HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety (Committee) - 07/12/2011 i
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KENT
WASHINGTON
CITY OF KENT
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
July 12, 2011
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Les Thomas, Dennis Higgins, and Ron Harmon, Chair
• The meeting was called to order by Chair Harmon at 5:06 PM.
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1. Approval of Minutes
L. Thomas moved to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2011 meeting. j
The motion was seconded by D. Higgins and passed 3-0.
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2. National Night Out, August 2"d — INFO ONLY
Chief of Police Ken Thomas introduced Public Education Specialist Sara Wood who gave an j
overview of this year's event. Sara stated that 75 block watch neighborhood groups have !
already registered and that she is expecting that over 100 events will participate this year.
Registration information is available at www.KentNNO.com or register by calling Sara at
(253) 856-5851.
3. Washington Traffic Safety Commission grant — ACCEPT and Establish budget
Chief Thomas introduced Research and Development Analyst Debra LeRoy who explained
grant funds from three $7,500 grants will be used to purchase three flashing beacon
assemblies for elementary school zones in the Kent School District.
D. Higgins moved to recommend that City Council accept the Washington Traffic
Safety Commission grants in the amount of $22,500 and establish the budget.
The motion was seconded by L. Thomas and passed 3-0.
4. Washington Traffic Safety Commission grant — ACCEPT and Establish budget
Chief Thomas explained the grant in the amount of $93,840 will help fund salary and
benefits of one public education specialist during the two year grant period.
L. Thomas moved to recommend Council authorize the Kent Police Department
to accept the Washington Traffic Safety Commission grant in an amount not to
exceed $93,840, and establish the budget.
The motion was seconded by D. Higgins and passed 3-0.
5. King County Sheriff's Office Cost Reimbursement Agreement - AUTHORIZE
and establish budget
Chief Thomas explained the agreement from the King County Sheriff's Office will
provide reimbursement for officer overtime to make personal contact with registered'
sex offenders living in Kent. The grant funds are provided by the Washington Association
of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. The agreement period begins on July 1, 2011 and ends on
June 30, 2012.
D. Higgins moved to recommend that Council authorize the Kent Police
Department to accept the King County Sheriff's Office grant in an amount not to
exceed $49,667.90, authorize the mayor to sign the agreement and establish the
budget.
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6. Fourth of July Fireworks After-action Report — INFO ONLY
Jon Napier, Kent RFA Chief Fire Marshal, stated the number of fireworks calls for the Kent
Fire Department between June 28th and July 5th was 39, compared to 10 in 2010 and 43 in
2009. He noted the amount of confiscated fireworks was lower this year. There
were two house fires with a total loss of $253,000 during this time that were likely
related to fireworks due to the amount and type of fireworks litter found around the
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outside of the houses. Kent Fire placed a full page color ad in the July 1st Kent Reporter
that displayed pictures of legal and illegal fireworks.
Chief Thomas stated the number of fireworks calls for the Kent Police Department
between June 28t" and July 5t" was 371. Two arrests were made, one for reckless
burning when a tree was set on fire, and a second involved sparklers tied together
to make an improvised explosive device. The police officers emphasized customer service
by responding to as many calls as possible and asking for voluntary compliance.
Chief Thomas.was asked about the number of police calls in 2010 and he stated he will
bring that information to next month's meeting.
7. Police Department Updates — INFO ONLY
Chief Thomas stated there were no significant issues at this year's Cornucopia Days other
than one arrest. The arrest was made on a Metro bus by a Metro officer after the report of
a suspect with a gun leaving the event by bus. King County Metro provided 22 officers for
the event; some riding buses, some plain clothes officers at the event and others on
bicycles. There were gang unit officers from several agencies at the event to ensure public
safety. A strong police presence and enforcement helped to provide a successful, fun event
for families with kids.
Chief Thomas introduced Captain Bourne who talked about four search warrants Jhhich
were served simultaneously on July 6t" for illegal activity at medical marijuana dispensaries.
The warrants were served without problems, evidence was secured, people were identified,
but no arrests were made.
Chief Thomas introduced Captain Straus and Lieutenant Lutz and they talked about the
City of Kent's Corrections Facility. An emphasis on programs such as work release helps
manage the population and ensure the safety of the staff and inmates. There is an average
of 35 inmates per day on work release, compared to 23 per day last year. Captain Straus
stated that staff should be proud of cost containment of'food and medical expenses. Lt.
Lutz stated the contract with Chelan County Jail for overflow has only been used one time
and it was for a test basis. Chair Harmon asked Chief Thomas about the relationship
between police, jail and judges for sentencing. Chief Thomas indicated they have frequent
meetings which include Pat Fitzpatrick from the City Attorney's Office, John Hodgson, the
judges, Court and Probation staff, Captain Straus and Lt. Lutz. Chief noted that the
systems-wide approach has provided positive benefits.
The meeting adjourned at 5:53 PM.
Jo Th pson,
Public Safety Committee Secretary
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Public Safety Committee Minutes
July 12, 2011 2