HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2010/03/04 wkshpMINUTES OF A WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
March 4, 2010
4:00 p.m.
A Workshop of the City Council of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 4:05 p.m. in
the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Bensoussan (arrived at 4:07 p.m.), Castaneda, Ramirez,
Thompson and Chair Cox
ABSENT: None.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Sandoval, City Attorney Miesfeld (arrived at 4:47 p.m.),
City Clerk Norris, and Deputy City Clerk Bennett
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Deputy Mayor Ramirez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
SUBJECT WORKSHOP
GEOGRAPHIC POLICING
City Manager Sandoval introduced Police Chief Bejarano who gave an overview of the City's
Geographic Policing program as a continuation of the Police Department's ongoing efforts
toward community policing, enhanced system of accountability for crime and disorder in the
City, and efforts to strengthen partnerships with the community. He then introduced Lieutenants
Phil Collum and Roxana Kennedy. Lieutenant Collum provided information about reassignment
resources and tasks for District Commanders that included development of a transition plan,
building and strengthening communication and partnerships, efforts to address crime, disorder
and fear, and future enhancements. Lieutenant Kennedy addressed ongoing projects, and talked
about issues related to crime and the homeless population at Harborside Park.
There was discussion on various issues related to crime and vandalism at Lauderbach Park and
Surrey Drive, with a suggestion by Councilmember Thompson for a voluntary overlay or
assessment district; and a suggestion by Councilmember Bensoussan of establishing a
community gazden.
Mayor Cox asked, and Chief Bejarano responded, that funding support by the school district for
School Resource Officers in 2011 would not be affected by reductions within the school district.
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Mayor Cox commented that for long periods of time, long bed trucks were occupying the
pazking spaces on Naples Street that could otherwise be used for pazking by Harborside Park
visitors. Lieutenant Kennedy responded that the matter would be referred to the City's parking
enforcement division.
There was discussion on possible ways to address community feaz of crime, including
community meetings and collaborative efforts with law enforcement, and providing information
about maintaining safe neighborhoods.
Deputy Mayor Ramirez asked, and Chief Bejazano explained the role of the new Deputy City
Attorney position, atwo-yeaz, grant-funded position. Deputy Mayor Ramirez asked whether or
not the position could work to prosecute mazket owners that sell tobacco to minors, to which
Chief Bejarano responded that the grant funding for the position was specific to apartment
complex issues. Deputy Mayor Ramirez supported the suggestion by Councilmember
Bensoussan of consideration of a community garden concept for Lauderbach Park.
Councilmember Thompson suggested holding group meetings to address specific apartment
complex problems to help find solutions, and stated that he would like to be involved in the
process as it moved forward.
Councilmember Bensoussan suggested that staff look to see what potential funding may exist for
infrastructure improvements within neighborhoods to lessen crime.
Councilmember Castaneda suggested that once a better grasp of the neighborhood-policing
program was achieved, that staff come back for discussion about implementing a policy to
potentially condemn problem properties.
Mayor Cox suggested linking the school districts to tie in with Nixle community notification
service network so dispatchers can inform school bus drivers about what to be looking for,
thereby further enhancing a broader community outreach and community safety.
Councilmember Thompson suggested holding an annual law enforcement workshop.
ADJOURNMENT
At 5:25 p.m., Mayor Cox adjourned the Meeting to the next Regular City Council Meeting on
Mazch 9, 2010 at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers.
Lorraine Bennett, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
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