HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-04-95 NEIGHBOROOD COOPERATION PROGRAMN
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AGENDA
NF,IGHBORHOOD COOPERATION PROGRAM
WORKSHOP
April 4, 1995, 4pm, Bateman Hall
I. Introd Uellon
(Lorry Torres)
II l.%erything you always %�jnted to know about Code Enforcement Division
(Pnismc Martinez)
Ill. S, you want to become a Volunteer....
Las Angeles County sheriff Civilian Volunteer Program
lsergeant Wilson)
1\ Neighborhood Cooperation Program (Handout)
\ Lev Dates
6,1995
Mail or Drop -ofi
City of Lynwood '
Community Development Department ,
1133) Bullis Road
Lynwood, CA 90262
Attention: Lorry Torres
Call for an Interview Appointment:
Lorry Torres -
(310) G03 -0220, extension 268
Interview Date
Thursday, April 13, 1Oam - Spin
Location:
Bateman Hall (VIPRoom)
-
1 - 1330 Bullis Road
_-
Lynwood, CA 90262
Selection
Mot tddy. May 1, 1995
i
Acceptance Letters Mailed
,
Volunteer Start Date
Monday, May S, 1995
\'1 Questions and Answers
GOOD LUCK!
i
\U',GE\ DOC q
DATE: January 03, 1995
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Faustin Gonzales, City Manager
I 1
BY: Gary Chicots, Director of Community Development(!,
SUBJECT: Code Enforcement Policy
PURPOSE:
To review and approve a proposed Code Enforcement Policy which
would set goals and objectives for Code Enforcement.
BACKGROUND:
On December 6, 1994, City Council directed the Community
Development Director to prepare a Code Enforcement Policy in order
to set up meaningful goals and objectives for staff. Also to be
developed was an overall Mission statement which would give broad
guidance on the direction of Code Enforcement.
ANALYSIS:
Attached for City Council' review is a proposed Code Enforcement
Policy. The Policy is set up with a Mission Statement, Goals and
Objectives and various ac ions which would implement the Mission
Statement and goals and objectives.
Also included is a "Priority List" of the most common type of
complaints which Code Enforcement encounters. Staff has ranked
each violation by order of importance. Its should be noted that any
number of factors can influence the rank' q of the priority list.
And therefore, the ranking could chan5re or items be added or
deleted based on the needs of the commurfity.
of
It is hoped that the attached policy will provide guidance to the
Code Enforcement staff, and provide reasonable expectations to the
City Council on issues relating to Code Enforcement.
RECOMMENDATION•
Staff recommends the City Council review and make comment regarding
,the proposed Code Enforcement Plan.
Aid � u M
dP
4
CODE ENFORCEMENT POLICY
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Code Enforcement U to protect public health andsafety, improve
the quality of life, enhance property values, preserve community standards, and
maintain neighborhood's aesthetic integrity by achieving voluntary compliance
with the Lynwood Municipal Co&- and other applicable codes through the
eXercise of sound and impartial enforcement procedures with professionalism and
courtesy.
I. INTRODUCTION
T he enforcement of the municipal cede is to protect public health and safety, and
enhance the quality of life while assuring a clean, attractive and safe residential and
business environment. Code enforcement is a governmental function used to enforce
municipal and other government codes with regards to property maintenance, zoning,
public nuisance, and business license.
Code enforcement may be active (proactive) or passive (reactive). Passive code
enforcement is limited to complaint responses and correction of violations related to
health, safety, or aesthetics. In an acuve enforcement process, a Code Enforcement
Officer ( "CEO ") not only respond to complaints, but seek out violators. Active
enforcement is a dynamic tool to address problems because it allows the City to pursue
prevent4tive programs to minimize code violations that are perceived as severe based on
the number of complaints from the public or direction from City Council. Often when
problems are no longer perceived as critical or as a priority as a result of active
enforcement, then the enforcement mode appropriately shifts from active to passive.
Because a significant portion of investigations are initiated as a response to complaints
from the public, code enforcement in Lynwood can be considered generally passive with
periods of active enforcement_ Development of proactive and reactive policies and
actions ensures that the City is aware of and acting on potential problems throughout the
City.
Code enforcement policies established by City Council is carried out under the direction
of the City's Community Development Director. The field work is performed by the Code
Enforcement Manager and Code Enforcement Officers who attempt to work
cooperatively with residents and businesses to maintain community standards, preserve
property values and ensure that Lynwc�xl remains a desirable living environment.
,
2
H. GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
he goal statements express the general, long range condition toward which code,
enforcement effort is being directed. Each goal is reinforced by a series of policies
which provide guidance for decision making that will advance the goal. Implementing,
actions are the most prominent result of establishing policy. This exercise; the
formulation of goals, policies and actions; is an attempt t&affect positive change in the
community through the improvement of the way the City enforces the various codes and
requirements that all residents are required to meet.
• r
a
Y '
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I To enhanee quality of We wMirk f6t :City d1Lygsraad ttg ti ngiing a
Yoluutaryp01*iattee with VsWOus niunlcipal and rdawdco t.
Policy 1.1 Empower residents and property owners to take personal responsibility for
making sure that their neighborhoods and homes are safe, clean and of a
consistent high quality
Policy 1.2 Catalyze public, private and voluntary sectors into action to solve neighborhood
concerns.
Policy 1.3 Allow voluntary abatement of declared nuisances.
Policy 1.4 Provide information to the residents, property owners, and business
owners about related City, County, and State agencies that may provide
information and assistance for their concerns.
Policy 1.5 Provide information to the residents and property owners of Lynwood
about residential ordinances in order to promote a better understanding of
how the laws affect them, and their neighborhoods and the community
4. •::• ❖ ❖:-
1.1 Provide public information through newsletter, cable, flyers and
waterbilling inserts to increase public awareness on how code violations
affect their neighborhood and the community.
Action 1.2 In writing or verbally, when appropriate, advise property owner of the nuisance
and direct the owner to abate the nuisance at any time within the abatement period
by rehabilitation, repair, removal, or demolition.
Action 1.3 Include in the first notice of violation or notice to the owner or tenant of any
building or structure of property the specific description of the violation, the
T step(s) required to bring property into compliance, and the time period given to
bring property into compliance.
Action 14 Provide property owners and tenants with information and assistance on
maintaining properties.
Action 1.5 When feasible, the Code Enforcement Officers attempt to make personal contact
with property owners and business owners to provide information regarding the
City code and discuss steps the individual may take to resolve the situation.
1.6 Prepare code enforcement public information handout identifying
abatement time frames.
1 7 Implement a Neighborhood Cooperation Program to include resident volunteers
where feasible into the code enforcement process.
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4
Intent 'There are several ways in which a Code Enforcement Officer is made , .
aware of a violation. Complaints received over the telephone or in- person
from neighboring property owners constitute a significant portion of inspection
requests received by a Code Enforcement Officer ( "CEO "). Other City staff
members who have observed violations may also request a CEO to perform an'.
inspection.' Also, through observation in the field or during- site
inspections the CEO may initiate action. This type of code'enforcement is
passive in nature. In addition. cases may result from active enforcement
involving neighborhood canvassing by the CEOs.
When appropriate, the City utilizes a notice approach which provides
opportunity for the owner to be advised that the current situation involves
a violation of municipal or related code and establishes a time frame for bringing
the property into compliance without regulation. 'However in ceitain violations
such as illegal vending, operating a business without a permit, or operating,a
lunch or ice cream truck during restricted hours, a CEO may issue a "notice to
appear" with specific financial penalties but do not require that the violation be
corrected
If a nuisance is not property abated within the period established for voluntary
compliance, another letter is sent The letter establishes a time frame for bringing
the property into compliance and advises the property owner that the City may
have to take legal action to resolve the situation;if action is not taken.
Effective code enforcement program needs community, involvement and
cooperation. CEOs should endeavor not only to respond to complaints of code
violations but also assist neighborhoods to solve problems.
7
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Eiimiaadn of Trutt, detaitsratim, and miisaum through tfiWA
enfiftxetttettt anti itunittnnp code stagdards ttror►wtit�g u ltealttty,. s8�f�, a�tt
attractive tromm>iedt3c
Policy 2.1 Ensure that the physical condition of residential and commercial
neighborhoods comply with established standards and codes.
Policy 2.2 Administer enforcement of municipal or related codes pertaining to zoning,
housing, building and nuisance.
Policy 2.3 Identify sections of the Lynwood Municipal Code which need to be amended to
attain City goals.
V.
•.......
2.1 When appropriate maintain a weekend code enforcement.
2.2 Conduct Code Enforcement sweeps as needed basis during peak vending
activity hours.
Action 2.3 Maximize staff time in the field to increase CEOs presence in the community.
Action 2.4 Investigate public complaints of violations of zoning regulations, including
property nuisances, trash accumulation abandoned vehicles, Illegal occupancies,
and unsafe structures.
2.5 Coordinate with other governmental agencies and/or other City departments to
enforce applicable codes.
2.6 Enforce applicable codes to abate substandard housing Violations.
Action 2.7 Monitor conditional use permits. zone %ariances, building permits and other
It entitlements for compliance with City Council and Planning Commission
approvals.
Action 2.8 Utilize CDBG and other funds to help need% residents in gaining compliance with
applicable codes.
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Intent Code Enforcement will continue to play a key lead and support roles in
maintaining the integrity of neighborhoods and ensuring the quality of life
throughout the City. CEOs will continue to coordinate with City and County
departments to assure public health, safety, and aesthetic integrity of the
community is maintained and enhanced:
It is the policy of the City to encourage voluntary compliance, however, in order
to achieve and assure compliance, penalties and/or fines may be'necessary to curb
recurring or profound violations. It is the role of the CEO to notify the owner of
the property to abate the violation, then, through a series of reinspections °and
follow -up letters, ensure that the municipal or related code violation, is abated
If a subsequent inspections of the property reveals that the property
owner /tenant has failed to abate the violation, a succession of notices is
sent. The process continues until abatement or prosecutor
referral occurs. Property owners who do not take action to resolve the situation
following the final notice are referred to the City Prosecutor. The City Prosecutor
is one of the most effective means for achieving compliance with zoning and
property maintenance regulations. Referrals io the City Prosecutor
are made when it is apparent that compliance cannot be achieved with voluntary
compliance, t normal code enforcement procedures and notices of violations. The
City Prosecutor may file criminal charges if the property owner is not cooperative
and refuses to take any action or fails to take action to resolve the situation.
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3 Achteviamusbtent a6rcement threaghout theentiz+ Oo t F!r!Iv i#ewpa
trftb tent tuts
Policy 3.1 Exhibit a sympathetic, but firm approach with members of the public, and
attempts to offer alternatives to achieve substantial compliance with codes while
trying to accommodate the needs and limitations of the property owner.
Policy 3.2 The members of the public will be treated with respect.
Policy .3 CEOs shall endeavor to perform all duties with professionalism and courtesy
Policy 3.4 Administer fair and impartial enforcement of municipal regulations through all
phases of the compliance process.
..........
Action 3.1 Maintain the current hearing procedure allowing for public appeal of matters
relating to determination of public nuisance and to the use of municipal authork%
to abate the nuisance.
Action 3.2 Establish a uniform and systematic approach for investigating all complaints
forwarded by the Centralized Complaint System to Code Enforcement Division.
Intent Code enforcement is important to the maintenance and stabilization of the City s
housing stock as well as commercial and industrial areas. Frequent contact with
the public is expected in an effort to achieve this goal. It is incumbent on the
CEO to ensure that the rights of a member of the public are not encroached upon
while abatement of code violations is being pursued
It is also important that in order to gain support from the community that the
CEOs possess personal and professional integrity, ethics, and empathy
toward all members of the public.
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'Cre'atea respomive enFBIvmtCBEprgp8BL.
Policy 4.1 Provide a linkage between the Lynwood resident/business owner /property
owner and his/her municipal government_ t
Policy 4.2 Provide a voice for citizen concerns about problems in their neighborhoods.
Policy 4.3 Maintain an effective public relations program by communicating, with
citizens regarding code enforcement
Action 4.1 Respond to at least 95% of all code violation complaints received from the
community
Action 4.2 Coordinate efforts with the Centralized Complaint System on resolving
complaints.
Action 4.3 Utilize the City's Centralized Complain: System for,providino members of the
public with the help they seek at the initial point of contact, or with a single
referral.
Action 4.4 Provide code enforcement abatement process dia_ •rams to complainants.
Action 4.5 Establish Code Enforcement Mameer as point of contact for all code
enforcement requests for information on case status.
Action 4.6 Strive to honor requests for anonymity in the case of complaints when requests for
anonymity is received
Action 4 Pursue a feedback procedure within the Centralized Complaint System in which
complainants are surveyed on the respk-nsiveness of CEOs.
Intent CEOs strive to make personal C(Y.!.A :ts u hen possible or practicable. Members of
the public use this opportunity to ,�.iicu, various code requirements. CEOs are
available to meet upon request Av*i re.r knts, property owners, or business owners
in the field or at City Hall.
CEOs also work in a flexible time � tk-%Jule that includes the weekend to be more
responsive to the needs of the conmiunity Weekend enforcement is effective in
targeting problems that typically scum on those days.
The Centralized Complaint Syste❑ play s a key role in ensuring that complaints
are forwarded to the Code Enforcement Division and monitored for timely
resolution.
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City of Lynwood
Community Development Department
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
1 2 3 4 5
Field Inspection Notice of Non - compliance Nuisance Abatement/
1 Day Violation 7 -15 Da sy Letter/ Follow -up 60 Days Abatement 40 Days Case Closed
___ -- __ -- - -- —
Inspection
REORG94F XLS
City of Lynwood
Community Development Department
GARAGE CONVERSIONS
I
d Inspection
1 Day
2
3
Notice of _ _♦ Non - compliance
Violation 30 Days Letter
for 90 days
REORG94D.XLS
7 - -
4 5
City __♦ Abatemerrt/
7 -15 Days Prosecutor 1 Year Case Closed
City of Lynwood
Community Development Department
ILLEGAL ADDITIONS
[I
2
3
4 S
City Abatement/
7 Days Prosecutor 1 Year Case Closed
Field Inspection Notice of Non -com
7 D y Violation 15 -3 D Letter
-
Permit OUta in_ed
Valid for 90 Days
REORG94E.XLS
y r
I
WELCOME TO THE
NEIGHBORHOOD COOPERATION PROGRAM
Sponsored by the City of Lynwood
Mar -95
LET03 /20 /95NCPRULES.DOC
q '
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1-2 Neighborhood Cooperation Program
(Program Description; Application Procedure;
Informational /Orientation Training)
3-4 Volunteer Position Description
5 Volunteer Application
6 Affirmative Action Employment Questionnaire
7 Notice of Emergency Form
8 Acknowledgment of At -Will Employment
9 Rules and Regulations
9 - Conditions
12 - Personal Conduct
13 - Personal Safetv
14 Miscellaneous
LET03 /21 /95NCPRULES.DOC
I
CITY OF LYNWOOD
NEIGHBORHOOD COOPERATION PROGRAM
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Supplementing our paid Code Enforcement staff and in keeping with the City's
Code Enforcement policy to empower residents and property owners to take
personal responsibility for making sure that their neighborhoods and homes are
safe, clean and of consistent high quality, the City of Lynwood ("City")
developed the Neighborhood Cooperation Program ( "program ") to stimulate a
cooperative approach to neighborhood problems.
The program is designed to enlist the help of community volunteers to assist the
City in obtaining compliance relating to code enforcement related problems.
A. Examples of tasks to be undertaken by Neighborhood Cooperation
Program Volunteers ( "Volunteer(s) "). These could include but not limited
to the following:
enforce signage requirement,
verify yard sales permit,
research data, permits, licenses, CUP variances, etc.,
conduct field surveys,
assess existing conditions of residential, commercial and
industrial properties,
perform clerical work, and
receive complaints over the phone and at the counter,
LET03 /20/95NMULES.DOC
9
II APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A. Each applicant will be required to submit or show proof of the following:
- Volunteer Application
- Notice of Emergency
- Acknowledgment of At Will Employment
- Four (4) fingerprint cards
A valid California Driver's License
Current acceptable automobile insurance
Personal medical insurance
B. The City will conduct a criminal history check and driver's
record check on each applicant. Any information discovered during the
screening which the City feels would disqualify an applicant
(i.e. convicted felon, or on probation, or parole), will result in a
recommendation that this person not be accepted into the program.
III INFORMATIONAUORIENTATION TRAINING
Each applicant will be required to successfully participate in and complete the
informational/orientation training. The training will be coordinated by the Code
Enforcement Manager
LET03 /20/95NCPRULES.DOC
NEIGHBORHOOD COOPERATION PROGRAM
VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION
DEFINITION
Under the general supervision of the Code Enforcement Manager to receive and
make field investigations of complaints concerning suspected violations of
nuisance and zoning ordinances; performs a wide variety of office assistance,
support and general clerical work; conduct field surveys; assist Code
Enforcement Division with a variety of code compliance inspections; and to
perform other job related work as required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
• Receives information and assist Code Enforcement Division in responding to
complaints concerning land use, illegal operations, and compliance with zoning,
nuisance and other planning ordinances;
• Performs a wide variety of office assistance including typing, filing, checking,
recording information, answering the telephone and assisting the public in person;
• Types agenda, forms, lists, memoranda, public notices, staff reports,
correspondence, minutes and purchase orders;
• Sets up and maintains a variety of files;
• Serves as receptionist, greets the public and provides information on routine
questions and directs complex technical questions or unusual requests to
appropriate staff niembers;
• Takes and relays messages;
• Sorts and files documents and records according to predetermined classifications;
• May operate a computer terminal to input and retrieve data;
Arranges and coordinates the reproduction of department materials;
• Performs a.variety of specialized clerical duties related to the functions of the office
or department to which assigned;
• Assist Code Enforcement Division on investigations based on observation of
suspected or obvious violations of zoning and other planning ordinances;
• Assist Code Enforcement Division on a variety of research to establish background
for noncompliance reports and investigations;
• On a limited basis, explains zoning ordinances to the public by telephone, letter
and at the counter;
• Provides the public with public information materials on procedures for compliance
with zoning, housing and land use regulations;
• Works cooperatively with other departments on common enforcement problems and
investigations;
• Studies and keeps abreast of correspondences and directives necessary for current
knowledge of departmental objectives, studies and projects;
LET03/20/95 NCPRULES. DOC
4
• Assist Code Enforcement Division by performing a variety of abatement
assignments; and
• Assist Code Enforcement Division in checking local businesses for proper licensing
and other related code enforcement functions.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of an appropriate California driver's license issued by State
Department of Motor Vehicles.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION
Ability to:
-Read and write at the level required for successful job performance;
- Perform routine office support, assistance and clerical work;
-Learn to operate a variety of office equipment and a computer terminal;
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
-Work cooperatively with others and meet the public with courtesy and
tact;
-Meet and deal effectively with property owners and the general public.
- Express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
- Recognize problems and make effective recommendations for their
correction.
-Deal with the general public in a firm, consistent and respectful manner.
- Observe and record findings during surveys.
LET03/20/95NCPRULES.DOC
U ;-44,0 CITY OF LYNWOOD
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
l
NEIGHBORHOOD COOPERATION PROGRAM VOLUNTEER
TITLE OF POSITION
INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY -TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY IN BLACK INK - ANSWER QUESTIONS COMPLETELY.
INCOMPLETE, INACCURATE OR ILLEGIBLE APPLICATIONS MAY BE REJECTED.
HOME BUSINESS
:ME PHONE 1 1 PHONE I 1
(Last) (First) (Middle)
ADDRESS
(WmoerlStreet) (City) (State) pjP)
SOCIALSECURITY NUMBER
.RE YOU AVAILABLE FOR:
'ULL -TIME WORK
BART -TIME WORK
T WO
BER
CLASS
DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITION OR HANDICAP THAT MAY LIMIT YOUR ABILITY TO PERFORM THE
JOB APPLIED FOR?
IF YES, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ACCOMMODATEYOUR LIMITATION?
HAVE YOU AT ANY TIME IN YOUR LIFE BEEN CONVICTED, IN OTHER THAN A JUVENILE COURT, OF A FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR OR
OTHER THAN MINOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS? YES ❑ NO G'
A CRIMINAL RECORD DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTOMATIC BAR TO EMPLOYMENT, BUT WILL BE CONSIDERED IN TERMS OF THE
WORK TO BE PERFORMED. IF "YES ", SPECIFY FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR, OFFENSE, DISPOSITION, DATE AND LOCATION FOR EACH
CONVICTION
tRE YOU A U.S. CITIZEN? YES ❑ NO ❑
NOT A U.S. CITIZEN, HAVE YOU THE LEGAL RIGHT TO BECOME EMPLOYED IN THE U.S.? YES O NO ❑
F HIRED, CAN YOU FURNISH PROOF THAT YOUR AGE MEETS CITY REQUIREMENTS? YES O NO 0
IF YOU ARE UNDER EIGHTEEN, CAN YOU SUBMIT A WORK PERMIT AFTER YOU ARE HIRED? YES ❑ NO ❑
PLEASE LIST PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND LICENSES WHICH ARE PERTINENT TO THE POSITION:
WHO ARE NOT
"AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"
DAY SHIFT
HAVE YOU WORKED FOR OUR CITY BEFORE? YES O MOO
IF YES. STATE DATE LEFT AND THE REASON:
EVENING SHIFT I DO YOU HAVE A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE? YES ❑ NO 0
6
CITY OF LYNWOOD
Affirmative Action Employment Questionnaire
Please complete this form and submit with your application. The
form will be detached from your application and kept separate and
confidential. The information is being gathered to evaluate our
Affirmative Action Program and will not affect employment in any
way. Completion of this form is voluntary.
NAME:
POSITION FOR WHICH APPLIED:
DATE:
SEX: ❑ MALE 7 FEMALE
ETHNIC GROUP /RACE: (check onel
White (Non- Hispanic)
Black (Non- Hispanic)
F Hispanic (Person of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Central or
South American origin, or other Spanish Culture.)
a Asian or Pacific Islander (Person of Far Eastern, Southern
Asian, Indian subcontinent, or Pacific Islands origin. This
includes Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Filipino, Samoan,
etc.)
F1 American Indian or Alaskan Native
1i Other. Please specify
NOTE: The category Hispanic, while not a race identification,
included as a separate ethnic category for reporting
purposes.
is
Please indicate where you first became aware of this job opening.
a Newspaper (Name)
a Job Announcement at other
THE CITY OF LYNWOOD DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST DISABLED
INDIVIDUALS IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES
7
NOTICE OF rMERGENCY
EMPLOYEE NAME
DEPARTMENT
In case of emergency please notify the following:
NAME
ADDRE55
NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE ( )
RELATIONSHIP
Ry"
ADDRESS .
PHONE ( )
RELATIONSHIP
R
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AT -WILL EMPLOYMENT
1 , ' acknowledge that I am an at -will
employee /volunteer without vested property right in my position of Neighborhood
Cooperation Program Volunteer I may be term inated/released at any time, without
cause, and without right of appeal.
Date: Signed:
Witness:
LET03 /20195NMULES.DOC
i
M
NEIGHBORHOOD COOPERATION PROGRAM
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Conditions
Neighborhood Cooperation Program Volunteers are civilian volunteers. Due to the
nature of this program, volunteers will be expected to exercise sound judgment when
functioning in an on -duty capacity and are encouraged to ask questions or seek
guidance whenever unsure as to the proper course of conduct/action to pursue. The
City of Lynwood will recognize and work in cooperation with Neighborhood Cooperation
Program volunteers who adhere to the following conditions:
NON - CONFRONTATION
All volunteers' activities shall be non - confrontational in nature.
WEAPONS PROHIBITED
At no time will any volunteer have in their possession any type of weapon, i.e. a
firearm, knife, hitting instrument, etc., while performing in the role of a
volunteer
There will be no exception to this or any other rules. ,
III PERSONAL VEHICLE
Volunteers shall use their own vehicles while performing their duties. These
vehicles shall not bear any special markings, decals, bumper stickers, etc.,
which identify the occupants as Neighborhood Cooperation Program volunteers.
Only when it is authorized by the Code Enforcement Manager will a volunteer
drive a City vehicle or will a volunteer become a passenger in a City vehicle.
IV MINIMUM CANCELLATION NOTICE
Volunteers will be required to make notification a minimum of 48 hours in
advance, if for any reason they are unable to fulfill a scheduled assignment.
Exceptions will be made in cases of sudden illness, family, medical or other
emergencies. Under these circumstances, notification should be undertaken as
soon as possible.
LET03 /20 %95NCPRULES.D0C ,
10
V AUTHORIZED ABSENCE
Failure to fulfill an approved assignment, without authorization, will be cause
for review of Neighborhood Cooperation Program participation and
possible dismissal from the program.
VI NO SCHEDULE DEVIATION WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL
Volunteers will only work the schedule that has been approved by the
Code Enforcement Manager Each volunteer will be expected to work the
entire shift as scheduled. The only exception will be due to medical, family
or other EMERGENCIES. In any case, where an emergency does occur
and the volunteer has to leave prior to the conclusion of the designated shift,
the Code Enforcement Manager must be notified as soon as you return to the
office.
VII MONTHLY STIPEND
Volunteers will be required to acquire their own supplies, uniform and
equipment. To reimburse volunteers for these expenses, each volunteer will
receive a monthly stipend in the amount as set by City Council for participating
in the Neighborhood Cooperation Program in accordance to the program rules
and regulations.
VIII UNIFORM
The City will be responsible for acquiring the ini i I uniform for each volunteer.
Each volunteer will be responsible for acquiring additional or replacement
uniform and maintaining their uniform. All uniforms will conform to the
Neighborhood Cooperation Program specifications.
A. Uniform Jacket
Dark blue in color
Nylon lined
Official "Neighborhood Cooperation Program" silk- screened on the
back of the Jacket. (white lettering, each letter to be 2 inches in
height)
Official "Volunteer" embroidered on the front left side of the
Jacket. (white lettering, each letter to be 1 inch in height)
B. Uniform Cap
Royal blue in color with official "Neighborhood Cooperation
Program" printed on front panel
LET03 /21 /95NCPRULES.DOC
11
IX MINIMUM VOLUNTEER WORK HOURS
All volunteers shall work a minimum of ten (10) hours per week Monday -
Sunday for a total of forty (40) hours per month exclusive of authorized
absences and emergency leaves. Volunteers' work schedule must be approved
by the Code Enforcement Manager Because of the need to provide code
enforcement on weekends, there is a high likelihood that volunteers will be
required to work on weekends.
X INSURANCE /LIABILITY
Any injury accident or unusual incident which occurs to or involves a volunteer
while on duty must be reported to the Code Enforcement Manager.
A. A volunteer personal insurance must pay for any injury. Be sure to
discuss this stipulation with the Code Enforcement Manager
B. The City assumes no liability for the actions of a volunteer
Additional conditions may be added to the above list at the discretion of the City of
Lynwood.
LET03/ 16/95NMUL.ES.DOC
12
PERSONAL CONDUCT
All Neighborhood Cooperation Program Volunteers must realize the importance of their
position, as well as the effect their actions will reflect upon the City of Lynwood, With
that in mind, volunteers will be subject to the following rules that will govern their
conduct while performing task within this program.
You will be representing the City of Lynwood and to a lesser degree the Code
Enforcement Division. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that you conduct
yourself in a professional manner at all times
Common courtesy and respect for all citizens you encounter will be
exercised at all times.
III Volunteers shall not consume alcoholic beverages while performing their duties.
Any volunteer suspected of being under the influence of alcohol upon
reporting for duty will immediately be subject to a blood /alcohol test,
administered on the Los Angeles Sheriff's breathalyzer. The mere odor of an
alcoholic beverage, will be sufficient grounds for testing. A positive test will
result in immediate termination from the program and the possibility of criminal
charges being filed.
This same rule applies to possession or being under the influence of any illegal
substances.
IV No personal business will be conducted while fulfilling the role of a volunteer or
working within that specific capacity.
VI The City of Lynwood has established a set of "Values." As a volunteer you will
be responsible for conducting yourself in accordance with the following
applicable "Values"
A. You shall be service oriented and perform your duties and
assignments with the highest possible degree of personal and
professional integrity.
B. You shall be fair and impartial and treat people with dignity
C. You shall treat everyone as you would expect to be treated if the
positions were reversed.
D. You shall be fully accountable for your actions or failures.
LET01 /30 /95NCPRULES.DOC
13
PERSONAL SAFETY
Procedures and guidelines cannot conceivably be established to govern every and all
situations that can presumably be encountered. Therefore, it is required that
Neighborhood Cooperation Program volunteers demonstrate and utilize sound
ud ment and common sense at all times.
Never knowingly enter a hazardous situation. Your only acceptable course of
action would be to make an immediate notification to the Code Enforcement
Division Office or Community Development Department or if no one is available
to the Lynwood Sheriff's Department while maintaining a safe distance from the
situation.
While performing a property surrey, never enter an open or closed residence.
This also applies when checking business locations.
III While fulfilling the role of a volunteer, at no time will you engage in or initiate
any enforcement action, regardless of the circumstances.
A. Should you observe a situation that warrants Code Enforcement action,
your only course would be to monitor the activity from a safe distance,
make a written report of the incident, and then notify the Code
Enforcement Manager of your written finding. Exceptions maybe made
when the Code Enforcement Manager directs a volunteer to take certain
and specific actions when conducting a special project.
B. Should you observe an emergency situation that warrants a 911 call to
the Lynwood Sheriff's Department, please do so and inform the Code
Enforcement Manager or if the Code Enforcement Manager is
unavailable, inform any Code Enforcement Officer or the Project Manager
or Planning Manager of the Community Development Department.
It will be the responsibility of each volunteer to maintain their personal copy of this
manual and be aware of the entire contents and conduct themselves in complete
accordance. Failure to abide by any of the articles contained within this manual or
failure to demonstrate appropriate sound judgment and common sense can result in
immediate removal from this program. Neighborhood Cooperation Program volunteers
can also be held accountable for inappropriate behavior on the part of fellow
volunteers, while fulfilling assignments, if they allow the conduct to go unreported.
LET03 /20 /95NCPRULES.DOC
14
'a
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
UNIFORM PURCHASE
For your convenience, uniforms may be purchased at Long Beach Uniform located at
2789 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach. Prices below are subject to change, please call
Long Beach Uniform for current prices at (310) 424 -0220.
Prices
as of 3/21/95
Uniform Windbreaker Jacket Nylon Lined
Lettering:
"Neigborhood Cooperation Program"
(silk- screened imprint on the back,
white lettering, each letter 2 inches
in height)
"Volunteer"
000000fton the front, upper left
side of the jacket, each letter 1 inch
in height) $23.95 /each + tax
Uniform Cap (light blue)
Lettering:
"Neighborhood Cooperation Program"
embroidered on front panel $8.95 /each + tax
Uniform Polo Shirt (Optional: in lieu of a
Uniform Jacket) during hot days or working
inside the office
"Neigborhood Cooperation Program"
(silk- screened imprint on the back,
white lettering, each letter 2 inches
in height)
"Volunteer'
7 n the front, upper left
side of the jacket, each letter 1 inch
in height) $17.95 + tax
LET03 /21 /95 NCPRULES.DOC