HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/17/2007
B A K E R S F I E L D
City Council members:
Irma Carson, Chair
Staff: John W. Stinson Zack Scrivner
Assistant City Manager Jacquie Sullivan
REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS
AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
and Community Advisory Committee
of the City Council -City of Bakersfield
Thursday, May 17, 2007
11:45 a.m.
City Manager's Conference Room
1501 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
2. ADOPTION OF APRIL 19, 2007 MINUTES
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
4. DEFERRED BUSINESS
A. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement -Rector
B. Update regarding Gang Injunctions -Gennaro
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion regarding AB 802 (Salas): Establish the California Commission on
Gang Prevention and Intervention -Gennaro
6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
7. ADJOURNMENT
S:\Council Committees\2007\07 Safe NeighborhoodsWlay 17W1ay 17 Agenda.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
City Council members:
~- Irma Carson, Chair
Staff: ohn W. Stinson Zack Scrivner
Assistant City Manager Jacquie Sullivan
REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS
AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
and Community Advisory Committee
of the City Council -City of Bakersfield
Thursday, April 19, 2007
11:45 a.m.
City Manager's Conference Room
1501 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
MINUTES
Meeting called to order at 11:49:09 AM
A moment of silence was called for in memory of the students at Virginia Tech.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Council member Irma Carson; Chair
Council member Zack Scrivner
Council member Jacquie Sullivan
Advisory members present: Steven Perryman, BHS
Devon Johnson, OGPC
Walter Williams, GBLA
Stephanie Campbell, Cornerstone Group
Ann Batchelder, Employers Training Resource
Staff present: Assistant City Managers John W. Stinson and Christine Butterfield
Management Assistant Rick Kirkwood
City Attorney Virginia Gennaro
Associate Attorney Andrew Whang
Police Chief William Rector
Capt. Tim Taylor
Capt. Bob Bivens
Asst. Recreation and Parks Director Allen Abe
Recreation Supervisor Linda McVicker
Economic/Community Development Director Donna Kunz
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Page 1
Others present: John Roberts and Susan Lerude, Kern County Probation
Kenny Williams, KHSD
Jennifer Lopez, NFC/GMK
Various members of the media
2. ADOPTION OF MARCH 15, 2007 MINUTES
Motion by Scrivner to adopt. Unanimously passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Carson, Scrivner, Sullivan
Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None
4. DEFERRED BUSINESS
A. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement -Rector
11:51:06 AM Chief Rector provided updates on both gang and graffiti enforcement.
Gang Enforcement: There have been 304 felony arrests to date, which is an average
of 100 ± per month, 196 misdemeanors, and close to 170 total warrant arrests. There
have been 1,300 probation/parole searches, which is about 430 per month.
Graffiti Enforcement: Arrests have increased from 31 last year to 51 to date in 2007.
There have been 130 offenses cleared to date, compared to 73 last year. There are
fewer secret witness graffiti tips, with 15 to date last year and only 2 this year.
Committee member Sullivan recommends staff work with the media to promote the
graffiti website and the fact citizens can report offenses anonymously.
Committee member Scrivner suggested advertising the information in the next
Recreation and Parks brochure, which will be distributed in the fall. Captain Givens
indicated that the 32 ERASE number is so successful, people are using that instead.
Probation Chief Roberts reported that Kern County Probation has participated in mass
sweeps in gang areas, making arrests and confiscating weapons. They will soon be
proposing additional programs and personnel to further address gang issues. One
proposal in particular would be a high-risk offender unit, which will deal with felony
gang members on probation, as well as sex and other high risk offenders, and
incorporate a GPS and canine component. The Bakersfield Police Department may
assign an officer to the unit.
According to Chief Rector, the Bakersfield Police Department applied for a grant to
purchase GPS anklets which will be given to Kern County Probation. This system will
aid both agencies.
Committee Chair Carson asked for a copy of the proposal.
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B. Update regarding Proposed Strategic Plan to Combat Gang Violence and Possible
Funding
12:02:47 PM Assistant City Manager Stinson reviewed the financial document that had
been distributed. According to department memos, the City of Bakersfield budgets
approximately $8 million annually to combat gang violence. Some costs not delineated
include regular Police patrols, revitalization efforts, a recent a job fair, national night out,
neighborhood watch, among others. Future figures will increase and will include costs for
Park Patrols.
Committee Chair Carson asked if the Economic and Community Development Department
has identified funds for prevention and intervention. Mr. Stinson reported that Community
Development Block Grant Funds cannot be used for operations, but can be used for capital
expenditures, such as security cameras in parks. Economic Development Director Kunz
said that residential centers, affordable housing, job training, and facilities in a
redevelopment project area are eligible, but it has to be something that benefits low- to
moderate-income citizens.
Committee Chair Carson indicated that talks were held with the City Manager, who has
been asked to look at setting aside contingency funds for anti-gang activities. She also
asked Ms. Kunz to research any grants that focus on combating gang violence.
Committee member Sullivan noted that education is a key component. Assistant
Recreation and Parks Director Abe stated that the Department would look at any grants
that will support youth education programs in schools.
Economic Development Director Kunz stated that in the past there was an effort to create
a youth build program with qualified community based development organizations. Staff
found that the required expertise is not available locally. Federal funds are available to
pair at risk youth with qualified construction firms to build homes then sell them to qualified
low-income individuals. The City would assist with the construction loan and down
payment assistance for the buyer. At Ms. Carson's direction, staff will try again to find a
local firm to participate through an RFP process and ensure that Employer's Training
Resource is involved. Advisory member Williams provided the name of a local contractor
who may be interested.
C. Gathering of Signatures by the Committee and Advisory members in Support of AB
104 and SB 456
12:27:16 PM The Committee and Advisory members were provided three letters each to
sign.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Report on the Graffiti Tracking Software -Police Department
12:28:59 PM Captain Bivens researched this software at the request of Committee
member Scrivner and found that the software utilizes GPS cameras. The purchase price is
$30,000, with $30,000 per year maintenance costs.
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The City's existing system involves: 1) a call to 32 ERASE; 2) a referral is made; 3) a crew
goes out and takes a picture; 4) the graffiti is cleaned up; and 5) follow-up information is
entered manually into the computer system. The Bakersfield Police Department then
begins its investigation based on the photos. GEO mapping is used, which is software
currently installed on City computers. The system now in place works well. Staff does not
recommend any changes.
Committee member Scrivner thanked staff for their time.
B. Discussion regarding Programs for Fathers in Strategic Plan
12:31:34 PM This item was referred by Advisory member Wesley Crawford. Committee
Chair Carson directed that this be placed on the agenda for the next City/County meeting.,
6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
12:31:52 PM Advisory member Johnson gave an update on a competitive basketball
program at both the Boys and Girls Club and the Police Activities League. He notes
that there are enough funds to pay staff, but not to purchase recognition items such as
trophies. This is an activity that falls into the Prevention category so it is important that
adequate monies are provided. His belief is that staff members associated with the
facilities should be held accountable. Committee Chair Carson recommended that Mr.
Johnson meet with the Board in regard to his concerns.
Mr. Johnson distributed a brochure that details the activities of the League. To raise
funds, advertisements are sold. Committee member Scrivner directed staff to provide
information regarding the gang and graffiti hotlines and graffiti website to Mr. Johnson
to include in the brochure. Probation Chief Roberts expressed an interest in providing
information regarding their programs, also. Economic Development Director Kunz
stated that her Department has a small marketing budget that allows for placement of
fair housing ads in these kinds of brochures that reach low income neighborhoods.
Advisory member Campbell asked if the City has any additional funds available for
intervention and prevention. City Attorney Gennaro explained that this Committee is
the same as any other Council Committee, and no funding is provided directly for
Committee activities. Any requests for funding must be referred to the Budget and
Finance Committee, then further to the full City Council for review and
recommendation. Assistant City Manager Stinson noted that Council has an existing
policy that limits contributions to three non-profit groups. Committee Chair Carson
said that it may be possible to set up a special fund that would be matched by the City
and administered by the Bakersfield Foundation.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:56:10 PM
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-~ ~ ~ MAY '~' G 2007
MEMORANDUM ' -- -
~'ttFO~ ~ CITY ATTORNEY ~~.,_.,, ,; ,_ _
May 8, 2007
TO: SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Irma Carson, Chair
Zack Scrivner
Jacquie Sullivan
FROM: JANICE SCANLAN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
SUBJECT: AB 802 --CRIMINAL STREET GANGS
INTRODUCTION:
On February 22, 2007, Assembly Member Salas introduced Assembly Bill 802. If
passed, this bill will establish the California Commission on Gang Prevention and
Intervention. The Commission would be responsible for creating a statewide strategy
on gang violence prevention and intervention and collaboration with. local agencies to
implement the statewide strategy.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
The bill seeks to:
o Develop a more strategic, coordinated, and collaborative effort between
the state, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, social service
providers, and the general public .with the objective of significantly
curtailing gang involvement, and its negative impact on communities
within California;
o Create along-term and joint effort that incorporates municipalities, law
enforcement. agencies, social service providers, citizens, and other
appropriate public agencies;
o Make recommendations concerning gang .prevention, intervention,
diversion, and suppression methods; identify local, state, and federal
funding sources; and address other gang-related policy matters, including,
but not limited to, assessing the problem, identifying the target areas and
population, developing a strategic plan, identifying local, state, and federal
funding sources, and setting goals with measurable objectives;
o Oversee and guide the work of collaborating agencies, support creation of
intervention teams, remove barriers and promote policies, facilitate
community capacity building, and support ongoing. monitoring of efforts;
and
o Consult with governmental and nongovernmental organizations in
developing recommendations to strengthen state and local efforts to
prevent gang violence, protect and assist victims of gang violence, and
prosecute gang members.
The commission shall be comprised of the following representatives or their
designees:
o The Attomey General;
o The Chairperson of the Judicial Council of Califomia;
o The Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development;
o One Member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Committee on
Rules;
o One Member of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of the
Assembly;
o The Secre#ary for Education;
o The Director of Social Services;
o One representative from a Califomia public defender's office,
appointed by the Govemor;
o One representative from a Califomia district attorney's offce,
appointed by the Govemor;
o Two representatives of local law enforcement, appointed by
the Governor;
o The Speaker of the Assembly shall appoint one representative
from a community organization working on gang issues.
o The Senate Committee on Rules shall appoint one
representative who is a reformed gang member.
On or before July 1, 2009, the commission shall report its findings and
recommendations to the Govemor, the Attomey General, and the Legislature.
STATUS OF BILL:
The bill passed out of the Public Safety Committee (7-0) and has been referred
to the Appropriations suspense file. Bills are sent to the suspense file when they carry
appropriations over a certain amount and are generally held there before adoption of
the Budget Bill and before summer recess.
S:\COUNCIL\Committee\SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS\06-07\ab 802.doc
SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE
Thursday, May 17, 2007
ATTENDANCE LIST
Name Organization Contact: Phone/ E-mail
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