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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/20/2014� BAKERSFIELD /�-/ Ste�vei Te��;a� Committee N Staff: Steven Teglia Russell Johnsc Assistant to the City Manager Jacquie Sulliv Willie Rivera REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Thursday, March 20, 2014 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, Jacquie Sullivan Councilmember, Willie Rivera City staff: Steve Teglia, Assistant to the City Manager Caleb Blaschke, Management 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 Hajir Nuriddin, Bakersfield Police Department Captain Joe Bianco, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenance Joe Mullins, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Jorge Gomez, Bakersfield Police Department Lieutenant Rene Chow, Bakersfield Police Department Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relatic Agenda S� 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 3. ADOPTION OF JANUARY 16, 2014 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The Report was unanimously adopted as submitted. 4. REPORTS A. Update re _ ardina Internet Cafes City Attorney Gennaro introduced Mr. Pulskamp of the District Attorr and thanked him for his efforts. Mr. Pulskamp stated that he and his staff had been working closely v� Attorney's Office, County Counsel and the California Attorney Generc this issue. The Fifth District Court of Appeals ruled that illegal gamblinc place in the facilities. It is a published decision that other jurisdictions as it is now law. He speculated that by the end of the week, all of thE Bakersfield would be closed. A letter was sent to all of the facilities to cease and desist, and it in� owners to contact the District Attorney's Office. The City Attorr followed up with a letter to all of the property owners. With the exce� all cafe's had closed by the date of this Committee meeting. The one in operation is Shockers, located at 3201 F Street. Committee member Sullivan asked if the Court's ruling is effective sta Pulskamp said that it is a published decision, which makes it a public rE other jurisdictions in California can abide by it. He also said that thE resolved the outstanding lawsuits; however, cafe owners can appeal � the California Supreme Court and ask that it be unpublished or ask for Reconsider. Committee Chair Johnson thanked Mr. Pulskamp for his efforts. understood that the City of Los Angeles was now investigating t� companies that supplied the gambling software. Mr. Pulskamp said t� looking closely at taking action against those companies, too; but thc complex, as some operate across state lines. Captain Nuriddin noted that at one point there were 21 internet cafe within the Bakersfield City Limits, but, generally, there was an average c Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relatic Agenda S� B. Update reaardinq Gana/Graffiti Enforcement and Safe Streets Efforts Lieutenant Mullins reported that, to date, there had been five c shootings, but no gang-related homicides. The latest two incic individuals fired on Police were related to former prisoners who had be as part of the AB-109 prison realignment. He added that the crime ratE in the summertime. The Safe Streets Partnership is still working well. To date, there have been 1 1 arrests made for graffiti violations, and 12E cleared. Staff has taken a more aggressive stance in collection of resti� Committee Chair Johnson said he was encouraged that there had be� related homicides so far this year. There were no public comments on this item. C. Report regarding Union Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Enforcement Efforts Lieutenant Gomez reported that the Vice Unit has been very aggre� efforts to combat prostitution. In 2013, there were 165 operations, res arrests. Year to date, there have been 7 operations, resulting in 76 ar operations are conducted under cover, and some are handled by pc While those arrested can be cited or booked, it has become standard majority of the offenders. The areas generating the most focus are E. California Avenue, Baker Owens Boulevard, California Avenue and Oak Street, Union Avenue Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Committee member Rivera believes he has noticed a difference, b large groups of people loitering in dirt lots, and they have chairs witr asked if posting signs to stop loitering in the area, or if any other effoi used to help persuade these individuals to move on. One suggestion coordinate efforts with Code Enforcement. Assistant Chief Martin said that when patrol officers do notice large grc Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relatic Agenda S� D. Update reqardinq Police Staffinq Chief Williamson referred to the memorandum that had been incl� meeting packet. The last recruitment was successful; and when academy ends, the Department should be close to its full complement Committee member Rivera asked if the representatives from the I Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) had met with the public when 1 Bakersfield. According to Assistant Chief Martin, Department staff c meetings with specific groups, as requested by IACP, which in Bakersfield Police Activities League Board of Directors, liaison comm Safe Streets Partnership and the Kern County Superintendent of Schoc to return in April; and at that time, the Department will coordinate furth according to the direction that will be given by IACP. Assistant to the City Manager Teglia provided an overview of the m took place and the projected upcoming timeline for their continued re Chief Williamson reported that the Department recently hired 48 of academy that began March 10, 2014 to fill 37 positions. Departm� request to hold two more academies, with the hope of one � September. Funds are being requested in the next fiscal year's bu� purpose. Committee Chair Johnson asked that staff report back in August academy ends, as to how many vacancies remain. He noted that IACP representatives to a few of his constituents who had been regarding relations with the Department. There were no public comments on this item. 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS None 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:34 p.m.