Special Monday Council meeting promises to be lively, SPPD issues top agenda

March 26, 2004
Santa Paula City Council

Monday’s special meeting of the City Council promises to be lively with the agenda featuring the police audit implementation plan, extending negotiations with a buyer interested in the City Hall complex as well as discussion on issues and options for a proposed November 2004 public safety funding ballot initiative.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesMonday’s special meeting of the City Council promises to be lively with the agenda featuring the police audit implementation plan, extending negotiations with a buyer interested in the City Hall complex as well as discussion on issues and options for a proposed November 2004 public safety funding ballot initiative.The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 970 E. Ventura St. The meeting will also be broadcast live on government access cable Channel 10.City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz will be asking the council for direction to issue requests for proposals for a public opinion poll on a proposed public safety funding ballot initiative, as well as to adopt a calendar for review and approval of same.The council will also discuss types of funding alternatives for voter approval and the possible appointment of a citizens committee to assist in review.The police management audit recommended about $2.3 million in expenditures to add seven sworn officers – the additional personnel would cost approximately $500,000 – and beef up communication systems as well as enhance equipment, among other department needs.
The meeting will be heavy on cop talk: aside from hearing the police audit recommendation implementation plan, a SPPD police service update will be offered by Police Chief Bob Gonzales.The We-Tip program – which offers a reward for information on criminals - will be reviewed and alcohol consumption at city parks, long a problem in some areas, addressed.A new narcotics and gang-related crime eviction program that would require a municipal code will also be explained and reviewed.The council will again broach the subject of selling the City Hall complex as it considers authorizing a one-time 120 day extension of the negotiations with New Group LLC of Malibu.The proposed sale of the property has brought recent criticism to the council by those claiming that – although the council has discussed the proposed sale publicly – the public is being shut out of the process.Celebrations, namely the annual Kiwanis Club Citrus Festival – which is now seeking volunteers for all aspects of the weekend event - and city 4th of July festivities, are also agendized for Monday’s meeting.



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