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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 1998-10-01BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ✓Public Safety Committee October 1, 1998 Committee: Chairman Marshall, Trustees Baudek and Hix Attending: Chairman Marshall, Trustee Baudek Also Attending: Town Administrator Widmer, Police Chief Repola, Fire Chief Dorman, Clerk O'Connor Absent: Trustee Hix Chairman Marshall called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. POLICE DEPARTMENT: Street Closure, Riverside Dr. to Spruce Dr. - Halloween Event, October 31, 1998. Staff is requesting approval to close Elkhorn Ave. from Spruce Dr. to E. Riverside Dr. from 5:00 p.m. until approximately 8-9:00 p.m. to enhance the Downtown Halloween event. Closing the street to traffic for Halloween has been practiced in the past as it provides a safe holiday for this family event. Officers control the intersections and dispense candy. The street closure is identical to last year, and the Committee recommends approval of the street closure as noted. This request requires annual approval due to the street closure. Burglary Prevention/Investigation Efforts. Detective van Deutekom reported that at the request of Chief Repola, staff has reviewed burglary violations to determine how the "solve rate" could be improved. The Uniform Crime Reporting System implemented by the FBI to track various crimes indicates that law enforcement achieves a national solve -rate average of 13%. In 1997, the Dept. handled a total of 48 reported burglaries; nine cases were solved, for a total solve rate of 18.75%. To date, there have been 32 reported burglaries; five cases have been solved, for a solve -rate of 15.6%. Burglary is one of the toughest crimes to solve. In Colorado, burglaries are categorized into three degrees: first degree is entering illegally and threatening or using force; second degree is illegally entering without the use of force; and third degree is when the perpetrator breaks into any type of safe, coin - operated machine, etc. Just less then half of all reported burglaries were committed without force (i.e.: open doors, windows, safes), creating an atmosphere conductive to burglaries. By educating the public to secure their possessions, burglaries could be reduced by almost 50%. Patrol Supervisors Fox, Kufeld, Pass, Schumaker, Captain Filsinger and Detective van Deutekom are proposing implementation of the following: 1. Establish a map with markers to visually observe if there are problem areas. 2. Encourage officers on patrol to utilize field interviews. 3. Utilize Public Service Announcements on the local radio station. 4. Place articles in the Trail Gazette concerning burglary prevention. 5. Schedule public meetings focusing on burglary prevention. BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee — October 1, 1998 — Page 2 6. Assign extra officers to special burglary detail. Item #1 has been completed, and it is apparent that the vast majority of burglaries occur in the business sections of Estes Park. Items #3 and 4 have been initiated. It became evident that May and possibly October are the heaviest months for this type of crime to occur. However, as the statistical reporting data is fairly recent, Administrator Widmer urged the Committee not to draw specific conclusions/trends at this time. In addition, Administrator Widmer suggested staff contact service clubs for speaking engagements on this subject. Discussion followed on the positive impact of implementing the "Community Policing" Concept, and the varying degrees of assistance "Neighborhood Watch" can provide. The Police Dept. and Sheriff's Dept., through the Mutual Aid Agreement, coordinate their efforts to solve crimes. Detective van Deutekom urged residents to contact the Police Dept. to report suspicious individuals, incidents, and suggested part-time residents notify their neighbors and the Dept. when they are leaving the area for an extended period of time. Administrator Widmer commended Mike and his staff for working on this project, particularly in utilizing several QI techniques —good work. Customer Service Survey. The Committee reviewed the survey for the 2nd Quarter: the format was revised, and the focus was on making contact by phone. The following questions and results were found: SURVEY QUESTIONS AVERAGE RATING FOR PATROL AVERAGE RATING FOR SUPPORT SERVICES Did the employee behave in a professional manner? 4 4.48 Was the employee helpful? 4 4.43 Was the employee knowledgeable? 3.8 4.35 Did the employee show concern for your situation? 3.8 4.52 Did the employee's actions assist you in resolving the problem? 4 4.58 Overall, how would you rate your contact with our department? 4 4.58 Was your request handled in a timely manner? 3.83 4.59 Rating System: 5 = Outstanding 4 = Commendable 3 - Effective 2 - Needs Improvement 1 = Unsatisfactory The survey is an effective tool in monitoring customer service, and staff has determined that personal contact (telephone) is more effective than a postcard. Chairman Marshall questioned the Dept.'s rapport with young adults, and Chief Repola responded that in general, perception is favorable; however, the Police Dept. does not tolerate dangerous behavior. If so directed, a survey strictly for youth could be implemented. FIRE DEPARTMENT: Labor Day Event. Fire Chief Dorman reported that attendance was very good. A total of $6,064.00 was donated to MDA, and the Fire Dept.'s portion was $18,445.27. Funds for the Fire Dept. are derived from their food booth, and vendor booth rental. All "boot" BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee - October 1, 1998 - Page 3 proceeds and a portion of the booth rental were donated to MDA. Vendors were pleased with attendance and income this year, and it is obvious if MacGregor Ave. were closed several more booths could be planned. Chief Dorman confirmed that there are over 100 vendors on a waiting list. Administrator Widmer encouraged the Dept. to review the street closure as a means of increasing their fund- raising efforts. The Committee commended all the volunteers for their time and effort on this project. Fire Prevention Week. Jon Landkamer, Secretary, is the Chairman of Fire Prevention Week scheduled October 4-10, 1998, and he reported: a "Letter to families" has been given to Elementary and Intermediate children that provides various fire prevention information, and suggests each family develop a home escape plan. A form to be used in mapping out individual escape plans is also being provided, and the best plan will be selected and forwarded to NFPA for inclusion in a national contest (the grand prize is a family trip to Disney World). The "Great Escape" is planned October 7th at 6:00 p.m. and as a reminder, Dept. members will run their sirens from their homes for approximately 30 seconds. Concerning smoke detector give-away's, Chief Dorman reported that various extinguisher companies donate free fire extinguishers, and their only requirement is that they be installed by a firefighter -- the Fire Dept. is researching this information for future use. An official Proclamation will be prepared and arrangements will be made for a photo. A map of the proposed track to be used during the State Fire Fighters Conference scheduled in June, 1999 in Estes Park was presented. When it is timely, Chief Dorman will meet with Special Events Director Hinze to process an event routing sheet, particularly as the conference relates to street closure(s). Tournament events follow specific CSFFA rules and regulations. Staff anticipates attendance will be high as the Estes Park site is garnering significant interest. REPORTS. The Committee reviewed the parking ticket statistics for the same period of June - September for 1997 and 1998. In general, timed locations are up slightly, and warnings have increased significantly. In areas where signage may be confusing, officers have revised their enforcement. Loading zone violations have increased. The Committee commended the summer officers on the positive feedback received this year. Trustee Baudek requested Chiefs Repola and Dorman verify if the ordinance requiring individual properties to visibly post their street address has been successful. The ordinance mandated compliance on or before December 31, 1997. Staff will report their findings at the next Committee meeting. There being no further business, Chairman Marshall adjourned the meeting at 9:02 a.m. ickie O'Connor, CMC/AAE, Town Clerk APPROVED OCT 1 3 1998- TOWN OF ES ES PARK BOARD OF TfrMNS .ES