HomeMy WebLinkAbout39 - NB-6 - First Reading of the Ordinance Providing - 2/18/2014CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 18, 2014 ITEM NUMBER:
SUBJECT: FIRST READING OF THE ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR REWARDS FOR
INFORMATION LEADING TO THE APPREHENSION OF VANDALS
DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2014
FROM: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE
PRESENTATION THOMAS R. HATCH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BY:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DANIEL BAKER (714) 754-5156
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council introduce for first reading, Ordinance 14-_, to
be read by title only, and waive further reading, regarding rewards for information
leading to the apprehension of individuals who vandalize public property.
BACKGROUND:
Section 11-147 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code provides for a reward of up to $2,000
for information provided to the Police Department leading to the arrest and conviction of
individuals for graffiti offenses. Public property, however, is vandalized in other ways,
and such vandalism causes thousands of dollars in damage to the City each year. The
cost of repairing and restoring public property following vandalism cannot be recouped if
the perpetrator is not arrested and convicted. In order to facilitate the apprehension of
individuals who vandalize public property, staff recommends instituting a reward to
encourage citizens to assist the Police Department to apprehend individuals responsible
for vandalism.
ANALYSIS:
The proposed ordinance adds Section 11-15 to Title 11, and provides for rewards of up
to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons
who vandalizes public property. The ordinance also provides that the person convicted
is liable to the city for the amounts disbursed pursuant to the ordinance; in the event the
person is a minor, the minor's parents or guardians are liable.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council can choose not to adopt the proposed ordinance.
FISCAL REVIEW:
No fiscal impact.
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LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and has prepared a draft ordinance for
further consideration based on Council direction.
CONCLUSION:
Adoption of this ordinance would create an incentive for citizens to assist the city in
apprehending individuals who vandalize public property and thus cost the city
thousands of dollars in damages every year.
THOMAS R. HATCH
Chief Executive Officer
THOMAS DUARTE
City Attorney
Attachments: Ordinance 14 -
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DANIEL K. BAKER
Management Analyst