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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety (Committee) - 02/07/19940 E MINUTES FROM PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING FEBRUARY 7, 1994 PRESENT: Jim Bennett, Chair Tim Clark Christi Houser Mayor Jim White Arthur Martin Chief Ed Crawford Chief Norm Angelo Roger Lubovich Laurie Evezich May Miller Russ Stringham Connie Epperly Jean Parietti Meeting called to order by Chairman Bennett at 5:30 p.m. .08 DRINKING DRIVING ORDINANCE - Added Item Mayor White submitted a copy of a .08 Drinking Driving ordinance for consideration, with no action being requested at this time. White explained that several of the surrounding jurisdictions have this ordinance, and in trying to keep things equal and easier for the courts, he feels it's an issue that needs to be addressed. Christi Houser commented that this has been an item of discussion with the Drinking Driver Task Force, and is an issue that is going through the legislature. Roger Lubovich asked the he be able to do some research on the issue prior to further discussion. .08 DRINKING DRIVING ORDINANCE TO BE BROUGHT BACK TO NEXT MEETING FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. PROPOSED CURFEW ORDINANCE Bennett explained that the curfew ordinance was initially presented to the City by Russ Stringham and Connie Epperly, and has been revised a couple of times after review by the City Attorney and Chief Crawford. Bennett further explained this is also an issue being looked at at the state level through the Youth Crimes Bill, and has to be out of the House by February 15. Russ Stringham explained this was a frequent issue brought to their attention through the course of doorbelling when running for office last year. Therefore, after the formation of the Citizen's Lobby Against More Politics, it was decided this would be the first issue to be addressed. They gathered information from other areas all over the country, and subsequently patterned their original proposal after the Dallas, Texas, ordinance, which; has survived its initial court challenge. However, they found that as the statutes currently read in the State of Washington, if its not illegal for an adult, it cannot be made illegal for a juvenile. After some hard work and research by Lubovich, the ordinance was rewritten to be a parental responsibility ordinance, meaning that it is illegal for the parent to allow that juvenile to be out during the specified period of time. This would be handled as a civil offense rather than a criminal offense, with fines of $100, and would be processed very similar to a traffic violation. Stringham stated this gives the police department an additional tool to use in getting the kids off the streets, and if we don't begin reacting now, the problem will continue to get worse.• Stringham further stated this appears to be what the citizens want and the majority of the police officers they have talked with are supportive as long as it is not too cumbersome operationally and administratively. Epperly added that she feels this would also be an excellent tool for parents. Lubovich explained some of the history of curfew ordinances, and indicated that until the legislature does something with regard to curfews, cities are going to have a hard time with curfew ordinances. That's why a many of cities have adopted the concept of a parental responsibility ordinance, and he explained some of the particulars of this type of ordinance. Tim Clark moved to table consideration, pending the outcome of the Washington State Legislative Session currently dealing with juvenile justice issues, explaining that he felt it is prudent in government to efficiently use your resources, and for Kent to try and codify something which could simply no longer be in effect 30 day later was wasteful. Motion seconded by Christi Houser, and expressed that she would like to see this go state-wide. Bennett stated that he has done some research on this issue, and feels the parental responsibility portion is the most important part. He further indicated that he did not wish to table the issue, however, would agree to "defer" consideration until the Legislative Session was over. Clark explained that was his intent, and would accept as a friendly amendment. Motion amended to defer consideration of this issue, pending the outcome of the Washington State Legislative Session currently dealing with juvenile justice issues. MOTION PASSED 3 - 0. MEETING TIME AND DATE Public Safety Committee will now meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m., and reserves the right to call a special meeting on the first Tuesday at 4:30 if necessary. Meeting Adjourned at 6:07 p.m.