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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/19/2009 B A K E R S F I E L D Irma Carson, Chair Staff: 44 Stinson Sue Benham 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, March 19, 2009 11:45 a.m. City Hall North—Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Meeting called to order at 12:00:56 PM 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember Irma Carson, Chair Councilmembers Sue Benham and Jacquie Sullivan Advisory members: Stephanie Campbell, Cornerstone Group Robert Murillo, Neighborhood Watch City staff: Harvey Hall, Mayor John W. Stinson, Assistant City Manager Rick Kirkwood, Management Assistant—City Manager's Office Steven Teglia, Administrative Analyst—City Manager's Office Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Bethelwel Wilson and Justin Crumley, Associate Attorneys William Rector, Chief of Police Lyle Martin, Assistant Police Chief Capt. Greg Williamson and Sgt. Joe Bianco, Bakersfield Police Department Allen Abe, Assistant Recreation and Parks Director Additional Attendees: Bob Roberts and Susan Lerude, Kern County Probation Bob Gooding, Kern County Sheriff's Office Karen Goh, Garden Pathways Marques Stansberry, Ebony Counseling Center Pastor Jordan, Stop the Violence Alan Paradise, Kern High School District Media 2. ADOPTION OF OCTOBER 16, 2008 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 19, 2009 Page 2 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement— Police Chief Rector The 2008 year end gang report was distributed. This report covers activities that the gang unit has been involved in. Lt. Bianco reported on specific incidents related to the gang and graffiti units over the last month. Advisory member Murillo asked if there is a hot line that accepts pictures or videos of crimes in progress. Police Chief Rector indicated that while there is not one now, it may be an idea to explore. Advisory member Campbell asked if Police Department procedures for arrests and searches are open to public. Police Chief Rector said that they are, and many of them are posted on the Department's website. B. Report on Kern County Probation Activities— Chief Probation Officer Roberts Chief Roberts reported that the Probation Department conducted numerous probation searches. The Department is beginning a Validated Risk Needs Assessment program. Every probationer within the system will be evaluated to determine their risk to the community, and what programs they may require and benefit from in order to rehabilitate them. There is a new Case Management System that will be operational in approximately eight months. This system will interface with other law enforcement agencies to provide a more efficient way to share information. Susan Lerude updated the Committee in regard to the Bridges Academy. There are now 30 students, 16-18 years old. Costs have been higher than anticipated. Staff is now partnering with local businesses that donate proceeds to help pay for a GED or diploma. Some groups have been meeting at Stockdale High School. Leadership Bakersfield took this on as one of their projects and renovated the room. At 2:00 p.m. on May 7, 2009, there will be a grand opening. C. Discussion regarding Feasibility of a Booth at the Kern County Fair— Police Chief Rector Crime prevention staff reserved a booth; the cost was $1,000. This will be paid with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Motion by Committee member Sullivan to approve the use of CDBG funds. Unanimously approval by the Committee. S:\Council Committees\2009\Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations\March\March 19-ASR.doc JWS:al Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 19, 2009 Page 3 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion regarding What the Community Can Do to Assist the Bakersfield Police Department in Providing Information and Other Assistance to Address Violent Crimes Committee Chair Carson held a press conference in January to encourage community involvement and fund raising. Assistant City Manager Stinson stated that there are some CDBG funds allocated for the next fiscal year that will cover the cost of two officers. Police Chief Rector indicated there may be some COPS monies available through the Stimulus Bill that could cover the cost of additional officers. Staff will request 20 additional positions for the directed policing units. There will be $1 billion available nationwide. B. Discussion and Committee Recommendation regarding Adoption of the 2009 Committee Meeting Schedule— Stinson Adopted as submitted 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Advisory member Campbell announced that a charrette summit will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on May 23, 2009 at the Stop the Violence office on Owens Street. The Joint City-County Strategic Plan will be used with the hope of adding to the community component section. More information can be obtained at swccornerstone(cD-aol.com or 324-7445. There is also a meeting on April 1, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at the same location. Committee Chair Carson asked for a report at the next Committee meeting. Police Chief Rector voiced his appreciation for the basketball program that takes place at the Police Activities League (PAL) overseen by Stop the Violence. Pastor Jordan and DeVon Johnson were specifically recognized for their involvement. Marques Stansberry with Ebony Counseling Center reported that they are developing a website for their program. There is an event at 7:00 p.m. on May 1, 2009 that will host a nationally-known speaker from Chicago. To date, a venue has not been set. They are also hoping to book Dr. Joseph Marshall, a professor at the Omega Boys Club in San Francisco for the third week in July. Karen Goh with Garden Pathways reported that they continue to explore partnerships with some court and community schools. Stay Focused Ministries will host an event on April 4, 2009 at Heritage Park and April 11, 2009 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. 7. ADJOURNMENT 12:54:50 PM SACouncil Committees\2009\Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations\March\March 19-ASR.doc JWS:al