HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSAB Agenda Packet 04/20/2022 ««fffff'�I�IIIII��fffff11111JJJa AMENDED AGENDA
City of Port Angeles
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-... Public Safety Advisory Board Meeting
April 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Held Virtually —join-Heire
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
o March 16, 2022
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS/ OTHER BUSINESS
1. Application consideration and recommendation of Applicants:
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• Rochelle Blankenship
(Tribal Member)
• Glen Roggenbuck
(Tribal Member) - Representative
• Eric Burchfield
(Represents diverse segments of the community & Experienced
homelessness or a chemical use disorder, or have worked with
people that have experienced homelessness or a chemical use
disorder)
• Autumn Hudgins
(Port Angeles High School Student Representative)
VI. ANNUAL ETHICS TRAINING
1. Training on the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records, Ethics, and Roles and
Responsibilities of Board Members
VI 1. STAFF UPDATES
1. Police Department Report
2. Fire Department Report
VIII. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION
1. Workplan
2. Senior Committee— "Walk Safely, PA!" Report
IX. REPORTS OF BOARD MEMBERS
1. AMENDED TO INCLUDE New Business Topic Submissions
2. Members may make statements or offer observations about the character or
work of the board without having any particular agenda item
X. ADJOURNMENT
Gayle Brauner
PSAB—2022 List of topics. Gayle Brauner 3/17/22
Here are some ideas for topics to discuss, to form committees to gain more information, to
have speakers/panels present information at either our regular or special meetings, and to
make recommendations to City Council if applicable. Perhaps we each need to deduce the
rationale for our goals for the items on our lists prior to submission to determine if they are
relevant to our Board, and if we as a Board can actually do anything productive in our
community on each topic.
I. Speakers
A. Deputy Stacey Kellas, Clallam County Animal Control: duties, training (and how PAPD
Officers can be trained), and territory; dealing with dogs off leash and owner
responsibilities.
1. Possible actions by PSAB—
a. Committee to determine if a recommendation to find funding for another
Officer to be hired with specific duties for civil matters, such as violations,
misdemeanors, animal control, patrol in our parks and public spaces is
possible.
b. Public education to encourage licensing of pets and owner responsibilities.
B. Bertha Cooper, Award winning author, Sequim Gazette columnist, Medical
Administrative consultant. Awareness about making our community public spaces
welcoming and accessible for Senior citizens. 15-20 minutes at a regular PSAB
meeting.
II. Committees to research, find /enlist resources, groups, Law Enforcement, and
individuals with knowledge on these topics, and to report findings to PSAB.
A. Substance Abuse/addiction related to crime and personal tragedy.
1. Possible actions by PSAB—
a. Sponsor a special meeting for a panel discussion. Enlist members of
knowledgeable groups, those in the medical field, Law Enforcement, and
individuals with expertise in this field
b. Provide print, video and other resources recommended by experts in this
field to PSAB members so we may educate ourselves. How is PSAB able to
support efforts to understand and remedy this problem?
c. PSAB Letter to the Editor or Op Ed to our community.
d. Recommend to Council to contact the local/state/national Safeway(on 3rd
Street) management/corporation to take charge of and to solve the problems
by first hiring their own security officers (with approved enforcement
abilities) to work in conjunction with PA/County LE. Safeway also needs to
empower local management and support them.
e. What else can PSAB do?
B. Missing and murdered Indigenous People, especially women, in Clallam County.
1. Possible actions by PSAB
a. How do we understand the depth of this problem? How do we work with the
State Attorney General's Office to gain knowledge and determine solutions to
this problem? Who in our community are the experts?
b. Form a committee to investigate this issue. Find speakers to address this
problem to PSAB either in a regular meeting or special session.
c. What recommendations can PSAB make to our city council in order to make
PA safe for indigenous people? Perhaps use some of the same ideas
presented in II A above.
C. Houseless and Homeless people
1. Possible Actions by PSAB - See II A above
a. Differentiate between those who suffer personal tragedies (such as not
having enough rent or mortgage payment funds thus losing their housing;
domestic violence; loss of jobs; medical expenses; loss of family support of a
teenager or young adult who may be LGBTQ or other issue; loss of support of
one's religious affiliation; those who have substance abuse/addiction issues
and/or mental health issues such as those suffered by Veterans of wars, etc.)
from those with substance abuse/addiction problems and those who choose
to live houseless in a nomadic lifestyle.
b. Provide Conestoga or other mini house villages as communities such as have
been accomplished in Boise, Walla Walla, Tacoma, Port Townsend, for
temporary housing, with strict rules which have been found effective.
c. Support Police efforts to enforce laws and ordinances when required.
III. Fire Department.
A. Education about financing of the department and what the city is able to afford, and
its priorities.
B. Supporting the need to hire more personnel, for instance fire fighters, to be added
to the budget.
C. Be involved in Chief Dubuc's retirement party/celebration (but don't tell him. Oops,
too late)
New Business Topic Submissions
Michael McGuire
PSAB topics
• Visible drug activity in the community
• Panhandling on Lincoln and Front
• Derelict building on Lincoln and Front
• Filling the full-time code enforcement officer positions
• A louder voice from the City Council supporting the PAPD in protecting its taxpaying
citizens by being hard on violations of city code
• Speeding through neighborhoods as more and more people move as more and more
houses are built further into the West End
• Downtown: cleanliness, sense of safety
• Safeway on Lincoln and 3rd: parking lot, panhandling, open drug deals, litter, derelict
vehicles
• Addressing the balance needed to reconcile the consequences of"if you build it they
will come" and helping those that want to be helped by having appropriate services (ie:
Sequim has less calls, less issues, because they have less services offered, as discussed at
our 3/16/22 PSAB meeting)
• PA reputation: is our reputation a factor in our revolving door of new "homeless" faces?
• Park cleanliness, safety, usability
• Public restroom usability, cleanliness, safety (Parks is purchasing new portables, how
will we protect these?)
• Old gas station on Lincoln and First
• Behind Veteran's Park
• Keeping overgrowth trimmed so less attempts at parking/hiding/living in them (ie: Hill
St. and Marine Drive, and along Marine Drive)
• Lincoln Park parking lot and Baseball fields/dugouts
April 2022
Mary Margolis
Just a few thoughts...
More visible police presence in neighborhoods, speed detection, etc. Just a reminder to the community
that basic laws still have to be followed, but also, a message to those wanting to commit serious crimes
that the PAPD is actively aware/involved/present.
Also along these lines...what about having a PAPD day where the public can meet police and fire
officers and talk about general concerns. More connection with people, neighbor to neighbor.
This would not be for an airing of grievances but to answer questions, provide basic information
about the role of law enforcement and fire department services
Red light cameras? We have a lot of people running red lights and driving way too fast in
neighborhoods. Drivers are constantly going through reds on Front and First Streets.
Traffic island at McDonald's. This is a long time traffic hazard when groups use this area to wave signs.
Major distraction for drivers. It's not the best place to advertise car washes or to hold signs about Jesus.
Private businesses allowing non-disabled drivers to use handicapped parking spaces (for example,
Lincoln Street Station and Bella Rosa)
Not sure how to address this but to have some understanding between law enforcement and the city
council to acknowledge that we have a lot of neighbors that are one paycheck away from homelessness.
The stress of this financial crisis is likely adding to increased domestic issues, drug use, and theft.
There is a lot of fear as there are not enough rentals for working families.
There's discussion always about low income housing but there is seemingly not an awareness of
the issues facing middle income people that are getting left out (they are above income for low
income housing and below income for buying a home or can't afford 3x the rent).
Further,the situation is dire for our seniors who have been paying low rents but are now being
evicted as landlords want to renovate their homes and rent out at a higher rate or use as
vacation rentals.
Safety on waterfront trail and Jesse Webster Park.
To: Port Angeles Public Safety Advisory Board
From: Gayle Brauner, member, PA POSAB, Senior Committee
Re: Summary of Senior Committee focus "Walk Safely, PA!" forums and survey
Introduction:
This report summarizes the 3 month long Senior Committee initial focus about safety
while walking and wheeling around Port Angeles.This endeavor included moving about in our
neighborhoods and town, in parks, on trails, while shopping, on sidewalks, crossing busy
streets, and concerns about dogs off leash.
Since this was an initial focus, it is not an in-depth study. Much more needs to be
considered to give a better overall picture of the state of safety and accessibility in Port
Angeles, for Seniors, and everyone.
I didn't know where to begin, so asked Aubry Bright, manager of the PA Senior and
Community Center, if she'd be interested in helping. We started with an open meeting at the
Center to discuss "Walk Safely, PA!" No one came, but 20 people turned in our survey. We
then organized two zoom forums. January, Bertha Cooper, award winning author and columnist
for the Sequim Gazette, spoke about safety and accessibility in our communities and how the
aging process causes Seniors to be more vulnerable and mobility is hampered. Seven of us
shared stories and concerns. In February, fifteen people attended to hear Clallam County
Deputy Tracey Kellas, Animal Control, discuss her position, training, responsibilities, and
territory. She gave many suggestions for people's concerns, and some vivid anecdotes. We
didn't find a presenter for March, but we did receive more surveys, through the Senor Center
and when I went around town a few times interviewing people.
The impetus for joining PSAB and then later beginning the committee began from
several of my personal encounters after moving to the North Peninsula from my small farm in
SW WA state in the spring of 2016. I'll list a few. When walking in my neighborhood, dogs off
leash threatened me and my dog. Some owners of dogs were hostile toward me when I asked
to keep their dogs in control. Police had to get involved in one instance when the dog owner
threatened to harm me if I walked past his house again. I also was obstructed from walking
down the street (no sidewalk) by a guy with his truck when I waved for him to slow down in our
residential neighborhood. I helped a couple navigate the law enforcement system to get justice
when a customer threatened to burn down their store because he was asked to wear a mask. I
became alarmed when crazy people in Forks harassed a mixed-race camping family because
they believed them to be "Antifa". I wondered how safe the Olympic Peninsula was for the
diverse population who called it "home".
On the following page, results of the 32 surveys and interviews, and some information
from news & police reports are listed informally.
Because some of the respondents were homebound, or nearly so, and didn't get out
much, their comments, in my estimation, reflect limited knowledge of being mobile outside
currently in PA.
The age group span was from mid 40's to 92. Residency in area spanned from less than a
year to 90 years (the latter, born, raised, worked...), but over half have lived here less than 10
years. 19 were completed by women, and 13 by men.
Most surveys were completed by people in the PA area, but some from Joyce and other
out of town areas. Two people were homeless and had been in town only a couple of weeks.
As stated above, the surveys, interviews and information from news and police reports are a
limited sampling of opinions and experiences. I like to solve problems, so I listed a lot of
concerns people have, often in their own words.
Survey and interview comments "Walk Safely, PA!"
1. Generally satisfied (or minor concerns) with safety, maintenance, friendliness in PA
and neighboring areas. (16)
"I am thrilled with the safety changes on Lincoln St!"
(Note: most in this category had help filling out the survey. It appeared to me, some
didn't get out much. Others wanted to be agreeable, not complain, or bring up
concerns; a few lived outside PA; when I interviewed people one on one, more concerns
were disclosed.)
2. On the streets/public spaces
More sidewalks needed. Alleys have lots of potholes. Sidewalks could be cleaner,
especially the Discovery Trail; Sidewalk repairs needed, must constantly look down*;
lighting for walking at night needed in more areas.
"Imperative to be prepared and aware of our surroundings." "I ignore the idiots."
"School Zones very unsafe and disrespected by most drivers"; crossing busy streets can
be hazardous.
Pier needs repairs; Idiz Hook speeders endanger walkers and bikers.
(*Funding has been secured for old sidewalk improvement in some areas of PA
according to Public Works, but not for new development.)
3. Neighborhoods
Mail theft and vandalism of mailboxes; occasional loud vehicles at night; theft;
vandalism of vehicles; violence.
Growing amount of graffiti on public places— not a welcoming sight.
Resident suggestion: "Please see walkfriendly.org for ideas for priority pedestrian
community."
"Lots of litter in some neighborhoods and vast amount of junk cars and debris
accumulating."
Need more community walks— perhaps meet at parks. Two respondents pick up litter
regularly.
4. Dogs off leash
Lincoln Park— respondents said there were few to a constant problem. One couple
carries bear spray and warns owners of aggressive dogs that they will spray if they don't
get dogs in control.
Unleashed dogs of all sizes—90% off leash. Allowed to chase wildlife—ducks, deer,
birds, rabbits.
"Terrible. Owners saying "Don't worry, he's friendly. I tell them firmly, 'I am not'."
General observations: people let dogs out of house, yard while going to car and dogs
take off across sidewalk/road toward other people/dogs; people think their dog is
friendly and expect others to welcome contact; Feces—some people don't clean up
after their dogs; trail rudeness.
S. On trails
"Bikers think they own the trails." "...do not signal, go too fast...I have been nearly run
off the trail"; Electric bikes cause an increasing speed problem. "Some E-bike riders
endanger walkers on ODT." Large homeless camps with grocery carts and junk right off
trails; garbage, feces; talking loud and "maniacal laughter" —"little is done to
discourage these types of camps". People with dogs sometimes hog the trail, and hard
to pass.
6. Parks
Lincoln: most trails maintained, some with trees down; 4x4 and ORVs doing donuts, tear
up grass, pond and parking areas; Litter problem; See#3, Dogs off Leash — Lincoln Park.
Jesse Webster:
A resident who lives close to this park stated: Parks Dept. needs to remove the back
porch of that building. Food and meals offered nearby or in park caused explosion of
homeless/transient occupants in park. Mental illness coupled with transient living in
public spaces does make me feel unsafe. Contacted LE for people shooting up,
appearing distressed in park, or violent toward one another.
Shane/New Dream/Skate Park: Resident regularly walks here, picking up litter/trash.
One respondent stated, "I don't visit parks." (I have heard this sentiment from many
people, especially those with children, including Police Officers.) Garbage, drug needles,
tents pose a problem.
7. Shopping
Lots of people not wearing masks. Crimes in stores. Assault/purse snatching of elderly
woman. Lots of panhandlers outside Safeway, Country Aire, on Lincoln and Front streets
—some confrontational. A respondent saw drug dealers in Safeway (on 3r1) parking lot,
and people shooting up. If local store is crowded, uncomfortable, not safe, hardships
are caused for Seniors who need to use a store close to where they reside.
8. Law Enforcement
"Nothing gets done so why bother."Appears some people think they won't get into
much trouble so feel emboldened. (I've heard this comment a lot in the past year, yet
most residents feel very favorably toward LE.)
"Our Police Dept. is understaffed.They can't control traffic, let alone respond to
nuisance calls"
Webster Park (see above) Contacted LE for people shooting up, appearing distressed in
park, or violent toward one another.
Several neighborhood mailboxes were damaged — "Deputy came out, looked at damage.
Took no action. Several boxes and supports needed to be replaced at owners' expense."
Police alerted as a back up for ambulance.
"No need to (contact Police) for anything like this. Theirjob is different."
Met with Chief Smith about neighborhood dilapidated rental house—could not solve
problem.
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD
Virtual Meeting
Port Angeles, Washington
March 16th, 2022 6:00 pm
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Andrew Schwab called the regular meeting of the Public Safety Advisory Board to order at 6:11 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Gayle Brauner, Evan Brown, Jesse Charles, Kathleen Graf, John Hauk, Kelsey Lane,
Michael McGuire, Mary Margolis, Andrew Schwab
Absent: Octavia Smith
Staff Present: Ken Dubuc, Fire Chief; Brian Smith, Police Chief; Catherine Dewey, Secretary
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
Gayle Brauner requested that in the Reports from Board Members section when she referenced the radar
trailers that the solar powered speed signs also be included in that request in the minutes. Kelsey noted
an error in Jesse Charles' name being used. Michael McGuire made a motion to accept the February
minutes as amended, Kelsey Lane provided a second and the motion passed unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC:
a. Public Comment: N/A
PUBLIC HEARINGS/OTHER BUSINESS:
a. Vacant Seat update from City Council -
Chair Schwab introduced the newly elected Board members John Hauk and Mary Margolis. The
Board then took the time to introduce themselves to John and Mary.
b. Chair and Vice Chair Appointments-
Andrew Schwab made a motion to appoint Andrew Schwab for Chair and Kelsey Lane as Vice Chair
of the Public Safety Advisory Board for the 2022-2023 term, Evan Brown provided a second to the
motion and a roll call vote followed:
1. Gayle Brauner- Yay
2. Evan Brown - Yay
3. Jesse Charles - Yay
4. Kathleen Graf—Yay
5. John Hauk- Yay
6. Kelsey Lane —Yay
7. Mary Margolis - Yay
8. Michael McGuire - Yay
9. Andrew Schwab - Yay
STAFF UPDATES:
1. Police Department Report— PD Report, has quite a bit of mandatory training and today they had an
informational session with Peninsula Behavioral Health and some of their new staff. PD also had a
Bola Wrap training on the device that has been purchased that is much like a lasso, that wraps
around and individual to allow officers to easily restrain and take individuals into custody. Firearms
training was also held today. Chief is hoping to have a legislative update next meeting.
2021 Annual Report-Chief emphasized workload and encouraged the Board to read through the
report to get an understanding of the Departments current focuses.
2. Fire Department Report—Chief Dubuc welcomed the new members. Chief Dubuc announced that
6 new firefighters will be starting on April 4t". Training is a priority in the Department currently.
Promotions have also recently taken place and we have promoted 2 new Captains and 3 new
Lieutenants. Dan Montana has moved from the Community Paramedic Office into a Lieutenant's
position, so there is a current opening in the Community Paramedic Office to be filled. Chief Dubuc
also announced his retirement in June of this year.
REPORTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS:
a. Michael McGuire—Conversation regarding a visit to Walla Walla, with regards to city camping,
litter, derelict vehicles etc. in contrast with Port Angeles (Report Notes enclosed). Michael and his
family visited Walla Walla in November over the Thanksgiving holiday and one of the first things
they noticed was the essence of the downtown area/parks/stores. They walked through the
downtown area at night and noticed the lack of graffiti and the lack of evidence of the homeless
community, Michael reached out to their Deputy Mayor and was able to have an informative
conversation on ways that they are handling the same issues that Port Angeles is facing. The City
of Walla Walla wanted to find ways to take care of and support the homeless and drug addicted
populations as swell as protect and support the downtown area and local businesses. A volunteer
organization locally did their research and proposed a tent like structure a Conestoga to be used
and a camp of sorts set up to house these populations. Michael described in detail the approach
Walla Walla is taking to address the homeless and drug addicted communities and conversation
ensued.
b. Gayle Brauner—(Clarification needed before presenting Memo to Council) Propose that the PSAB
recommend to the City Manager that the city purchase 1-2 more radar trailers. Discussion ensued
and it was decided that the motion can stand and will be presented with the revised minute
language to support Gayle's desire to have both Solar Powered speed signs as well as the speed
radar trailers.
Chair Schwab asked that the following reports be added to the April Agenda
• The process of ending a Committee-
• How to make recommendations to Council —
• Senior Committee Updates
• Open Public Meetings Act
Gayle— Resource of the day "Nomadland" by Jessica Bruder. Speaks to houseless and homeless, Gayle
highly recommends to those interested in this topic. Gayle also congratulated Chief Dubuc on his
retirement.
Kathleen —Thanked Chief Smith for his report this evening and wishes Chief Dubuc a happy retirement.
Vice Chair Lane- Congratulated Chief Dubuc on his retirement and suggested inviting someone from the
REdisCOVERY program to speak at an upcoming meeting. She also thanked the FD for assisting Queen of
Angeles with their broken flagpole.
Chair Schwab— Reminded Board members to be prepared for meetings by reviewing Agenda packet and
to forward any topic requests to him and staff in advance. Chair Schwab also asked the Board members to
consider the topics that they would like the Board to focus on during this next term and to provide a list to
staff prior to the next scheduled PSAB meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Michael McGuire made a motion to adjourn and Evan Brown provided a second to the motion and the
motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
The next Scheduled PSAB Meeting will be April 20, 2022
Michael McGuire Report Notes-
Zoom meeting with Deputy City Manager,Elizabeth Chamberlain
City of Walla Walla dealing with how to mitigate the 9t1i Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Martin v. Boise.
Settlement Reached in Groundbreaking Martin v.Boise Case
February 8,2021
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Harvard Law Review
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Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals: Summary for Publication
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Ninth Circuit Districts
1. Alaska
2. Arizona
3. Central District of California
4. Eastern District of California
5. Northern District of California
6. Southern District of California
7. Guam
8. Hawaii
9. Idaho
10. Montana
11. Nevada
12. Northern Mariana Islands
13. Oregon
14. Eastern District of Washington
15.Western District of Washington
The city council and city businesses wanted to be proactive,not get the reputation of neighboring cities for being too lenient on the
drug/homelessness problem,as well as protect the local economy.
Around 2016, Cordoned off a section of city property:became"Camp Chaos."Too many issues d/t drugs and violence and no rules.
Partnered with Walla Walla Alliance for Homeless(WWAfH)which is powered by volunteer hours and grants and church meals.
WWAfH purchased Conestoga"hard sided tents."(called this to avoid it being deemed a permanent shelter and therefore violating
city building codes).
"Sleep Center"on city property.
• Could then allow the PD to mitigate public camping,loitering,w/o violating Martin v. Boise
• No water or electric
• Porta potties
• City paid for security
• Nighttime only >issues during the day
Covid hit> Sleep Center needed to be more permanent(since April 2020)>City paid$350k to move the Sleep Center onto another
plot of city property.
• Could stay day and night>curt down on daily and nightly issues
• Allowed PD to continue with Martin v. Boise mitigation and enforcement of anti-camping ordinance.
• Those that choose not to stay in Sleep Center d/t not wanting to abide by riles can then be jailed.
• Better to access to services for residents
• About 38 people housed>average of 1-2 turned away
• About$165k/year for the city to nun: security,water, electric, etc.
• About$14/day/person,very cost effective
Resident satisfaction survey has improved
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Code Enforcement:
Officer Timothy Bennett: Code Enforcement for Walla Walla
2 full time positions:filled
For derelict vehicles:uses company that is a"licensed crusher"that received special state monies for performing this service.
Timeline:vehicle is identified,warning placed, after 72 hours then can be tagged with a 24 hour towing tag,then towed. Sometimes
the vehicle is labeled as a junk vehicle,a"junk vehicle affidavit" must be filed which takes 2 weeks... then the vehicle can be towed.
So can take up to 4 weeks.
Walla Walla City Port Angeles City WW County Clallam Count
Population 34,000 20,000 62,584 77,155
Median Value $203,500 $217,100 $224,800 $253,800
Housing
Median Income $50,550 $47,256 $57,858 $52,192
%in poverty %15.5 %17.4 %12.7 %11.2
Population/sq. mile 2,478.1 1,779.8 46.3 41.1
Land area/sq. miles 12.8 10.7 1,270.13 1,738.33