Public Safety Committee

Village of Wellington 12300 Forest Hill Blvd Wellington, FL 33414 Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 24, 2018 7:00 PM Village Hall Public Safety Committee Ron Herman, Chair Jacqueline Hutman, Vice Chair Mohammad Junaid Akther William Flack Cherie McBrayer Michael Weil Ernie Zimmerman Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 I Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. II Pledge of Allegiance III Roll Call The Chair called the role. All members were present. IV Opening Comments The Chair recognized representatives from local neighborhood watch groups were in attendance along with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Citizens on Patrol unit. Mr. Herman called attention to the addition of open discussion at the end of the agenda. Members welcomed new Committee appointee Michael Weil. Mr. Akther remarked on resident concerns over recent passage of the medical marijuana ordinance. Mr. Weil remarked that he had viewed recordings of past meetings in order to familiarize himself with the Committee. V Approval of Agenda A. PSC-087 APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Herman called for a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Kurit made the motion, seconded by Mr. Weil. Motion passed 7-0. All members were present. VI Approval of Minutes A. PSC-088 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Herman called for a motion to approve the minutes of the September 28, 2017 regular meeting as presented. Mr. Weil made the motion, seconded by Mr. Kurit. Motion passed 7-0 with all members present. VII Old Business Village of Wellington Page 1 Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 A. None General discussion included the Village website, Wellington's Prime Time News publication for seniors and ways to alert residents to Committee meetings, including social media. Ms. Hutman suggested use of the Village's A-frame signs for meeting notifications. Ms. Edwards responded that she would bring the suggestion to Village administration. Ms. Hutman liked the idea of a website discussion (last meeting) but noted that some residents may not be tuned into social media or the webiste. Ms. Edwards noted that Prime Time News publication was provided for seniors and there would be sections for important info including a section for the Public Safety Committee. Zimmerman - perhaps a member of the PSC would want to attend the senior meeting at the community center. Ms. Edwards would be happy to introduce Mr. Zimmerman as a PSC member at the Senior luncheon to facilitate the exchange of information. Members were welcome to attend and be placed on an agenda and introduce themselves to other committees to provide feedback. Mr. Herman noted discussion of adding different items to the website with events and safety tips. He noted an increase of social media attention. Ms. Edwards met with communications and there will be a community services page that includes community news as well as all of the committees that fall under the Department. Upcoming meetings would be posted along with upcoming agenda items. The page will launch during February. Ms. Hutman referred to the A-Frame signs at various intersections related to upcoming committee meetings and suggested putting out a sign to alert residents to meetings. She suggested creating a "tag line". Ms. Edwards indicated that she would bring the suggestion to Village administration. She indicated she would respond to the Committee via email, ahead of the next meeting. Mr. Wiel asked whether the Town Crier could post upcoming meeting dates. VIII New Business A. PSC-093 PBSO CITIZENS ON PATROL Members discussed the possibility of a joint meeting with the Education Committee. Village of Wellington Page 2 Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 Ms. Edwards responded that she would address that request under her staff report. D/S Scott Poritz provided a power point presentation on the Village's Citizens Observer Patrol. Mr. Herman stated that there had been discussion of a joint meeting with the EC. Ms. Edwards would address that topic under her report. D/S Scott Poritz provided a power point presentation on the Village's Citizens Observer Patrol. D/S Poritz indicated that a number of the COP's were in attendance, most of whom were with Unit 1, the first unit started in this area. The unit had been going strong for over 25 years. D/S Poritz continued with the power point presentation. COP's are volunteers comprised of They had numerous responsiblities including special events, parks patrol, traffic monitoring, volunteer emergency response, etc. Some provided administrative assistance to the Sheriff's office including case research. Their job was to observe and report. Wellington consisted of two units -- Unit 1 and Unit 95 in Buena Vida, assigned specifically to that community and some surrounding plazas. Every COP member had a home unit. COP's handled handicap parking enforcement and parking citations. Certification was done through a PBC course. Wellington also required additional training through Wellington's Code Enforcement including parking tickets and Village Codes. COP's had the discretion to write either a warning or a ticket. Citations were forwarded to Wellington's Code Enforcement. Traffic monitoring - monitor speed signs (speed trailer). Placement and monitoring. COP's are also certified in radar. COP's volunteered a minimum of 4 hours per week with their unit. They were recognized at an annual luncheon. COP members all completed training at headquarters at the Vista Center which included a regimen of 4 or 5 training sessions conducted over a period of time covering all aspects of the positions. COP's are trained to handle motorist assists, tickets, etc. Training took approximately 4 weeks. REsidents can Village of Wellington Page 3 Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 request home checks in the event they will be out of town. There were also mounted and marine units which required additional trainings. Wellington consisted of six zones for patrol. Mr. Herman asked how the Committee could assist the COP's. Poritz -- put the word out to the community and be the eyes and ears of the Community, alert the COP's/PBSO to issues in Wellington. Ask residents who bring issues forward what they can do to assist with the situation. Tell residents how they can get involved. Herman - use Community News page to disseminate information to residents. Required to do 175 hours annually. They ask that new members commit to a regular schedule in order to facilitate scheduling for all members on various shifts. Most members are not former law enforcement. Mr. Zimmerman asked about the procedure for handling illegal use of golf carts on streets or sidewalks. COP's are instructed to call that in for the traffic units. Ms. Hutman inquired whether background checks were required for COP's. Yes, not as extensive as law enforcement. B. PSC-089 STAFF REPORT Jonathan Salas provided information on Wellington's Neighborhood Watch Program, reporting that there were currently 23 active neighborhood watch groups. The next joint meeting was scheduled for April 2018. Established active watch groups also had the ability to apply for available grants through the Village. Ms. Edwards reported that Committee information would be included in the new Community Newsletter with a placeholder for meeting dates and other relevant information. The next meeting of the Committee was scheduled for March 28th. A new meeting time for the Committee of 6:30 pm was approved. Mr. Herman made a motion to move the regular meeting start time to 6:30 pm Ms. Hutman seconded. Motion passed unanimously, 7-0. All members were present. Ms. Edwards followed up on a potential joint meeting with the Education Committee to discuss bullying. The next regular meeting of the Education Committee was scheduled for Tuesday, March 6th. Village of Wellington Page 4 Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 Ms. Edwards asked Jonathan Salas to speak to the Committee regarding the Village's neighborhood watch program. Mr. Salas reported that WEllington currently had 23 neighborhood watch groups, working directly with D/S Poritz. They conducted individual and joint neighborhood watch meetings that often included guest speakers with expertise in addressing resident concerns including code enforcement, PBCFR, Missing and Exploited Children, etc. The next joint meeting was scheduled for April 2018. Mr. Herman asked whether the various captains had meetings among themselves. What was most successful. Mr. Salas reported that the Captains were given leeway and some were more family like, others were more factual, some did gatherings and bbq's. Each group was different. The Village assisted by providing resources and sharing information with the groups. Mr. Akther asked whether the neighborhood watch groups alerted the Village to code issues such as shutters left up. Captains assisted seniors with projects or shutter installation. Each group was unique but a common factor in Wellington was locking vehicles. Ms. Hutman noted that watch group members could also be involved in the walk and talks. Mr. Salas did conduct walk and talks in the neighborhoods where a watch group existed. Contact would be made with the watch captains and often joined in the walk and talk. Code was also always included in the walk and talks along with PBSO. Mr. Zimmerman asked about background checks for neighborhood watch. Any member could be part of neighborhood watch but background checks were not required as members did not have access to PBSO info or any policy or sensitive information. Often members had a "past" and had done time and wanted to be involved to make neighborhoods better. If a watch group member wasn't welcome in the group, PBSO would handle the situation. Ms. Hutman noted that it took approximately 10 residents in a neighborhood to form a neighborhood watch group, meeting quarterly to be established. An established group had the ability to apply for available grants with Wellington. Ms. Edwards noted that the Great Neighborhood Grant had been changed to allow for grant money to address home repairs. Last meeting, old business included discussion of disseminating information regarding the Committee. Info would be included in the Community Newsletter with a placehold for meeting dates or other relevant information for the Community. The Committee should think about what information they'd like to see in those publications. The next meeting would be March 28th. She asked if the Committee would consider meeting earlier as the other committees, suggesting 6:00 p.m. Village of Wellington Page 5 Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 Mr. Herman asked about meeting at 6:30 pm Mr. Herman made a motion to meet starting at 6:30 pm Ms. Hutman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Edwards followed up on a potential joint meeting with the Education Committee who had also asked about adding the topic of bullying to their next agenda. Ms. Edwards recommended having the PSC attend the EC meeting and be part of that discussion. The Committee could add to the agenda for discussion. EC would meet on Tuesday, March 6th at 6:30 pm. C. PSC-090 PALM BEACH COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DISTRICT 8 WELLINGTON REPORT Lt. Shaivitz provided information on vehicle burglaries and Operation Wild Stallion. Since December 1st, 28 DUI arrests had been made. The next meeting for the Wild Stallion inititative was tentatively planned as a teleconference. Additional discussion included texting and driving, vehicle burglaries, home video systems, Wellington's street team and gang activity in Wellington. Lt. Shaivitz updated the Committee with information on vehicle burglaries, noting those numbers were up and residential burglaries were down. There was an uptick in stolen vehicles with keys left in a vehicle. Captain Silva had updated Council on the Wild Stallion program related to underage drinking. There had been 2 traffic fatalities, one involving underage drinking. The fatality on Big Blue appeared to be alcohol related, killing a pedestrian. PBSO reacted to various issues at different times of the year, i.e. start of school, holiday season, equestrian season. Since Dec. 1st, 28 DUI arrests had been made. DUI units were out on the evening of the accident. PBSO had also done plain clothes surveillance to look at underage alcohol sales. Third fatality on 441 appeared to be medically related. Now often info hits social media very quickly snowballing with misinformation. PBSO would attempt to get info to Village staff quicker to combat info on social media that might not be accurate. Mr. Zimmerman asked about a recent meeting that took place with restaurant owners and Village staff. Ms. Edwards agreed, noting that she wasn't aware of the meeting, but she would work closer with PBSO on things happening outside of neighborhood watch and would bring this info to the Committee when possible. Mr. Zimmerman asked for numbers of tickets issued for golf carts. Lt. - normally parents would be contacted in the event a juvenile was caught on a golf cart. Tickets hadn't been written yet this season, but it was predominantly compliance. Many were stopped. Village of Wellington Page 6 Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 Traffic enforcement was typically generated through complaints or traffic crashes. PBSO often tried to circle back to areas that appeared to be an issue. Oftentimes other projects hindered follow up. Mr. Herman asked whether another meeting was planned for the Wild Stallion initiative. Lt. Shaivitz indicated that the next meeting might be a teleconference. At the meeting, PBSO presented the initiative and restaurant owners provided info related to how they handle serving alcohol and checking id and addressing underage drinking. Mr. Herman asked about texting and driving. Lt. Shaivitz noted that it was still a secondary violation. Mr. Kurit asked about vehicle burglaries and whether home videos are assisting. Oftentimes the perpetrators would make sure to have their faces covered. Ms. Hutman proposed that the texting and driving issue be placed on the next agenda. She asked about the street team. Street Team was active in addressing vehicle burglaries, recently recovering dirt bikes that had been stolen. Other cases were also cleared in the process. Wellington did not have a gang issue. Street Team was heavily involved in vehicle burglaries employing covert cameras and tracking devices. D. PSC-091 PALM BEACH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE REPORT Battalion Chief Muller provided a report on recent response time averages and ways that PBCFR continued to work toward reducing response times. Over the last 2 months, 923 calls were run out of Wellington; 643 medical and 18 fires. Fire Rescue had teamed up with Community Services to create a PSA to warn of fireplace and chimney hazards. Battalion Chief Muller provided a report on the most recent response time, average 6.34. November and December increased to 6.45 and 6.48. Station 30 on Stribling and SR7 in November and December increased during the holidays, resulting in an increase in response time for that station. Other stations remained within normal averages. PBCFR had been working on reducing response times by working to get staff on the road faster. Over the last 2 months, 923 calls were run out of VOW, 643 medical and 18 fires. In early Jan. there was a roof fire caused by a fireplace ember on a cedar shake roof. Community Services approached PBCFR and they teamed up to create a PSA to warn of fireplace and chimney hazards. Equestrian season including equestrian events. Last year a number of horses had perished during a fire in Village of Wellington Page 7 Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 Lake Worth. Acreage paramedics experienced in handling horses ............ Social media -- PIO changed what was being disseminated with info coming out on Twitter and FB, emphasizng the good, Mr. Zimmerman asked whether the Stribling staion covered out of Wellington. They will back up areas outside of Wellington. He indicated that VOW residents paid a lot more than other cities and often trucks left Wellington. If a station was empty due to calls, another station would move up to cover an empty station out on a call. Ms. Hutman asked about an ordinance banning fireworks in residential neigbhboroodhs. PBSO/PBCFR noted County and State ordinances prohibiting fireworks. IX Closing Comments A. PSC-092 OPEN DISCUSSION AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Edwards suggested that members prepare a list of suggested future agenda items and forward to staff for dissemination to the Committee for review and feedback. Ms. Hutman suggested that discussion of stalking, harrassment and mental illness issues be added to a future agenda for discussion. Mr. Herman suggested emailing future agenda items to Ms. Edwards and suggested doing a PSA with the Education Committee and/or having students do an essay or presentation on texting and driving. Mr. Akther suggested texting, bullying, school safety and marijuana and how sales related to safety. Ms. McBrayer suggested inviting parents to attend the joint meeting with the Education Committee. Mr. Akther suggested inviting the School Police. Ms. Edwards asked if they could all individually brainstorm with items prior to the next meeting and then send items back out to members to select agenda items. Mr. Kurit - related to vehicle burgaries, could VOW speak to camera companies to put together a grant opportunity to purchase surveillance cameras. Ms. Edwards deferred to PBSO -- who noted that the Defensive Measures Grant was no longer available. He mentioned that PBSO didn't recommend any specific brand and noted that cameras were very inexpensive. Village of Wellington Page 8 Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 Ms. Hutman - asked that discussion on senate bill 90, texting and driving, be placed on the next agenda. In the interim, she asked to include discussion on whether or not it would be feasible to consider proposing a resolution for Council to consider drafting an ordinance for Wellington specifically. Ms. Edwards noted that is not possible. Ms. Hutman continued - also stalking and harrassment, mental illness issues in VOW, for discussion. Ms. Edwards - what would be the staff recommendation? Did they want a professional to come and speak on current laws. Mr. Herman stated that if there were items they wanted on an agenda they would need to email Ms. Edwards and ask that an item be included. Perhaps they could do a PSA with the EC or include students or conduct an essay or presentation on texting. Mr. Akther - 3 items for next agenda - texting, bullying and school safety, marijuana resolution - safety related to sales and how to make it safer for Wellington. Mr. Weil - noted that gaining participation went hand in hand with them going out into the community and engaging the residents. Mr. Zimmerman thanked the COP's. Ms. McBrayer -- asked to try and get parents to attend the next EC meeting. Behavior started at home; schools could not be expected to raise the children. Ms. Edwards would reach out to the EC and inform them that the PSC would be attending. She would see what they could do to get parents to attend as well as the WHS and PBCHS principals. Mr. Akther asked to invite the School Police. X Public Comments Tim Eikner, resident at 1609 Primrose Lane and Rye Terrace neighborhood watch captain voiced concerns regarding recent issues at Wellington High School and commended Wellington and PBSO for addressing his neighborhoods issues and allowing him to feel safer in his neighborhood. John Shriner, neighborhood watch captain and former Crimestoppers President discussed the school police. Mr. Ray Barbaresi, resident at 14541 Stirrup Lane asked that Wellington assist in promoting a requirement to be completely hands free in vehicles. Mr. Herman addressed a written public comment from Mr. William Klein. Village of Wellington Page 9 Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes January 24, 2018 Mr. Herman asked whether anyone wanted to speak. Tim Eikner, 1609 Primrose Lane, Rye Terrace neighborhood watch captain. He commended Wellington and PBSO. His area had some issues when he first moved in, PBSO made numerous arrests in the park and helped with all issues. They took advantage of the Defensive Measures Grant. He commended the Village. He was concerned that school had changed with continual fights among students. He asked what could be done. Ms. Edwards suggested attending the next Education Committee meeting. Mr. Zimmerman referred to the school police assigned to the schools inside and outside. Mr. Kurit stated that he would be sure to address the issue with the Education Committee. Ms. Edwards noted that bullying would be a topic on the next agenda and stated that WHS would be getting a new principal in March. Staff would invite her to the next EC meeting to speak to these issues. John Shriner, 13457 Neighborhood watch captain and president of crimestoppers. Left in 2014. School police are engaged with the students and are proactive. He recommended asking the Chief of the School Police attend a future meeting. Also contact program coordinator for Crimestoppers of PBC. Mr. Ray Barbaresi, 14541 Stirrup Lane. He asked that VOW assist with promoting completely hands free in vehicles for phones. This was not included in the current bill. Mr. Herman addressed a written public comment from Mr. William Klein which he read into the record. Noted the posting of minutes and action summary to the VOW website and retrieve past minutes and post to Village website as per the Villages Codes of Ordinances. It appeared that some historical minutes were missing from the website. Moving forward asked that this be handled and that written minutes be posted. Ms. Edwards would coordinate with Ms. Aldrich to rectify this and add minutes to the website. Videos were all available on the website. XI Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 9:03 pm Village of Wellington Page 10