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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 2005-01-27RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, January 27, 2005 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 27th day of January, 2005. Committee: Chairman Newsom, Trustees Doylen and Pinkham Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Repola, Clerk O'Connor, Police Chief Richardson, Fire Chief Dorman, Officer Steinhage, Municipal Judge Brown Absent: None Chairman Newsom called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. POLICE DEPARTMENT. Estes Valley Victim Advocates (EVVA) Contract for Services — Request Approval of Renewal. Each year, the EWA receives funding from the Town for services rendered to crime victims who are Estes Park residents. The budget contains $7,500 for these contracted services and there are no changes for the upcoming year. The Committee recommends approval of the EVVA Contract for 2005 in the budgeted amount of $7,500 subject to minor revisions proposed by Attorney White and incorporatation therein. In -Car Video Systems for Patrol — Request Approval of Budgeted Item. In 2002, the Committee approved the installation of an in -car video system as standard equipment for the patrol fleet. Reasoning to include this item as standard equipment is to reduce the need for courtroom testimony by the police officer since video evidence provides an immediate visual account of a driving violation. Additionally, a more accurate account of what transpired between an officer and a citizen is available for immediate review, reducing the number of subjective citizen complaints. To date, one patrol car has been equipped, and due to budget constraints in 2003-2004, the line item was removed. Funding ($5,000) was re -budgeted in 2005 and bids for one unit were solicited as follows: International Police Technologies Kustom Signals MPH In -Car Camera $2,195.00 $3,326.00 $4,449.00 The low bidder, International Police Technologies, would install an identical system that is currently used by the Dept. Discussion followed on the quality of the image (mid -range proposed), incremental installation for the 6 marked units, and archival storage (digital) and quantity. The Committee recommends the bid in the total amount of $4,390.00 for two units submitted by International Police Technologies be accepted. Copy Machine — Request Approval of Budgeted Item. The current copy machine is seven years old and staff has researched a replacement; bids are as follows: RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety — January 27, 2005 — Page 2 Company Black & White Color Annual Maintenance Contract Minolta $9,845 $16,518 $1,113/$1,080 Toshiba $10,033 $10,925 $1,283/$1,283 Lanier $10,738 $12,490 $1,012/$1,008 Xerox $10,951 $16,340 $1,428/$1,548 Due to advancements in technology, network copiers/scanners are capable of scanning documents directly to a server where staff can format and archive information using in-house staff or police volunteers. By eliminating outsourcing, the Dept. anticipates a potential cost savings of 70-80%. Clarification followed on: (1) price/copy over the 96,000/yr. and this will be closely monitored, and (2) a comparison with the recently -approved copy machine being leased by the Finance Dept.; a refurbished v. a new machine; area customer service; and ability to resolve problems via phone lines. The Committee recommends the bid in the amount of $10,925 submitted by Toshiba for a network color copier, including a $500 rebate for the first year on the maintenance contract be accepted, with staff researching those items discussed above prior to executing the contract. Reports. ■ Municipal Court Annual Report. Court Judge Brown presented the 2004 Annual Report for the Municipal Court: • In summary, cases down, revenues are up, and parking tickets also down somewhat. Public contact: Presenting at the Police and Citizens Information Academies. Meeting with Police staff to discuss the municipal court process. Translation for Spanish speaking residents: Currently, the Court has 2 volunteers for translation. Judge Brown noted his concern, as the volunteers are not "certified translators" with the State and Federal court systems. He is gathering costs from neighboring municipalities for future budgeting purposes, and staff is working on the inclusion of Spanish translation of court documents. Judge Brown and Administrator Repola will meet to discuss this item further. • The Skateboard Park has helped reduce frequency of violations. Personnel: Court Clerk Stapleton was commended for her efforts. • Fines now paid directly to Finance Dept. and this process is working well. The Court is able to issue fines up to $300 and community service; violations requiring jail sentencing are forwarded to County or District Court. • Board of Evaluators Presentation. Officer Steinhage gave a PowerPoint presentation on Spanish-speaking residents: • Demographics; • Community challenges (language, employment lack of the sense of community between their own origins, lack of gathering places to breakdown these barriers, fear/distrust of the Police, lack of knowledge of the law, lack of Spanish- speaking media in Town, housing, youth suffer a feeling of RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety — January 27, 2005 — Page 3 isolation, immunizations, emphasis on work rather than education, particularly beginning at middle -school levels, no gang activity at this time (seeking information). ■ Solutions. Investigating community partnerships, education, pamphlets, community forums, and Spanish language classes for interested emergency services members. Discussion: Community -gathering place — can see a need, but not solution; Police presence could be available at Mexican celebrations where translated pamphlets could be available. Serious outreach is a complex and challenging issue, not only for the Police Dept., but also as a community as a whole. Chief Richardson commented on federal immigration laws and the Department's role in providing services. Linda Vogl/CACEP noted CACEP's efforts in working to integrate arts to the Hispanic community —they are Very aware and willing to do more to use the arts as a tool to reach the entire community for cultural diversity. The Committee commended Officer Steinhage for his presentation. • 2003-2004 Statistics Update. The Committee reviewed the report, and Chief Richardson noted that clearance rates have not yet been completed. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park (C.A.C.E.P.)/The Gallery Restaurant Fireworks Permit — Request Approval. Fire Chief Dorman reported he has researched the Municipal Code and Statutes and the Town Board has authority to grant a fireworks permit to groups/organizations but not to individuals. Linda Vogl/CACEP appeared before the Committee seeking approval of a fireworks permit to co -host a Chinese New Year Celebration and fundraiser along with the Chinese American Arts Commission at The Gallery Restaurant and nearby premises on February 9th. The evening would conclude at 7:30 p.m. with the traditional ignition of fireworks and a Dragon Dance to announce the New Year. The Special Events Dept. has been approached to discuss and seek approval of the Dragon and Lion Dance portion of this event from the Transit Center, north on MacGregor Ave., west on Park Lane directly to the Restaurant. Event specifics include: • A series of poles would be constructed to suspend the firecrackers, provide proper supervision, and have ready (if necessary), water lines or extinguishers to ensure the surrounding areas are protected. • 4,702 firecrackers marking the 4702th Chinese New Year would be ignited. • The point of ignition is in the rear of the Courtyard Shops on a concrete parking surface. • The firecrackers emit no flame or embers, nor will there be an aerial display. Discussion followed conceming wind, marketing, relocating the fireworks nearer to Bond Park for enhanced visibility and participation, and beginning the event with the fireworks in lieu of ending with it. Chief Dorman referred to the Municipal Code where public displays, not private, are allowed. Other Chinese restaurants will be contacted to RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety — January 27, 2005 — Page 4 encourage their participation, and representatives from the Denver Dragon Boat Club will be attending. The Committee recommends approval of the Fireworks Permit, suggesting (1) the fireworks take place as the kickoff of the event , and (2) the display take place on MacGregor Ave. in front of the Municipal Building, and (3) event organizers secure a Special Events Permit. The Committee praised the event organizers for their initiative in sponsoring and presenting event. Reports. • 2004 Year End Report: if Election of officers for 2005 was held 12/7/04 with the following results: • 1st Ass't. Chief — Daryl McCown • 2' Ass't. Chief — Robert Hirning • Secretary — Will Birchfield • Treasurer — Dave Sharman ✓ 2004 Financial Report ✓ Training Report (average of 187 hrs./firefighter for call response & training hours) ✓ Year-end Incident Run Report. The Committee recommends approval of the 2005 Slate of Officers, and expressed their appreciation for the report. There being no further business, Chairman Newsom adjourned the meeting at 9:41 a.m. Vickie O'Connor, CMC, Town Clerk