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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/2013 04A Minutes 07-26-2013 Council Public Safety Committeek BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. For Meeting of: 8/20/2013 ITEM TITLE: Public Safety Committee minutes from 7 -26 -13 SUBMITTED BY: Chief Dominic Rizzi SUMMARY EXPLANATION: See attached. Resolution: Other (Specify): Minutes Contract: Start Date: Item Budgeted: NA Funding Source /Fiscal Impact: Strategic Priority: Insurance Required? No Mail to: Phone: APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: RECOMMENDATION: Ordinance: Contract Term: End Date: Amount: Public Safety City Manager ATTACHMENTS: Name: Description: O Public Safety Minutes 7- 26- 13.docx 7 -26 -13 Public Safety Committee Minutes Council Public Safety Committee July 26, 2013 MINUTES Members: Staff: Mayor Cawley City Manager Tony O'Rourke Councilmember Maureen Adkison Chief Dominic Rizzi, Police Councilmember Ettl Adkison called the meeting to order at 10:10. New Business: EMS Tiered Dispatch Chief Dave Willson, Fire Capt. Greg Copeland, Police Jeff Cutter, Legal Bronson Faul, Legal Jeff Schapp, Legal Joan Davenport, Planning Terri Croft, Police Willson updated the committee on the implementation of the criteria based dispatch system, a step -based questioning method that determines what crews or apparatus are dispatch to a call. The program was started in June and 42% of the calls that would have had fire apparatus dispatched were screened out. The process is followed up with a review of calls by Deputy Chief Stewart and Communications staff to ensure calls that should be dispatched are not slipping through. The review of calls has shown 2 incidents of human error, and 8 incidents of the caller not giving the correct information. Cawley asked what was different this time than the last time tiered dispatching was attempted. Willson advised that a nurse's hotline was implemented this time, with callers being transferred to the nurse for non - urgent care. The nurse is able to return the call to 911 if he or she determines that aid should be dispatched. The review system that is now in place is also an improvement to the system. Willson advised that the fuel savings realized by this program are negligible. He also stated that although the City's portion EMS levy funds could decrease due to reduced calls for service, the funds would still be distributed to those that use and need the services throughout the county. Proposed Smoking Ban in City Parks and During Special Events Faul presented his research on the issue of smoking bans in cities throughout Washington. He found there were no consistent methods, and also did not find any legal challenges. Adkison stated she felt there are more important issues to address. Cawley wanted to find some middle ground to make parks and public events enjoyable to all. Ettl was not sure if it was the council's place to make such a decision. Adkison proposed that a public hearing be held on the issue. The issue was moved to the full council for a public hearing without recommendation. Adkison requested that Legal staff bring a "menu" of specific options that could be discussed and decided upon. Review City Curfew Ordinance This issue was specific to park curfews. Faul advised that park curfews can be implemented as long as there is adequate notice (signage) of the curfew hours. The curfew makes trespassing more enforceable. The issue was moved to the full council for the August 8 meeting. Panhandling Ordinance and Giving Meters Schapp presented the committee with his research regarding panhandling. Panhandling is classified as free speech and cannot be restricted unless a specific government interest is defined. There is currently an ordinance that prohibits aggressive panhandling, which is currently an infraction and must be witnessed by a police officer in order for an infraction to be issued. The ordinance could be modified to make aggressive panhandling a misdemeanor, which would allow citizens to file a complaint and a case would be forwarded to the prosecutor's office. This may increase case load and indigent defense expenses. There are also laws regarding public health (urinating in public, jaywalking, etc.) that can be enforced to discourage panhandling. Some cities will prohibit panhandling within a defined distance of a busy intersection, with a concern of panhandling as a distraction to drivers. The committee requested additional statistics on busy /highest collision intersections to draft legislation to restrict panhandling near those intersections. Public education is the most effective means to reduce panhandling. Davenport presented her research on "giving meters ", refurbished parking meters placed to collect donations instead of giving directly to panhandlers. The giving meters are not intended to be large money- makers, but to serve as a reminder to the public that if they want to give money, they should give to a reputable group and not to individuals. The cost is $7000 to buy and refurbish 12 meters. The committee also requested that a detailed media campaign be presented to the full council at the August 18th meeting, along with a stronger ordinance against aggressive panhandling, and a proposed ordinance prohibiting panhandling near busy intersections. Old Business: Greenway Lighting and Security Plan Update Copeland reported that locations for electricity to power the lights and cameras were analyzed and it was determined that we could not tap into the Department of Transportation's sites as their signs are not powered 24 hours a day. Purchasing has assisted in getting the contracts for all of the equipment and labor. We are currently waiting for the metal poles to arrive and installation will proceed. The cost is now looking to be between $55,000 - $58,000, which is less than the $75,000 that was budgeted for the project. The meeting adjourned at 11:03 a.m. to the next meeting on August 23, 2013, @10:00 a.m. in the CED Conference Room in City Hall.