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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/09/1996 - Study Session• 1r u 0 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City Council Minutes Joint Study Session with City of Costa Mesa September 9, 1996 - 4:00 p.m. Neighborhood Community Center, Costa Mesa ROLL CALL Newport Beach Present: O'Neil, Debay, Glover, Watt Absent: Edwards, Cox, Hedges Costa Mesa Present: Erickson, Hornbuckle, Monahan, Genis Absent: Buffa 1. Joint Study Session with City of Costa Mesa to Discuss AirBorne Law Enforcement (ABLE) Program. Police Capt. Dave Brooks, City of Costa Mesa, gave a brief history of the ABLE program. He explained that in 1993 the program consisted of the following agencies: the cities of Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach and the Orange County Sheriffs Department. He said the program was effective from an operational standpoint, but it did not meet its additional goal of reducing costs and providing offsetting revenue. He explained that the reorganization will reduce the number of personnel from a total of 10 between the two separate units to seven in the new unit; the number of helicopters will be reduced from four to three; the two hangar operations will be combined into one; and the number of mechanics will be reduced by one part -time position. The changes will result in significant savings in personnel, maintenance and operational costs and still provide the two cities with the same level of service. Police Capt. Paul Henisey, City of Newport Beach, explained that the proposal before the two Councils has two goals: 1) to save money by eliminating a duplication of costs; and 2) to improve the operational effectiveness of the program. He reiterated the personnel changes as explained by Capt. Brooks and pointed out that combined the two cities had budgeted $2.5 million for the program, however if the proposal is approved the cost will be $1.7 million combined. Capt. Henisey explained that money has not been allocated in either City for replacement ships, however the new proposal includes an allocation of $475,000 for capital replacement of helicopters. He stated that the proposed program will result in savings for both cities, however the City of Costa Mesa will realize more savings because they fly two shifts per day and Newport Beach only has a single shift per day Capt. Henisey reiterated that the second goal is to improve operational effectiveness and pointed out that in the past the helicopters flew 20 hours per day, however they covered all of the other cities as well. He noted that the new proposal will provide for more patrol time over each of the two cities involved and will allow for a more pro- active patrol program. He explained that the City of Santa Ana Police Department has requested that they be allowed to contract for helicopter services; and additional potential revenues will be pursued from the Regional Narcotic Suppression Unit and the Orange County Mre Authority. He stated that the program personnel will be paid through their respective agencies, although they will be supervised by a Sergeant, who reports to the Governing Board. He said the fueling of the helicopters will be completed at Costa Mesa's helipad under their current fuel purchase agreement and the hangaring and maintenance will be Volume 50 - Page 277 INDEX Orange County Cities/ABLE C -3011 (38) City of Newport Beach City Council Minutes - Joint Study Session September 9, 1996 provided for in Costa Mesa. He recommended that the two agencies approve Option 1 because it will reduce the overall costs of operation, provide for the sale of the two highest hour ships and the lease purchase of one replacement helicopter, while initiating the necessary capitalization for replacement aircraft. Capt. Henisey further explained that the City of Santa Ana Police Department has agreed to continue to contract for helicopter services and • they have a minimum of $200,000 available for air support for this fiscal year and their desire is to enter into an agreement to become an eventual partner. Capt. Henisey explained that during a nine -hour shift, the aircraft will be in the air for five hours and will be available to respond at any time. By operating two shifts, the aircraft will be in the air for 10 hours each day. In response to Council Member Glover's concern about Newport Beach having less air time, Capt. Henisey explained that during the five hours that the aircraft is assigned to Newport Beach, part of that time is spent responding to other cities, so all of the time is not spent in Newport Beach. Capt. Brooks reiterated that there would only be one helicopter in the air at a time. In response to Council Member Genis, Capt. Brooks explained that if the program doesn't meet the city's expectations, one agency would have to buy out the interests of the other in the aircraft after appraisals have been completed. Costa Mesa City Attorney Tom Kathe explained that the agreement is called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), however it is actually a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), which is required in order to receive special benefits. Capt. Henisey explained that the goal is to standardize all of the aircraft so • that the pilots can fly any of the aircraft. He also noted that the insurance costs will also be reduced due to the reduction in the number of aircrafts, as well as a change in coverage since they were over - insured in the past. City Attorney Katlic explained that a minimum of two parties is required for a JPA and Santa Ana will purchase service and participate as a limited partner. Costa Mesa City Manager Roeder noted that the City of Santa Ana has been receiving services above what they have paid for and now they will be required to stay within their budgeted amount ($200,000) or will have to increase their contribution. He said that with three helicopters, a more equitable contribution from Santa Ana would be $600,000. Council Member Hornbuckle requested that when this item is put on their regular agenda for consideration that staff provide information on the number of calls responded to in Santa Ana. Costa Mesa Police Chief David Snowden explained that Huntington Beach left the program because they patrol their own community and their labor unions did not want to share shift hours; and the Orange County Sheriffs Department withdrew for financial reasons since they are now in a position to charge contract cities for their services. Ernie Feeney, Costa Mesa, stated that she picked up a copy of the staff • report from the City of Huntington Beach and offered to share it. Diane Coltrane, Newport Beach, questioned the staffing and Capt. Henisey explained that the staffing will consist of one Sergeant and two Pilot Officers from the City of Newport Beach and four Pilot Officers from the City of Costa Mesa. Volume 50 - Page 278 INDEX City of Newport Beach City Council Minutes - Joint Study Session September 9, 1996 ADJOURNED - 4:45 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** The agenda for the Study Session was posted on September 4, 1996 at 3:47 p.m. on •the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. Mayor City Clerk • • Volume 50 - Page 279 INDEX