CC MEETING: December 6, 2016
DATE: November 30, 2016
TO: Leonard Martin, City Manager
FROM: Rex D. Redden, Chief of Police
Title
Consider An Ordinance To Amend Title IX, Chapter 99 Of The Code Of Ordinances Regarding The Apartment Complex Crime Reduction Program.
Body
BACKGROUND:
On June 21, 2011, City Council passed ordinance no. 3444 establishing a mandatory Apartment Complex Crime Reduction Program. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents who live in and near apartment complexes. The ordinance provided for mandatory participation in a crime reduction program for non-compliant complexes with a crime index that is 25% above the average of all Carrollton apartment communities. This index is based on reported offense reports and arrests. Enforcement of the ordinance began in January, 2012 and subsequent amendments have been made which included more clarity to the definitions and raising the Crime Risk Safety threshold from 25% to 50% above average in 2014.
Additional proposed amendments include adding purpose and administration sections and a definition of ‘Housing Unit’; revising the definition of ‘Reportable Events’ to exempt certain offenses where the victim is the party that resides at the apartment complex for cases such as identity theft and family violence; amendments to clarify and provide due process in the appeal process before the Apartment Crime Reduction Review Board; clarifying the penalty provision; and providing for other minor amendments such as the wording of signage and general organization of the ordinance.
Staff believes that these recommendations enhance the ability to enforce the ordinance, afford due process for apartment complex owners and agents, and make the number of non-compliant complexes more manageable for existing police staff.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There is no budget impact as a result of these recommended revisions.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY:
The amendments to the ordinance will continue to reduce crime and enhance public safety for the citizens of Carrollton.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION/ACTION DESIRED:
Staff recommends City Council approval of the attached ordinance.