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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8187RESOLUTION NO. sis7 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 1997 CDBG FEDERAL GRANT YEAR AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE ADOLESCENT TREATMENT CENTER FOR HEALTH (C.A.T.C.H.) GRAFFITI REMOVAL PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF PUEBLO TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES WITH SUCH AGENCY WHEREAS, the City of Pueblo, pursuant to the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) under 24 CFR 570, has been a recipient of CDBG federal funds under the program since 1975; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of the Act and 24 CFR 570:201(e) a portion of such financial assistance, subject to appropriation by the City Council, may be made available to agencies and organizations for the purpose of carrying out specific elements of the City of Pueblo Consolidated Plan including neighborhood strategies for the prevention of crime and youth programs; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PUEBLO, COLORADO, that: SECTION I. The City Council of the City of Pueblo approves the transfer of $37,000 to the Comprehensive Adolescent Treatment Center for Health (C.A.T.C.H.) Graffiti Removal Program for the purpose of prevention of property damage through vandalism and graffiti and the City Manager of the City of Pueblo is authorized and directed to execute an agreement with the agency. INTRODUCED: JULY 28 , 1997 ATTEST: �,- CA �� I City Cler By AL GURULE Councilperson APPROVED: President o the City Council C.A.T.C.H. GRAFFITI REMOVAL PROGRAM 505 W.5TH ST PUEBLO, COLORADO 81003 719-544:6495 Destruction of property through vandalism and graffiti has become one of the cities major problems. Citizens of Pueblo, local businessmen, school officials, city and county administrators, and the public at large are requesting assistance in dealing with this problem and are looking to the leadership of the City and County of Pueblo. The problem has reached epidemic proportions and at this time is out of control. We, as a community, have literally been attacked by a group of offenders who display total disregard for the rights and property of others and who "mark" their existence through the flagrant destruction of property. If we are to be effective in our approach to this problem, then we must take a "proactive" stance rather then "reacting" to the problem at hand. The following is a program outline for the graffiti removal program as offered by the Comprehensive Adolescent Treatment Center for Health (CATCH). The graffiti removal program is designed to provide the taxpayers of Pueblo with a service of "beautification" for those residences and businesses that fall victim at the hands of vandals who deteriorate the community through graffiti and destruction of property. The program is designed to be self - funded after the first 12 months of operation through participant co -pay, community and business contributions, and service organization participation. This problem is not owned by any single group. We all have a stake in its effective control and we all have the obligation to do what we can to insure a systematic approach to addressing the issues at hand. We can not win the "WAR" by dealing with the problem in a fragmented manner. We must combine our forces, resources, knowledge and skills in a unified approach. The following proposal is a three part approach to the problem. It involves: law enforcement, education and the actual process of graffiti removal. All three segments are necessary to effectively control the problem. No one element is more important then the other two. Each must work in conjunction with the other and each contributes to the success and effectiveness of the others. The proposal also includes a suggested budget. This budget is presented with the understanding that this agency will make every effort not to request additional funds from the City after its initial allocation of funds. Instead, this agency will utilize every means available to insure an ongoing, proficient program designed to be "owned" by the citizens and business leaders of this community and paid for by those who destroy the beauty that we have all tried to create. It does no good to develop projects like the River Walk and then allow a small number of our community to destroy the benefits that it creates. We must be prepared to deal with the problem and be willing to maintain this communities splender through regular and professional maintenance of its structures. Although some may view this budget as "expensive ", in comparison, it is not if one considers the benefits that it creates and the destruction that it prevents. Z� must develop the attitude that if we don't invest in the future and provide safeguards now through law enforcement and education, then we must be willing to invest twice as much ,at a latter time, to undo what we failed to anticipate. The CATCH Program is dedicated to the community and willing to put forth the effort necessary to insure a better living environment through its coordination of the graffiti removal program and the individuals responsible for the damages. As Director of this agency, I will be available for questions or concerns at the City Council's June 2, 1997 meeting. With me will be a group of community professionals who support these endeavors and who are willing to assist and direct these efforts towards this common goal. Together we can make a difference! C.A.T.C.H GRAFFITI REMOVAL "A SYSTEMATIC EFFORT" LAW ENFORCEMENT: Local law enforcement are well aware of the problems created by graffiti and are doing all they can to control the situation with the resources allocated. As stated in the introduction, the problem of enforcement is not 'owned" by the law enforcement agencies alone. The citizens of this community must participate in, and agree to, take an active role in the pursuit of these vandals. Motivation for change can best be accomplished by open and clear communication between law enforcement and public. Business and other property owners clearly recognize the destructive value of "graffiti" but the citizenry must be willing to assist the police in their efforts to investigate, apprehend and prosecute those individuals who are responsible for this destructive process. YOUTH - ASSISTING - YOUTH: (YAY) Crime Stoppers have been an effective tool of law enforcement. People are sometimes motivated by dollars in situations that would otherwise go unreported. We must challenge our young people to recognize their importance to the community and ask them to be the eyes and ears of the law enforcement. We must reward them for their efforts in a way that is neither threatening nor dangerous to their well- being. We can do this through the development of a "Graffiti Hot Line" well published in our schools, recreational, centers, and youth Community that allows for the reporting of graffiti by those who hear and know the delinquent culture we are pursuing. Successful reporting could result in dollars, bicycles, car parts, recreational activities(Elitch Gardens, pool passes, Lakeside, etc.) college scholarships or other relevant donated items to be used as motivators. "Youth Assisting Youth" is the ideal way of doubling our police surveillance without an increased monetary subsidy to law enforcement agencies. The future of the community lies within the hands of our youth. They hate graffiti as much as we do however, at this time, they do not have a mechanism to assist in its prevention. By developing a separate Adolescent Crime Stoppers Program utilizing similar methodologies as are used with the present Crime Stoppers Program, and then marketing that program in an attractive way, we can gain their support in a safe and effective manner, motivate them to take an active part in this community and provide them with a means of participation on a level that is conducive to their age group. This type of program provides these teens with a means of ownership in their community that can be measured, understood, and easily administered with the help of volunteers and concerned citizens. We at CATCH believe in this method and would be willing to organize and chair the development, organization and administration of the program. In a relatively short period of time, this program could be extremely effective but even "a short period of time" is sometimes too long. We need to act immediately! We need to have the resources to reward NOW. We can't wait for organizational meetings, agendas to develop and contributions to roll in. We need to have the media involved and willing to donate air time towards getting the word out to our young people and the public in general. We need to have our business community ready to reward our youth for information that they alone hold and will share if motivated appropriately through respect, understanding and recognition as one of our valuable resources. It is my understanding that the City has in place a " grafiti fund" already established in the community. The dollar amount is unknown however, CATCH is willing to donate 51,000 to enhance the fund and would ask the City Council to match that amount as a foundation for a very worthwhile cause to assist law enforcement in their admirable efforts to apprehend those involved in this destructive behavior. We can then solicit funds from community organizations, the business community and concerned individuals to replenish the account as the dollars are utilized. This program will literally add thousands of eyes and ears to the streets. each dealing with this epidemic, and at the same time provide our youth with a safe and efficient method of reporting anti - social activities. EDUCATION: CATCH is dedicated to the process of education. So also is an existing program that has had a very positive effect upon our youth. The DARE program has successfully integrated law enforcement with education. Punishment is a useful tool in detenina crime in any form but with out education concerning the problems generated by anti - social behavior.. punishment soon wears lean and the positive effects are lost. We need to deal with the problem before it has a chance to take a strong hold on the community. we must not solely rely upon arrest and prosecution to prevent the rapid growth of graffiti. Instead we must set a strong foundation for our young to grow in a community that recognizes that graffiti is a "symptom" of an even greater "problem ". Lack of values, dysfunctional families, poverty, etc. all lead to the "symptom" (graffiti) and other anti- social activities. If we do not begin to address the "problem" we can not hope to restrain the "symptom ". Education is the key! Some might conclude that values, morals, ethics etc. are the responsibility of families. We expect our dysfunctional parents to teach functional processes when they themselves stress in a society that is totally intolerant of anything less then "excellence ". Intelligence sources tell us that many of the perpetrators of graffiti come from apparent very strong and respected family units. Although "gangs" do accept and participate in graffiti activities, we in this community are blessed by being spared the magnitude of problems that are experience in other communities with gang activities. Gangs play a role but the magnitude of the graffiti problems lies in the lap of the middle and upper socio- economic class, yet no level of economic status is spared its destructive value. CATCH believes that education concerning the destructive effects of graffiti must be taught at two levels. First, the school system with the help of private and public agencies(including DARE) should unit its talents, together with the talents of many professionals in the community, and teach "life skills" that provides a strong foundation when such skills are not achieved in the family unit. The second level should be specific to those individuals who are apprehended in the community both in the purchase of graffiti material and/or administering graffiti itself. "Taggers" should be required to participate in an 8 hour graffiti education program designed to educate them on the laws surrounding graffiti, the cost to the community, the cost to their own self - respect, and the impact upon themselves and their families. CATCH is prepared to provide this educational program weekly for a minimal cost to the participant. This program can be taught in the evening hours and on Saturday to accommodate those individuals attending school, working individuals and those involved in positive activities such as sports or other worthwhile involvements. The cost to the participant will be $25.00 (even lower than our traffic school cost) with $5.00 of each fee being contributed into the graffiti fund for use in conjunction with the YAY process. With between 20 and 40 youth per month being apprehended, this could generate between $1200 and $2400 per year in contributed funds. We do not expect to totally change behavior in an 8 hour period of time. We do however feel that a large proportion of the perpetrators will cease their activities if provided with easily understood and relevant information. Arguments may be made that some of the participants are indigent and unable to pay for the educational program. This problem can be addressed in a number of ways. First, all or a portion of their fines can be suspended in lieu of the successful completion of the educational program within thirty days of conviction. Second, a portion of the YAY '� - - L -- L_.. �_r� _ . d_ _ -. _ AL: A-1 "L.. A...,.... — LJL a,. a a lUIl(1S "i GiiIl UG ii1lUGitLGU iii llL UGt iG1Ri�' 1LitlUJ l _ UlVJG 11 1u1V1u J W ul.ltlVlt DUU willingness to participate but who are unable to secure the necessary funds. Third, a quasi - scholarship program can and will be developed by CATCH with community organizations sponsoring an undetermined number of youth. The fourth and final method could be that this community develop a "hard line" approach to the issue and declare, "you had enough money to pay for the paint, now, find a way to pay for the program." In all cases, the participants will, upon completion of the program, be required to respond in writing with a letter of thanks for any scholarships or sponsorships and an apology to the council, the community, the police and their victim(s). Assistance in writing the letter will be provided by CATCH and will be utilized as a very rehabilitative tool. CLEAN UP PROCESS: Probably the most important segment of the three part program is the actual "clean up of the damage ". It makes no difference which part of town you stand th, the obnoxious sight of graffiti blurs your vision of the beauty in this community. We need to take immediate action to clean up the damage that already exist and at the same time, manage to deal with the future episodes. The community is, to say the least, angry at the destruction that has occurred over recent months. Graffiti has reached epidemic proportions and the signs reveal that the problem only promises to increase as the summer months approach. We have invested a great deal of money into enhancing the appeal of this community and with a relatively small amount of paint, all that has been accomplished is ready to destroy the years of planning, sweat and labor, and unimaginable amount of public and private dollars. We can not let a small group of hoodlums destroy what so many have worked to achieve. The atmosphere is "right" for a tragedy to occur. Frustrations are high! Tolerance is low! Police are over - worked and the courts are jam packet. City workers can not keep up with the problem and for every wall painted by the city, two more are vandalized. Many of the business owners are ready to throw up their hands in frustration because their finances will not allow them to continue to repair the destruction to their buildings. Many are developing plans to catch these perpetrators in the act because they recognize the police must prioritize their calls and are unable to be in all places at all titres. When this type of situation occurs, inevitably, someone gets hurt or even killed. It one case it may be the business owner who is injured trying to apprehend someone who has just defaced his building. In another case it may be the tagger who finds him or herself faced with an uncontrollable citizen who releases months of frustration upon the one perpetrator. In either case, someone gets hurt or even worse killed. We can help alleviate the frustration and increase the tolerance through the use of a well defined "clean up" process conducted under close supervision by knowledgeable personnel who are dedicated to the project and the goals of the community. We at CATCH feel we can provide this service, in a professional manner and at a reasonable cost to the community and the council. Many of the Council members know me as a former Probation Department Supervisor. Some of the Council know me personally. I too live in this community and have since birth! I too am concerned about the problem and I too am willing to do my part to beautify or re- beautify the structures that we all pass on our way to and from work and home. After 26 years with the Tenth Judicial District Probation Department, I am totally familiar with our anti- social element. I have worked with juveniles and adults alike and have supervised large groups of professional and semi - professional personnel. As Director of the CATCH Program, I recognize the needs of our perpetrators and as a homeowner and property owner I can sympathize with those affected by this problem. The CATCH Program is a new entity in Pueblo and operates as a Division of Southern Colorado Comprehensive Court Services Inc. Nick R. Rusovick, President. We hope to make a difference in this community and pledge our support, expertise, and talents in making Pueblo a better place to live. With all sincerity, if possible, CATCH would be willing to provide this service to Pueblo free of charge. Unfortunately, our landlord also expects the rent to be paid and the insurances provided. Neither is cheap! In the past, this type of program was operated with the extensive use of volunteers and community contributions. Although an admirable effort was made by this method, the present situation shows that if we are to battle the forces, we must do so in a professional and systematic approach. Although extremely valuable, we can not expect, nor rely upon, volunteers as the primary providers of this service. Unfortunately, the saying "you get what you pay for" is more often than not, true. The most we, as taxpayers, can hope for is that the service be provided at a reasonable cost and in an efficient manner. CATCH is willing and able to provide this service and willing to not only provide the service at a reasonable cost but also do all in its power to expand the program into community ownership funded entirely by community and perpetrator contributions. In addition to the development of a community owned program, CATCH will assist in the application for grants that will either pay for the program or in the alternative, subsides its funding. CATCH will organize and administer an effective program that will utilize offenders to remove graffiti from homes, businesses, schools, and other structures. Offenders will work daily except Sunday in the repainting of defaced buildings and will be supervised at all times during the work day. With the help of Council, other public officials and private citizens, CATCH will solicit the assistance of radio, television and newspapers, to notify the public of a Declaration of War against taggers and their destructive force. We will provide free clean- up to property owners with a request for a "non- mandatory" contribution to the graffiti fiend. In an effort to minimi all cost. we wiff utilize the existing equipment, toois, materials and vehicles previously used by Concerned Parents, Inc. to perform a similar operation. Any additional materials will be solicited from the community at large. Referrals to the work program could be made by city, county and state agencies and courts, directly to CATCH. It is anticipated however, that the vast majority of participants will be referred by Municipal Court. As part of the work detail, a full reporting and tracking system will be initiated to improve communication between this prcgrarn and law enforcement agencies, city and county prosecutors and the courts. In addition to repainting structures, CATCH is willing to take on the responsibility of sandblasting with the usage of existing city equipment and funds. The police department is willing to work with the CATCH program in temporarily providing reports of vandalism to the program, screening complaint calls and helping to prioritize the clean- up process. PROCESS: 1. Offenders are apprehended and convicted in Municipal, County or District Court. 2. Offenders are referred to CATCH via agreed upon referral process. All or a portion of fine suspended in lieu of education and work program. 3. Individual work schedule developed with offender to complete necessary hours as ordered by court and attendance at educational program. 4. Offenders name and demographic information entered into commuter for tracking information and utilization by police and prosecutors. 5. Upon completion of education program, letters of apology and appreciation written and submitted for review. 6. Notification to court of successful or unsuccessful completion of programs. CATCH RESPONSIBILITY: 1. CATCH will contribute to the "graffiti fund" in the amount of 51,000 on a yearly basis. 2. CATCH will help establish the YAY program through the development of a board (approved by Council) to oversee the solicitation and accumulation of items, funds and other contributions. 3. Provide a relevant and useful 8 hour educational program designed to teach responsibility, respect, and laws governing graffiti. 4. Administer, coordinate and supervise an intensive, free, and safe clean -up program that involves repainting and sandblasting service to the property owners of the community as well as providing those same services to the public agencies who are victimized by taggers. 5. Provide adequate insurance coverage on any vehicles utilized by the program in the transportation of offenders to job sites. Coverage will be obtained in an amount designated by Council and/or statute. A binding copy of the insurance coverage will be submitted to Council for review. 6. Provide clear, honest and open communication to the courts and referral agencies concerning program effectiveness, tracking systems, completion requirements and offender participation. 7. Assist in the development of grant funds to relieve the Council of financial obligation in the shortest period of time and to actively seek methods of developing ownership of the program to the citizens of this community. S. Assist the school districts in the development of a relevant educational program designed to deal with the problems not only the symptoms. g. Provide professional and efficient services , not only to the community, but to all public agencies and law enforcement entities. COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITY: 1. Provide start up funds for the program in accordance with the attached budget for a period not to exceed one year with the understanding that if grant money is obtained or private contributions are sufficient to fund the program, that any and all promised funds will be retained by Council. 2. Council will donate $1,000 to the YAY fund and to be utilized for purposes of a reward to our youth for their positive involvement. 3. Council will assist in the recruitment and organization of a committee and/or board to oversee the solicitation, allocation and disbursement of YAY funds and items. 4. Council will donate, contribute or otherwise provide the existing materials tools, vehicles formerly utilized by Concerned Parents Inc. to the CATCH Program to be used in the conjunction with the Work Detail Program. 5. Council will provide sandblasting equipment ,materials and funds already_ allocated for that purpose to the CATCH program to be utilized for this project. 6. With the approval and recommendation of the Chief of Police, Council will provide the CATCH program with an identified white van, presently not utilized by the Police Department with no anticipation of future use. The van will be utilized by the work detail program. Adequate insurance coverage will be obtained when title is taken with a binder submitted to Council and the Police Department for review. 7. Council will endorse the program and provide assistance, when necessary, to secure adequate publication of the program outline, responsibilities, and processes to insure community awareness. REQUESTED ALLOCATION of COUNCIL FUNDS GRAFFITI REMOVAL PROGRAM START -UP FUNDS: REQUESTED - x50 These funds will be utilized to hire 1 andl /2 FTE's plus taxes and benefits (Approximately $2550 monthly for both employees, $30,600 yearly). The allocation will be used to administer the program and to cover overhead cost.(reserved: $600 monthly) These funds will also be utilized to secure insurance coverage in accordance with the required guidelines(nearly $10,000 total cost) and to provide maintenance and operating cost for vehicles and equipment ($500 monthly). The allocation can be submitted on a month to month basis to CATCH in the amount of $4,483.33. If grant monies are obtained or in the event that contributions reach adequate levels to sustain the program, funds should be retained by Council and payment made through other arraignments. NOTE: A 1997 -98 Youth Crime Prevention and Intervention Grant is available and will be requested in joint cooperation from various agencies prior to July 1997. The grant funds will be allocated in accordance with the grant maldng authority of 11131360. A total of $8million dollars has been made available for youth crime prevention programs and allocation of those funds are expected in October 1997. If the grant proposal is accepted, Council's obligation would not exceed $ 22,416.65 for the five months of operation between June of 1997 and October, 1997. SERVICE AMOUNTS: CATCH will supervise the work and activities of not more than six (6) offenders daily, Monday threw Saturday for a full eight hour period. Assuming maximum usage of all offenders, this program would supervise a total of 1,152 work hours per month and would service over 144 (same or different) youth in that same period. The amount of structures that can be restored in this time frame is unknown however, CATCH will provide monthly progress reports back to Council for Council's re-�,iew. ADDITIONAL BUDGETARY COMMENTS: Prior to allocation of funds, CATCH will provide Council with written policies and procedures in the specific day to day operation of the program including but not limited to, safety procedures, staff requirements, background checks of employees, and references upon request. At the request of Council, the Agency Director's credentials can be submitted for review and approval. As Director of this agency, I will be providing direct supeitiision of all staff and will actively participate in the actual performance of duties as time allows. I also agree to insure Council of the professional administration of the program and will only utilize those individuals who posses credentials conducive to the smooth performance of the program. SUMMATION "American Graffiti" was and still is a popular movie generated in Hollywood to bring to the American public a certain amount of nastellga upon which pleasant memories were based. In reality however, graffiti is anything but nostalgic and the memories generated by this "eyesore" is anything but romantic. Graffiti is a disease that thrives in all socio- economic classes and which represents only a small portion of an even greater problem. The community is faced with a social virus that has the potential to destroy years of hard work and dedication by a multitude of concerned and dedicated citizens. Our community can only grow through the efforts of many who wish to provide a decent and respectable environment for our youth to prosper. Graffiti, by its very nature, opposes decency, respectability, and social order. It demands attention and we as a community have the responsibility to give it that attention; not as a means of satisfying its destructive hunger but rather, in a proactive and positive way. In addition to dealing with the symptom (gratti itself) we also have the responsibility to deal with the problem (social dysfunction) through education and accountability. We also have the responsibility to support those efforts that are working now and /or have worked in the past. Police, prosecutors, and the Juvenile Justice System are diligently and professionally performing their responsibilities with the available allocated resources. We must actively develop new and innovative programs to deal with the problem and be willing to "trust" in our youth. We need to better understand the youth sub - culture and utilize the vast resources and contributions that they can, and will, provide to the community if given the means, methodologies and opportunity to do so. We must support our community property owners whose tax dollars constitute the very foundation that we wish to preserve. We can do this by providing them with a relatively inexpensive program that eases their financial burdens through free graffiti removal. This service accomplishes many things not only in the beautification of the community itself, but by relieving the stresses, tensions and frustrations that traditionally results in serious injury and /or death to one or more of our citizens. Finally, we have a responsibility to our graffiti offenders (taggers) to express our intolerance to their activities. We need to send a clear and specific message that continued destruction of property will result in severe penalties and accountability. Legislation must be enhanced in an effort to strengthen the tools available to the courts and justice providers in their efforts to deal with the offenders. No one entity can accomplish these task alone. It must be a united effort by all community leaders and professionals. Clear and open communication between professionals, the police and the courts is a must if we are to effectively deal with this virus that has infected our community. A sophisticated tracking system is to say the least appropriate and, like it or not, financial resources need to be allocated towards the prevent, education and removal of this destructive force. CATCH would consider it an honor to be a part of the process and we are willing to provide the above services, with the help of the community and of Council, at the lowest possible cost. We realize that $53,800 is a great deal of money but it provides only the basic needs that allow us to address this problem. In comparison to the overall financial loss to the community, this figure represents but a fraction of what we as a community loose in lost wages, taxation and future growth. CATCH does not proclaim to be "graffiti experts ". (but other then taggers, who is ?) We will need to learn and grow in order to attain that title. We are however, willing to learn and to be professional in our attempts. We pledge to increase our knowledge base consistently with that of the taggers and to surpass their sophistication in dealing with the problem. I would like to thank the Council for taking the time to review this proposal and to also thank each of you for any consideration you may give to our request for financial support. Respectfully submitted, Nick R. Rusovick CATCH Director 505 W. 5th St. Pueblo, Colorado 81003 719 - 544:6495