Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Miscellaneous_09/16/1996_Public Safety Committee c � `��� VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA ; , , Post Office Box 3273 • 357 Tequesta Drive �' Tequesta, F7orida 33469-0273 • (407) 575-6200 ° " � � Fax: (407) 575-6203 ; o A 4 f, �H CoUM VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 I, CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Tequesta Public Safety Committee held a regularly scheduled meeting at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Monday, September 16, 1996. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 P.M. by Chairman Joseph Capretta. A roll call was taken by Betty Laur, the Recording Secretary. In attendance were: Chairman Joseph Capretta, and Committeemembers Carl C. Hansen and Elizabeth A. Schauer. Village Staff present were: Village Manager Thomas G. Bradford and Department Heads. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Village Manager Bradford requested the addition of fiue items under ANY OTHER MATTERS. Committeemember Schauer made a motion to approve the Agenda as submitted. Committeemember Hansen seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Joseph N. Capretta - for Carl C. Hansen - for Elizabeth Schauer - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the Agenda was approved as submitted. Rr��i�rlr�d Pn���,, PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE 2 , III. COI+�lUNICATTONS FROM CITIZEN$ There were na communications from citizens. N. OVERVIEW 4F DUI ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM Village Manager Bradford reported that this item had been placed on the aqenda as a result of an inquiry by Chairman Capretta regarding a newspaper article he had read about an apparent Village special DUI enforcement program. Police Chief Allison explained that the Village did not have a special DUI enforcement program; but that the article had reported an award n�ade by M.A.D.D. at their annual awards banquet to one officer who had eleven year-to-date DUI arrests. Chief Allison explained that the criteria used by M.A.D.D. in issuing their awards was to compare the p�ior year's number of arrests to th.e number arrested for DUI in the current year, and that the number was higher this year. Chief Allison distributed a handout showing the comparison, which indicated location, date, and time of each DUI arrest, and explained that he attributed the rise in arrests to better trained officers and motivation by certain officers to ma�.e that type af arrest. Lieutenant Garlo explained that the DUI arrest procedux�e had been standardized throughout the State which made this type of arrest easier than it hacl been previously, and that the recognition was also a motivating facto�. Chairman Capretta discussed the volume of pape�work associated with some types of arrests, a current television advertisernent for a company which provided taxi rides from bars, and a current drive to encourage use of seatbelts. Lieutenant Garlo explained tha� the Village was involved in a Statewide program, Operation Beltway, and that not wearing a seatbelt was a secondary offense so that a driver could not be stopped because of not wearing a seatbelt, but could be charged if stopped for another traffic affense. Tn response to questions by Vice Mayor Schauer, Lieutenant Garlo explained DUI arrests were housed in the County jail for 8 hours or until their blood alcohol tested legal. PUBLIC SAFETY CONB�IITTEE MEETING MTNUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE 3 ----------------------- Chairman Capretta described a situation regarding a resident whose drivers license had been suspended even though she claimed to have compl.eted the required 4-hour training session. Lieutenant Garlo commented tha� the drivers license division was notorious for missing paperwork in the process of suspending drivers licenses. Lieutenant Garlo responded to Committeemember Hansen's question regarding how the Village police officers determined �hat a motorist should be stopped far DUI that driving was the first indication, recorded by use of a dashboa�d video camera. The second indication was use of State roadside sobriety tests, as well as a horizontal gaze test (an eye indication of alcohol influence). At the County jaii a breath test was administered, and if low, a urine sample would be taken and tested for drugs. Usually a mixture of drugs with low alcohol would be found which had impaired driving. Lieutenant Garlo commented that the Police Department would need field breath testing kits to use for juveniles un�.er the new .02 blood alcahol guidelines, which cost between $200 -$300 each, and did not result in arrest but just removal from the road. Lieutenant Garlo reported that an organization was considering donating o�.e testing kit to the Department. Committeemember Hansen questioned whether an officer could radio on the spot at the time of making an arrest to learn whether the driver had had any previous DUI 'arrests. Lieutenant Garlo explained that previous driving history would not be taken into account in making an arrest, which would only be based on current conditions. The previous record would be taken into account in court. Chairman Capretta reported concern by older citizens that they might be falsely accused of DUI because of physical problems with balance, etc. Chairman Capretta commented that he had received comm.ents from residents regarding police officer� calling for backup before they would speak to a resident they had pulled over, which made them feel like a crimin.al; and described such an incident where he had been a passenger in the back seat and the driver had been pulled pver by a woman officer who had called for backup. Lieutenant Garlo explained that it was standard procedure to call for backup whether the police officer was a woman or a man. PUBL�C SAFETY CON�lITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEFTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE 4 V. OVERVTEW OF POLTCE DEPARTI�NT UNDERAGE DRINKING ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM Chairman Capretta requested information regarding the Operation Cops In Shops program of placing an officer convenience store posing as a clerk in order tca prevent alcohol purchases to minors. Lieutenant Garlo explained that a Juvenile First Offender Program had been started in Tequesta, the first 4 of 5 of which involved kid.s in cars with alcohol. Sergeant Morrow Iearned of the Cops In Shops Program at a seminar, which allowed charging the juvenile with possession at the point of purcha�e, before they were in the car. One officer had m.a�.e two arrests of individuals who were not juveni].es but were under age to purchase alcohol. In respanse to Chairman Capretta's question regarding how well parents cooperated in these types of situations, Lieutenant Garlo explained that eooperation from parents was usually approximately 750; and he knew of other municipalities which conducted programs in convenience stores targeting the clerk for not carding, which was not as good a program, Chairman Capretta commen.ted that the concept in society that a$5 per hour clerk should contra2 aleohol, guns, etc., was not good, Lieutenant Gar10 explained that he would consider activating the Cops In Shops program on certain holiday weekends or at times nf school activities such as grad night; and reported that the convenience store owners had liked the program. Vice Mayor Schauer discussed widespread serious drinking problems among teenagers; the lack of concern by some of the parents who actually purchased fihe liquor for the kids; and explained that for Project Graduation, although the kids would be locked in on the high school campus, they went to other parties afterward where they cau.Id drink for the rest of the night. Vice Mayor Schau�r commented that she had attended a high school girls' basketball game rahere on].y one of the players was sober; and expressed her frustration abaut what could be done--stating she would like to require all o� them to perform comm.unity service. Peer pressure and parents who were not tough enough were cited as problems. Lieutenant Garlo explained the Juvenile First Off�nder Program for kids age 17 and under, wherE the arrests were treated like any other arrest, but if the youngster had never been in trouble they could be considered for this prograin where they would PUBLIC SAFETY CONIlriITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEI�ER 16, 1996 PAGE 5 ----------------------- k�e tried by a court consisting of a 12-panel jury of their peers and a teenage prosecutor and defense attorney, and was heard by Judge Phillips, who volunteered his time. The �outh Court's punishments were normally harder on them than if they had gone to the County's Court; however, under this program the arrest record would be purged. Lieutenant Gar10 reported a typical sentence which had been to write a 500- word essay on why stealin.g is wrong, write a letter of apology to the victim, perform 50 hours of community service, and sit on four future Youth Court juries. The recidivism rate was only 3% compared to 15% to 17% with the State. Lieutenant Garlo explained that this program had been p�.loted at Boynton Beach, then used by Jupiter, and next by Tequesta, which had had approximately 15 cases and currently had five cases pending. The program cauld be used for any misdemeanor, upon agreement by the victim if one was involved, and for very minor felonies, and m.ust be a first offense. Counci.l,member Meder questioned how an officer would know a child had been �hrough the First Offender Program if they were arrestad a second time. Lieutenant Garlo explained that he kept hi� own record, and there was a record at County level of those who had been through the program, however, he knew of no database which included all counties, so that it was possible, for example, that someone cauld go thraugh the program once in Palm Beach County and once in Martin County. VI. REVIEW OF REPORT�NG FORMAT FOR TRAFFIC COt7NTS ON COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE Police Chief Allison explain.ed the report which had been presented in two different formats. The Committee expressed their preference for th.e first format which gave individual counts for each direction and totals for both lanes. The statistics for the dates reported were discussed. Chief A1lison reviewed the variaus types af raw data reported by the computer, including dates and numbers of vehicles for each day, weekday average, weekend average, peak times, etc. Chairman Capretta commented that from this information, the impact on future situations could be determined. Chairm.an Capretta commented that he intended to count the number of PUBLIC SAFETY COHIl�iITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEI�ER 16, 1996 PAGE 6 roads and driveways off of Tequesta Drive in order to compare it to other roads, and �he 150 to 200 driveways on Country Club Drive meant there were that many peopl.e backing out of their driveways onto the road. Chairman Capretta explained that this proved to him the concept of naighborhood roads as compared to through roads, whi�h he believed should be considered by the mediator who was involved in the roadway issue. Councilmember Meder commented that the recent task force had found there were 182 driveways per mile on Country Club Drive, while there were only 3 per mile on Longshore Drive. There were also two golf courses on Country Club Drive, which increased traffic. Chairman Capretta recommended that tl�is data be given to the mediator. Chairman Capretta commented that the card system of counting traffic provided real data collected in an economical way frdm which graphs could be charted. Chief A].lison reported that traffic citations issued on Country Club Driue were up 42o for the first seven months of the year over the first seuen months of the previous year. Village Manager Bradford �erified with the Committee that they preferred the first spreadsheet format and liked the computer printout. Councilmember Meder questioned whether the cards could distinguish trucks from other vehicles. Chief Allison responded the cards could be programmed for either voiume or speed, and if set for speed it could count trucks but uaould not c�ark unless there were 100 vehicles per hour. ��n. 8-hour survey beginning at 8 A.M. couid caunt trucks; but this coul.d not be done at the same time as the volume study unless an additional card were purchased. VII. RE�'IEW OF POLICE DEPARTMENT MANPC7WER ANALYSIS REPORT Village Manager Bradford explained that this item had been placed on the agenda because of discussions during budget hearings regarding taking steps to see to it that there were three officers on the road per shift. A personnel schedule analysis for the month of August, 1996 was provided for the Committee's review, which reflected schedules for full time and part time employees. Village Manager Bradford explained that there were currently three shifts, with four people on PUBLIC SAFETY CON�lITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE 7 each shift, ane of whom was a Sergeant. Discussion ensued, during which Committeemember Hansen commented that during the budget hearings the assertion had been �hat if there were only two officers on. a shift and one was required to assist with something else, that raould leave only one. Chief A1lison responded `that he believed three officers were not necessary at all times and that he could shift officers to cover a perceived shortage, Reserve officers were being used to provide extra coverage on weekend shifts. Chairman Capretta commented that he had been in favor of the reserve program to provide flexibility and also to create a pool of officers fram which to fill full-time positions, Chief Allison responded that the last four full-time officers hired had been hired from the reserves, and that they were very competitive, giving hundreds of free hours because they wanted to be next in line to be hired for a full-time position. Vice Mayor Schauer inquired regarding the status of the bike patrol. Lieutenant Garlo responded that they had been used for everything from event coverage and special details to those times when they we�e needed by the Department. Lieutenant Garlo explained that there had been a problem at Constitution Park ar�d a bil�e patrol had been created to patrol that area, causing �he problem to disappear. An area where kids had been congregating had become a problem, and a bike patrol had been sent there the previous evening. Chairman Capretta commented that Tequesta Country Club planned to hire off-duty officers to patrol the golf course, to which Chief A1lison responded that a bicycle patrol had been suggested to them, but they had not yet responded. Village Manager Bradford commented that the most important aspect of the report was that it showed there were times there were not three on a shift, however, Administra�ion did not feel it was necessary at all times, and if necessary then personnel could be shi�ted or part-time officers could be used. Village Manager Bradford expl.ained that part-time dispatchers were also being used, which kept officers from com.ing off the street to do radio wark. Chief Allison explained that the report reflected vacation time and that it was a report of the actual schedule which had occurred during August. PU$LIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETTNG MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE 8 The traffic activity summary for �lugust 1996 was discussed. Vice Mayor Schauer requested that the amount of handicap parking violations be included in the future. VIII. �ISCUSSION OF CON FOR Z'EQUESTA FIRE-RESCLJ� Fire Chief James Weinand explained that a new ordinance had been adopted by Palm Beach County which changed the 2 CON pracess to 4 years, there�ore the license obtained this time would be good for 4 years from January 1, 1997. The choices of licenses available to the Village were ALS non transport, which was the current Village license, and ALS transport. Chief Weinand reported the process had been going smoothly working with Jupiter Ambulan�e Service, hawever, during the past couple of months all operations had been moved to the hospital and were placing an unstaffed ambulance at the Tequesta location. Chief Weinand reported that the new ordinance would gu�.rantee a 10 minute response time and commented that there had been only one instance of over 10 minute response time, whiGh was because the driver got lost, not because the service was not available. Chief Weinand explained that he had considered alternatives in oxder to protect the Village's interests for four years, one of which was whethe� a contractual arrangemen.t could be entered into with Jupiter Medical Center to use their ambulances in the event that they went out of the ambulance business. However, a recent �etter from Robert Butterfield, Pa1m Beach County EMS Manager, had indicated that the Village would have to have the ability to p�ovide the service at time of CON. Another problem was rumors that Jupiter Medical Center might be bought out, and the fact that many of their key personnel had left for employment elsewhere. Chief Weinand requested direction from the Committee, since the application deadline was October 2nd. Discussion en�ued regarding purchasing a used ambulance. Village Manager Bradford explained that there were all kinds of financial pacl�ages which cauld be obtained to purchase either new or used ambulances. Chief Weinand commented that the Village had asked Jupiter Medical Center for first opportunity to get their ambulances if they went aut of PZTBLIC SAFETY CONIlWIYTTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEI�ER 16, 1996 PAGE 9 business. Village Manager Bradford explained that the response had been that Tequesta could ha�re the ambulances temporarily. The rumors were discussed. Chief Weinand explained that it was rumored that Zife F-leet was very interested in the ambulance service and that Columbia Hospital was interested in the hospital. Discussion ensued regarding the question. whether the ambulance couid be sold since it really belonged to the Tequesta residents who had started North County Ambulance. Mr. Hansen inquired whether the Village would need more personnel if an ambulance were obtained, to which Chief Weinand responded that he would try to use existing personn.el but might haue problems with peak periods, so that Palm Beach Gounty or Martin County m.ight have to be utilized, but that they would not do a reciprocal agreement until Tequesta was equal to them by being in the transport business, and it was not guaranteed even then. Chief Weinand explained the problem would only arise with more than two medicai calls at one time. In one case during the past season there had been one instance of three simultaneous medical calls. Chief �teinand commented �hat a secured area would be needed to house an ambulance because of drugs and equipment kept on board. Chairman Capretta discussed the closing of the 1aca1 drivers license office, making the nearest one either on PGA Boulevard or in Hobe Sound. Chief Weinand clarified that the Village would have between the date of the application and January 1, 1997 to have an ambulance on board and that if one were not in place then, the opportunity wauld be lost for four years; and Mr. Butterwo�th had stated in his correspondence that if Jupiter Medical Center were to cease its ambulan.ce service, Te�qu.esta Fire-Rescue would be able to "take over the transport" only if it had the obvious ability {ALS transport units and appropriate personnel in piace) to do so. In other words, Chief Weinand explained, if the hospital provided sufficient natice to the Village then. those things could be in place; if they did not provide sufficient notice and sold to Life Fleet for a profit the Village might be in trouble. Discussion ensued regarding possibly keeping an ambulance at the new garage facility. Village Manager Bradford commented that the garage had been constructed with excess foundation pad to allow for expansion, and in the event the ambulance PUBLIC SAFETY CO1�IlrlITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 5996 PAGE 10 service did go out of business then something must be done with their Tequesta property, and as everyone knew, a new Fire Rescue facility �or the Villaqe would have to be built soon.. Chief Weinand commented that operations could be split if necessary, and estimated the cost of an ambulan.ce at $80,000 in addition to between $5,000 and $6,000 in equipment. Chief Weinand stated that he had expressed Y�is concerns, had wanted the Committee to be aware of pos�ible reprucussions, and that he would apply for the ALS non transport license. Committeemember Hansen suggested a recommendation to the Village Counci.l. Discussion ensued regarding the Village being in the ambulance business. Chief Weinand commented that user fees paid for ambulance services, and that this was a profit-making business. Chief Weinand reported that based on last year's ca11 volume� the Village could lease two ambulances for an estimated $110,000, and should make a $20,000 annual profit. Village Manager Bradford advised �hat if the Committee had any interest in protecting themselves in the event the rumors came true, or to get into the business, that they must decide be�tween now and October 2. Both 'Vice Mayor Schauer and Committeemember Hansen agreed that the Village should apply for the license and get equipment and rolling stock before January 1, 1997. Village Manager Bradford commented that the Village would have three months to be ready by January 1, assuming that the license was received from the County in December, and that the Caunty would inspect the ambulances before granting the license. Mr. Berube commented that Palm Beach County had taken over transport to make money and were making money, and inquired whether there was any prqvision which could be exercised if the Village did not get the certificate of need and the hospital collapsed. Chief Weinand explained that they could grant an emergency CON, bu.t the Village would need to de�n:onstrate the ability to transport. Mr. Berube questioned whether the Village would experience an.y significant increase in liability insurance pr�mium.s in the event they took over transport. PUBLIC 5AFETY CO1��IITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE 11 Chief Weinand responded to Chairman Capretta's question regarding whether he would be applying for the CON if there had been no rumors that his intent had been to apply for the CON with a contract from the hospital wo�king for the Village, hawever, the haspital would not reduce that to writing. Vice Mayor Schauer expressed her opinion that the application should be made, but wanted to make sure Tequesta's transport charges were lower than those of Palm Beach County, since she felt the taxpayers were owed some ambulance service. Chief Weinand explained that the Council would set those rates. Chairman Capretta commented that County rates were high enough to accommodate those who did not pay. Mr. Berube stated tha� Palm Beach County was collecting 78�. Chairman Capretta stated that the ambulances being used by Jupiter Medical Center were owned by the people of Tequesta and the Village Attorney �hould be consuited about taking possession. Village Manager Bradford commented that the ambulances were an asset of Jupiter Medical Center transferred from North County Ambulance under a 501C. Chairman Capretta stated he was serious about legally pursuing getting possession of the ambulances. Vice Mayor Schauer questioned whether the Village could also transport non-emergency cases, to which Chief Wein.and responded that was prohibited by Palm Beach Count�r ordinance. Councilmember Hansen questioned whether at time of inspection all equipment must be in place, to which Chief Weinand responded that the inspected equipment must meet a certain standard but the fleet or stock could be changed. Vice Mayor Schauer suggested asking for three ambulances, expecting to get two. Vice Ma.yor Schauer made a motion that Chief Weinand apply for the ALS Transport CON effective immediately, contingent on the Village Manager and Chief Weinand running figures for purchasing ambulances and being comfortable that revenues would at least equal costs. Councilmernber Hansen seconded the motion. During discussion of the motion it was stated that the Village should also look at legal recourses to better protect their interests. The vote on the motion was: PUBLIC SAFETY COI+�tITTEE MEETTNG MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE ],2 ----------------------- Joseph N. Capretta - for Carl C. Hansen - for Elizabeth Schauer - for Joseph N. Capretta did not vote, which was the same as voting for the motion. The motion was ther�fore passe+d and adopted. Chairman Capretta commented that the Village should pursue getting an�.bulances back from I�orth County. VII. ANY OTHER MATTERS Zlillage Manager Bradford explained that at the next Village Council mee�ing an ordinance would be considered for first reading naming Fire Chi.e€ Weinand as Civil Defense Officer of the Village, which primarily dealt with disaster management for hurricanes. Village Manager Bradford explained that the Special Master had indicated that she would feel mox�e comfortable if the Code Enfo�cernent fine system were amended to giue her total discretion in setting alter fines. Village N�anager Bradford reported tha� Lantana was changing their ordinance to allow their Special Master total discretion to set fines. The Committee agr�ed that the Special Master should have au�hority over the fines. Village Manager Bradford repQrted that the President of Teques�a Country Club had inquired regarding the status of the minimum property standards ardinance, and had stated their Board wa� very desirous of seeing these standards adopted. Council�.ember Hansen requested that he write the Village a letter to that effect. Vice Mayor Schauer requested that this matter remain tabled until after the Special Master system had been in operation for awhile. Councilmember Meder commented that �he Village Council had voted unanimously to give the Special Master a year before moving forward on this matter; and suggested the possibility of establishing minim�m property standards for District R1A onl�. Vi1l.aqe Manager Bradford stated he would check on the motion which the Village Council had passed and would ask PUBLIC �aAFETY C4N4�lITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE 13 ----------------------- the President to send a letter stating that the TECCA Board supported the miniznum property standards ordinance. ---- Village Man.ager Bradford commented that the Village Council had approved a one-hour closing of Bridqe Road for homecoming parade, and explained that he had learned of several problems which would be created tor the Police Department by that action. Lieutenant Garlo explained that it was believed the Felhaber Corporation was going to grant permission for the parking Iot to be used so that hopefully Bridge Road would not have to be closed; however, if it was closed, five extra officers would be needed to do it safely which would impact the Village financially, and businesses would have to be closed, which the business owners were not happy about. Discussion ensued regarding the school's efforts to comply with insurance certificate requirements so that they could be qranted permission to use the parking lat. Village Manager Bradford commented that for one hour of closing, 15 hours of overtime would have to be paid. Vice Mayor Schauer advised that she would bring to the attention of the Parent Advisory Committee that they should consider other alternatives far next year's parade. I7illage Manager Bradford explained that the President of Tequesta Country Club had indicated that the majority of people in Tequesta Cou.n.try Club were not opposed to installation of sewers but their primary concern had been with the cost of sewers and another possible fiasco with ENCON as had occurred in the late 1970's or early 198Q's. Mr. Vander Waal suggested that the Village Manager inser� a statement into their upcoming newsletter to serve as a poll or survey of the �esidents to see what their position was regarding the sewer issue. Discussion ensued and other ways of handling the matter were proposed, such as a possible survey by the Tequesta Civic �ssociation, gzving cards to block captains to obtain comments from their blocks. After further discussion it w�s suggested that a question regarding sewers be formulated and another regarding sidewalks and that the Gountry Club be in charge of providing block captains with the information which they would collect and disseminate to Mr. Vander Waal. Vice Mayor Schauer requested that information regarding PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE 14 ----------------------- hurricane signs and storm surge be presented at the next Public Safety Committee meeti.ng, and that Chief Weinand obtain prices for the signs. VIII. ADJOURNNlENT There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:31 P.M. �� �� �, . � R ,spectfully sub�itted, ,.t - ��'n T�.: ��' r � --�'.. c� �.��1 _ � `: ` ..� �-� - 1 � "� ''" - � Betty �Laur Recording Secretary ATTEST: J ann Mangani lo Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: —� - �' --- -��' e?S� /S/��