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Safe Community Task Force Progress UpdateTHE CITY OF Dubuque "" ~'~' "~"~ ~ AN~Am~icaC~r ~„_J 1 Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Safe Community Task Force DATE: December 17, 2009 Management Intern Phyllis Russell is transmitting an update on the progress of the Safe Community Task Force and their activities since its inception October 5, 2009. The Task Force has met four times and the sub-committees have met numerous times. The group has developed four sub-committees, and determined that these four groups cover the four vital components that need to be present and functioning correctly for a Safe Community to exist. The four sub-committees are as follows: 1. Neighborhood Engagement/Social Capital 2. Management of Physical Environment 3. Research & Facts 4. Enforcement A representative of each sub-committee will provide a brief verbal report. Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Phyllis E. Russell, Management Intern THE CITY OF Dubuque DUB E "'~~ 1 Masterrpiece on the Mississippi 2007 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Phyllis E. Russell, Management Intern SUBJECT: Safe Community Task Force DATE: December 17, 2009 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on the progress of the Safe Community Task Force and their activities. BACKGROUND Per direction from the City Council, 25 citizens have been appointed to examine and recommend solutions to the crime problems here in the City of Dubuque. Since its inception October 5, 2009, the Safe Community Task Force has met four times (October 15, November 9, November 18 and November 30) and will meet again on December 28th. The group has developed four sub-committees, and determined that these four groups cover the four vital components that need to be present and functioning correctly for a Safe Community to exist. To date, Kelly Larson has been functioning as facilitator for the group; however, the group has appointed a representative team of four task members to conduct interviews for potential facilitators that will aid in the problem solving process. The City Manager has also appointed City Staff to serve as a ready resource for the Task Force as well. DISCUSSION The sub-committees consist of appointed Task Force members and citizens recruited from the community. I have attached the latest approved minutes from the sub- committee meetings and will continue to forward the minutes to keep you updated on their progress. The four sub-committees are as follows: Neighborhood Enaaaement/Social Capital This committee has three initial focus points: • Creating a sense of belonging in the neighborhoods and bringing the neighborhoods together so community interaction is possible • How to welcome new residents into the neighborhood and letting them know expectations • Determining what things in the community need to be instituted Management of Physical Environment • Condition of properties and responsibility of OwnerlTenant • Sustainable practices to promote beautification of neighborhoods (Example: engage institutions to adopt a neighborhood) • Whole Community Focus Research & Facts • Identify facts regarding crime, victims, areas of the city, renter/owners, residents/non-resident, employed/unemployed, percentage of alcohol/drugs involved or not, outcomes • Statistically significant citizen survey • Identify existing programs • Research other Communities solutions/failures • Historical perspective - 20yr, 10yr, today • Who owns dilapidated properties -owner occupied or not Enforcement • Safe streets & People feeling safer in homes • Examine the concept of increased police visibility/use of community police beyond downtown • Criminal background checks/reference checks • Landlord accountability/code Enforcement Safe Community Task Force Enforcement Sub Committee Minutes 11-17-09 Premier Bank Present- Terry Tobin, Ralph Potter, Joe Noll, Terry Mozena, Claudette Carter-Thomas, Steve Hodge, Don Vrotsos, Phil Brennan, Doug Davis, John Herrig, Chad Whitthoeft, Tom Hiatt, Ross Ball Meeting was called to order at 12noon at Premier Bank Downtown Introductions were held. OLD and NEW BUSINESS - Claudette discussed that we need to define who feels safe/unsafe in their community and that maybe we could ask the research committee to help us define that. - John Herrig suggested we find out where the majority of the problems are happening. Terry Tobin will bring a map indicating where the last 6 months of criminal activity has taken place to the next meeting for review. - Terry Tobin indicated that the police have increased their presence in the area of 13-24th street, and between Central Ave and Elm street, especially at night on Thursdays- Saturdays. This seems to have helped slow down problems before they have escalated. - Claudette suggested that improve the lighting in some of our more problem areas. We can work with landlord, tenants, city, IBM and Alliant to see what we can do on a temporary basis. It was suggested that we look at a 4 city block area to see how we could do this. - Several members of the committee expressed concerns about the selection of the new police chief. It appears that the candidates for the position have very little experience dealing with big town crime and the potential for gang influence in our community. - It was discussed that David Harris and Crenna Brumwell be invited to the next meeting to discuss Housing Code Enforcement. How can we can we hold tenants and landlords responsible to their property and their actions, universal criminal background checks, sharing information on tenants that have destroyed properties or skipped out on rent. It was discussed about Building code violations, boarded up windows, garbage in yards, etc. It was discussed on how we can do a better job of enforcing the rules. Can a citizen group help the building department by being trained to do a drive by inspection of the exterior and provide violations to the building department for follow up. It was discussed that we would invite Rich Russell to one of the next meetings to have him explain the situation in building department. Terry Mozena will research other cities that have boarded up window ordinances and bring a summary to the next meeting. Landlord Accountability-several folks expressed concerns about landlords that do not care about the appearance of their rental units, not who they rent to. John Herrig expressed the position of the Dubuque Landlord Association, and that have standardized applications and perform background checks. John acknowledged that some landlords do not do a good job and that they need to be educated on how to be a good landlord. He expressed concern that not more landlords belong to the association which could help them do better. The cost is $50.00 year for membership. The topic of Curfews was brought up and it was decided that Don Vrotsos would research some other cities that have curfews and discuss the pros and cons with the police department in those cities. Next Meeting Wednesday, December 9, 2009 12Noon City Hal, Conference Room A, Basement Work Group Minutes Management of Physical Environment November 18, 2009 In Attendance: Joyce Connors, John Gronen, Mike VanMilligen, Molly Grover We discussed finding more members to join this work group. Names to contact include: Jeff Mozena -Premier Bank (Molly w/c) Michelle Mihalakis -north end business woman (John w/c) Genatta Howard -black female in downtown neighborhood (Joyce w/c) Mary Rae Bragg -retired TH reporter (Joyce w/c) Wendy Wheelock (or other NICC rep) - (MVM w/c) Matthew Noel -attorney (Joyce w/e-mail) Josh Jasper -Exec Dir Riverview Center (Joyce w/e-mail) Wendy Lyons -Dept of Correctional Services (Joyce w/e-mail) Focus #1: Condition of properties and responsibility of owners/tenants: • Prior to lending mortgage money, Banks/Credit Unions should require Performance Standards (applications, background checks). • If any City financial assistance is given, Performance Standards should also be expected. • Landlords need to be notified each time police are called to their rental properties so they are aware of what is going on with their renters. • Identify a centralized (local) program to conduct background checks on all renters. • Increase lighting in certain neighborhoods. • Minimize the time allowed for deficiencies to be corrected (currently almost 2 years) • Professionalize the appeal process for all housing violations to maintain consistency and factually based decisions. • Reduce the inspection cycle so apartments are inspected more often. • Request strong support for the Washington Neighborhood Development Corp. as they work to implement the Washington Neighborhood Strategic Plan. Focus #2: Promote beautification of neighborhoods: • Personal visits with neighbors in targeted areas where the homes/yards are kept neat and clean to learn from them how their neighborhood stands out among other areas that are rundown. • Choose one street (or block) as a pilot to promote rain gardens, rain barrels, porches or other amenities. Invite the neighbors to work with us instead of the City doing it for them. Possibly post some signs on that street/block (i.e. "Beautifying our street one block at a time"). Other ideas: • Initiate an "acknowledgement program" whereby we greet all people with a smile, hello, etc. showing acceptance and respect. • Research Harlem's Children's Zone (internet) to see if we can "borrow" some of their practices to reduce crime/violence/drugs. • Get feedback (or invite into our community) representatives from other areas of the US that are facing many of the same problems we are (i.e. Urban Strategies in St. Louis; Crime tax in Santa Rosa CA; Newark mayor initiatives; Boulder CO. Our group recognizes that some of our ideas fall into categories that other work groups are working on. Feel free to discuss/borrow/etc. ideas that fit more into your group. Next Management of Physical Environment meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec 9, at 3:00 PM in the Chamber of Commerce Board Room. Safe Community Task Force Neighborhood Engagement /Social Capital Subcommittee Meeting Friday, November 20, 2009 - 7:30 p.m. Members Present: Jonathan Cheatum, Pat Kelley, Bob Krayer, Dan Schrobiligen, Lynn Sutton, Sr. Inez Turnmeyer, Dirk Voetberg, Bob Wild and Suzie Wright Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Dirk Voetberg called the first meeting of this subcommittee to order at 7:35 p.m. Pat Kelly hosted the meeting at her residence 1192 Locust St. Purpose: The purpose of Neighborhood Engagement /Social Capital Subcommittee involves several issues: identification of neighborhood leaders; correction of any misperception that may exist, including young people; and fostering understanding of new and existing cultures. Conducting the Survey: To begin the process the subcommittee decided to conduct a survey of the Washington Neighborhood and extend to areas north (North End and Point Neighborhoods). Several methods of conducting the survey were discussed; namely, (1) by mail, (2) by making door to door house contacts, and (3) gathering the information through a series of neighborhood meetings. The subcommittee felt that the most effective method would be to do the house contacts, and to enlist students from the colleges of Loras, UD and Clarke to conduct the survey. Due to the college's holiday schedule, it was felt that the survey would not be conducted before February. However, it was felt that the colleges should be contacted now -Dirk Voetberg will contact Clarke, Lynn Sutton will contact UD (BSU), and Suzie Wright will contact Loras. Developing the Questionnaire: Once the decision on the method of conducting the survey was reached, considerable discussion surrounded the development of the questionnaire as to the type of questions -open-ended or more of a specific nature. A general consensus was reached to include the following questions in the questionnaire: • How long have you lived in the neighborhood? • Do you rent or own your own home? • What do you like about the neighborhood? • What would you like to see done to enhance the neighborhood? • What would you do to improve your neighborhood - will you volunteer your services? Suzie Wright volunteered to layout the format of the survey questionnaire. The survey form will also include space for entering the name, address, phone and email addresses of the respondents. Age, race and gender will not be asked of the respondent of the survey, but the surveyor will note and provide this information to the subcommittee for their purposes only. The subcommittee felt that a meeting with the chairs or representatives of the neighborhoods would be most beneficial for input, etc. The subcommittee agreed that a sampling of the questionnaire should be conducted in several blocks of the neighborhood by the subcommittee members to test the validity of the questions before embarking on the survey. This will provide an opportunity to make any necessary changes. The sampling will be conducted on Saturday, January 16, 2010. In February the subcommittee will provide instructions and work with the students in preparation of conducting the survey. In March or April a general meeting of the participating neighborhoods will be set-up to give the results of the survey to the respondents. Recommendations from the results of the survey will be presented to the Safe Community Task Force. -over- Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mark Community Center. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bob Krayer, Secretary Minutes Research Subcommittee 11/19/2009 Present: Jerry, Mary, Doug, John, Mike, Rachel The committee met at 6:OOpm. Four focused research projects developed from the conversation. 1. Community perceptions of crime in Dubuque. This cross sectional survey will be useful if we collect demographic data in order to differentiate trends among groups (neighborhood/location, SES, job type, location, family status ...). This survey will be useful if the city will then respond to the results by creating custom educational campaigns for groups with differing responses. Rachel will call Mike Van Milligan regarding possible costs associated. 2. Police calls for service. Looking to do a longitudinal study of existing data on police calls for service. Purpose will be to detect trends in kinds of calls, locations, and frequency of calls. Mike will contact police department to determine what data might be available to us. 3. Arrest records. Longitudinal study of trends in arrest records. Again, looking for trends in sorts of arrests, locations, and frequency of arrests. Will use the demographic data available from the forms. Challenges include possibility that the data are not stored electronically and that demographic categories of interest are not included on the arrest record. Mike will contact police department to determine what data might be available to us. 4. Section 8. Myths persist about Dubuque's Section 8 housing. Will conduct longitudinal study of trends in housing in Dubuque and will compare Dubuque's pattern with peer communities and with eastern Iowa communities. Doug will contact Mike VanMilligan regarding peers and neighbors. We will contact Dubuque's housing department to get contact information about housing contacts in these communities. There is also interest in gathering information from the Drug Task Force and about gang activity in Dubuque. Committee members also shared resource titles that they will make available to the subcommittee and the entire Task Force Respectfully submitted by Rachel Daack. All errors are my own.