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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/18/2013 B A K E R S F I E L D /s/ Chris Huot Committee Members Staff: Chris Huot Russell Johnson, Chair Administrative Analyst Jacquie Sullivan Willie Rivera SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Friday, October 18, 2013 12:00 p.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The meeting was convened at 12:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember, Russell Johnson, Chair Councilmember, Willie Rivera Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan City staff: Chris Huot, Administrative Analyst – City Manager’s Office Amber Lawrence, Administrative Assistant – City Manager’s Office Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Richard Iger, Associate City Attorney Tom Geddes, Associate City Attorney Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Lyle Martin, Assistant Chief of Police Captain Scott McDonald, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Greg Terry, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Jorge Gomez, Bakersfield Police Department Additional Attendees: Tomeka Powell, Senator Andy Vidak’s Office Members of the media Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report October 18, 2013 Page 2 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 3. ADOPTION OF AUGUST 15, 2013 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted. 4. REPORTS A. Continued Discussion regarding Internet Café’s Lieutenant Gomez provided the memorandum that had been included in the packet. He reported that the Vice Division continues to monitor the café’s; and as additional complaints are received, they are handled with either enforcement and/or direct contact with the owners to advise them of the situation. Undercover operations are being conducted in some of the parking lots. City Attorney Gennaro reported that three of the original café’s are now closed. Committee Chair Johnson thanked Ms. Gennaro for highlighting that information. Either the letters from the City Attorney or the increased police presence has led to some positive impressions. City Attorney Gennaro said that another reason is that Committee Chair Johnson spoke on the topic at a recent meeting of the Government Review Council at the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. As a result, business owners are becoming more aware, and want to make sure their business is not being impacted by the café’s. Committee member Rivera asked about the County’s efforts. City Attorney Gennaro replied that County staff had contacted her office, and information was exchanged. Efforts are being coordinated. Committee Chair Johnson stated that he worked with the City Attorney’s office to draft potential language to address the issue. Also, Assembly member Rudy Salas approached Committee Chair Johnson about the issue, and indicated that he hopes to carry legislation to address internet café’s. Committee Chair Johnson distributed language for SB-678, authored by Senator Correa in regard to internet gambling; particularly, poker rooms. He directed that the City Attorney’s office and City Manager’s office to review the Bill to determine if there are problem areas, such as what it might say that might legitimize internet gambling establishments. He also requested that the Mayor send a letter on behalf of the City opposing SB-678 that would be sent to Senator Correa and to Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report October 18, 2013 Page 3 the Chairman of the Senate Government Organization Committee. A report on this item will be on the next Committee agenda. City Attorney Gennaro said that her office has received a substantial amount of calls from local business owners who want to help the City’s efforts to close down the café’s. She asked if the Committee wanted them to share any specific information. Committee Chair Johnson replied that the business owners can be notified of the legislation proposed by Assembly member Salas, and that there may be more information at the next Committee meeting. B. Update regarding Gang/Graffiti Enforcement and Safe Streets Partnership Efforts Lieutenant Terry had submitted a report that was included in the Committee packet. Committee Chair Johnson noticed that there had been Safe Streets Partnership meeting on October 14, 2013 at 5:15 p.m. He asked when the next one will be. Lieutenant Terry said that the next one is November 12, 2013, and that the meetings are usually held on the second Monday of the month, at 5:15 p.m. Committee Chair Johnson said he was encouraged by the 81 arrests for graffiti enforcement, and he thanked the Police Department for all of the work they are doing. 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Chair Johnson is looking forward to a report at the next meeting on the status of SB-678, and hearing additional news from Assembly member Salas’ office. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:12 p.m.