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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/17/2011�� :> � " � ��� // Y °. „i ' w....�''�?"" ..,,,...;� - \'. _,. ��� '° � a � ..-a, • L � �. � •�iUl /:-- Staff: �Steven eglia Assistant to the City Manager Rudy Salas, Chair Russell Johnson Jacquie Sullivan SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SAFE NEI(�HBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE and Community Advisory Committee of the City Council - City of Bakersfield Thursday, March 17, 201 1 1 1:45 a.m. City Hall North - Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Meeting called to order at 1 1:52 AM 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember, Rudy Salas, Chair Councilmember, Russell Johnson Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan Advisorv members: Devon Johnson, OGPC - Prodigy City staff: Steve Teglia, Asst to City Manager Chris Huot, Administrative Analyst Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Bethelwel Wilson, Associate Attorney Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Lyle Martin, Asst. Police Chief Captain Joe Bianco, Police Dept Additional Attendees: Karen Briefer, Employers Training Resource Susan Lerude, Kern County Probation Brian Mendiburu, Bakersfield High School William Haywood, Ebony Counseling Center Student Miscellaneous members of the media Captain Mike Payne, Police Dept CRS Candy London, Police Dept Sergeant Greg Terry, Police Dept Detective Mary DeGeare, Police Dept Lieutenant Mitch Willoughby, Police Dept Darin Budak, Parks Superintendent Ken Trone, Parks Const/Facilities Planner Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 17, 201 1 Paqe 2 2. ADOPTION OF FEBRUARY 17, 2010 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted. 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None. 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Update reqarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement Sergeant Terry informed the Committee about the status of a graffiti incident at Stone Creek Park. Committee member Johnson thanked the Police Department for their diligence, as there have been numerous complaints. According to Police Chief Wiliiamson, the TAGER software has not yet been purchased, and the smart phone application that wiil enable citizens to report graffiti is still in the development stage. Assistant to the City Manager Teglia said that a status report on both items will be provided at the next Committee meeting. Sergeant Terry reported that, as of the end of Febi�uary, there had been one gang-related shooting, compared to five in 2010 for the same time frame. Twenty five guns were seized, compared to nine during the same time period in 2010. He also provided a status update regarding a recent homicide that is suspected to be gang related. Committee member Sullivan asked what may be contributing to the low number of shootings. Sergeant Terry said that it is difficult to define; however, the number of guns seized is one factor, and the resuits from the Safe Streets Partnership forums is another. Police Chief Williamson requested that staff mc�ke sure all Councilmembers receive a monthly report produced by the Department that detaiis the enforcement efforts of the Directed Policing Unit. B. Continued Discussion and Committee Recommendation rec�ardina Adoption of the 2011 Committee Meetincl Schedule Assistant to the City Manager Teglia stated that a draft calendar had been provided and discussed at the last Committee meeting. The calendar includes dates in May, August and November when the Committee members will partner with two Kern County Supervisors for meetings of the Joint City-County Standing Committee to Combat Gang Violence. The possibility of changing locations and meeting times was disc�ssed. Potential impacts, such as staff overtime costs and whether it would or would not promote additiona� public attendance, were also discussed. Impacts to County staff who attend meetings of this Committee may also be a factor. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 17, 2011 Police Chief Williamson noted his concern regarding staff overtime costs, which are estimated at $300 per meeting. Another point is that while some employees can be flexible with their schedule, those on patrol or who are on professional assignments must be replaced by other staff members while they attend Commiitee m2etings. The Department is understaffed, so there may not always be someone available. Assistant to the City Manager Teglia indicated that there may be some flexibility to hold meetings at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, or other locations, to promote aitendance. Another issue is the time of the meeting. He sfiated that it is important for the public's sake to have a location and time that is consistent. Advisory member Johnson reported that the original community meetings did heip to facilitate involvement and get the ball rolling. With the increased cooperation by organizations, such as the National Brotherhood Association, a new firend is being set that it is no longer cool to be in a gang, He supported the idea of holding meetings in the community. Committee member Sullivan suggested holding two community meetings per year. Commiitee member Johnson proposed holding one evening meeting per quarter in the community. City Aitorney Gennaro recommended that all meetings be scheduled and designated as Regular Meetings to ensure as much notice to the public as possible. Committee member Johnson suggested schedulin�g the June and September meetings in the evening and at community locations, The Committee unanimously agreed to schedule the June 16, 2011 meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, and the September 15, 2011 meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Friendship House, if it is open at that time. If it is not, an alternate location will be chosen. Committee Chair Salas proposed changing all other regular meeting times from 11:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The 2011 Commiitee calendar, with changes, was unanimously approved. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion re ac�rdina Fundinq for and Preparation of Public Service Announcements Sergeant DeGeare reported that the television stcitions have a finite amount of time and funding for Public Service Announcements (PSA), The news director at Channel 17 is receptive to ideas that will promote public safety, including topics that call for community participation. Channel 29 does not have a production department at this point in time, and staff at Channel 23 has a policy to evaluate proposals and determine whether or not it fits their criterion. Safe Neic�hborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 17, 201 1 Paqe 4 Due to the current economic situation, the recent trend for the Police Department is to appear on news shows to discuss topics that involve public safety rather than to create and produce public service announcements. There are also regularly scheduled radio interviews. Committee Chair Salas asked if production of public service announcements was incorporated into the franchise agreements the Cifiy has with the cabie companies. Sergeant DeGeare said that in the past the Department did partner with Bright House to produce three to fo�r minute videos on any topic related to p�blic safety. Also, there is a 24-hour digital cable program that airs a variety of informational videos. Two such videos were viewed by the Committee as examples. These videos can also be viewed on the BPD Insider webpage. Any topic can be pitchecl; and if the media believes it is a timely s�bject, they will produce the video. Community Relations Specialist London reported that the Crime Prevention staff, with the assistance of Explorers, is currently working on some story boards. The tagline is "Gangs aren't Cool." Three examples were viewed by the Committee. These give the news directors an idea of what the Department wants to convey; and if the media is interested, they will film and produce the videos. Committee Chair Salas asked if the news stations provide thi5 service at no cost. Community Relations Specialist London responded that it depends on the topic. Committee Chair Salas suggested working with the school districts, as they have their own production teams, so this couid be another resource. Sergeant DeGeare reported that staff did work in cooperation with Bakersfield College on one project several years ago, but it was unsuccessful. Committee member Sullivan supported the idea of getting the schools involved, including having the videos shown in classrooms or school assemblies. Assistant Chief Martin will contact Mr. Mendiburu with Bakersfield High School to discuss the matter with him. He reported that there are two Bakersfieid Police Officers temporarily assigned to Bakersfield High School to partner with them in a test program to intervene with young men and women who show signs of possibly getting involved with gangs. The public service videos could potentially integrate into the test program. Committee member Johnson said that a lot of good things are being done; however, the Committee is not always aware of them. He requested that the Public Information Officer for the Police Department communicate this type of information to the Committee and partners by e-mail. Committee Chair Salas suggested adding information on the story boards indicating what resources are available, such as outreach programs. Committee member Johnson supported the suggestion. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report March 17, 201 1 b. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee member Johnson asked if the County Probation Department could provide a written report if they foresaw that they would be unable to attend future Committee meetings. Susan Lerude from the County Probation Department confirmed that they could. Committee member Sullivan asked about recent news reports about a large amount of graffiti at one of the parks. Police Chief Williamson responded that the park in question was Heritage Park; and that with the assistance of County Supervisor Goh, it has been cleaned up. Committee member Sullivan asked about the Park Watch program. Police Chief Williamson responded that the information had been sent to all of the Neighborhood Watch Captains, and they have had a very positive response. He also planned to submit a Community Voices article to the Bakersfieid Californian in support of the program. Assistant to the City Manager Teglia announced that the May 19, 201 1 meeting of the Joint City-County Standing Committee to Combat Gang Violence will be hosted by the County. The starting time was changed from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Police Chief Williamson reported that there will be a ceremony at the Liberty Bell in honor of Peace Office Memorial Day at 12:00 p.m. Committee Chair Salas thanked everyone for attending and for their participation. 7. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 12:52 p.m.