HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety (Committee) - 11/15/1993 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 15, 1993
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Paul Mann, Chair
Jon Johnson
STAFF PRESENT: Tony McCarthy, Tom Brubaker, Ed Allen,
Chief Crawford, Chief Angelo, Mary Berg,
Jim Miller
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: None
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Mann.
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN KING COUNTY AND THE CITY OF KENT
FOR 1994 FIRE DEPARTMENT INSPECTIONS
Chief Angelo explained that every year the City of Kent enters into an agreement with King
County for fire inspections, and that the City receives money back from the Fire District for
insurance and hazardous materials. Mary Berg, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention, stated that
the only changes from last year's agreement are a couple of typographical errors, and that the
benefits of the agreement are as follows: 1) the Fire Department can do a better job of inspect-
ing within the Fire District; 2) the Fire Department can provide a better safety environment for
citizens; and 3) the Fire Department can get into and become more familiar with the products
and hazards in the different buildings so that they can be better prepared to deal with any fires
which may arise. JOHNSON MOVED authorization for the Mayor to sign the interlocal agree-
ment between King County and the City of Kent for 1994 fire inspections. Mann seconded and
the motion carried. Orr concurred with this motion on 11/19/93 and it then carried 3-0.
WORK GROUP REPORT
ADDED ITEM
Chief Angelo explained that a controversy was raised a few months ago concerning the 9-1-1
system and the fact that some complexes were not able to get out. He noted that a local
ordinance was recently passed, and that the State has been studying the situation of which they
have come back with some suggestions. Mary Berg, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention,
explained that a Work Group has been formed consisting of 12 members of which only 1 is from
the Public Safety Dispatch arena and the remainder are providers of telephone services. He
noted that the Group feels some technology may not be available for all costing phone systems
and will not be available for a while so they are requesting all local ordinances be repealed. He
stated that the City is asking for a magic black box that would display the correct address for
the person requesting help, and would apply only to new systems being installed as well as
systems where the building is being remodeled or upgraded. Berg expressed that he would like
to see the City keep its ordinance for the systems being installed, and that he feels the
technology is there. Angelo noted that this is an information item only.
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RFP FOR MEDICAL PHYSICALS
Chief Angelo explained that in past years the City received quotes for physicals, but that recently
an ordinance was passed requiring RFP's to be over a certain dollar amount. We noted that a
number of physicals are done every year in which some are related to hazardous materials and
some are annual physicals included in Union contracts. He also noted that RFP's were already
sent out with two responses received as follows: 1) Valley Occupational Services; and
2) Virginia Mason, which quoted higher rates and required the individual to go to more than one
facility for completion of the physical. Angelo stated that the recommendation from the Fire
Department is to award the contract for physical exams to Valley Occupational Services for a
three year period. He also noted that Human Resources pointed out under the current medical
plan, Blue Cross, it may be possible to get reimbursement for part of the physicals to help offset
the cost. JOHNSON MOVED authorization for the Mayor to sign a contract with Valley
Occupational Services for a three year contract to do physicals, and to have this item placed on
the next Council Agenda under the Consent Calendar. Mann seconded and the motion carried.
Orr concurred with this motion on 11/19/93 and it then carried 3-0.
WEST HILL FIRE STATION
ADDED ITEM
Chief Angelo explained that at the last meeting a motion was made for this property to be
surplused, take it to Council on 11/16/93, and that the original agreement be honored. He noted
that it was also requested estimates be gotten for demolition and the building of a park on this
property of which he received several very rough estimates for removal of asbestos, demolition,
and the building of a park in that area. It was agreed upon by the Committee that the informa-
tion provided is sufficient, and that it would be placed on the Budget Committee meeting agenda
for discussion as to whether or not to spend $120,000 on this project.
PUBLIC DEFENSE CONTRACT
Tom Brubaker, Assistant City Attorney, introduced Ed Allen as the new Chief Prosecutor to
replace Dave Haenel who moved to Boise, Idaho. He noted that Allen will be attending,
handling, and giving advice, when needed, at future committee meetings.
Brubaker explained that the City Attorney has run into some bumps concerning the public
defense contract because of dissatisfaction with the price the current public defense contractor
has provided. He noted that negotiations are continuing, but that a bid may be sought from
another attorney's office. He also noted that a contract will be coming to the Committee on 12/6
and to Council on 12/7/93 for approval and effective date of January, 1994. It was so agreed.
FEDERAL FUNDING OF POLICE OFFICERS
ADDED ITEM
Chief Crawford explained that the Federal Government Law Enforcement Initiatives allow cities
of certain sizes to apply for federal grants to help fund police officers for community policing,
and that about two months ago the City of Kent applied. He noted that they need to have
support and commitment from the Council that the City will help fund the program at 50%
before they ask the Federal Government for money. Captain Jim Miller, Support Services
Department, gave a brief overview of the grant process and noted that this particular grant is
known as the "Police Hiring Supplement Program". He explained that it is a three year grant
and needs a 50150 funding between the City and the Federal government or a maximum of
$75,000 per officer for each year. He noted that this grant will ask to fund 4 officers full-time
to be designated as a bicycle patrol unit to be divided up as seen fit. He noted that the Federal
grant process is asking for an endorsement of the program and endorsement of the idea of the
program. Mann and Johnson agreed to and signed the memo of endorsement for the Federal
grant funds as presented to the Committee.
CORRECTIONS FACILITY ESCAPE
Chief Crawford gave a brief overview of steps that have been taken to regain the U.S. Marshal
contract due to the recent escape of a federal prisoner at the Kent Corrections Facility. He noted
that the building architecture, the roof, and the security requirements for officers at the
corrections facility have been taken care of and are under control.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.