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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 1998-01-15BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE January 15, 1998 Committee: Chairman Marshall, Trustees Baudek and Pauley Attending: All Also Attending: Town Administrator Klaphake, Police Chief Repola, Fire Chief Dorman, Municipal Judge Brown, Clerk O'Connor Absent: None Chairman Marshall called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. POLICE DEPARTMENT. 1997 Municipal Court Year-end Report. Municipal Court Judge Brown noted that the Court heard 414 cases in 1997 for a total fine collection of $22,274.00. A total of 388 parking citations were issued for an income of $3,730.00. There were 428 cases in 1996 ($17,935.00), and 251 parking fines ($2,380.00). The Judge is committed to reaching out into the community, particularly with students. He has spoken to High School Students on addiction and alcohol, and participates in a History Course. Pursuant to the number of violations by minors in Riverside Plaza, the Court held additional court sessions during July and August to hear certain cases quickly. Judge Brown stated that the Court has been successful in implementing a Baseline Program to assist young offenders. Minors are ordered to participate in the Program, and parents are required to attend classes to learn how families can get back into control. Community service, TNT --Teens and Tobacco are additional tools being utilized by the Court. For first time offenders, the Court generally orders a $25.00 fine, 8 hours of community service, and a fine of $100 (the fine is held in suspension pending further offenses). It appears multiple offenders are being diverted, thus the aforementioned programs are having a positive impact. The Court Liaison Program, where the Town is represented by a Police Officer is very effective. The Court has achieved a reputation of taking cases seriously, they are fair and they follow-up all pending items toward completion. An area the Judge believes is insufficient is a Probation Service. This service would be provided by an independent person (counselor) who would provide a "pre -sentencing report." The Judge and Chief Repola believe this program would be an effective tool to evaluate what is best for young people as well as others attending Municipal Court. This system is utilized in the Federal Court System as well as Larimer County. Responding to the Committee on program costs, staff advised they anticipate a professionally prepared report in the range of $75 - $100/report. This fee would be assessed to the defendant; however, if the defendant couldn't pay the fee, the Town would be liable. In all cases, the Judge would attempt to obtain the fee from the defendant. Additional discussion followed on minor privacy rights, confirmation that the pre -sentencing report would provide a complete life history, extensive counseling alternatives, and how the BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee - January 15, 1998 - Page 2 report would be confidential between the defendant and Municipal Judge. The Committee recommends Judge Brown and Chief Repola be authorized to explore the Probation Service, reporting their findings to the Committee when appropriate. Judge Brown extended an invitation to Committee members to attend Municipal Court. Personnel. Ray Leaycraft was recently sworn -in as Police Officer I. The officer has relocated from Garland, Texas, and he has 20 years' experience. Staff anticipates the officer will be on the street by late April. The Department was successful in receiving the grant for an additional officer, and testing for this position will begin in the near future. Mike Van Deutekom will be promoted to Investigator in February, and Cherie Bartram was promoted to First Line Supervisor in Communications. Bids for new Patrol Vehicle - Report. RFPs will be issued for a new patrol vehicle; bids with and without a trade-in are expected for the February meeting. REPORTS. The Committee reviewed the 1997 Year-end Traffic Report. Incidents increased 12%. A press release is planned for the 25 mph flashing light school zone on Highway 7. A total of 55 tobacco violations by minors were charged in Municipal Court. General discussion followed on the Lake Estes Trail (bicycles), Riverside Plaza, profanity, and traffic on Highways 7 and 34. A training report for all sworn personnel during 1997 was presented and clarified; a total of 2,359 hours were expended on training. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Ice Rescue. Chief Dorman reported that the Fire Dept. will be conducting an Ice Rescue Class for the Police Dept. and others in the community. The Class includes classroom and field training. Air Packs. This purchase is included in the 1998 Budget and one quote has been received. The Committee requested Chief Dorman seek at least two bids for price comparison, and return to the Committee for further action. Fireworks Display Permit. Chief Dorman advised that a company has contacted him for an application for a sales display during a conference at The Stanley Hotel in March. The Clerk and Chief Dorman will proceed with the application process; additional information will be forthcoming. There being no further business, Chairman Marshall adjourned the meeting at 4:34 p.m. JAtN2✓7i93 Vickie O'Connor, CMC/AAE, Town Clerk