HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-08
SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Minutes of Meeting
April 22, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was convened at 5:40 p.m. at the Santa Ana Police Department, 60 Civic
Center Plaza, 4th Floor Conference Room, Santa Ana, California.
ATTENDANCE
Council members present: Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides and Sal Tinajero;
Staff present: City Manager Dave Ream, Assistant City Attorney Paula Coleman, Police
Chief Paul Walters, Police Deputy Chief Tony Harrelson, Fire Marshal Lori Smith, Fire
Captain Steve Horner, Asst to City Manager Mark Lawrence, PRCS Administrative
Services Manager Ron Ono, Public Works Project Specialist Dave Urbin, and Recording
Secretary Janet Chop.
Public present: Rick Wiedermeyer, David Guccione, Thomas Gordon, Sandra Viera,
Doug Irving, and Julie Stroud.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved Minutes of the March 24, 2008 meeting.
2. FIREWORKS, JULY 2008
Fire Marshal Smith reviewed suggestions and thoughts that had been received
from the March 2008 Com Link Meeting. Member Benavides felt it was helpful to
hear their ideas and fears regarding fireworks. Marshal Smith reviewed the
history of fireworks and how the ordinance has changed over the years to control
hours of sales, placement of stands, and overall challenges associated with
fireworks. After this year, the education and enforcement aspects will be
analyzed to see how effective they have been in controlling illegal fireworks. She
was asked to provide statistics of what has changed over the years in regard to
enforcement. She also spoke regarding the amount spent on Police and Fire
Department enforcement of illegal fireworks.
Ron Ono discussed the issues of having fireworks in the City parks and fall out of
a fireworks presentation in Centennial Park. He also stated that Portola Park
was closed off entirely to prevent fireworks being shot off in the park. Member
Benavides suggested finding alternative locations for fireworks displays and
Marshal Smith will look into using other schools. Member Tinajero agreed that
we need to take a look at all the issues provided by Mr. Ono. Committee
members requested that Portola Park be closed again this July 4th at 5:00 pm.
Dave Urbin spoke about the impact fireworks has on Street Maintenance and
that it takes two weeks to clean the City streets and city parking lots of debris
from fireworks. Member Alvarez requested that Public Works keep track of the
parking lots that need the most clean up work.
2
Mr. Wiedermeyer was asked to review the retail sales and expenses involved in
his fireworks stand.
After much discussion, a motion was made, seconded and carried that an
amended Municipal Code Ordinance be forwarded to the City Council that would
allow the fireworks booths to open one hour earlier than currently allowed on July
2, 3 and 4. They would still be required to close at 8:00 PM on July 4.
3. 2007 CRIME RATE STATISTICS
Chief Walters reviewed 2007 crime rate statistics information and crime trends.
He said that the City continues to show an overall decrease in Part One crime.
He also reviewed the three homicides from the previous weekend. Member
Benavides asked that he provide a comparison of Santa Ana to other California
cities with similar demographics in regard to homicides.
4. TOP TEN PROBLEM LOCATIONS
Deputy Chief Harrelson reviewed each of the ten locations considered to be of
specific interest. The statistics covered the timeframe of January 1 through
March 20, 2008. He further stated that two interagency taskforces consisting of a
number of city departments and outside agencies are working together to solve a
variety of problems on Townsend Street and in Bishop Manor. Member
Benavides would like budget consideration to support the taskforces working on
these problem areas.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Julie Stroud spoke regarding the graffiti offenders in the Sandpointe
neighborhood.
6. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Alvarez congratulated the SAPD Running Team on their outstanding
accomplishment in the recent Baker to Vegas Relay Race.
7. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
A. Fireworks Discussion
B. Top Fifteen Problem Locations
C. Impact of Governor's Program to Release Parolees Early
D. How Guns Are Addressed in Santa Ana
E. How Many 2008 homicides Are Gun Related
F. Homicide Comparison to Other California Cities
8. NEXT MEETING DATE: Tuesday, May 27, 2008, 5:30 PM, Santa Ana Police
Facility, 60 Civic Center Plaza, 4th floor conference room, Santa Ana, California.
7:45 PM
PA L M. WALTERS
Chief of Police
JC