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01-08-2002 - Parole Office Expansion Community Meeting9 TO: Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manager and City Council FROM: - Frank J. Wills, Chief of Police .City of West Covina Memorandum AGENDA ITEM NO, M=1 DATE' January 8, 2002 SUBJECT: PAROLE OFFICE EXPANSION COMMUNITY MEETING SUMMARY: On December 4, 2001, City Council continued discussion on the proposed expansion of the Parole Office at 1837 W. Badillo. Direction to Staff at that meeting was to prepare to present to the community the facts about the Parole Office and the proposed expansion through.a community meeting. BACKGROUND: r The City of West Covina was notified by the State Department of Corrections in June 2000 that they were proposing to expand the Parole Office at 1837 W. Badillo. The expansion would incorporate the current address and include 1831, 1829'and 1827 Badillo. All the addresses are one building, two which are vacant and one that is currently a liquor store.(Stars Liquor. at 1827 W. Badillo). The proposed expansion of the Parole Office has been discussed by the City Council on two occasions. During the October 16, 2001 City Council meeting, the history and proposed future of the Parole Office at this location was outlined (Agenda Item M-1, attached). No action was taken by Staff due to Parole officials deciding that the expansion was stopped and would not occur. On November 29, 2001, Parole officials informed staff that they felt there was considerable support for the expansion and had reconsidered their plans. The subsequent discussion was at the December 4, 2001 City Council meeting where the expansion plans were again brought to the attention'of the City Council (Agenda Item M-5, attached). DISCUSSION: It is now clear that the Department of Corrections intends to expand the Parole Office at 1837 W. Badillo. City Council direction is to commence with a community meeting and present the facts to the neighboring businesses and residents about the intent of the Department of Corrections to expand their facility. The City typically notifies businesses and residences within a 500' radius for projects such as this expansion. A 500' radius around the current property includes the senior housing on the south side of Badillo as well as Baldwin Park High School. This 500' radius does not include Manzanita Elementary School which is located on San Bernardino Rd. and Orange Ave., which is north of the property. A 1000' radius mailing would include Manzanita School as well as more residents north of the current Parole Office. This assessment would be a logical approach to the mailing. Over half of the properties are not under the jurisdiction of the City of West Covina, however, Staff believes they should still be notified. Notice of the community meeting should be afforded to the occupants of rented property as well as the owner of the property that falls within the 1000' radius. ALTERNATIVES: The City of West Covina continues to have alternatives if it is decided to vigorously oppose the expansion. These alternatives were described in the City Council report on October 16, 2001. In addition to the community meeting that is proposed, the following are additional alternatives: • Personal contact with representatives from the Governor's office. • Writing letters to the State Board of Corrections. • Personal contact with follow-up letters to State legislators. •" Insisting that the State Board of Corrections follow their own internal policies on new - construction near elementary and pre-school sites (Where the 1000' radius is needed). Working with .the State Board of Corrections to identify more appropriate alternative sites within the community. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that City Council direct Staff to schedule a community meeting to discuss the proposed expansion. The community meeting is scheduled as follows: Date: Wednesday, January,23., 2002 at 7:00 pm. Tentative location: Manzanita School, 4131 Nora Street, Covina. Police Department' staff will work with the Planning Department in notifying the public and preparing for the community meeting. Frank J. Wills, Chi f of Police Doug M saac,,Planning Director hi i?.