HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety Committee - 05/10/2016 Public Safety Committee Minutes
May 10, 2016
Item 1 - CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chairperson Jim Berrios called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.
Item 2 - COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Committee Chairperson Jim Berrios and committee member Dana Ralph were
present. Committee member Les Thomas had an excused absence.
Item 3 - Changes to the Agenda
None
Item 4 — Approval of meeting minutes dated April 12, 2016
Committee member Ralph MOVED to approve the minutes of April 12,
2016. The motion was SECONDED by committee member Berrios and
PASSED 2-0.
Item 5 — Building and Fire Codes Adoption and Amendments — Information
Only
Division Chief/Fire Marshall Jon Napier presented information regarding two
ordinances adopting the 2015 editions of the International Building, Existing
Building, Residential, Fire, Energy Conservation, Property Maintenance and
Mechanical Codes and the uniform Plumbing Codes.
Chief Napier provided information regarding the City's desire to continue to ban sky
lanterns, even though the state will allow them, due to the fact that they are
uncontrolled ignition sources that pose fire hazards.
Chief Napier indicated that fire lanes are difficult for the City to enforce. Chief
Napier detailed the code amendments that are meant to empower property owners
and homeowner's associations to be able to manage parking problems themselves,
without the intervention of the police department. The Fire Department will ensure
that fire lanes are adequately marked and may install towing signs so that if
violations occur, the property owners can call to have vehicles towed.
Chief Napier provided information regarding a few developments that have not
been approved due to the inadequate number of access points. This code
amendment will provide for approval of developments that do not meet the
minimum number of access points, if the Fire Marshall and Fire Chief agree that two
access points are not required, and are safe without both, and then the project may
be approved to move forward. Chief Napier indicated that they will be reaching out
to two of the applicants of the projects that failed to meet the minimum number of
access points to see if the applicants are interested in reapplying.
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Chief Napier presented information regarding the amendment regarding fire flow.
There are a few areas in the City that the water department has determined are not
feasible to install water mains. The amendments to the code provides for
modification of the water flow requirements if any water purveyor feels that it is not
feasible to extend the main. The owner can use the rules modifying the water flow
requirements that may allow for development to continue.
Item 6. — Woodmont Police Substation — Second Amendment to Lease
Agreement — Information Only
Chief Thomas presented information regarding the second renewal of the lease of
the Woodmont police substation. The Operations Committee will take action on this
item on May 16, 2016.
Council member Ralph indicated these substations are useful to the officers and the
public.
Chief Thomas indicated that in 2008, after this substation was opened, crime went
down by 70%.
Item 7. — Police Chief's Update — Information Only
East Hill Substation
Chief Thomas indicated the biggest hot spot in the City for juvenile crime is in the
area around Kent Meridian High School - S.E. 256`h Street and Kent-Kangley Road.
The Police Department wishes to lease space for a substation in this area. Kurt
Hanson in Economic and Community Development is assisting the Police
Department in trying to get the best deal possible for leasing space. Commander
Tracy Church is the police representative assigned to this project. To lease space in
this area the annual rent ranges between $24,000 and $29,000. Once a new
substation is open, the current substation located at fire station 74 will be closed.
Vehicle Crimes
Chief Thomas presented information regarding the increase of vehicle crimes.
During the first four months of 2016, vehicle prowls were up by 59% and vehicle
thefts were up by 50%. WASPC recently reported that King County is averaging
approximately 1,000 auto thefts per month and the city of Kent is averaging
approximately 100 auto thefts per month. The city of Kent is trying a new
procedure regarding charging auto theft crimes as misdemeanors. They hope to
identify high-impact offenders, set a high bail, request a significant sentence and
then house them in either Yakima County or the City of Sunnyside. If the Kent
Police Department arrests and books a suspect under a misdemeanor charge, they
can hold the suspect in the Kent City Jail, the City can request a high bail and hold
them in the jail until they see a judge. If the suspect is identified as a high-impact
offender, the City can request they be held on bail pending trial, and if convicted at
trial, the City can request that they be sentenced, according to their criminal
history.
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The Police Department has over $1 million dollars available that can be used
exclusively to increase jail capacity. Funds are currently used to house inmates at
Chelan County and the City is looking to contract with Yakima County and the City
of Sunnyside to house inmates.
Committee Chair Berrios commended the Police Department for their creative
thinking in an effort to reduce vehicle crimes in the city of Kent.
School Zone Traffic Safety Cameras
Chief Thomas provided statistics comparing 2015 with 2016 regarding school speed
zone tickets filed with the court. The detailed report is attached to these minutes.
Chief Thomas indicated that the challenge is that the data reflects the number of
ticket filed with the court and that a violation can occur in one month and not be
reflected on the report until it has been filed with the court, which may push it into
the following month.
Chief Thomas indicated that Sunrise Elementary continues to be the school zone
with the highest number of violations.
Hiring/Staffing Update
Chief Thomas indicated that there are currently four positions open.
During the recent oral boards, the Police Department processed 25 candidates with
15 passing. Nine background investigations have been ordered for the four open
positions.
Officer Josh Bava requested and was granted reinstatement and will start work on
June 1, 2016.
Chief Thomas indicated he hopes to have the four positions filled and have the
Police Department up to full staffing within the next few months.
Committee Chair Berrios expressed his appreciation for the Police Department's
efforts in their progress in bringing the department up to full staffing. Chief
Thomas thanked the team of Officer Justin Davis and Officer Wayne Graff, under
the supervision of Assistant Chief Padilla for clearing obstacles and barriers to hiring
the right people.
STOP/ACT Grant
Chief Thomas indicated that Sara Wood, Research and Development Analyst, is
working hard in applying for the STOP/ACT grant that will help to reduce underage
drinking. This is a $50,000 grant over a four year period. The Police Department
will use the grant funds to address alcohol theft and compliance issues in retail
stores in addition to working with the Kent School District to focus on prevention
and intervention with 7th and 8`" graders regarding underage drinking.
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Mental Health Collaboration Grant
Chief Thomas indicated that the Police Department is applying for the Mental Health
and Collaboration Grant. The grant funds are $250,000 to be allotted over a three-
year period. The funds will be used to create a team of officers to work with mental
health professionals to identify and help get those that highly-impact the police
resources into treatment.
Traffic Safety Emphasis - Use of Grant Funds
Chief Thomas provided details regarding the work that John Pagel, the City's
Community Education Coordinator, has done with the Washington State Traffic
Safety Commission regarding recent distracted driving emphasis patrols.
Chief Thomas provided details regarding the recent DDACTS emphasis.
Committee member Ralph invited the public to the May 18th town hall meeting at
Meridian Elementary - "Do you know more than your student?" This is a parent and
student resource on underage drug and alcohol use and prevention. The meeting is
presented by the Kent Drug Free Coalition in cooperation with the Police
Department, Kent School District, Kent Youth and Family Resources and the Kent
Police Youth Board.
Chief Thomas provided information regarding "Coffee with the Chief," May 11, 2016
at the Saimen Says restaurant.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:13 p.m. by Committee Chair Berrios.
Respectfully s,vbmitte
Kim K moto
Public Safety Committee Secretary
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