PRHSPSC MINS 06-14-2011City of Federal Way
City Council
PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERV ICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
5:30 p.m.
SUMMARY
Committee Members in Attendance: Committee Chair Jeanne Burbidge, and Council member Mike Park.
Council Members in Attendance: Council member Linda Kochmar
Committee Member Excused: Council member Roger Freeman
Staff Members in Attendance: Amy Jo Pearsall, Asst. City Attorney, Brian Wilson, Chief of Police, and Mary
Jaenicke, Administrative Assistant II.
Guests: None
Chair Burbidge called the meeting to order at 5:32p.m.
Public Comment: None
Commission Comment: None
APPROVAL OF SUMMARY
Council member Park moved to approve the April meeting summary. Council member Burbidge seconded.
Motion passed.
BUSINESS ITEMS
Amend Federal Way Revised Code Chapter 12.50 Regarding False Alarms
Police Chief Wilson stated that the current Ordinance covers alarm registration, service fees for responding to false
alarms and the process for no response to excessive false alarms. They would like to make some adjustments to the
fee schedule based on false alarms. In 2010 the department responded to 2,357 alarms and 1,548 of those alarms
were determined to be false. This is a significant consumption of resources. Many cities have implemented False
Alarm Reduction Programs. Currently, in Federal Way there is no charge for the first three false alarms. There is a
$50 charge for the fourth and fifth false alarm; and $100 fee for six or more false alarms, and they may suspend
response. Chief Wilson is recommending the following changes to the fee structure for false alarms: 1st) Free, 2nd)
$25.00, 3rd) $50.00, 4th) $100.00, 5th) $150.00 and 6 or more) $200.00. Chief Wilson stated that the majority of
false alarms are due to user error and not equipment malfunction. Currently a front counter Records Specialist
manages the program and it consumes approximately 40% of her time. With the recommended change it would
consume 60% of her time, and volunteers would be used to assist. Council member Park is in agreement with the fee
structure, but he is concerned about businesses. Chief Wilson stated that if a business alarm went off, and there was
not any sign of an attempted break-in and they could not determine what the cause is, they would not classify it as a
false alarm. If it is clearly an operator error it would be classified as a false alarm. Chief Wilson stated that they will
not recover their entire cost with this new fee schedule; this is to be more of an incentive for people to reduce the
amount of false alarms. Council member Park moved to forward the proposed ordinance updating Chapter
12.50 FWRC to First Reading on June 21, 2011 and recommend that the Finance Director be authorized to
amend the City’s Fee Schedule accordingly. Council member Burbidge seconded. Motion passed.
Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) Grant 2010/2011 Amendment #1
Police Chief Wilson reported that they applied for and received a grant to pay for overtime for emphasis patrols.
The three areas of emphasis are 1) Driving under the influence (DUI) 2) Speeding and 3) Seatbelt Enforcement. This
amendment will provide the department an additional $7,400 and will be used for DUI enforcement. Council
member Park moved approval of Option 1 and forwarding the (WTSC) Grant Amendment #1 to full Council
for approval. Council member Burbidge seconded. Motion passed.
PARKS, RECREATION, HUMAN SERVICES & PUBLIC SAFETY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
Tuesday June 14, 2011 Summary
Page 2
SCORE Investigative Agreement Between the Owner Cities Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way,
Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila
Chief Wilson stated that part of the requirement for the Des Moines occupancy permit is to have an “Investigative
Agreement” outlining the process for investigating criminal incidents. Because this facility is located in Des Moines,
the city of Des Moines is concerned that they may not have the resources available to do this on an ongoing basis.
There is interest in the owner cities to share the responsibilities for investigating criminal incidents that may occur in
the facility. This Agreement has been approved in draft form by all of the agencies Police Chiefs and City Attorneys.
Chief Wilson also stated that if he receives a request from SCORE, he has the option to decline. He will exercise
that option if he thinks it is something that will use too many resources, or if SCORE would be better off hiring their
own investigative firm. Council member Park moved to forward the proposed Resolution and the Investigative
Assistance Agreement to Full Council at the June 21, 2011 meeting. Council member Burbidge seconded.
Motion passed.
Information Only – 2011 COPS Grant Application
Chief Wilson stated that they were informed by the COPS office that additional funding was made available for
application. In the 2011-2012 budget seven police officer positions were not funded; and seventeen police officer
positions are one-time funded. Since the budget was enacted, there are three vacancies in the department currently
that would be dropped off in order to balance the budget in 2013-2014. That would leave them with a total of 10
commissioned police officer positions that are not filled and are not planned to be filled. This grant will fund three
positions in an entry level salary for three years. The total value in salary and benefits is $807,345.00. This will
support the downtown area and address neighborhood complaints.
Information Only – Conversion of Animal Management Coordinator Position
Chief Wilson stated that the program is doing well, but there are a lot of challenges. The Animal Management
Coordinator is primarily responsible for maintaining the pet licensing program, and various programs to decrease the
need to shelter animals. The coordinator position is currently vacant, and Chief Wilson would like to convert that
position to an additional Animal Services Officer (ASO). There has been an increase in calls for services. They will
not be purchasing an additional vehicle. There will be a minor additional cost in the salary, but not an additional
FTE.
NEXT MEETING
July 12, 2011.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:08p.m.