Chief MacKinnon also wants the special details to take action on other quality of life issues - loud vehicle stereos and motorcycle mufflers, parking offenses and pedestrian safety issues resulting from skateboard and bicycle violations - that they observe while on patrol seeking street vendors.Although the SPPD is authorized to have three full-time CSOs, “As a result of personnel changes, we anticipate two vacancies to exist for at least the immediate future,” making the establishment of a part-time CSO to focus only on street vendor enforcement “very difficult.”Mayor Ray Luna asked if there is any way to recover funds through the CSO program.“Enforcing street vending has not been collectable” through violation fines, as the those engaging in the business disappear or change identity, noted Chief MacKinnon. “We try to shut them down by holding onto the cart,” among other property seized from offenders, he noted.
Street vendors: Council-approved pilot program will target unlawful sellers
March 09, 2007
Santa Paula City Council
The City Council okayed a plan by Police Chief Steve MacKinnon to launch a pilot program targeting street vendors and other quality of life issues in lieu of hiring a part-time Community Services Officer.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council okayed a plan by Police Chief Steve MacKinnon to launch a pilot program targeting street vendors and other quality of life issues in lieu of hiring a part-time Community Services Officer. The Council, which had initially asked that funding for a part-time CSO be found, approved the plan at the March 5 meeting.“Chief MacKinnon is proposing” that 20 hours per week provided by existing Santa Paula Police Department personnel be devoted to a pilot enforcement program through June 30 to focus on the enforcement of street vending, said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz. According to Chief MacKinnon’s report, two four-hour shifts each weekend and three additional four-hour shifts throughout the week during the pilot period will be devoted to street vending enforcement.“This will be the equivalent of 20 hours per week,” or equal to a part-time employee, noted Chief MacKinnon’s report. The exact hours of shifts will be flexible and crafted on scheduled events and past complaints, among other factors. Assigned personnel will maintain statistics on enforcement action and other duties carried out.During the pilot program, the shifts will be covered by CSOs, Reserve and regular Police Officers who would like to work overtime. Based on the mix of personnel, Chief MacKinnon said he expects the cost of the pilot program would be about $10,600.
