HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 2006-07-27RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, July 27, 2006
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE of the
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the
Town Hall in said Town of Estes Park on the 27th day of July, 2006.
Committee:
Attending:
Also Attending:
Absent:
Chairman Newsom, Trustees Blackhurst and Eisenlauer
All
Chief Richardson, Administrator Repola, Deputy Clerk Schares
Chief Dorman
Chairman Newsom called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Wireless Citation Project — Request Approval. Chief Richardson stated the Police
Department applied for, but did not receive, an $80,000 federal grant with a 40% match for
a wireless/automated citation package. Therefore, staff investigated purchasing a system
for the same cost as the grant match amount of $32,000. Advanced Public Safety's
wireless/automated citation system is the only system authorized to integrate into the
current Larimer County Records Management System. The system would create a
paperless system for criminal and information reports reducing the Police Department's
paper reporting by 20%. The system would integrate software within the records
management systems, auto populate data into several reports, and include a mag-swipe
reader and thermal printing unit for the patrol car or handheld unit. Automating the citation
process would increase efficiency and accuracy. Staff recommends purchasing the
wireless citation package including training and two handheld wireless units from
Advanced Public Safety. Staff will provide Administrator Repola with the account number.
Following discussion, the Committee recommended approval to purchase the wireless
citation package from Advanced Public Safety as outlined above in the amount of
$37,709.56.
Acquisition of an Emergency Response Vehicle through Federal 1033 Program -
Request Approval. Chief Richardson stated during special enforcement activities the
Police Department has historically relied on the Larimer County Sheriffs Department for
assistance. An Emergency Response Team was created due to lengthy response time of
the Sheriffs Department. This team is in need of a command vehicle for safer operations
and effective planning of special enforcement activities and special events. The Federal
1033 program allows civilian law enforcement access to military and federal surplus
equipment at no cost. A one -ton unequipped box truck is currently available for
acquisition. Staff recommends acquiring the truck and equipping it with emergency and
communication equipment, seating, storage, a generator, air conditioner and exterior
lighting during the next two years. One-way airfare for two staff members is needed to
pick up the vehicle in Texas, if the vehicle is found to be in satisfactory condition after
review of a vehicle history report. Following box truck fouseas an emergency
discussion,
Cmmittee recommended
approval to acquire the one -ton unequipped
response vehicle contingent on the vehicle's condition.
Reports:
1. Pit Bu lI Study — Chief Richardson reported State law on pit bulls has not changed
regardless of the outcry for reform. No dog bite cases were reported to the Police
Department between January and June; however, 3 dog bite cases occurred in
July. Specifics on the incidents are not available although all three incidents have
involved local dogs. Chief Richardson stated a maximum fine of $300 with possible
restitution can be charged per incident.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Public Safety Committee — July 27, 2006 — Page 2
2. Community Assessment — Officer Hulme presented a community assessment on
burglaries in Estes Park. Although the Town's statistics for burglaries are lower
than the overall State statistics, it is still an issue that should be addressed.
Burglaries account for 15-20% of crimes in Estes Park with the majority occurring
downtown due to poor lighting, lack of security systems, and improper locks. Officer
Hulme suggested lighting and security, along with safe money management, zone
policing, and security surveys could decrease burglaries. Security surveys would be
conducted by a trained Crime Prevention Officer to identify vulnerable areas and
make suggestions to increase security. Property owners could be educated through
brochures, classes, Police & Business in Partnership (PBIP) notices, Estes Park
Chamber of Commerce, and community meetings.
3. Missing Person Search Results — Chief Richardson stated the missing Nepalese
student was found safe. During the search the Police Department incurred $5,067
of unbudgeted expenses. The Fire Department incurred $1,600 in expenses.
4. Zone 3 Initiative — Officer Allen stated the Police Department received a complaint
regarding visibility at the intersection of Dry Gulch Rd. and Big Thompson Ave.
Officers Marciniak and Allen reviewed the complaint and contacted the owner of
Sombrero Stables to request trailers be parked away from the intersection. Officer
Marciniak also suggested moving the stop line closer to Big Thompson Ave. Staff
will review the possibility of moving the line and will continue to monitor the area.
5. 2nd Quarter NIBRS Statistics — The Police Department has seen a significant
decrease in juvenile arrests due to a majority of cases being referred to Restorative
Justice.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Reports:
1. Status of the Fire District — Administrator Repola stated the Firewise Coalition is
awaiting a hearing date in District Court to acquire approval of the ballot question on
the upcoming general election. There is currently a call for candidates to serve on
the Fire District Board of Directors. Candidates must be a registered Colorado voter
residing in or owning property in the District.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Trustee Newsom stated the "Do Not Enter" sign for the Children's Parking Lot is not visible
to cars traveling west to east. He also suggested striping the turn lanes at the intersection
of Elkhorn Ave. and Moraine Ave. Staff will look into options for enhancing visibility of the
sign and contact CDOT regarding the possibility of adding striping.
Trustee Eisenlauer commented the bike situation has improved on the Riverwalk;
however, she suggested placing "No Bicycle" signs on the sidewalks along Elkhorn Ave.
Administrator Repola stated "Share the Road" signs would be placed in several locations
in Town to increase awareness of bicyclist.
There being no further business, Chairman Newsom adjourned the meeting at 9:26 a.m.
SuzPSEhares, Deputy Town Clerk
* Editor's Note: Upon review of the minutes Chief Richardson restated the report on the
Pit Bull Study to state: State law on pit bulls has not changed regardless of community
concern requesting reform.
APPROVED
AUG - 8 2006
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES