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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/19/2012 Agenda Summary Report B A K E R S F I E L D Steven Teglia Rudy Salas, Chair Staff: Steven Teglia Russell Johnson Assistant to the City Manager Jacquie Sullivan REGULAR MEETING OF THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE Thursday, July 19, 2012 12:00 p.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Meeting called to order at 12:03 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember, Rudy Salas, Chair Councilmember, Russell Johnson Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan - Absent City staff: Steve Teglia, Assistant to the City Manager Chris Huot, Administrative Analyst Mayor Harvey L. Hall Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Richard Iger, Associate City Attorney Jessalee Talley, Associate City Attorney Captain Brian Clayton Captain Hajir Nuriddin Lieutenant Randy Robison Lieutenant Greg Terry Additional Attendees: Brian Mendiburu, Kern High School District Tim Palmquist, Lifesavers Ministries Will Haywood and Jairo Dueñas, Ebony Counseling Center Ron Hyatt Members of the media Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report July 19, 2012 Page 2 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS Ron Hyatt spoke about the large number of hit and run accidents. He requested that staff strengthen the local ordinance to take irresponsible drivers off the street. Lieutenant Robison explained that the Vehicle Code has no provision for impounding a vehicle that is not registered. Officers in the Traffic Unit make every effort to ensure that vehicles are being operated legally. Captain Nuriddin said that legislation would need to be changed to create a provision that would allow for uninsured motorists to be cited. Mr. Hyatt provided an ordinance used by the city of Lubbock, Texas to the City Attorney. Committee Chair Salas noted that the Vehicle Code is set by the State Legislature. Will Haywood spoke about a pedestrian safety campaign. A public service announcement was produced in order to increase public safety awareness. He also spoke about problems in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and the number of fights and gang activity that occurs near the splash pad. He asked if police presence could be increased. Committee Chair Salas suggested that eyewitnesses or neighborhood watch captains report any illegal activity. Captain Nuriddin reported that anyone can call 325-GANG or text 274637 bpd crime, plus their message, both methods being anonymous and confidential. Committee Chair Salas suggested that Public Works erect signage in the area that provides this information. 3. ADOPTION OF APRIL 20, 2012 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted. 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Update regarding Gang and Graffiti Enforcement – Williamson Lieutenant Terry reported that, year-to-date, there have been 31 shootings and 5 gang-related homicides, which is 1 less than last year. There were 154 cases of graffiti cleared last month, with 15 arrests, and staff will be seeking just over $12,000 in restitution. Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee Agenda Summary Report July 19, 2012 Page 3 Committee member Johnson noted that there was double the amount of shootings this year compared to the same period last year. Lieutenant Terry said that the number is lower than the same period in 2010. Captain Nuriddin stated that there does not seem to be a pattern, but noted the reduction in gang-related shootings as a positive sign. Committee member Johnson asked if the expanded number of shootings is related to the increased number of individuals released in this area as a result of the realignment. He asked staff to look into the issue, indicating that if it can be attributed to the realignment, it is possible that the City could be eligible to receive State funding to assist in local efforts. Committee Chair Salas asked for an update at the next meeting on the effects of AB 109. B. Update on Recent Safe Streets Program Call-in - Williamson Lieutenant Terry reported that the fourth call-in took place on June 28th at Garden Pathways. Normally, only one gang would participate at a time; but this time, there were two, and it worked well. There are three more call-ins scheduled for this year. If there is additional violence, more will be scheduled. A meeting is being held with some of the Safe Streets partners, the Gang Unit and some retired law enforcement officials from North Carolina, who are relating a unique program they have employed to reduce violence. There continues to be a lot of support from the community and input from volunteers. Committee Chair Salas requested that staff invite the Mayor to the next call-in. 5. NEW BUSINESS 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee Chair Salas asked staff to provide a memo after each DUI Checkpoint takes place that details the results. Mr. Salas also asked about the recent motorcycle safety patrols. Lieutenant Robison said that a $500,000 grant enabled the Department to focus on an area where the number of motorcycle accidents and speeding is high. Officers promote safety and education in addition to their enforcement efforts. Committee member Johnson asked that staff provide him with Neighborhood Watch information. Committee Chair Salas expressed a need to obtain a graffiti kit, with paint. Public Works staff will be notified. 7. ADJOURNMENT 12:40 p.m.