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HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-04-95 NEIGHBOROOD COOPERATION PROGRAMN z a 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 ' f.\ worditle \trancntr \cepol2.doc.let l /4/95 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. f•.\ wordfrle \trancntr \cepol1doc.let 1 /4/95 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 f:\ wordfile \uwcntr\cepol2.doc.letl14195 11t�l 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. f:\ wordfile \trancntr \cepol2.doc.let 1/4/95 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. f:\ wordfile \uancntr\cepol2.doc.let 1 /4/95 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. f: \wordti1e \trancntr \cepol2 doc.letl 4/95 - :v c '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. f:\ wordfile \trancntr\cepol2.doe.let t /4/95 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