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:
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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.