HomeMy WebLinkAbout- OB-1 - Adding Section 11-15 to Chap. 1 Title 11 - 3/4/2018CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2014 ITEM NUMBER:
SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA
MESA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 11-15 TO CHAPTER 1
(GENERAL) OF TITLE 11 (OFFENSES -MISCELLANEOUS) OF THE
COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO REWARDS FOR
INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST AND CONVICTION OF
PERSONS VANDALIZING CITY PROPERTY
DATE: FEBRUARY 24, 2014
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
PRESENTATION THOMAS R. HATCH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BY:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: BRENDA GREEN, CITY CLERK, AT (714) 754-5221
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council consider for second reading Ordinance No. 14-02, to be read by title only
and waive further reading, relating to rewards for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of persons vandalizing City property.
BACKGROUND:
At the February 18, 2014 City Council Meeting, City Council considered and approved
Ordinance No. 14-02 for first reading.
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.
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ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council can choose not to adopt the proposed ordinance.
FISCAL REVIEW:
No fiscal impact.
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.
Brenda Green, City Clerk
Attachments: Ordinance 14-02
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