of le mation on what they have accomplished activity. Parks once known for crime P p f; and what remains to be done. and violence have been transformed who are killed all across the United T \ !' he six forum cities are Boston, Chico into places of community and peace," States of America - black, white, Lati- go, Detroit, Memphis, Salinas, and San he commented. "Gang related crimes in no, Asian, anybody else - [it] is a seri- Jose. In his remarks, Attorney General parks with Summer Night Lights events ous national issue that deserves a seri- Eric Holder announced that the Admin- have declined by nearly a third." ous national discussion. This is what .I'm istration plans to add four new cities to going to be doing in one way or another the forum this year. Nutter Decries Lack of National for the rest of my life," he commented. USCM President Los Angeles Villaraigosa brought greetings from - Attention to Youth Violence Other mayors present were Rohm Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa Emanuel from Chicago, Chuck Reed addresses Summit on Preventing the Conference of Mayors and briefed Nutter uc ee er participated in a conversation Youth Violence. participants on his anti-gang initiative with Casey Fancily Programs President from San Jose, Dennis Donohue from in Los Angeles. In 2007 he established and Chief Executive Officer Dr. William Salinas, Judith Kennedy from Lynn, and the Mayor's Office of Gang Reduction C. Bell on the high incidence of violence Judy Kennedy from Newburgh. and Youth Development (GRYD), a single among young people in many cities and Administration officials in addition office to oversee the implementation of a what must be done to reduce it. Nutter, to Holder who addressed the Summit comprehensive gang reduction strategy, who termed this violence domestic ter- included Senior Advisor to the President and focused resources on those commu- rorism, decried the lack of attention paid Valerie Jarrett, Health and Human Ser nities most impacted by violence. to it, and asked, "What is our domestic vices Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Hous- "Above all, we would take a holis- terrorism response ?" ing and Urban Development Secretary tic approach that prioritized improving He suggested that tainted food gets Shaun Donovan, Education Secretary communities with proven, data - driven more attention than young people kill- Arne Duncan, and White House Office practices," Villaraigosa said. "Today, Los ing each other: "If there were five bad of National Drug Cntrol Policy Director Olympia Council may OK plans for ambassadors - South Sound - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington Page 1 of 2 This is a printer friendly version of an article from the The Olympian. To print this article open the file menu and choose Print. [Back] Published April 24, 2012 Olympia Council may OK plans for ambassadors MATT BATCHELDOR Olympia soon could employ a team of downtown ambassadors, people who would be the first point of contact for people with social service issues, as well as visitors to the city core. The Olympia City Council tonight will consider setting aside $50,000 for the rest of the year for the purpose. The plan, if approved, would be to ask local social service agencies to submit proposals for the ambassador program. The city would contract with the winning agency, and the program could begin by mid -June, said Keith Stahley, director of Community Planning and Development. "We're hoping to get cleaner streets, greater levels of public confidence in the safety of downtown, outreach to people who are street dependent ...." Stahley said. Ambassadors also are intended to help clean downtown and provide security, according to a staff report. Stahley said the council would decide later this year whether to continue funding the program in the 2013 budget. The $50,000 would come from a vacant parking services position, said Ruthie Snyder, the city's downtown liaison. Snyder said she envisions about three ambassadors, but she'll wait and see what proposals the city receives. Stahley said the idea of the program came from Councilwoman Jeannine Roe, who attended an Association of Washington Cities meeting and met with representatives from Spokane, which has a similar program. Seattle also has an ambassador program, albeit on a much larger scale. Roe brought the idea to the Olympia Council, which is in the middle of the Downtown Project, a set of downtown improvement initiatives. So far, the city has placed a voluntary ban on some high- alcohol drinks downtown and worked with bars to prevent overserving. The city also is considering declaring part of downtown blighted under the state community - renewal law in order for the city to buy derelict properties and sell them for redevelopment. A low - interest loan program for redevelopment is another effort. The city's Parking and Business Improvement Area employed someone called a downtown ambassador for a time starting in 2010 to help people learn the new parking pay stations and find their way around downtown. But Snyder said the new ambassador position would be different and would include helping people with social services. Ambassadors would work morning and late afternoon hours, "the times in which we've had the most problems in terms of antisocial behavior or just a lot of people hanging out at any one time," she said. The program is designed to coincide with the beginning of the warmer weather, when there are more people downtown, Stahley said. Snyder said the city hopes to employ former street - dependent people who can relate to the issues of those now on the streets. They can help break up bad behavior, calling police as a last resort, she said. http: / /www.theolympian. com/ print/2080183 /olympia- council- may -ok- plans- for.html 4/24/2012 Olympia Council may OK plans for ambassadors - South Sound - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington Page 2 of 2 "It takes away the enforcement piece for the police department and puts it really in the hands of people who have sort of been there, done that kind of thing," she said. Matt Batcheldor. 360- 704 -6869 mbatcheldor@theolympian.com Twitter. @MattBatcheldor http.//vvww.theolympian.com/2012/04/24/v-print/2 0 8 018 3/o ly mp i a- council - may -ok- plans - for.html 4/24/2012 Public Safety Problems in San Diego 1NBC San Diego Page 2 of 3 By Lauren Steussy 1 Monday Apr 23, 2012 1 Updated 3 22 PM PDT - I t ife r: _ At A growing number of politicians and taxpayers in San Diego are asking whether keeping San Diego safe is solely in the hands of its firefighters and police officers. The issue is at the forefront of discussions going into this year's mayoral race, and has divided candidates as they make known their priorities and goals. Here's a guide to some of the challenges ahead The Police Department's staffing levels has and will continue to challenge their public safety abilities, said Brian Marvel, president of the San Diego Police Officer's Association. It's estimated that among highly populated cities, San Diego has one of the lowest officer -to- citizen ratio. The department is about 150 officers below budgeted strength, plus an additional 50 recruits who can't be placed Since the department started losing officers, reports show most crime is down However the department can only sustain this trend for so long, Marvel said "We've gotten better at utilizing our resources," he said "Our department has shown that we continually step up, but we've been running at that high level for a long time. You start burning people out " On the horizon, retention of officers will be one of the department's biggest challenges, Marvel said The department is having trouble filling police academies, and officers are receiving fewer retirement benefits. With the cost of training an officer at $171,000 for just the first year, the department's benefits will need to be more attractive so that officers don't leave after training. They city's fire department is no Tess in need In a Citygate Associates report, planners identified 10 locations where firefighters should be and are not. Adding stations here would shave minutes off response times Building those stations would benefit the public, but would be useless without addressing the department's more dire need — staffing, About two years ago, the department had about 940 firefighters. It is now below 800 firefighters, said Frank DeClercq, president of the San Diego Firefighters IAFF Local 145. About 30 firefighters left in the past month due to changes in retirement benefits, DeClercq said. "It's a cascading effect," DeClercq said With our diminishment of firefighters, and being 10 stations short, were having difficulty adding to first responder engine and truck companies." Each has to have four people, DeClercq said. Through holidays, some employees are forced to work 24 -hour shifts. "They aet mandatorily ordered back to work " he said. Some of them don't mind workina more http: / /www. printthis. clickability. com/pt /cpt? expire = &title = Public+ Safety +Problems +in +San +Diego + %7... 4/24/2012 Public Safety Problems in San Diego 1 NBC San Diego Page 3 of 3 days because they get paid overtime, but the majority don't want to." The departments' troubles have divided the candidates running for mayor — let alone taxpayers who are increasingly viewing the departments' financial needs as a threat to services such as public education, infrastructure and supporting the pay and benefits of city employees. Marvel and DeClercq both agree that public safety will have to become a top priority for the next mayor For more on these issues and others facing this year's elections, visit our Decision 2012 page here. Find this article at: http:llwuwi nbcsandlego .com /news/localWPublIC-Sefey- Problems •In- San•Diego- 148577665.html Check the box to Include the list of Ilnks referenced In the article 0 NBC Universal, Inc. I All Rights Reserved http : / /www.printthts.clickability com/pt/cpt? expire = &title= Public+ Safety +Problems +in +San +Diego + %7... 4/24/2012 FOP Rolls Out 10 -Point Stabilization Plan - Print This Story News Story - WRTV Indianapolis Page 1 of 1 ThelndyChannel.com FOP Rolls Out 10 -Point Stabilization Plan Related To Story Police Union Wants To Transfer Some Responsibilities To Sheriff's Office POSTCD 4 25 pm EDT April 2.4, 2012 UPDATED 8 12 am F I)T April 25, 2012 INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police unveiled a 10- point stabilization plan on Tuesday that it said would save Marion County public safety money without cutting staff. FOP officials said that Indy's crime rate and budget deficit woes indicate that taxpayers haven't gotten a fair return on their investment. FOP Vice President Rick Snyder said the agency would first like to thin the Department of Public Safety's administration, RTV6's Jack Rinehart reported. "Nearly 90 percent of (police) don't believe they have the support of the Department of Public Safety," Snyder said. The FOP has also proposed returning to a mix of "hot spot" policing, community policing and flexible schedules to meet peak demands for crime fighting. It also suggested combining training and fleet services for every Marion County law enforcement agency. The plan also proposes the return of the Public Safety Communications Division to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the return of some law enforcement function to the Marion County Sheriffs Department. The transfer of the parks, the Monon Trail and the waterways will allow IMPD to keep police officers in the neighborhood, while the Marion County Sheriffs Office can use its existing resources on these new locations," Snyder said. The FOP has also suggested enacting user fees for conventions and sporting events to help fund the cost of equipment, staffing and overtime associated with those events. Finally, FOP President Bill Owensby said the union wants an audit of Department of Public Safety Director Frank Straub's budget. "What is the fear? What is the challenge in having an audit? If (Straub) is indeed transparent, then let's have that audit. Shut the FOP up. Let's have an audit to show there's nothing going on," Owensby said. The FOP said it has started having discussions with council members, community leaders and members of the clergy about the stabilization plan. Straub's office did not return calls to RTV6 for comment. Copynght 2012 by ThelndvChannel com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewntten or redistributed. http : / /www.theindychannel.com/print /30948850 /detail.html 4/25/2012 Oklahoma City Council wants to cut unnecessary emergency responses 1 NewsOK.com Page 1 of 2 Oklahoma Politics News and Articles Oklahoma City Council wants to cut unnecessary emergency responses Oklahoma City Council members want to put a stop to some nursing homes and assisted living centers taking advantage of city emergency services to do tasks they should be doing themselves. By Michael Kimball IV 3 As Oklahoma City looks to cut back on unnecessary runs on medical calls by its firefighters, city council members expressed a strong desire Tuesday to make sure senior care centers aren't abusing the availability of city emergency services. The city is in the process of merging its fire dispatch system with that of the Emergency Medical Services Authority, which manages the ambulance service in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and many suburbs. Part of the reason is to reduce overlapping responses when both firefighters and EMSA paramedics are dispatched to minor emergencies. But Councilman Gary Marrs, a former city fire chief, said Tuesday the city should study how to make nursing homes and assisted living centers pay for calls that prove to be an abuse of the system. Marrs said some unscrupulous senior living centers call 911 to get firefighters to perform tasks that their own staffs should be doing. "In my opinion, it's because the homes, the centers, will not staff to the level they need to be staffing at, and they don't staff to the level of experience or certification or whatever it takes to do what they're being paid to do," Marrs said. "I know that the system — the fire and EMSA system — will tell you that the owners and the operators of these homes have learned what key words to say when they call in so there's no way that we cannot respond." 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