HomeMy Public PortalAbout07-12-04 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION . CITY OF LYNWOOD
REGULAR MEETWG OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
MONDAY, JULY 12, 2004
6:15 PM
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CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL
Chairperson
Dale Jones, Vice-Chairperson
Sal Alatorre
Frank Calderon
Lorna Hawkins
Zelda Hutcherson
Kenneth West ,Q,����� '
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 14, 2004
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PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
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STUDIES AfVD REPORTS
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COMMISSIONER ORALS
VII
ADJOURNMENT Next meeting: August 9, 2004
CITY OF LYNWOOD
RESCHEDULED MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2004
The regular meeting of the Public Safety Commission for the City of Lynwood,
California was heid on Monday, June t4, 2004 at 6:15 p.m. at Lynwood City Hall,
Council Chambers, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, California. The agenda was duly
posted as prescribed by the Brown Act.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Jones called the meeting to order at 620 p.m. Steve Stewart,
Staff Liaison, took roll calL Commissioner Calderon was absent.
INVOCATION
Led by Vice-Chairperson Jones.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Commissioner West.
APPROVAL.OF MINUTES
It was moved by Commissioner Alatorre and seconded by Commissioner West to
approve the minutes of the May 10, 2004 regular meeting with a noted correction.
The following correction was noted under Commissioner Orals: the last paragraph
in page two, Commissioner Calderon was the one that submitted a written
complaint instead of Commissioner Wawkins. All in favor. Motion carried.
PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATION
Residents from the block of Oakwood between Peach and State were present at
the meeting. A 30-year old resident, Mc Caballero stood up to the podium and
indicated that the residents of Oakwood turned in a signed petition to City Council
because they are having problems in their neighborhood. First of all, the street is
too narrow and there is on�y parking on one side of the street. Secondly, there are
some residents that own motorcycles or motor scooters that drive up and down the
street and onto their properties. For example, the individuals ride these motored
vehicles across their grass, breaking sprinklers or damaging the grass. Finally,
, there is a big problem with loud music through out the day. He indicated that he
does not mind the music if it would be in a tone that can be pleasant and not
shaking the windows of their homes. He also made known that he does not want
to make enemies in his neighborhood, he is only asking for some quietness after a
long day of work.
Commissioner Hawkins asked if they had a Blockwatch in their street? The
answer was no. Then Commissioner Hutcherson asked how long have they had
the problem? It was stated that the problem has been going on between three to
four months and that the police officers drive by but nothing is being done to solve
the problem.
Ms. Brenda Green, who is a 28-year old Lynwood resident who resides on
Oakwood, agreed with Mr. Caballero and mentioned other concerns. She stated
that there is a tow truck that is always parked on the street that blocks the view for
drivers. She witnessed a man who almost hit two kids that were trying to go
across the street and would like the City to do something about it to avoid
someone from being hit. There is also a problem with cats being sold on the
street, they are parked on the street with "for sale" signs on them and then not
moved. This takes the space needed for parking and not leaving space to put out
trash bins on trash collection day.
She also stated that the police are not responding to their calls instead they are
giving the callers an attitude. For example, she called them because someone
. went into her yard and the operator that responded to the call told her that she
needed to build a higher fence or move out of Lynwood. She was shock by the
response that she got a little emotional and asked herself if these were the people
that everyone shouid trust their safety with.
Commissioner West stated that there is a noise ordinance within the City and
recommends to call the Sheriffs whenever it happens. To make sure to log in
times and dates when its happening as well when she calls the Sheriff's.
Commissioner Alatorre recommends when someone calls the police for any
reason to document the operator's name and ask hedhim to spell out their name.
If an attitude is given then ask to speak to the Watch Commander. He also stated
that he lives on Oakwood and has noticed that there are motor scooters out on the
streets. He is very impressed that the neighbors got together to bring the
problems to the attention of the commission and a recommendation will be made
to the Council members. City Manager, Lorry Hempe, as well as the Council
members have received a copy of the complaints and hopes that the problems will
be resolved in due time.
Commissioner Hawkins strongly recommends to the residents inquire about
starting a Blockwatch group, with the help of each neighbor, they can keep an eye
out for everyone's safety in their neighborhood.
Another resident agreed with the previous concerns and stated that they only want
peace and harmony in their neighborhood.
Vice-Chairperson Jones stated that the City in general is having problems with
parking. The population in the City has been growing over the past years, families
have four to five kids, and each teenager has their own car. The City is too sma�l
for the population that is currently living in it, and about 80% of the streets are too
narrow and should be converted to one-way streets for the safety of the residents
in case of an emergency. For instance, a street is too narrow for a fire truck or an
ambulance to go by in case of an emergency. He has informed the City of the
problem for years but nothing has been done and hopes that someday it can de
corrected.
Mr. Eduardo Toro, 3150 Oakwood a 21-year old resident has lived there for 21
years, and never had any problems. All the people in the audience are his
neighbors who have seen him grow since he was a baby. They all visit his house,
whether to watch a game on television or just to be social. He found out about the
petition because other neighbors informed his family of what was being done. He
came to the meeting to state that he does play music in his truck when he washes
it on the weekend. He also stated that he has invested over $6,000 worth of
sound system in his vehicle and is going to enjoy it.
STUDIES AND REPORTS
J.D. Whitaker, Parking Enforcement Manager gave an over view of his division
and explained the process of Parking Enforcement. He also stated that he
received a copy of the letter from the Oakwood concern on June 10� He
informed the audience and the commission that he is working with the Department
Head, Ms. Alfretta Earnest to obtain Council's approval to have AM and PM
officers, he knows that some problems are occurring in the afternoon and is trying
to eliminate them from happening. He then stated there would be an open
recruitment for two more Parking Control Officers in the future. He is looking
forward to having two shifts of officers patrolling the City; the officers will rotate
shifts from AM to PM and vise versa. He hopes that Council approves the
recommendation to better serve the community.
COMMISSIONER ORALS
Commissioner Hawkins stated that the Candlelight Vigil on June 4�' had a good turn
out.
Commissioner Alatorre stated that it was sad to hear of what happen to Chairperson
Jimenez and found it hard to believe. He then stated the he resides on Oakwood
where the problems are happening and stated that on Seminole, and Long Beach
Blvd. the residents are having similar problems with loud music.
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Commissioner West voiced concern about the ivy that was planted at 10991 Elm on
the side on Imperial Hwy (to counter graffiti) because it is all over the ground, and not
clinging to the wall as hoped.
Vice-Chairperson Jones requested everyone to stand and hold a moment of silence
in honor of Late Chairperson Albe�t Jimenez. He then continued by reading a
statement that he prepared when was in the hospital. Some of the items that need to
be address in the City are:
• Safer place forchildren to live in
• Senior Citizens need to feel safe in their homes
• Eliminate gangs in the City
• Loud music
• Residents to feel proud to live in the City and to be an Ali American City
Just like in 1944
• Council members to do their best for the community
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Hutcherson and seconded by Commissioner
Hawkins to adjoum to the next regular meeting scheduled for July 12, 2004 at 6:15
p:m. Ail in favor. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
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