HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2000I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Chair Sue Singer
Members present: Chair Sue Singer, Vice Chair Rich Wagner, Councilmember Trish
Borden. Others present included: Mayor Chuck Booth, Chief Bob Johnson, Chief Jim
Kelly, Plan. Dir. Paul Krauss, and Secretary Jeanne Herold
II: CONSENT:
Ordinance No. 5351: Chief Johnson asked for approval of Ordinance No. 5351. An
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, authorizing the
execution of Contract No. EM010177 between the Washington Military Department and
the City of Auburn and authorizing acceptance, appropriation and expenditure of funds in
an mount not to exceed seven thousand three hundred sixty-nine dollars ($7,369.00) as
reimbursement from the State of Washington Military Department, Emergency
Management Division, which funds are provided by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) for the sole purpose of supporting State and Local Assistance (SLA)
Programs as provided by FEMA.
Chief Johnson explained that this is an Ordinance that allows the City to receive $7,369
from FEMA and it's passed down through the State to support local communities like
Auburn that have disaster plans. The City will get 50% of the amount of money that's
available, then sometime mid-year will get the balance. The total amount will be about
$15,000. Attached to the Ordinance is the grant request, which explains what the money
is going to be used for this year. Chief Johnson further explained that he applied last year
also but hadn't done so in past years because the paperwork and trying to keep up with
the task was overwhelming. The process has been streamlined quite a bit and they're a
lot more flexible now so it's worth it to go through the process. Discussion ensued.
Vice Chairman Wagner made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 5351. Councilmember
Borden seconded the motion. Chair Singer concurred.
III. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION:
Jail Tour:
Chair Singer brought up the subject of a jail tour which was discussed at a previous
meeting and wondered if there was a possibility to tour another facility. Councilmember
Borden stated she would like to tour one of the newer facilities in the area. Chief Kelly
Municipal Services Committee Meeting I March 6, 2000
stated that Issaquah has one of the newest facilities and that Kent's jail is approximately
ten years old. A date and time for a tour was not decided upon. Discussion ensued.
Mayor Booth explained that jail over-crowding is a major problem. There is a program
that is being looked at in Spokane right now and also in Seattle where they are all6wing
individuals the opportunity to set up a payment plan for various types of traffic violations
such as driving without a driver's license and failure to appear, etc. Consequently, if such
a program can be set up, then individuals could go out and drive legally while making
payments for the violation. That would have a tremendous impact on reducing jail
population. Mayor Booth further explained that Auburn is working on putting this policy
in place and feels it is unconscionable to throw a person in jail simply because that person
is poor and can't pay. Chief Kelly agreed to keep the Committee apprised of any new
innovative approaches to the solution of the jail over-crowding.
Jail Renovation:
Mayor Booth asked Chief Kelly to give a progress report on the status of the Auburn jail
renovation. Chief Kelly reported that the ceiling in the hallway has been removed. The
supports are being installed and the wall is completed. The ceiling in the female area has
been completely removed and will be replaced. The light fixtures have not yet been
received but will be replaced when they arrive and new paneling will also be installed at
that time. There were about five water leaks found in the plumbing above the ceiling once
it was ail removed and those have been repaired. The electrical repairs have been
completed. The contractor will be in this week or early next week to start the process for
the surveillance system. It's going well and looks a lot better. The jail has been painted a
salmon color and is supposed to be a color, which produces a calming affect.
Fireworks Update:
Mayor Booth asked Chief Kelly to give the Committee an update on fireworks. Chief
Kelly explained that fireworks season is rapidly approaching again and he explained that
he is looking at some creative solutions. Commander Hirman, the South District
Commander is looking at the City Ordinance and will be meeting with the City Attorney
and contemplating some recommendations to modify the City Ordinance. What is being
attempted, is to take the Police Officer out of the catch 22 position that they're placed in
by having to be in a position of providing for the safety of everything that's happening on
the Reservation. In essence they conflict between the Federal law, State and City
Ordinance with the enforceability of the City Ordinance on Federal land.
Chief Kelly also explained that they're going to be meeting with the Tribe hopefully this
month, to let them know what Aubum's enforcement strategy is going to be for the 4t~ of
July. And, also what the strategy is, to provide for the safety and free flow of traffic on
SR164, which is a major, public concern. Vice Chair Wagner asked about the 35-MPH
speed limit issue. Chief Kelly explained that he checked with Traffic Engineer Steve
Mullen before he left and that issue is now with the State. The DOT is deciding whether
or not 35 MPH is an appropriate speed limit for that zone.
Municipal Services Committee Meeting 2 March 6, 2000
Councilmember Borden asked Chief Kelly to summarize the existing fireworks
ordinance. Chief Kelly explained that Class C fireworks are legal in the City. Anything
that goes UP or BLOWS UP is illegal to possess, discharge or sell in the city. Selling is
approximately June 28* to July 4' or 5' in the City and only Class C fireworks. The
Federal law obviously is less restrictive. Class C fireworks are only permitted to be
discharged legally on July 4* from 10:00 AM to I1:00 PM in the City. Discussion
ensued.
Consequences of possession of illegal fireworks is a non-jailable offense, issuance of a
$250.00 ticket with an appearance in court, and confiscation of the fireworks which are
ultimately destroyed. Chief Kelly further explained that possibly sometime in the near
future he would be asking this Committee to review recommendations for changes to the
City Ordinance to try to alleviate the catch 22 types of situations.
Lea Hill Annexation: Chief Kelly reported that the Lea Hill Annexation went smoothly.
The citizen contacts that the Auburn Police Department has had in the area have been
very positive. Auburn's Traffic Unit has been up there and they're very busy. Chief
Kelly was in the area a week ago Saturday and distributed "Welcome to Auburn" packets
door to door. Not every household was reached at that time because the mount of homes
was under estimated, but approximately 540 homes were visited. There are actually 900-
1,000 homes in the annexed area. Calls for service, from the Police Dept.'s perspective,
have been fairly light. However, the P.D. has dedicated a lot of resources in the area for
introduction. Friday night, March 10th at 7:00 at Lea Hill Elementary there will be a
Neighborhood Summit to answer questions regarding law enforcement concerns and
issues.
V. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:47 PM.
Submitted by:
Jeanne Herold, Secretary
Municipal Services Committee Meeting 3 March 6, 2000