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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 I CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Chairperson Dale Jones, Vice-Chairperson Sal Alatorre Frank Calderon Lorna Hawkins Zelda Hutcherson Kenneth West ,Q,����� ' ilj; ^' �' r - �a.�t�C �t�CEiVED C1TY Of LYfVW00D II _ CITY CI,ERK,S OFFICE INVOCATION � ,lUL p 7 2�04 _ AM PM �u 7�8�9��►ill�l2ili2�3�4i5�6 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE L S�� �'j / � 1��� �� ����� � iv �; APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 14, 2004 V PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS VI STUDIES AfVD REPORTS VII 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. I i I 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. ' . ' � I I � � �I i ,' I i I .