2016-04-05 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Reyna, noted that City needs better way to address illegal fireworks; supports safe and sane fireworks; children have lack of options to keep them occupied but non-profit offer programs; staff to consider establishing a dedicated police task force about a month prior to Fourth of July to enforce illegal fireworks; also, important to reach out to community not just neighborhood association. Councilmember Amezcua, asked staff to describe enforcement efforts. Police Chief Rojas, noted that Police Department has done extensive public service announcements and partnered with fireworks companies over the years; Department also has undercover operations and worked with school district to distribute fliers. Councilmember Reyna, asked what recent education efforts made. Police Commander Gominsky, further described efforts. Councilmember Martinez, thanked speakers; spoke of funding impact to combat illegal fireworks; need to come to middle ground when addressing illegal and legal fireworks — quality of life at jeopardy; asked for consideration for voter measure on the ballot or regulatory fees; outreach needed to educate public about City sponsored fireworks display; also, asked how can City assist non -profits in raising funds to sustain their programs without the need to sell fireworks. Councilmember Tinajero, noted that non -profits depend on fireworks sales and provide quality programs for the youth in our community; City should consider imposing regulatory fee - sharing cost ("mochate" process) and voter approved ballot measure. Mayor Pro Tern Sarmiento, cautioned that voter approved measure is difficult to unwind and not very flexible; supports regulatory fee imposed on seller or end user on a pilot basis before a ballot measure; asked staff to research disposal of illegal fireworks fee as mentioned by the Police Chief; need to solve problem which is illegal fireworks by providing resources and education. Mayor Pulido, supports legal fireworks; benefits non -profits and community at large; asked staff to consider technology through an app that could identify perpetrators and better patrol; requested non -profits report funding amounts to try to assist; open to meeting with industry leaders and non -profits in unison; asked for a motion from the chair of the Public Safety Council Committee for consideration. Councilmember Tinajero, motion to continue matter until July 5, 2016 City Council meeting and after this year's Fourth of July to discuss matter that will be fresh in our minds and possibly consider placing ballot measure on the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 22 APRIL 5, 2016