01/28/1974 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ ---.~- ;~~-.--..-~~ --"_._- Councilman McDonald commented on the small percentage of total calls which were false alarms (2000 of an estimated 250,000) and wondered whether that was enough to cause concern. Police Chief stressed the importance of officer time involved in answering false alarms and the clogging of emergency lines which could prevent actual emergency calls from getting through. .- Councilman Williams wondered whether the provisions for prohibiting automatic dial- ing to the City's emergency services could be adopted, then provisions for regulating . the suppliers and answering services adopted later when they and clients had agreed 'on a set of standards. Assistant Manager responded that without the regulatory ,process it would be difficult to apprise the business community to make general in- quiries about alarm systems before proceeding with installation. In the case of ,malfunctioning systems, there is no requirement that they be effectively repaired ,and in some instances there is no way to effect disconnection of malfunctioning :systems resulting in a continuing tie up of emergency service lines. The licensing :process provided in the proposed ordinance would meet those concerns. Police Chief \added that the ordinance is intended to provide some protection to potential buyers 'of alarm systems and provide for identification of persons responsible for their proper operation. iCouncilwoman Beal asked whether there was any consideration given to assessing a !fine against businessmen or suppliers of systems for faulty equipment. It was ;pointed out that alarm systems can be purchased from various sources, installed by anyone, making it difficult to fix responsibility for the equipment. It was felt too that a fine would discourage installation of alarm systems in homes if it was known one would be assessed if the systems malfunctioned. Comm 1/9/74 Approve -- Mr. Williams moved seconded by Mr. McDonald that the Council indicate to the com- munity its intent to adopt the proposed ordinance on January 28, 1974, so that any;., desired modifications in the language of the ordinance will have to be worked out 'with staff prior to that time. Motion carried unanimously. Art Steele, owner of Steele's Answering Service, repeated concerns expressed in committee on January 9. He noted recent experience with this type regulation in Los Angeles which resulted in permit system for those wanting an alarm connection. He also noted withdrawal of the ordin~nce from consideration by the County Commissioners. 0960 Ted Briles, 985 Conger Street, said he supplied and installed alarm systems and brought to the Council's attention articles from several trade magazines. He was not opposed to the ordinance but felt it should be given more time to ensure adoption of good legislation. He wanted to see one adopted which would keep "fly-by-nighters" out of the market and at the same time protect the consumer and keep false alarms to a minimum. 0989 POlice Chief Allen commented on the ordinance before the County Commissioners2 identical to that being proposed here. His main concern was prohibition of autQmati~ diallng alarm;systems being connected to the police department switchboard. Business people with existing service of that type would have the alternative of contracting with an answering service. 'If answer- ing services are.required to be licensed and the business community aware of standards on which licensing. was based, then those services would be acceptable to the business people wanting alarm systems. The system requiri~g permits for installation of each alarm was a relatively new concept, Chief Allen said, and since the police department had been working for several months with suppliers and answering services on the ordinance now proposed, he wduld rather proceed with its adoption. . e In answer to Manager, Mr. Steele saicl:no, reason was given forwithdpawal of the County's ordinance from consideration. In answer to Councilman Hershner, Police Chief agreed an answering service direct line to the police department could be refused if not operating properly. But he felt that the regulations should set out more specific standards and contain more regulatory power to enable better enforcement. If a direct line werelost,he said, the answering service could still have the use of incoming emergency lines to perform the same service. Councilman Wood suggested contact with the Sheriff's office tq ascertain the reason.for tabling their ordinance. Assistant Manager said that regardless of County action, the City would still have the problem. The action was initiated by the City, he said, and the County agreed to co-operate. Short recess was taken. C. ~est;Iutlon -re;---Pres-eiv:aEion~of State ArmOr!j'BuITdTng:"-'pre-;ented~bY-:Co7.z-;;3'T-meibe-rs. of the Historical Preservation Committee (Murray, Campbell, Keller) for considera- ,tion. It would urge the Lane County Commissioners to do their utmost to preserve I the Armory (located on East 7th between Oak and Pearl). Councilman Murray read the ~resolution. He moved seconded by Councilwoman Campbell that it be adopted. . 2./ 1/28/74 - 8