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Home My WebLink AboutCOW 2014-02-24 Item 4E - Ordinance/Resolution - False Alarm Fines and False Alarm Fee ScheduleCOUNCIL AGENDA S OPSIS I ni Vials --------- ------------------- Meth' ng Date Prepared h )) M -or's review — Cwinc,7 review 02/24/14 PMC 11 03/03/14 PMC ITEM INFORMATION ITEM NO. 4.E. S Su( )1\suit' PEGGY MCCARTHY ORIGINAL AGENI)A r)A LE: 02/24/14 AGF1NDA ITEM 1 IT1,11 Amend Ordinance No. 1363 relating to false alarm fees and adopt new false alarm fee schedule C MORY DISCUSS/ON 101,.g Date 02/24/14 Motion tg Dale Resolution AN Date 03/03/14 Ordinance Altg Date 03/03/14 BichAircird 111/g Date Public !enthig it fig Date Other tg Date SIN )NS R 11 Council Mayor DCI) i na rice F In re 11 IT S11( )NS( )R'S SU1\ 1MARY Amend Ordinance No. 1363 relating to false alarm fees and adopt a new false alarm fee schedule via Resolution 1.111\11F\\1111) COW .Mtg. Utilities Cmte DATE: 02/19/14 CA&P Cmte Arts Cmte Parks Comm. COMMITTEE CHAIR: SEAL Transport:atkm. Cane Planning Comm, RECOMMENDATIONS: SpoNsoR/ADmIN, Finance Commviikk Unanimous Approval, Forward to Committee of the Whole COST IMPACT / FUND SOURCE EX1M11\11)FLUR11 11.()J111Z111) $0 AMOUN1 BUDGE I'LL) APPROPRIATION REQUIRED $0 $0 Fund Source: Con7ments: MTG. DATE RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION 02/24/14 MTG. DATE ATTACHMENTS 02/24/14 Informational Memorandum dated 02/12/14 Copy of TMC 8.08.040 Ordinance in Draft Form (version with correction and version from F&S Cmte) Resolution in Draft For version with correction and version from F&S Cmte) Minutes from Finance and Safety Committee meeting of 2/19/14 03/03/14 71 72 TO: City of Tukwila Jim Haggerton, Mayor INFORMATIONAL U��U��U� oo�u ��n�`u�n��n ov^�n��~ xmnu~o�n��n�x�xx��n�n Mayor Haggerton Finance & Safety Committee FROM: Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director BY: VickyCar|smn` Deputy Finance Director DATE: February 12, 2014 SUBJECT: Option to Enhance Revenues: False Alarm Fees (Revised) Revision made after 2/19/14 Finance and Safety Committee meetinq Draft ordinance as presented at Finance and Safety: Section 1. paragraph A. had the word 'home' shown as a strike through. H0vvever, this word should remain in the ordinance. Draft resolution as presented to Finance and Safety: The last line in the fee schedule relating to "...shall not apply to single family residences" should have been removed from the draft resolution. Both of these issues have been corrected in the revised drafts. ISSUE Review current false alarm fees and approve fee increase. BACKGROUND Fees for police false alarms have not been adjusted since 1985 and fire false alarms have not been adjusted since 2004. As City resources are expended to respond to, and bill for false a|anns, an increase the fees is being proposed to help recoup City costs and also to deter the occurrence of false alarms. Respondinq to an Alarm When an alarm monitoring company receives an alert that an alarm has been tr|ggered, they call 911 to report the alarm. The standard response for police is a minimum of two officers. When they arrive at the scene, they will walk the perimeter and check doors and windows for any signs of a break-in. If nothing suspicious is located and there are no signs of a break-in, they mark the incident report as a false alarm. The average length of a response to a police false alarm is 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the business or residence. Fire personnel are dispatched to an alarm in a similar manner with a minimum response time of 30 minutes. Response time is typically longer for fire because apparatus are usually responding from a fire station and must gear up before leaving the station. Costs to the City for responding to a false alarm include apparatus usage and personnel time spent responding to the a|arm, as well as administrative time to bill and collect payment for the false alarm. 74 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 Current False Alarm Fees False alarm fees are addressed in the Tukwila Municipal Code Chapter 8.08 False Alarms and Chapter 16.18 International Fire Code. The City currently charges false alarm fees when the City receives or responds to more than two false alarms of fire, intrusion, crime or other safety- related emergency at any single place of business, ho0e, vehicle or other premise or place within any calendar year. There is no charge for the first two false alarms for both police and fire. The third and subsequent police false alarms result in a fine of $25.00 each. After the third fire false a|arnn, the fee is $50.00 per false alarm. The number of false alarms is calculated by calendar year. As mentioned previously, fees for police false alarms have not been adjusted since 1985 and fire false alarms have not been adjusted since 2004. While 8.08.040 states that failure to make payment for a false alarm in a timely manner constitutes a civil infracti0n, this has not been enforced. DISCUSSION False Alarm Statistics for the City The table below represents the number of false alarms for both police and fire for the last three complete calendar years. A large percentage of false alarms are not billable because they are either the first or second false alarm in a calendar year. Police Year 2012 Total # of false alarms 872 of billa false alarms Amount billed 255 $6,375 2011 810 229 $5,725 2010 837 267 $6,675 Fire Year`� Total # of false alarms # of billable false alarms Amount billed 2012 552 17 $600 2011 632 25 $900 2010 666 21 $800 Potential Impact for lncreasinq False Alarm Fees Should the City's false alarm experience under the increased fee structure mirror the experience before the inoraase, additional revenue would be generated. Should the occurrence of false alarms decrease under the increased fee structuna, response and billing cost savings would be realized. Comparison of Surroundinq Jurisdiction False Alarm Fees The table below lists several surrounding jurisdictions and the fees they charge for false alarms. The table does not include information on alarm registration feeS, alarm renewal faen, or other action that may be taken by the jurisdiction responding to a false alarm. False Alarm Fees Jurisdiction Bellevue Burien Kirkland Redmond Renton Kent Auburn Des Moines O 50 50 0 2" 75 50 50 25 O 0 O 0 Tukwila �' ' 0 >6 $250 150 200 250 300 100 ` Suspension of service 50 100 100 135 150 200 25 Source: City Codes, websites INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 3 To change the fee structure, two sections of the Municipal COde, 8.08.048 False Alarm — Fines and 16.16.080. require modification. Language regarding the actual fees charged will be removed from the Code and set by Resolution. By setting the fees by Resolution rather than in the Code it3e|f, it will be easier to update the fees on a regular basis. The proposed and current fee schedule for false ala s follows: False Alarm Proposed Fee Current Fire Fee Current Police Fee First Second Third Fourth and Subsequent $0 $0 $150 $200 0 O 25 50 O U 25 25 The recommended fee structure will encourage alarm owners to take more steps to reduce the number of false alarms and keep the rates comparable with surrounding jurisdictions. Fees incurred in the new schedule will help to offset costs of responding to recurring false alarms. By keeping the fees limited to two n]teS, the billing process will continue to be straight-forward and easy to manage. We are also recommending that the civil infraction for failing to make timely payment for false alarms be removed from the Code as this part of the Code is not currently being enforced. Non- payment is pursued by the City's collection agency and business licenses are withheld for businesses with unpaid false alarm and other fees providing a payment incentive. Attached is an ordinance to amend 8.08.040 that will remove the false alarm fees from the TMC. Also attached is a resolution to set the new fee schedule for false alarms. Both the ordinance and the resolution should take effect at the same time. TMC 16.16.080 will be amended when Fire amends 16.16 International Fire Code. RECOMMENDATION Council is being asked to approve the Ordinance and Resolution. This item is scheduled for the February 24, 2014 Committee of the Whole and March 3, 2014 Regular Council Meeting. ATTACHMENTS Copy OfTK8CO.00.O4O Draft Ordinance — with correction after 2/19/14 Finance and Safety Committee meeting Draft Ordinance — as submitted to Finance and Safety Committee on 2/19/14 Draft Resolution — with correction after 2/19/14 Finance and Safety Committee meeting Draft Resolution — as submitted to Finance and Safety Committee on 2/19/14 76 TITLE 8 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND SAFETY Sections: 8,08,010 8.08.020 8,08.030 8.08.040 CHAPTER 8.08 FALSE ALARMS Audible Alarm Nuisance Outside Audible Intrusion Alarm — Notice Required Automatic Telephone Dialing System — Connection with Police and Fire Communications Prohibited False Alarm — Fines 8.08.010 Audible Alarm Nuisance Any alarm audible upon abutting property for a period in excess of one-half hour is declared to be a public nuisance and may be summarily abated by the Police Department. (Ord 1163 §7 (pmrt), 1985) 8.08.020 Outside Audible Intrusion Alarm - Notice Required Any person connecting an outside audible intrusion alarm to any building located within the City limits shall notify the Police Department of the City of such connection, 8.08.030 Automatic Telephone Dialing System - Connection with Police and Fire Communications Prohibited No person shall connect any automatic telephone dialing system to the Tukwila Police Department, Tukwila Fire Department, or Valley Communications. 8l0.040 False Alarm — Fines A. In the event that, in any calendar year, any de- partment of the City receives or responds to a total of more than two false alarms of fire, intrusion, crime or other safety- m|ated emergency at any single place of business, home, vehicle or other premises or place, the owner of said premises or place shall, within ten days of receipt of written bill therefor, pay to the City the sum of $25.00 as to each such false alarm in excess of two. B. TMC 8D8.040A shall not apply to any false alarm intentionally sent by a person with respect to whom the owner has no right of control by reason of an emp|nyment, tenancy or similar relationship unless the City establishes that the alarm was sent by means of electronic or mechanical devioe, other than a telephone, installed by the owner in a manner which failed to comply with applicable statutes, codes or regulations. In any proceeding brought to enforce this soctinn, the party charged with a violation of this section shall bear the burden of proving that the exception set forth in this subsection applies. C. Failure to timely make any payment required by TMC 8.08.040A shall constitute a civil infraction. CHAPTER 8.09 CRIMES RELATING TO FIRE Sections: 8.09.010 Reckless Burning 8.09.020 Fire — Miscellaneous Crimes 8.09.010 Reckless Burning The following statutes of the State of Washington are adopted by reference. RCVV9A40.O1O Definition. RCW 9A.48.050 Reckless burning RCW 9A.48.060 Reckless burning — Defenses. 8.09.020 Fire — Miscellaneous Crimes The following statutes of the State of Washington are adopted by reference: RCW 9.40.040 Operating engine or boiler without spark arrester. Produced by the City of Tukwila, City Clerk's Office Page 8-9 78 Revision shaded [with correction made after 2 -19 -14 Finance and Safety Committee meeting] AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1363 §1 (PART), AS CODIFIED AT TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 8.08.040, "FALSE ALARM - FINES," TO INCREASE FINES RELATING TO FALSE ALARMS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 1363 amended Title 8 of the Tukwila Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, Section 1 of Ordinance No. 1363 included Tukwila Municipal Code Section 8.08.040, which established fines for false alarms; and WHEREAS, the fines for police false alarms have not been adjusted since 1985, and the fines for fire false alarms have not been adjusted since 2004; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that false alarm fines should be increased to recover costs associated with responding to false alarms and to encourage alarm owners to reduce the number of false alarms; and WHEREAS, false alarm fines should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. TMC Section 8.08.040 Amended. Ordinance No. 1363 §1 (part), as codified at Tukwila Municipal Code Section 8.08.040, "False Alarm - Fines," is hereby amended to read as follows: 8.08.040 False Alarm - Fines A,—In the event that, in any calendar year, any department of the City receives or responds to a total of more than two false alarms of fire, intrusion, crime or other safety - related emergency at any single place of business, home, vehicle or other premises or place, the owner of said premises or place shall, within 10 days of receipt of written bill therefor, pay to the City the sum of $25.00 as to each fa !so alp -ma-i t- excess of two W: Word Processing \Ordinances \False alarm fine increased strike -thru 2 -20 -14 VC:bjs Page 1 of 2 79 fee charged in accordance with the fee schedule to be adopted by resolution of the Tukwila City Council. B. TMC 8.08.0/10A shall no with respect to whom tenancy or similar relationshi by a person • * * ""'" • * e • et-forth in this Section 2. Corrections by City Clerk or Code Reviser. Upon approval of the City Attorney, the City Clerk and the code reviser are authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including the correction of clerical errors; references to other local, state or federal laws, codes, rules, or regulations; or ordinance numbering and section/subsection numbering. Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or its application to any person or situation should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to any other person or situation. Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force April 1, 2014. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2014. ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED: Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM BY: Office of the City Attorney Jim Haggerton, Mayor Filed with the City Clerk: Passed by the City Council: Published: Effective Date: Ordinance Number: W: Word Process ng\OrdinancesTalse alarm fine increased strike-thru 2-20-14 VC:bjs 80 Page 2 of 2 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1363 §1 (PART), AS CODIFIED AT TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 8.08.040, "FALSE ALARM - FINES," TO INCREASE FINES RELATING TO FALSE ALARMS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 1363 amended Title 8 of the Tukwila Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, Section 1 of Ordinance No. 1363 included Tukwila Municipal Code Section 8.08.040, which established fines for false alarms; and WHEREAS, the fines for police false alarms have not been adjusted since 1985, and the fines for fire false alarms have not been adjusted since 2004; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that false alarm fines should be increased to recover costs associated with responding to false alarms and to encourage alarm owners to reduce the number of false alarms; and WHEREAS, false alarm fines should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. TMC Section 8.08.040 Amended. Ordinance No. 1363 §1 (part), as codified at Tukwila Municipal Code Section 8.08.040, "False Alarm - Fines," is hereby amended to read as follows: 8.08.040 False Alarm - Fines A.—In the event that, in any calendar year, any department of the City receives or responds to a total of more than two false alarms of fire, intrusion, crime or other safety- related emergency at any single place of business, herrieT-vehicle or other premises or place, the owner of said premises or place shall, within 10 days of receipt of written bill therefor, pay to the City the-s-um-of-$2-5-,00-as-t-e-eaGh-suc-14-fals-e-alarm--in-excess-ef-two W: Word Processing \Ordinances\False alarm fine increased strike-thru 2-11-14 VC:bjs Page 1 of 2 81 fee _charged in accordance with the fee schedule to be adopted byresolution of the Tukwila City Council. B. -T-MG-8,0 A shall-nat-a-p-ply-t n-y-false-a1ar-m-4-ntenti-on-ally-se-n-t-by-a-pecs-on peot-to-wh-orn--th-e-owneF-ha-s-no-Figiqt-of-c-ontrol -b-y- reasen-of-an--employment ten 1-a-r-retationship the Gi-ty-establishes-th-at-the-alarm was-sent-by means--of.-eleottan-i-e-ot- - other- - ownet-in-a-manner-whiot:4--fai-l-ed4o-co-rn-ply-with-ap-p-lioable-statutesT-ooptes-oc-regulations, tn-any-p-rooe-ediang-bto-ug-h4-to-enforp- •otion-4he p a rty-oh a rg ed this-see-tan &h-a11 bear- -t -den-ef-p-r-avin-g-th-a oeption--set-fort-h--in-ANS subse-oti-o-n- 4es, G,- --F-ailu-re-to-tirnely-make-any paymen-t-r-equir b T .8-0-8J)-40A-sha-41--constitute Section 2. Corrections by City Clerk or Code Reviser. Upon approval of the City Attorney, the City Clerk and the code reviser are authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including the correction of clerical errors; references to other local, state or federal laws, codes, rules, or regulations; or ordinance numbering and section/subsection numbering. Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or its application to any person or situation should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to any other person or situation. Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force April 1, 2014. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, a a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2014. ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED: Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM BY: Office of the City Attorney Jim Haggerton, Mayor Filed with the City Clerk: Passed by the City Council: Published: Effective Date: Ordinance Number; W: Word Processing \Ordinances\False alarm fine increased strike-thru 2-11-14 VC:bjs 82 Page 2 of 2 [with correction made after 2 -19 -14 Finance and Safety Committee meeting] A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING A FALSE ALARM FEE SCHEDULE. WHEREAS, the City has analyzed current false alarm fees; and WHEREAS, fees for police false alarms have not been adjusted since 1985, and fees for fire false alarms have not been adjusted since 2004; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that false alarm fees should be increased to recover costs associated with responding to false alarms and to encourage alarm owners to reduce the number of false alarms; and WHEREAS, false alarm fees should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: False alarm fees will be charged according to the following schedule, which shall supersede any previously adopted false alarm fee or fine and take effect on April 1, 2014: Deletion False Alarm Fee First $0 Second $0 Third $150 Fourth and subsequent $200 W:\Word Processing \Resolutions \False Alarm Fee Schedule 2 -20 -14 VC:bjs Page 1 of 2 83 PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2014. ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED: Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk De'Sean Quinn, Council President APPROVED AS TO FORM BY: Shelley M. Kerslake, City Attorney W:\Word Processing \Resolutions\False Alarm Fee Schedule 2-20-14 VC: his 84 Filed with the City Clerk: Passed by the City Council: Resolution Number: Page 2 of 2 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING A FALSE ALARM FEE SCHEDULE. WHEREAS, the City has analyzed current false alarm fees; and WHEREAS, fees for police false alarms have not been adjusted since 1985, and fees for fire false alarms have not been adjusted since 2004; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that false alarm fees should be increased to recover costs associated with responding to false alarms and to encourage alarm owners to reduce the number of false alarms; and WHEREAS, false alarm fees should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: False alarm fees will be charged according to the following schedule, which shall supersede any previously adopted false alarm fee or fine and take effect on April 1, 2014: False Alarm Fee First 0 Second 0 Third $150 Fourth and subsequent $200 False alarm fees shall not apply to single family residences. W: \Word Processing \Resolutions \False Alarm Fee Schedule 2 -11 -14 VC :bjs Page 1 of 2 85 PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2014. ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED: Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk De'Sean Quinn, Council President APPROVED AS TO FORM BY: Shelley M. Kerslake, City Attorney WAVVord Processing\Resolutions\False Alarm Fee Schedule 2-11-14 VC:bjs 86 Filed with the City Clerk: Passed by the City Council: Resolution Number: Page 2 of 2 ^,�^ '�`_'l `7 K�/[� o� � ��/�� Finance and Safety Committee FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes February 19'2O14-5;3Qp./n.; Hazelnut Conference Room PRESENT Councilmembers: Verna Seal, Chair; Joe Duffie, Kathy Hougardy Staff: David Cline, Chris F|mpea, Peggy McCarthy, Vicky Car|sen, Mike ViV|8, Laurel Humphrey CALL TO ORDER: Committee Chair Seal called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. I. PRESENTATIONS No presentations. M. BUSINESS AGENDA A. Fire Department Pipeline Staffing Proposal The Fire Department is seeking Council approval to create up to three pipeline positions which would allow for the recruitment, hiring and training of new employees when vacancies are known in advance. as with retirements. This would help ensure continuity of service as well as reduce the high overtime costs incurred when staff at current levels must cover vacancies. There are currently 10 Fire Department personnel eligible for retirement within the next two yearS, and the Police Department has successfully used this strategy to reduce overtime costs for several years. Councilmembers asked clarifying queStiOns, including how the City will measure the financial impact of this practice. Staff indicated that measures are included in the normal budgeting processes. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO FEBRUARY 24, 2014 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. B. Grant Application: 2014 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters The Fire Department is seeking Council approval to proceed with an application to FEMA for the 2014 Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $391.272.00 for replacement of radios and operating system. The current radios and system will be obsolete in five years, and the cost to replace them is approximately $412.000.00. If the grant is awarded, the City will be required to contribute $20'583.00 in matching fundS, which are available in the Fire Department's equipment budget. Staff will continue to pursue this particular grant if it is not awarded in 2014. Councilmember Hougardy noted that a radio system overhaul such as this should be planned for through the budget process by use of a replacement schedule. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO FEBRUARY 24, 2014 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. C. Ordinance and Resolution: False Alarm Fees Staff is seeking Council approval of an ordinance and companion resolution relating to updating the fees charged for false alarms. Police false alarm fees have not been adjusted since 1985 and fire not since 2004. Because significant City resources are required to both respond to and bill for false a|orrns, staff is proposing an increase to the fees to offset the costs to the City as well as to act as a deterrent. False alarm statistics in Tukwila as well as fees assessed by neighboring jurisdictions were reviewed. Under the proposa|, the first two false alarms within one calendar year will not be assessed a fee, which is not a change from the current practice. The third false alarm in the year would be $150. an increase from the currently charged $25, and the fourth and subsequent false alarms would be charged $200. up from the current $50. The fees Finance & Safety Committee Minutes February 19,2014- Page 2 would be the same for police and fire responses, and the same for residential and commercial properties. This will keep the billing process streamlined and manageable. Finance staff provided additional statistics showing that just 5% of the 814 billable false alarms during 2010- 2012 were from residences, and 587 for both residential and non-residential were repeat offenders (two or more bills). Staff is also recommending amending the Code to remove the civil infraction for failing to make timely payment of false alarms fees. This is not currently enforced, as nonpayment is pursued by the City's collection agency and business licenses are withheld for businesses with outstanding fees. FiO8||y, the proposed ordinance would remove the fees from the Code and the companion resolution would adopt them instead. This is part of a City-wide effort to remove various fees from the Code. If approved by the Council, information about the new fee schedule will be communicated to the public starting with an article in the Hazelnut. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO FEBRUARY 24, 2014 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. Q. Finance and Safety Committee 2014 Work Plan Committee members and staff reviewed the preliminary 2014 Committee Work Plan, The plan lists anticipated or tentative items that will be reviewed by the Committee this year, and the plan itself will be reviewed periodically. Committee Chair Seal noted that there will be further discussion ahead regarding any specific requests from Councilmembers. INFORMATION ONLY. E. Police Department 2013 4th Quarter Report Chief Villa shared a presentation that updated the Committee on Police Department items of significance that occurred during the 4 th quarter of 2013. The information included high|ighta. crime statistics and crime reduction strategies. He also played a recruitment video that was recently produced by his staff. INFORMATION ONLY. III. MISCELLANEOUS Meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m. Next meeting: Tuesday, March 4, 2014 - 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room mittee Chair Approval Minutes by LH 88