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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety (Committee) - 06/09/2015 Public Safety Committee Minutes June 9, 2015 Item 1 - CALL TO ORDER Committee Chairperson Jim Berrios called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. Item 2 - COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Dana Ralph, Committee Chairperson Jim Berrios and Committee member Thomas were present. Item 3 - Changes to the Agenda: None Item 4 - Approval of meeting minutes dated April 14, 2015 Councilmember Thomas MOVED to approve the minutes of, April 14, 2015. The motion was SECONDED by Council President Ralph and PASSED 3-0. Item 5 - 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant - Recommend. Sara Wood, Research and Development Analyst, presented information regarding the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant for 2014. The City of Seattle manages the formula grant that is applied for and received annually. The $57,455 grant will be used to pay for police overtime during the summer enforcement of illegal street racing, hot spot overtime patrols in intelligence led policing areas, facial workbench recognition software used by the intelligence led policing, NRT teams, and GPS tracking units for vulnerable adults. Council President Ralph MOVED to recommend Council authorize the Mayor to accept the Fiscal Year 2014 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $57,455, ratify and authorize the Mayor's signing of all necessary documents, amend the budget, and authorize expenditure of the funds in accordance with the grant terms and conditions acceptable to the police chief and city attorney. The motion was SECONDED by Council member Thomas and PASSED 3-0. Item 6. - Washington Traffic Safety Commission Interlocal Agreement Target Zero Manager Grant- Recommend. Sara Wood, Research and Development Analyst, presented information regarding the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Interlocal Agreement Grant - Target Zero Manager. The Kent Police Department houses the Target Zero Manager for South King County. This $124,000 grant is for a two year period and pays for 60% of the Community Education Coordinator's salary and benefits. Council member Thomas MOVED to recommend Council authorize the Mayor to accept a grant in the amount of $124,000 from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to fund 60% of the salary and benefits for the Page 11 City's Community Education Coordinator who serves as the Target Zero Manager for South King County, amend the budget, authorize expenditure of the funds in accordance with the grant's terms, and authorize the Mayor to sign all documents with terms and conditions acceptable to the police chief and city attorney. The motion was SECONDED by Council President Ralph and PASSED 3-0. Item 7. - Washington Traffic Safety Commission Memorandum of Understanding - Distracted Driving Enforcement - Recommend. Sara Wood, Research and Development Analyst, presented information regarding the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Memorandum of Understanding for Distracted Driving Enforcement. The city of Kent received $3,000 in grant funds for distracted driving focused enforcement patrols during May, June, and September of 2015. Council President Ralph MOVED to recommend Council authorize the Mayor to accept the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Grant in the amount of $3,000 for the King County distracted driving focused patrols, authorize the Mayor to sign all documents, amend the budget, and authorize expenditure of the funds in accordance with the grant terms and conditions acceptable to the police chief and city attorney. The motion was SECONDED by Council member Thomas and PASSED 3-0. Item 8. - Ordinance Amending KCC 9.04 - Massage and Reflexology Services- Recommend. Deputy City Attorney, Pat Fitzpatrick and Chief of Police, Ken Thomas, presented information regarding the ordinance amending KCC 9.04 - Massage and Reflexology Services. Chief Thomas detailed the concerns received by citizens and provided details on the investigations that have taken place in the past year. Chief Thomas indicated that the Police Department has been working with the Seattle Police Department and the King County Sheriffs office in addition to other jurisdictions during the various investigations and would like to address issues regarding massage parlors without placing offices in bad situations. Chief Thomas, presented information regarding a meeting with Washington Engaged that included himself, Pat Fitzpatrick, and Council President Ralph. During the meeting, concerns were addressed regarding human trafficking. Pat Fitzpatrick detailed information regarding providers working at massage parlors operating without valid business licenses and the correlation between unlicensed providers and complaints received by the City's Special Investigative Unit. Pat L detailed the requirements contained in the ordinance and indicated that Kent's ordinance is on the cutting-edge by attacking the problem of unlicensed providers and will allow officers to address problems with massage parlors. Pat Fitzpatrick advised the committee that the state of Washington does not engage in any Page 12 enforcement. Pat detailed the various provisions of the ordinance and detailed the exceptions that are allowed by state law. Pat Fitzpatrick indicated that the intent is to get the message out that both a massage practitioner and their customer is responsible for ensuring that the providers working at massage businesses are properly licensed. This ordinance was vetted through Washington Engaged and the City's Special Investigative Unit. This ordinance is intended to get rid of the problem and support the legitimate massage businesses in the city of Kent. Council President Ralph expressed her satisfaction with the ordinance as a tool for the police department to use for enforcement and its use to help protect the valid massage business operators. Council President Ralph expressed her pride with the police department being on the cutting-edge of the human trafficking and prostitution issues. Council member Berrios confirmed that the police department rather than the code enforcement department will be responsible for enforcement. Pat Fitzpatrick and Chief Thomas provided details regarding how the ordinance will be communicated to the public and massage businesses. Council member Thomas MOVED to recommend Council adopt an Ordinance amending Title 9 of the Kent City Code entitled "Public Safety," by adding a new Chapter 9.04, entitled "Massage and Reflexology Services," and amending Chapter 5.01, entitled "General Business Licenses," by adding a new section 5.01.135, entitled "Massage or reflexology businesses — Conviction for prostitution or fraud related activity — Conviction for violation of Chapter 9.04 KCC — Denial or revocation of business license. The motion was SECONDED by Council President Ralph and PASSED 3-0. Item 9. — Text? Talk? Ticket! — Information Only John Pagel, Community Education Coordinator, provided information regarding a grant received from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. King County received $75,000 grant to conduct two enforcement campaigns specifically targeting distracted driving. $50,000 of the grant will cover enforcement overtime. $25,000 is set aside for education and awareness. The goal of the programs is to make distracted driving as socially unacceptable as impaired driving. Council President Ralph provided information regarding how children are putting pressure on family members and peers to not text and drive. Council member Berrios indicated that this campaign is centered around awareness and enforcement. Page 13 John Pagel provided statistics received from King County regarding the first week of enforcement. Council member Berrios expressed his appreciation for the work that the Kent Police Department has been doing regarding this issue. Item 10. - Fireworks - Information Oniv Assistant Chief Kammerzell and Chief Thomas presented information regarding the Fourth of July plan for this year. Enforcement Plan - Police will be stepping up enforcement of existing laws. The Kent City Code prohibits the discharge of fireworks outside of July 4th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Violations are subject to $250 civil infraction and confiscation of fireworks. Information was presented about the laws regarding which fireworks are legal or illegal. Fireworks purchased at stands inside the city of Kent are generally legal to discharge. Information was provided regarding illegal explosives and that they violations are a criminal felony. Additional patrol of special enforcement teams consisting of 50 officers will be out on July 4th Communication Plan - Begins June 15, 2015. The communication plan will be coordinated between the Kent Education Unit and Regional Fire Authority. Enforcement will be stepped up and penalties imposed. Information will be disseminated via flyers, social media, movie theatres, block watch groups, neighborhood groups, in person contact with apartment managers, and press release. The Regional Fire Authority will erect new signage at the city limits regarding guidelines on discharging fireworks. A joint safety advertisement will be printed in the Kent Reporter. Council member Berrios provided a brief history of complaints regarding the discharge of fireworks and the City's plan for 2015. Public Speaker: Dave McDougall (a Kent resident) 626 Second Ave S., Kent. Mr. McDougall has made appeals to the city of Kent to get a handle on the fireworks issues. Mr. McDougall expressed concerns why Kent does not prohibit fireworks as do fellow communities. Mr. McDougall indicated that you cannot enforce the illegal discharge of fireworks. Does not wish to confront people that have been drinking and discharging fireworks. Does not believe any additional enforcement will change anything. Council member Berrios indicated that the City has researched other jurisdictions and the issues other cities have regarding enforcement. Chief Ken Thomas indicated that he did not have his research, but did provide some information regarding calls for service. Chief Thomas thanked Assistant Chief Kammerzell regarding the work that he has put into the fireworks issue. Chief Thomas advised Page 14 Mr. McDougall that he would be available after the meeting to discuss this issue further. Item 11. - Flashing School Zone Sneed Signs - Information Only Chief Ken Thomas presented information regarding the addition of School Zone Traffic Safety Cameras at both Meridian Elementary and Millennium Elementary schools this fall. The study identified five elementary schools having the most serious safety concerns. Flashing speed light signs, rather than school zone traffic safety camera signs will be installed at Springbrook and Meadowridge and the last school identified, Horizon elementary, already has the flashing light signs installed. Item 12. - Police Chief's Update - Information Only Chief Ken Thomas advised the committee regarding current events affecting the police department: A. Hiring Update - Chief Ken Thomas provided information regarding the current status of the hiring of police officers. 147 police officers are authorized in the budget and as of today, there are 141 officers hired and working. Chief Thomas showed his appreciation for recruiting and hiring group's work. Chief Thomas detailed the budgetary issues with paying those officers to cover shifts during the period that the new hires are being trained. Overtime is also being paid during the hiring process. Chief Thomas showed his appreciation for the work that Natalie Winecka, Civil Service Examiner, has done streamlining the hiring process. Council member Berrios indicated the council's support for full staffing in the police department. Council President Ralph expressed her appreciation for the high standards Chief Thomas has maintained during the hiring of new officers. B. School Zone Traffic Safety Camera Fund - Chief Thomas provided information regarding the police departments plan to spend funds currently in the fund. Chief Thomas presented information regarding the plan to take his request to the Operations Committee for their approval prior to going to the City Council. Chief Thomas presented information regarding: 1. Corrections Renovation - Requested capital upgrades in the amount of $400,000 to upgrade the Kent correctional facility to ensure the safety of the staff and sustainability of the building. A sustainability study is currently in the process and early indications suggest retaining current correctional facility. 2. Traffic Safety Equipment - Requested $34,000 for a traffic radar trailer. $14,000 for the purchase the 4 permanent radar signs to be installed at Springbrook and Meadowridge schools, $8,400 for 4 portable radar signs that can Page 15 save and send data, $2,000 for the cost of installation by the Public Works Department, and $2,6000 for tax and shipping. 3. Use of Force Training Simulator - Chief Thomas provided information regarding the $100,000 purchase of a Use of Force Training Simulator. The simulator is a training tool that is used to improve officer's judgment skills. Chief Thomas presented information regarding the details of the system. 4. Police Overtime Staffing Supplement - Chief Thomas provided information regarding the need to supplement the overtime fund with $300,000, due to the overtime that is needed to cover additional shifts during the training process, additional time for current special investigations, and coverage due to officers being out on administrative leave. 5. Power DMS - Chief Thomas provided information regarding spending $11,000 on the Power DMS system used to manage police policies and accreditation proofs. The Chief and committee members discussed and agreed to move all budget requests to the Operations Committee for a recommendation to the City Council. Council President Ralph provided her support for the proposed expenditures. Council member Berrios approved moving these requests onto the Operations Committee. Chief Thomas indicated that all requests will be funded by the School Zone Traffic Safety Camera Fund that currently has over $950,000, The total current requests equal $845,000. The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m. by Council Member Berrios. Respectfully sub fitted, Kim Komoto `- Public Safety Committee Secretary 5:\P UB POttCE\Pu0'z Sa'. Cartm_ttEkHIW—\KbRO Verso ula 9,2015,NIS tt:nu[-.1 Page 16