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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety (Committee) - 01/14/2014 KENT CITY OF KENT PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES January 14, 2014 COMMITTEE MEMBERS. Jim Berries, Chair, Les Thomas, and Dana Ralph. The meeting was called to order by Council President Dana Ralph at 5:39 p.m. Councilmember Berries was absent. 1. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Thomas MOVED and Councilmember Ralph SECONDED a Motion to approve the November 11, 2013 minutes. Motion PASSED 2-0. 2. Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority Grant - Recommend Debra Leroy, Research and Development Analyst, presented information regarding the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority Grant. The auto theft task force was formed in 2008 and the Kent Police department has managed the funding since 2008. This $74,983 grant is an addition to the original award of$1,614,000. After deliberating, Councilmember Thomas MOVED and Councilmember Ralph SECONDED a Motion to recommend the Council authorize the Mayor to accept the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority grant award in the amount of $74,983, authorize amending the budget and authorize expenditure of the funds in accordance with the grant terms and conditions acceptable to the city attorney and police chief. Motion PASSED 2-0. Chief Thomas thanked Debra Leroy for her 26 years of service with the Kent Police Department. Debra is retiring in February and has been instrumental in acquiring and monitoring millions of dollars in grants for the Police Department throughout the years. Council President Dana Ralph thanked Debra for all of her work for the police department and appreciates her dedication to the city. Councilmember Thomas expressed his thanks to Debra for her service with the City. 3. Ordinance Amendina KCC 9.02 — Lewd Conduct - Recommend Acting City Attorney, Pat Fitzpatrick and Commander Eric Hemmen presented information regarding the lewd conduct ordinance and the amendments to the Kent City Code, Chapter 9.02, Criminal Code. This Ordinance will provide the police department with a new tool to enforce the dress/attire of non-sexually businesses. This ordinance was prompted by frequent complaints regarding the sexual attire of employees of coffee/latte stands. The cities of Sumner and Spokane Valley, have passed similar ordinances. The city of Everett is contemplating a similar ordinance. Pat Fitzpatrick indicated that this is a sensitive issue that involves first amendment/freedom of expression rights. The City must be careful in regulating activities that may be considered first amendment/freedom of expression rights. The proposed ordinance will require employees working at these businesses be reasonably clothed when engaged in a non-sexually-oriented business. If they wish to dress with only pasties or tape over their breasts, they must go through the adult entertainment ordinance and get properly permitted. It is anticipated that this ordinance will not put anyone out of business, but may slightly alter the way that they conduct themselves at these businesses. Public Safety Committee Minutes January 14, 2014 Pat Fitzpatrick responded to Councilmember Thomas' question on whether or not these types of ordinances have been challenged in the courts by indicating that it has been successfully utilized, but not challenged. This ordinance imposes a reasonable time, place and manner restriction. Council President requested information on other tools that the police department has utilized to combat these issues. Commander Hemmen indicated that he has been assigned to the special investigation unit that receives complaints and then conducts undercover investigations. One investigation led to a confirmation of a prostitution ring that was being run out of a barista stand. During his investigations, he observed baristas wearing only pasties and tape over their breasts. Because of the absence of an enforcement tool, the officers can only request that the employees voluntarily wear more clothing. This ordinance also amends the prostitution loitering chapter of the code. An enforcement sections is added as a tool to address attempts to engage in prostitution over the internet. The Stay Out of Areas of Prostitution (SOAP) section is updated to add new locations known to be frequented by prostitutes and those who patronize prostitutes. A SOAP order imposed by the court prohibits prostitutes or those who patronize prostitutes from going into areas of prostitution. A SOAP order can be ordered by a judge as a condition of sentencing or condition of release from jail. Two new areas are being added: Central Avenue from Novak Lane to S. 222nd and 83rd Avenue from S. 228th to S. 224th Councilmember Thomas asked about how other areas can be included as an area of prostitution. Pat Fitzpatrick indicated that the police department can look into other areas to see if they would meet criteria to be designated as an area of prostitution. Council President Ralph asked for confirmation that these SOAP areas being added have been well-documented. Commander Hemmen indicated that in the last 3 years there have been 34 arrests and that due to the location off Central Avenue it is one of the main prostitution areas in all of King County. Council President Ralph indicated that she is happy to support this ordinance in an attempt to help protect victims from human trafficking. After deliberating, Councilmember Thomas MOVED and Councilmember Ralph SECONDED a Motion to recommend Council adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 9.02 by establishing crimes relating to lewd conduct, by amending sections relating to prostitution loitering and by adding new areas which fall within the scope of the stay out of areas of prostitution orders. Motion PASSED 2-0. 4. Chief of Police Update Chief Thomas thanked the Councilmembers for their support in adding six police officer positions. One officer has been hired and another was not hired since he did not meet the high standards set by the police department. Recruiting officer, Bobby Hollis is doing a great job in finding potential officers. The Chief updated the committee on the School Zone Traffic Safety Camera Program. The program went live on January 6, 2014, and as of January 13th, 321 citations have been issued. The reporting process may be 1-3 days behind due to the requirement of review by an officer prior to any citation being issued. The Chief indicated that due to the location of the cameras, people are slowing down for the first camera, speeding up in the middle of the school zone, and then slowing down again when they approach the second camera. Public Safety Committee Minutes January 14, 2014 The Chief indicated that officers are now enforcing speed in between the cameras to ensure compliance with the speed limit. The safety of the children is the primary concern and the police department will strictly enforce the speed in the school zones. Chief Thomas will be presenting to Sara Wood the award for the 2013 National Night Out (NNO) program. The city of Kent was ranked in the top 10 of all cities in the United States with populations of 250,000 or less. Chief Thomas stressed how great the NNO program is for the city and that he is very proud of the city's Community Education Unit. Council President Ralph indicated what a huge project NNO is and that Sara does an amazing job organizing the event that brings together the City with the community. Chief Thomas indicated that participants include residents, employees, city administration, department heads, council members, and legislative members. Councilmember Thomas voiced his concern over not having a replacement for Sara Wood so that NNO can continue to be successful. Chief Thomas advised that Jill Fuller will move into Sara's position. Additionally, the police department is testing for two administrative assistants. Council President Ralph indicated how pleased she is that the city has implemented the School Zone Traffic Safety Camera program in an effort to increase the safety for the kids walking in all school zones. Chief Thomas indicated that during the warning period 1,800 warnings were issued. Adiournment Council President Ralph adjourned the meeting at 6:09 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kim A. Komoto Public Safety Committee Secretary Public Safety Committee Minutes January 14, 2014