HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/01/2008 04B Minutes 06-04-2008 Council Public Safety Committee CouncilPu6Czc Safety Committee
Council Cfiam6ers
City7faQ.
June 4, 2008
MINUTES
Council Members Present: Norm Johnson, Bill Lover and David Edler
Staff Present: City Manager Dick Zais, Assistant City Manager Dave Zabell,
Police Captain Jeff Schneider, Police Lieutenant Gary Belles, Assistant City
Attorney Cynthia Martinez, Police Administrative Assistant Terri Greer
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Johnson at 2:08 p.m.
I. Gang Ordinance
Martinez presented the revised draft of the City of Yakima gang ordinance. She
addressed the issue of parental responsibility and advised that this section of the
Grandview ordinance had been declared unconstitutional; therefore, it was
decided to leave parental responsibility out of the Yakima ordinance. It can be
added at a later date if approved.
It was MOVED by Edler and SECONDED by Lover to move the ordinance to the
full council for consideration. The motion PASSED unanimously.
Lover clarified that his request for Martinez to consult with Mark Kunkler on the
ordinance was a desire for the legislation to be standardized throughout the
county.
Zais advised this would be on the next Council agenda. He updated the
Committee on civil gang injunctions being removed from the state bill; however,
cities may already have the authority to serve a civil injunction. City Legal staff is
researching this possibility.
II. Court Rules
Martinez reported that the rules revision process is on hold. There were
objections from many organizations, municipalities, and defense and public
defender associations.
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III. Police Recruitment Update
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Schneider advised there are currently five police officer vacancies and no
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additional retirements projected for the year. There are two applicants for police
officer currently undergoing background investigations.
IV. Deputy Police Chief. Recruitment Update
Zabell reported that after the preliminary review of the applications, there are
seven applicants continuing the process. A selection committee of senior law
enforcement personnel and community members has been convened and will
interview the candidates on June 24. Final interviews will be scheduled with the
top candidates after the selection committee process. We anticipate having the
position filled by August 1.
Zais advised this is a civil service exempt position and that a department the size
of YPD can have up to six exempt positions. It was also determined that police
lieutenants are eligible for union status, although the status of captain positions
has not yet been determined.
V. Crime Statistics
Belles provided an update on the crime statistics for the year, currently at a 19%
reduction in crime.
He updated the Committee on the North 1 Street emphasis patrols that began S
the week before. The first night resulted in five misdemeanor and one felony
arrests. The next two nights were prostitution e mphasis resulting in 23 arrests,
mostly for prostitution.
Edler asked if there were any statistics that addressed how much crime was
related to methamphetamine. Belles advised there were no hard statistics.
VI. Alternate Vehicles for Police
Due to the increase in fuel costs, the police department is researching other
options including more fuel efficient cars. There are limited options in the patrol
fleet, so any changes would be made in the unmarked fleet. There is currently
no budget available to purchase any new vehicles this year and there is no
expectation of any federal or state assistance with fuel costs or to purchase more
fuel efficient vehicles.
Zais advised that the fleet transition would likely take place over several years.
Other options are to add more motorcycles to the fleet. Council is likely to see a
mid -year appropriation for fuel costs.
Johnson asked Schneider to send the Committee's best wishes to Officer
Henning.
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To ics
VII. Off-Agenda p
Zais advised the Committee that there would be an update GO Bond issue on
the council agenda. The GO Bonds are slated to cover transit and
transportation, street, and the fire ladder truck.
Also on the next council agenda is the architectural service agreement with LCA
Architects to perform the feasibility study of the Westside substation for the police
department. This will be followed up with an appropriation of funds. Staff is not
ready to proceed with the study of the jail expansion at this time.
Zabell, Granato and police staff are finalizing a response on the LEMAP report.
This report will be presented to the Public Safety Committee in a dedicated
meeting, most likely in July or August. .
City Attorney Paolella is leaving to accept a position with the. Eastern Washington
Growth Management Board. Additionally, Assistant City Attorney Mabee will be
leaving on maternity leave in the near future. Zais will be meeting with Legal
staff to discuss the transition and acting assignment. Recruitment for a new city
attorney will begin immediately.
XIII. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 2:39. The next meeting will be Wednesday, July
2, 2008 in the Council Chambers.
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No Joh , •'
Public Sa +- y Committee Chair
Minutes prepared by Terri Greer