2015-08-11 PUBLIC SAFETY - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. OCFA Annual Update on Fire/EMS Services — Battalion Chief Anthony Espinosa {Strategic Plan Goal No. 1, 5b} Battalion Chief Anthony Espinosa talked about the services provided by OCFA in the city of Santa Ana over the past year. There was a 9.5% increase of emergency response incidents in the city. OCFA implemented a state-of-the-art CAD system that enhances response time and service delivery to citizens. OCFA does community outreach by being involved in many community events throughout the year, such as the City-wide Drowning Prevention Campaign, City-wide Fire Alarm Installation Campaign, the clean-up at Santiago Creek, and other events like the Spark of Love Toy Drive during the holidays. Old fire apparatus was replaced, and CDBG funds were used to update and improve some of the stations in the city. Fire inspections for new businesses have increased 20 percent. In line with the City's Five -Year Strategic Plan, OCFA developed a portal in the City's website. An Explorer Program was created and has been very successful with young people. ACTION: Division Chief Leonard will report back with information on how the application process works for the OCFA Explorer Program. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS Chairman Benavides states that the Council Committee did receive some written communication which will become part of the record: one from Ms. Kerr who also appeared in person at the meeting and the other from Ray & Evangeline Gawronski. All parties have expressed their opinion to have fireworks banned in the city of Santa Ana. Chairman Benavides and Committee Member Amezcua were in attendance to discuss the above agenda items. The Public Safety Committee is willing to consider a ban on fireworks due to the cost to the city monetarily and taxing the resources of the PD, as well as the lawlessness. They were open to the use of the police worn body cameras, requesting that conversations take place with other departments who have been pioneers using body cameras. The City Manager points out that the Police Department has requested grant funding for body cameras; however, if funding is not received, it will go to City Council for approval. The Committee members were impressed with the increase of new businesses and construction going on within the city. They were also appreciative of OCFA's efforts and collaboration with the community through events and programs. The City Manager emphasized the partnership with OCFA, thanking them for the clean-up project at Santiago Creek.