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Home My WebLink About2010-08-30-Meeting Agendawww.augustaga.gov Public Safety Committee Meeting Commission Chamber- 8/30/2010- 12:45 PM PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Discuss the closing of the Goodrich Street gate. (Requested by Commissioner Jackson) Attachments 2. Motion to approve a Grant Application for the Renewal 2010 VOCA Continuation Grant in the amount of $35,261 with a match of $8,815 used to fund victim advocate salaries and allow the provision of direct services to crime victims. Attachments 3. Discussion: consider approving a resolution supporting the creation, statement of purpose and operation, and funding for the Augusta-Richmond County Neighborhood Special Task Force. Attachments 4. Motion to approve an application for a Purchase of Services Grant for Juvenile Offenders. Attachments Public Safety Committee Meeting 8/30/2010 12:45 PM Closing of Goodrich Street Gate Department:Clerk of Commission Caption:Discuss the closing of the Goodrich Street gate. (Requested by Commissioner Jackson) Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 1 Public Safety Committee Meeting 8/30/2010 12:45 PM Grant Application Department:Clerk of Commission Caption:Motion to approve a Grant Application for the Renewal 2010 VOCA Continuation Grant in the amount of $35,261 with a match of $8,815 used to fund victim advocate salaries and allow the provision of direct services to crime victims. Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 2 Attachment number 1 Page 1 of 6 Item # 2 Attachment number 1 Page 2 of 6 Item # 2 Attachment number 1 Page 3 of 6 Item # 2 Attachment number 1 Page 4 of 6 Item # 2 Attachment number 1 Page 5 of 6 Item # 2 Attachment number 1 Page 6 of 6 Item # 2 Public Safety Committee Meeting 8/30/2010 12:45 PM Neighborhood Special Task Force Department:License & Inspection Deparment Caption:Discussion: consider approving a resolution supporting the creation, statement of purpose and operation, and funding for the Augusta-Richmond County Neighborhood Special Task Force. Background:The Augusta Commission at the December 15, 2009 Commission meeting, approved a motion to create a committee composed of representatives from the Law Department, the License & Inspection Department, the Planning and Zoning, the Marshal’s office, the Sheriff’s office, the Solicitor’s office, the Fire Department, and four people from the community to discuss the formation of the Chronic Nuisance ordinance and prepare a recommendation. Commissioner Joe Bowles is the chairman of the committee and the four people from the community are: Lorie Davis, Cleveland Garrison, Cliff Channel, and Sammy Sias. The Committee has met several times over the last few months. The initial charge to the Committee was to develop a Chronic Nuisance ordinance that would essentially hold property owners / rental property owners responsible for the behavior of their tenants. After much research and drafting of proposed ordinances, our Law Department representative reviewed the proposal and conferred with other attorneys and determined that there would potentially be Constitutional issues with the proposed Chronic Nuisance ordinance. The Committee reconsidered their approach to address the issues, and developed the resolution that would create the Augusta- Richmond County Neighborhood Special Task Force. Analysis:The Neighborhood Special Task Force will consist of a representative from the Sheriff’s Office, the Marshal’s Office, and the License & Inspection Department. The NSTF will resolve chronic neighborhood issues. Chronic neighborhood issues generally mean reoccurring suspected code violations or reoccurring code violations within the neighborhoods of Augusta- Richmond County that are annoyances or inconveniences to the public that are not resolved in the normal day-to-day code and law enforcement processes, and includes, but is not limited to: (1) Any criminal conduct as defined by state law or local ordinance occurring on a property, including, but not limited to, the following activities or behaviors: (a) Stalking; (b) Harassment; (c) Failure to Disperse; (d) Disorderly Conduct; (e) Assault; (f) Any Domestic Violence Crimes; (g) Reckless Endangerment; (h) Prostitution; (i) Patronizing a Prostitute; (j) Public Disturbance Noises; (k) Lewd Conduct; (l) Any Firearms/Dangerous Weapons violations; (m) Drug related loitering (n) Any Dangerous Animal violations; (o) Any Drug related activity; (p) Any violation or suspected violation of any State or Municipal code or ordinance. (2) For purposes of this resolution, "chronic neighborhood issues", notwithstanding any other provision herein, shall not Cover Memo Item # 3 include conduct where the person responsible is the victim of a crime or had no control over the criminal act. • The NSTF will have extensive interaction with residents, neighborhood associations / alliances, and those in need of assistance in addressing and resolving issues that are considered chronic neighborhood issues as defined herein. • The NSTF shall meet with neighborhood groups/associations/alliances periodically, as resources permit, to document and/or address chronic neighborhood issues identified by such respective groups/associations/alliances. • Under the guidance of the respective law enforcement agencies, the NSTF members shall act to prevent, as well as abate, chronic neighborhood issues covered by this resolution. • The NSTF members shall follow the policies and procedures of his/her underlying law enforcement agency. Financial Impact:(ESTIMATES) First Year Second Year Lic & Insp $59,418.00 $42,418.00 Marshal’s Off $83,317.00 $56,017.00 Sheriff’s Off $83,317.00 $56,017.00 TOTAL $226,052.00 $154,452.00 Alternatives:N/A Recommendation:Approval Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: source not yet identified - Finance REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Item # 3 A RESOLUTION AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CREATION, STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND OPERATION, AND FUNDING FOR THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIAL TASK FORCE; AND OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission desires to respond to the concerns of the citizens of Augusta; and WHEREAS, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission understands the necessity for providing a new process for the enforcement and abatement of certain chronic issues that occur or exist within the neighborhoods of Augusta-Richmond County; and WHEREAS, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission recognizes the benefits from providing a task force for addressing chronic neighborhood issues; and WHEREAS, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission recognizes and supports the necessity and vital function of community involvement providing the citizens of Augusta-Richmond County with effective law enforcement service to combat chronic neighborhood issues. THE COMMISSION OF AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1: Augusta-Richmond County Commission hereby supports the creation of the Neighborhood Special Task Force and request the Sheriff’s office, Marshal’s office and the License & Inspection Department each assign and dedicate an employee to the Neighborhood Special Task Force. SECTION 2: Augusta-Richmond County Commission resolves that the Administrator is hereby authorized to and shall provide the necessary funding for the above three (3) personnel members / employees in support of the operation of the Neighborhood Special Task Force. SECTION 3: Augusta-Richmond County Commission resolves that it hereby adopts the attached statement regarding Augusta-Richmond County NSTF & Guidelines which is set forth in Exhibit A, hereto. SECTION 4: Augusta-Richmond County Commission resolves that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Richmond County Sheriff, Richmond County Marshal, Director of License & Inspection Department, and the City Administrator, forthwith. Attachment number 1 Page 1 of 4 Item # 3 Duly adopted this ________ day of ____________________, 2010. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA By:_______________________________________ David S. Copenhaver As its Mayor ATTEST: __________________________________ Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission Attachment number 1 Page 2 of 4 Item # 3 EXHIBIT A AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIAL TASK FORCE & GUIDELINES A RESOLUTION BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA ENTITLED: AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIAL TASK FORCE & GUIDELINES, PROVIDING A NEW PROCESS FOR ENFORCEMENT AND ABATEMENT OF CERTAIN CHRONIC NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES WHICH OCCUR OR EXIST WITHIN THE CONFINES OF AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY. SECTION 1. Neighborhood code enforcement issues that present grave health, safety and welfare concerns and that are not resolved in the normal day-to-day enforcement processes where the persons responsible for such issues take corrective action to abate the conditions, have a tremendous negative impact upon the quality of life in the neighborhoods where they are located. This resolution is enacted to remedy issues that are particularly disruptive to quality of life and repeatedly occur or exist at neighborhood properties by providing a process for abatement. This remedy is not an exclusive remedy available under state or local laws and may be used in conjunction with such other laws. SECTION 2. NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIAL TASK FORCE (NSTF). The NSTF shall consist of a representative from the offices of the Richmond County Sheriff, Richmond County Marshal, and Augusta License & Inspection Department. The representative from each of the respective offices will be specifically assigned and dedicated to the NSTF. • One deputy/officer/inspector from each respective agency will be specifically assigned to the NSTF, on a fulltime basis. • The NSTF will become involved whenever one of the respective agencies determines that a neighborhood chronic issue exists, or when the local Neighborhood Association or supporting Neighborhood Alliance files successive complaints, or whenever a request is filed by at least three (3) residents over the age of majority who reside in the immediate vicinity of the property in question charges that a chronic neighborhood issue exists at any dwelling, building or structure; or that a property is being used in connection with the commission of drug crimes; or that conditions, acts, or things whatsoever, kept, maintained or permitted by any person poses a threat of injury, inconvenience, or annoyance to the public, or constitutes an endangerment to the public health or safety as a result of unsanitary or unsafe condition. Attachment number 1 Page 3 of 4 Item # 3 • The NSTF will resolve chronic neighborhood issues. Chronic neighborhood issues generally mean reoccurring suspected code violations or reoccurring code violations within the neighborhoods of Augusta-Richmond County that are annoyances or inconveniences to the public that are not resolved in the normal day-to-day code and law enforcement processes, and includes, but is not limited to: (1) Any criminal conduct as defined by state law or local ordinance occurring on a property, including, but not limited to, the following activities or behaviors: (a) Stalking; (b) Harassment; (c) Failure to Disperse; (d) Disorderly Conduct; (e) Assault; (f) Any Domestic Violence Crimes; (g) Reckless Endangerment; (h) Prostitution; (i) Patronizing a Prostitute; (j) Public Disturbance Noises; (k) Lewd Conduct; (l) Any Firearms/Dangerous Weapons violations; (m) Drug related loitering (n) Any Dangerous Animal violations; (o) Any Drug related activity; (p) Any violation or suspected violation of any State or Municipal code or ordinance. (2) For purposes of this resolution, "chronic neighborhood issues", notwithstanding any other provision herein, shall not include conduct where the person responsible is the victim of a crime or had no control over the criminal act. • The NSTF will have extensive interaction with residents, neighborhood associations / alliances, and those in need of assistance in addressing and resolving issues that are considered chronic neighborhood issues as defined herein. • The NSTF shall meet with neighborhood groups/associations/alliances periodically, as resources permit, to document and/or address chronic neighborhood issues identified by such respective groups/associations/alliances. • Under the guidance of the respective law enforcement agencies, the NSTF members shall act to prevent, as well as abate, chronic neighborhood issues covered by this resolution. • The NSTF members shall follow the policies and procedures of his/her underlying law enforcement agency. SECTION 3. FUNDING FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIAL TASK FORCE. Funding will be provided for the staffing and operating expenses as defined in the attached budget for the NSTF. Attachment number 1 Page 4 of 4 Item # 3 ESTIMATED COST: License & Inspection Department Proposed Senior Code Enforcement Inspector Position (Min.) (Midpt.) (Max.) Salary Grade 44 $30,783 $41,042 $49,253 Employee benefits / 30% of salary 9,235 Vehicle (used City truck / no cost) 0 New Truck Estimate $15,000 Estimated Vehicle Cost Allocation / used truck: $1,095 Estimated Vehicle Cost Allocation / new truck 500 Gas: 900 Computer, printer 2,000 Office supplies, telephone, radio 1,000 TOTAL (year 1 / used truck): $45,013 (year 2 = $43,013) TOTAL (year 1 / new truck): $59,418 (year 2 = $42,418) Attachment number 2 Page 1 of 1 Item # 3 RCMO Costs - NSTF 1st Year Recurring Salary Grade 44 30,783.00$ 30,783.00$ Employee benefits 9,234.90$ 9,234.90$ Vehicle 26,300.00$ Vehicle cost allocation 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ Gas 4,800.00$ 4,800.00$ Uniforms and equipment 6,000.00$ 5,000.00$ Computer printer 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ Radio Air time 600.00$ 600.00$ MDT air card 600.00$ 600.00$ Office supplies 500.00$ 500.00$ 83,317.90$ 56,017.90$ Attachment number 3 Page 1 of 1 Item # 3 Public Safety Committee Meeting 8/30/2010 12:45 PM Purchase of Services Grant Department:Clerk of Commission Caption:Motion to approve an application for a Purchase of Services Grant for Juvenile Offenders. Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Clerk of Commission Cover Memo Attachment number 1Page 1 of 8 Attachment number 1Page 2 of 8 Attachment number 1Page 3 of 8 Attachment number 1Page 4 of 8 Attachment number 1Page 5 of 8 Attachment number 1Page 6 of 8 Attachment number 1Page 7 of 8 Attachment number 1Page 8 of 8