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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPCC Minutes 1990-03-06SRCC AUTES (Special Workshop) 3/6/: Page 1 AT PICKLEWEED PARK COMMUNITY CENTER, 50 CANAL STREET, SAN RAFAEL, TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 1990 AT 7:30 PM. Special Workshop Meeting: Present: Lawrence E. Mulryan, Mayor San Rafael City Council Albert J. Boro, Councilmember Dorothy L. Breiner, Councilmember Michael A. Shippey, Councilmember Joan Thayer, Councilmember Absent: None Also Present: Pamela J. Nicolai, City Manager; Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk; Henry Ingwersen, Police Chief 1. WORKSHOP MEETING - DISCUSSION ON CRIME IN THE CANAL AREA - File 9-3-30 Mayor Mulryan opened the meeting, stating this was a first time he had conducted a City Council meeting away from City Hall, noting it was their pleasure to be able to continue discussions from the previous meeting of February 20th to better the overall conditions in the Canal area. He noted that the Pickleweed Park Community Center is a City facility, stating the site was previously planned for more housing, but years ago the City Council decided the overcrowdedness which had taken place with the previous zoning in the 1940's and 1950's was not in the best interest of the community. The City then purchased this site and built the Pickleweed Park Community Center to be used by the community, offering various programs. He stated for a long time, the Canal Community Alliance, La Familia and other groups have been very concerned about the social problems in this area. Mayor Mulryan stated staff prepared an agenda with proposals to be discussed this evening, noting it was done in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. He then introduced Mr. Dan Iacofano, who worked on the East San Rafael Neighborhood Plan and who was present as a Facilitator making a record as discussions were held, and whose Assistant would be recording remarks on a computer as to what the challenges are and what can be done in a certain period of time. City Manager Nicolai referred to the Agenda put together by staff as follows: Proposal - Short Term Measures (6 Months) 1. Create an additional street enforcement unit to focus on prostitution and drugs. In an effort to have a significant impact on prostitution in the area, Ms. Nicolai stated staff is suggesting not only dealing with prostitution but to initiate a program of arresting the clients and having names published in the local papers. She noted this was done in the past with a dramatic effect. In addition, the unit would also address drugs, public drinking and intoxication. She noted that the impact of enforce- ment of the laws against public drinking and intoxication will probably be greater on the City Attorney's office than on the Police Department. 2. Form an East San Rafael Social Services Task Force whose charge is to: (i) Identify and evaluate potential strategies for short and long term action. (ii) Make recommenda- tions to the City Council and/or other agencies on implementation; this would include the County and County Housing Authority. (iii) Develop a system to monitor perfor- mance on recommended actions both short and long term. Once a program is implemented and decided upon, the community would also participate in a monitoring mechanism to validate whether or not that measure is having an impact on the problem. 3. Form a local Codes Task Force to develop a short range program that coordinates and targets enforcement of Building, Fire and Housing Codes. Ms. Nicolai stated this would basically involve staff from the Building Department, the Fire Marshal, the County Health Department, County Housing Authority and all Agencies having Regulatory authority over codes to create a Task Force and jointly target buildings having a significant number of problems; they all identify exactly what the problems are and on the spot let the person know what needs to be corrected and decide which of those in the Task Force will be following up on which violation. 4. Re-initiate efforts to form neighborhood watch programs. Ms. Nicolai stated over the past years the City has initiated numerous efforts to get a neighborhood watch on line, stating it is very critical that the neighborhood participate in assisting the Police Department in crime prevention. East San Rafael Social Services Task Force Ms. Nicolai read the outline and expressed the importance of the Task Force having tremen- dous adversity, broad representation from various factions of the community and at the same time in order for it to be productive, that it be limited in size so it is a manageable group who could work effectively together, approximately 17-20 members. SRCC MINUTES (Special Workshop) 3/6/90 Page 1 COMPOSITION San Rafael City Council (1) Homeowners Assoc. (2) Citizens -at -large (3) Business Reps. (3) Apt. House Mgrs. Assocs. (1) Prop. Owners Assoc. (1) School District (1) La Familia (1) Human Rights (1) S.E. Asian Resettlement Ctr. (1) Canal Community Alliance (1) Canal Ministry (1) SRCC MINUTES (Special I kshop) 3/6/90 Page 2 TIME TABLE By March 19 Designate Representatives By April 16 Conduct first meeting By June 1 Develop recommendations which have budget implications. By November 15 Develop draft recommendations. The proposed time table would suggest that within a fairly brief period of time the commit- tee be created and by April 16th they would have conducted their first meeting. She said June 1st is the target date, noting if there are short term recommendations that come forward in a short period of time that might have financial impacts for the City of San Rafael, this would give the committee the opportunity to provide some initial input early enough to be considered as part of the budget process. By the June 1st date the budget would have gone to print but there will be a few weeks before Council actually has hearings on the budget, so there would be some time to evaluate any suggestions and possibly modify the presentation to the Council at the budget hearing. She noted this is a very short time frame and felt that the work of the committee probably will meet the November 15th target date in having draft recommendations. For the long haul, it would give the Council an opportunity to receive the recommendations and to possibly have more hearings with the community about what the recommendations are, then have it dovetailed into the budget process for next year with ample opportunity for any further evaluation. Ms. Nicolai referred to a page in the Agenda on Participants as follows: PARTICIPANTS SHORT TERM LONG TERM Residents Get involved in neighborhood watch Communicate need for jail to County 1l LaFamilia Communicate enforcement efforts A CC to constituents S SEAsian Facilitate understanding of Canal Ministry cultural differences K Encourage & cooperate in neighborhood watch program Apt. Mgrs./Prop. Owners Increase private security F Report activities 0 R C E Canal Businesses Consider forming Canal Business Improvement District Co. Housing Authority/ Participate in Codes Task Force Health Dept. School District Work with Youth in communicating cultural understanding & improving relations with Police/ Fire Ms. Nicolai explained the above list will be made up of Participants the City is familiar with who are in the Canal area, with suggestions of what the Participants could be doing in a short term, and timing the long term tasks the Task Force could be addressing. She emphasized participation, with individual residents getting involved in the neighborhood watch as critical to the success of this goal. SRCC MINUTES (Special Workshop) 3/6/90 Page 2 ICC MINUTES (Special Workshop) )/90 Page 3 Ms. Nicolai spoke on the following: Arrests made with no room in jail; relating to people not responding to a first violation of public intoxication, a bench warrant issued but there is no place for the violators so they are back on the streets causing people to become irritated with the attempt of enforcement. Support of various organizations serving constituents in the Canal that is needed to help the City communicate that enforcement efforts will be made in areas such as public intoxi- cation. She noted they did not want to have a situation where enforcement is attempted then have backlash and negative reactions from the community. The City needs to have the agencies facilitate between the various cultural groups and the understanding of cultural differences; have the agencies encourage the cooperation of the neighborhood and individual residents in the area to participate in the neighborhood watch, building a connection between the Police Department and the community. The Codes Task Force will be working with the Apartment Managers and Property Owners on increasing private security and reporting any suspicious activity to the Police Department. Have businesses in the Canal area join together to create a common goal for themselves. The City will solicit help from the County Housing Authority/Health Department to partici- pate in the Codes Task Force. Meetings to take place with the School District and any other agencies who could work with the youth in the community, particularly with cultural understanding and communication, including relations with the community and the Police Department. Ms. Nicolai stated these are some of the ideas staff "threw" out in an attempt to start a discussion with Council and the community in seeking responses and to find out what is acceptable. She concluded by stating that a "Comments Sheet" was attached for the public's input on problems and solutions in the Canal area. Mayor Mulryan encouraged reaction from the audience on the ideas just read by City Manager Nicolai. He noted at a previous meeting on this subject, street problems were discussed and that the City is aware of the seriousness of it. Comments from the Audience Ms. Rub Threadqill resident, spoke on crime in the Canal area, pointing out soliciting of prostitution and selling of drugs in the day hours as well as night, including her concern for the children picking up paraphernalia from the streets left by the users of drugs and prostitutes; suggested the City have the streets swept clean. She stated she was in support of the Neighborhood Crime Watch. Ms. Terry Hermone resident of Bahia de Rafael in the Canal area gave suggestions as follows: (1) Parking of abandoned and non -registered vehicles; She suggested they be tagged, noting eventually this will eliminate the problem. (2) Having foot patrol Policemen doing patrol with no set time. (3) Having the Police patrol the Pickleweed Park Community Center area at sunset. (4) The 7-11 Market has about 100 people seeking employment who loiter outside of the store and having them hanging out in front of a store selling liquor does not help any, noting this causes customers to avoid shopping in the market. She suggested there be more Police patrol at the store. (5) Regarding the Canal Community Alliance; She stated at the previous Council meeting someone stated the elderly are afraid of going out at night. She suggested people volunteering in helping the elderly to their destination. Mr. Tamara Moore resident in Canal area for one and a half years, said he jogs and works out on the school grounds, and noticed there is no gym for the young people to play nor are there basketball courts on the grounds. He suggested having sports equipment for the children in the neighborhood. Sean McLaird, employee at Super Subs located between the bowling alley and 7-11 Store in the Canal area, stated "everything" goes on there. He said it is an unsafe area, not safe to walk during the day or night. He suggested having a place for the children to play that would keep them off the streets, and having foot patrol. He stated there will be more people dealing in crime during the Summer season. He noted calling the Police Department's 911 number does not always have a response, indicating he fears within one year, the Canal area will become another Marin City. Buddy Lyda representing Canal Property Managers Association and a resident in the Canal area for 25 years, stated a few years ago there were no long term goals, citing the need for it. He realized the need for more money to implement the necessary services that are needed in this area; wanting more Policemen hired. He thanked the Police Department for their service to the Canal area, and the Council for taking the time to hold a meeting in the Canal Community area. SRCC MINUTES (Special Workshop) 3/6/90 Page 3 'RCC MINUTES (Special Workshop) '6/90 Page 4 Mayor Mulryan stated Council, working with the community must think in both short term and long term, noting with the short term they can move immediately and in the longer term the actions that are necessary will involve the entire community, noting that is why the Task Force is needed. He suggested the long term actions will be the deliberations and the conclusions of everyone; i.e. the City, various agencies, businesses and residents. He stated there is a demand for businesses wanting to come into the Canal area, noting the City has enacted the General Plan and the proposed East San Rafael Plan, the crux of which is that the City will not allow more businesses than the already crowded streets can accommodate. Mr. Lyda suggested having a Police Sub -Station in the Canal area and having the Abatement law enforced for establishments that are known crime offenders. Mayor Mulryan stated this is a good point, noting the City and particularly the Police Department have worked toward the prosecution of the "Red Light Abatement" in the past. He noted however, the Codes Task Force would provide a broader perspective, indicating there are health and safety violations in the community, and the function of the Task Force would be to get at all those violations. Ms. Gabriella Ricci, owner of property in the Canal area and resident of San Rafael, stated if the City moved on the Abatement Act, she would help them. She said they have evicted people from their building for reasons of drug pushers and prostitution. She stated she is concerned about the amount of Policemen on duty in the Canal area, including San Rafael. She concluded by stating she will participate in the Task Force. Ms. Cynthia Noble stated there should be consistency from the Police Department and the people in the Canal area, noting there seems to be a communication problem between them. She also suggested that the City create jobs for the people in the Canal area. Canal Resident, spoke of the supply and demand of drugs in the Canal area, indicating that drugs are not coming from the Canal only, but that it is rampant everywhere. He stated there should be some provision of skill training for those people who live in the Canal area, having no education, hoping this would eliminate some of the people from turning to the selling of drugs. Mr. Robert Marx resident of San Rafael, stated he is in favor of rehabilitation centers rather than having drug and alcohol users put in prison. Mr. Bob Griswold, Marin County resident, stated he is also in favor of rehabilitation and vocational programs. Canal Resident, spoke of having the Police Department inform the community as to what is going on in different buildings. She asked that the Marin Apartment Owners' Association be included on the Task Force list. More lighting in the Canalarea was suggested as a safety measure. Mayor Mulryan informed anyone wishing to participate in the Task Force, to leave their name, address and telephone number on the "Comment" sheet. Canal Resident asked for additional foot patrol Police officers. Canal Resident spoke of overcrowded living of families in one apartment. Mayor Mulryan stated the City is aware of the overcrowding situation and is hoping to address this problem with the Codes Task Force. Ms. Kathy Campbell, Director of Canal Community Alliance, complimented the City Council for their proactive approach on this meeting. She referred to Short Term, and agreed that creating an additional enforcement unit is a step in the right direction. She asked if this would mean the shifting or hiring of additional Policemen; that there should be more bilingual officers. Regarding the East San Rafael Social Services Task Force, Ms. Campbell stated the Canal Community Alliance is flattered they are included on the Task Force, but stated she felt there are too many providers and too many people who are organizing from a level where the real impact is not felt. She stated when providers are put in charge, it becomes a provider leading a Provider Task Force, thus losing something from all the people in this room who live next door to where crime is being committed. She stated it takes away involve- ment from people and puts the responsibility on an agency. She preferred having people in the room on the Task Force. She agreed that the forming of a local Codes Task Force to develop a short range program coordinating and targeting enforcement of building, fire, and housing codes is a good one. SRCC MINUTES (Special Workshop) 3/6/90 Page 4 ;CC MINUTES (Special Workshop) '6/90 Page 5 Ms. Campbell agreed with the reinstatment of the neighborhood watch program. Canal Resident suggested to Council, should future meetings such as tonight's be held, that a translator be made available because of the multi -cultural race of people. He also stated that foot patrol is needed; that the streets are neglected and a street sweeper is needed, suggesting that signs should be posted as to when the street sweepers will be cleaning the streets, eliminating the problem of cars parking there when the streets are to be cleaned. He concluded that the City should show more leadership in the Canal area. Canal Resident suggested the Short Term committee should be comprised of representatives from various ethnic groups; agreed that a sub -station is necessary; that the buildings of 240 Canal and Bermuda Palms are "bad" addresses. Mr. Richard Dickason, property manager, spoke on 240 Canal, stating that building is vio- lating every code he knows, noting nothing is being done. Ms. Dorothy Vesecky, Canal area resident, stated 86% of the housing units in the Canal area are rentals, noting that not only property owners or business owners should be a part of the Task Force, but renters should be included. She suggested that prevention of crimes should be a part of the Short Term Goals. She stated all social agencies should get together to work toward having cultural and recreational programs for the children, and the Police Department have PAL (Police Activities League) instituted; having a program for the prevention of drugs and alcohol, including consulting with the Marin Abused Women. Mayor Mulryan stated they do agree that prevention is the key, noting the neighborhood watch program plays an important part in crime prevention. Police Chief Ingwersen stated PAL died for lack of participation and support, but will be looked at again. Mayor Mulryan suggested any renters were welcome to sign up on the Task Force. Canal Resident over 6 years, suggested that the Bermuda Palms Hotel be shut down which would eliminate some of the prostitution. He also stated that people from all over Marin County come to San Rafael because they know they can get drugs here. Wayne Anderson suggested that the hookers and drug dealers walk around the neighborhood picking up their own rubbish, as punishment. Ms. Julia Kendall, spoke to the Redevelopment area and property taxes that should be used to benefit the community. She suggested having a community workshop in East San Rafael made up of people who live in the community and have an input on how the Redevelopment funds can be used to help solve some of the problems. She suggested that the Bermuda Palms property be used for a job school training program. She was against having a larger jail but instead suggested having rehabilitation programs, and also having a Police substation in the Canal area. Mayor Mulryan clarified that the Redevelopment Agency is funded by the tax increment method, and has been used toward a number of programs, including partly financing the Pickleweed Community Park building. He noted it does not cost the County any money because the City has a pay -back agreement with the County and School Districts so there is nothing lost from those services as a result of the Redevelopment Agency. Canal Resident stated the Canal area is a nice area but has a bad reputation. She said the Police officers are seen talking to each other rather than doing more. Albert Moses, resident of Canal area, spoke of a case in East Palo Alto where officials closed a building because of drug and prostitution use and that a fine was imposed on the owner of $35,000. Canal Resident since 1977, stated this was a nice place, but that it has gotten crowded with apartment owners allowing double or triple amount of people to live in one unit. She noted the schools are also overcrowded with the population explosion of people moving in, stating the Canal is affordable. Juanita last name inaudible) Canal area resident spoke on working with the youth and having a ter school programs. She also volunteered to work on the Task Force. Ms. Linda Owner, Board President of Canal Community Alliance, stated that communication and cooperation can get things done, noting that action should be taken now. Ms. Marlene Jones, President of San Rafael School Board, stated the Task Force is a wonder- ful idea, and supports family and cultural groups, noting the School District's support. Mr. Robert Lee, whose family owns Lee's Market in the Canal area, supported the idea of having a substation, and asked if this was a possibility. Mayor Mulryan responded that this will be discussed with the Task Force. Mr. Lee stated that the City of San Francisco SRCC MINUTES (Special Workshop) 3/6/90 Page 5 JRCC MINUTES (Special Workshop) J/6/90 Page 6 as a substation, and that the City of San Mateo has signs stating "Do Not Stand, Stop or Park", which help to eliminate loitering around stores. Mayor Mulryan thanked all those who attended the meeting and those who spoke giving their suggestions. Again he urged anyone interested, to sign up for the Task Force. Councilmember Breiner thanked the people for coming and voiced her concerns on the Major Crimes Task Force who should be giving more help in the Canal area. She agreed there should be more bilingual Police Officers, and directed Police Chief Ingwersen to look into this area. She suggested signs could be posted having phone numbers for drug hotline. She spoke on having the street sweeping program happen, after school programs and having more sports equipment for the young adults. Councilmember Thayer also thanked everyone for coming out tonight and hoped this is a beginning of continued dialogue. She stated the Canal area is the most fascinating part of the City because of its diversity, noting that many of the suggestions were excellent. She agreed that bilingual Police Officers are needed; that providers on the committees would best serve as consultants; hopes to have more economic resources to allocate toward worthwhile projects. She spoke on having more Police Officers in the Canal area, and enforce- ment to crack down on prostitutes and drug dealers, citing the health problem with AIDS. She concluded that education is also needed. Councilmember Shippey stated the City heard many useful ideas tonight and noted Police Chief Ingwersen has produced a substantive proposal. Councilmember Shippey added that he is willing to serve on the Task Force Committee. Councilmember Boro indicated he had counted at least 150 people who turned out for tonight's meeting, noting the seriousness of the crime in the Canal area. He stated what he heard from the people tonight is (1) Have random foot patrol officers; (2) Have certain areas abated, and (3) A variety of needs for children. Councilmember Boro endorsed the concept of the Task Force and volunteered to serve as a member. He stated this is a joint effort between the City and neighborhood and that the community needs to have trust amongst themselves. He suggested a member of the Labor Council, Mr. John Wallace in particular, should be included on the Task Force, and working with the Canal Community Alliance on issues of providers should be helpful. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM. JEA M. LEONCIf�I+i ty C er APPROVED THIS DAY OF 1990 MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL SRCC MINUTES (Special Workshop) 3/6/90 Page 6