2017-05-30 Public Safety Committee Special Meeting MinutesCity of Menifee
Public Safety Committee
Special Meeting Minutes
May 30, 2017
1. Call to order and roll call
Chairman Greg August called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Present were: Chairman Greg August, Committee Member Alternate Lesa Sobek,
Interim City Manager Ron Bradley, Acting Assistant City Manager Jeff Wyman, Deputy
City Clerk Jennifer Allen, Economic Development Manager Gina Gonzalez,
Administrative Analyst Kayla Charters, Finance Director Bruce Foltz, City
Engineer/Public Works Director Jonathan Smith, Fire Division Chief Geoff Pemberton,
Fire Battalion Chief Josh Bischof, and Police Lieutenant Greg Fellows.
2. Public Comments
Committee Chair August called for public comments and there was none.
3. Discussion Items
3.1 Proposed Increase in Public Safety Services — Police
Police Lieutenant Fellows gave an overview of the 2017 Staff Increase Proposal.
Lt. Fellows provided a historical view of the Police Department current staffing
levels. He reviewed the calls for service statistics, the growing population,
average patrol response times and residential ratio results. Lt. Fellows reported
on the proposed increases that include sworn officers and specialized dedicated
staff. He stated that the goal is to increase patrol response times, work towards
increasing the officer to citizen ratio, and increase overall service levels.
Committee Chair August questioned the noticeable impacts due to the increase
in services and the time frame for hiring the sworn officers. Lt. Fellows stated that
the additional staff will provide a vehicle for Menifee residents to make reports,
provide more patrol on the streets, and provide Menifee with dedicated officers to
assist with issues. He noted that he anticipates the changes in his proposal, if
approved, would occur over the next twelve (12) months or so, however some of
the changes could happen right away.
Committee Chair August called on a public speaker.
Jackie Haas asked what the residential ratio per thousand is in the nearby City of
Murrieta. Lt. Fellows stated that he would have to look in to it.
Committee Chair August asked how long before Menifee would reach a higher
ratio of officers per thousand. Lt. Fellow stated that the staffing increase proposal
is step one to working towards the goal of increasing the ratio; in year three (3)
the ratio should be closer to the overall goal.
Committee Alternate Sobek inquired about Police staff at the Menifee Police
Department storefront, dedicated Police staff duties, and how many motor
officers are proposed. Lt. Fellows stated that the dedicated Office Assistant
position will have working hours out of the new City's storefront, however they
will be stationed out of the Perris Police Station. Lt. Fellows reported on the
proposed dedicated staff members' job duties and noted that Menifee will have
two (2) motor officers.
The Committee discussed the police officer to population ratio, the increase
proposal, the rate of increase over the next few years, and the length of the
contract. Interim City Manager Bradley stated the proposal reflects one (1) year's
services.
3.2 Proposed Increase in Public Safety Services — Fire
Fire Chief Pemberton presented the 2017 Staff Increase Proposal. Chief
Pemberton provided a historical view of the Department's current staffing levels
and local Fire station statistics. He reported on the proposed staffing plan noting
that their goal is to reduce response times, increase safety levels and improve
customer service. He stated that the proposal for local Fire Marshall Services will
provide the residents an efficient alternative for the Fire plan check process and
will also allow the City to recuperate cost once a fee schedule is established.
Committee Chair August inquired about the plan check process. Chief
Pemberton explained how the plan check process currently works and the
benefits to having the services in-house.
Committee Alternate Sobek inquired about a vehicle for medic patrol. Chief
Pemberton stated that Riverside County has five (5) medic vehicles currently on
order and the budget proposal includes the costs for one (1) vehicle.
The Committee reviewed and discussed the proposed Fire staffing plan, fire and
emergency medical services, and the proposed increases.
Committee Chair August called on a public speaker.
Michael Cano asked questions regarding the level of services from both Fire and
Police and the benefits to the residents of Menifee. Lt. Fellows and Chief
Pemberton addressed Mr. Cano's questions.
Interim City Manager Bradley summarized both the Police and Fire staffing
increase plans noting that the proposals are the first step to reaching the City's
goals for a higher level of public safety.
City of Menifee Public Safety Committee
Special Meeting Minutes
May 30, 2017
Following the Committee's review and discussion of both Police and Fire
proposals for increases in public safety services, the Committee recommended
the City Council review the proposals.
4. Adjournment
Chairman August adjourned the meeting at 5:01 p.m.
�tnnifer Allen, Deputy City Clerk
City of Menifee Public Safety Committee
Special Meeting Minutes
May 30, 2017