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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNB 1 VOL MGR'S CTF. 09-17-90DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: SEPTEMBER 171 1990 WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT NEW BUSINESS N0. 1 9/17/90 Inter - Com VOLUNTARY MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE/ LICENSING PROGRAM FOR MULTIPLE FAMILY PROJECTS RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached voluntary Manager's Certificate/Licensing Program for Multiple Family Projects and appropriate $2,250 for first year 1990-91 costs. BACKGROUND The City Council in June of 1990 discussed the possible installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in existing multiple family projects and directed staff to explore other alternatives for improving fire safety in these complexes focusing on an educational approach. The Council in July, 1990 also reviewed certain staff recommendations on the Southwest Neighborhood Improvement program. One of the policy recommendations supported by the City Council was development of an Educational/Marketing Program for improving the southwest portion of the City. In response to the Council' s requests in June and as one element of what will be presented as part of a larger program in the next 30-45 days for marketing the Southwest Neighborhood Improvement Program, staff is recommending implementation of a Manager's Certificate/Licensing Program for Multiple Family Projects, supported by the Orange County Fire Department and City of Tustin Police and Community Development Departments. A complete description of the proposed program is attached for the City Council's information. The overall objective of the_ program is to provide residents of multiple family dwellings with a more healthy and safer living environment through property maintenance, Fire, Building and Zoning Code compliance, crime prevention and emergency trained management. Representatives from the Police, Fire and Community Development Department will be available to answer any questions the Council may have about the program. A budget appropriation of $2,250 for first year costs (non -departmental costs) to develop course materials and to adequately advertise the program is also requested at this time. Christine Shingleton Director of Community evelopment CAS:kf/volmgr.cas City of Tustin Manager's Certificate Licensing Program for Multiple Family Projects Program Developed in Cooperation with the Following Agencies: Orange County Fire Department City of Tustin Police Department City of Tustin Community Development Department September, 1990 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. INTRODUCTION 1 SCOPE 1 PROGRAM INSTRUCTION/COSTS 2 LICENSING 3 IMPLEMENTATION 3 EXHIBITS A. COURSE OBJECTIVES A-1 B. PRELIMINARY COURSE SESSION GUIDE B-1 CITY OF TUSTIN MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE/LICENSING PROGRAM FOR MULTI -FAMILY PROJECTS INTRODUCTION In response to a citizen inquiry to improve fire safety in apartment buildings by requiring the installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems in existing apartment buildings, the Tustin City Council previously reviewed a report prepared by staff which examined the feasibility of such installations and to present other alternatives for improving fire safety in these complexes concentrating on development of an educational program. Community Development Department, Police Department and Orange County Fire Department staff in brief discussions with representatives of the Orange County Apartment Owner's Association have concluded that an apartment manager's certification program which requires satisfactory completion of a fire safety, crime prevention and neighborhood improvement educational curriculum would be a responsible method for mitigating fire safety, crime and code enforcement problems in apartments, condominiums, hotels and motels in the City of Tustin. Staff believes that the program could be the first such City program offered in the State, putting the City on the cutting edge. A comprehensive multi -family residence manager's training and certificate/licensing program in the City of Tustin will provide Tustin citizens residing in apartments, condominiums, hotels and motels with a safer living environment through property managers trained in property maintenance, fire code compliance, crime prevention and emergency response. These managers will act as a liaison to the City of Tustin, the Tustin Police Department and the Orange County Fire Department in matters relating to public safety and code enforcement. SCOPE In evaluating implementation alternatives for the program, staff have explored two alternative program options: a voluntary program or a mandatory program. A description of each of these program options follows: Option 1 - Requirements for licensing to be on a voluntary basis and open to the management of all apartment, condominium, motel and hotel complexes within the City of Tustin. Option 2 - Requirements for licensing to be mandatory as adopted by ordinance for all apartment, condominium, hotel and motel complexes within the City of Tustin fitting the following criteria: oc 1. Any apartment, condominium, hotel or motel complex in excess of sixteen (16) residential units. Complexes with less than 16 residential units may be included on a voluntary basis. 2. Any apartment, condominium, hotel or motel complex requiring a Uniform Fire Code Permit. (Public assembly, flammable/combustible liquids, etc.) 3. Any apartment, condominium, hotel or motel complex that has been issued repeated violation notices by the Community Development Department, Fire Department or is identified as a potential crime hazard by the Tustin Police Department. Since it was the initial Council direction to expand fire safety education rather than implementing mandatory fire sprinkler installations in existing multiple family units, staff is recommending that option 1 be initiated at this time. After a full year of implementation, staff will determine if option 2 and its implications should be more fully evaluated. An additional positive aspect of the program is that the option 1 program could in the future be easily modified and expanded to include an application to local small businesses in Tustin. PROGRAM INSTRUCTION/COSTS The total training program will consist of approximately 15 hours of instruction. An American Heart Association CPR Certification will be issued to all applicants that successfully complete the CPR portion of the class. A multi -family residence manager's certificate/license will be issued by the City of Tustin for successful completion of all course requirements. It is anticipated that each program class offered would accommodate 15-20 students. During the first year of implementation, staff feels comfortable in estimating that two program classes could be offered. More detailed course objectives and a preliminary course session outline are attached as exhibit A and B. In providing program instruction, there are two program options, staff are currently exploring as follows: Option 1 - Program coordination, classroom facilities and certificate/licensing to be provided by the City of Tustin. Instructional staff to be provided by the Orange County Fire Department, the City of Tustin Police Department and City of Tustin Community Development Staff. Total cost of the program to be recovered through a certificate/licensing fee for the class or program and possible voluntary contributions from vendors providing technical information for the program. The estimated fee per student would be approximately $100.00. ne= Option 2 - A mechanism exists within the community college system to pay instructional costs with a minimal $5.00 per student tuition fee. If this option is utilized, this could significantly reduce option 1 licensing fees for participants. Program coordination, classroom facilities and instruction would be provided by the community college. The community college would issue a course completion certificate for successful completion of the training program. The graduate would then present his/her course completion certificate to the City of Tustin who will certificate/license. A small certificate/license fee would still be charged by the City to recover administrative costs. Since both of the above options are designed to recover actual administrative costs of conducting the program, staff at this time would only request funding for development of course materials including any necessary publication costs for advertising the program (ie: brochures, newspaper publicity, direct mailings to property owners and managers). Reproduction and graphic costs would result in an average cost of approximately $50-75 per student for a program or classroom manual that participants will take with them. This would represent approximately $1,500 in the first year of the program. Advertising, brochures and mailings are estimated at approximately $750. Total first year costs requested: $2,250. LICENSING A manager's certificate or license will be current for two (2) years with a requirement of completing the entire course every two (2) years to maintain a manager's certificate or license. IMPLEMENTATION Implementation is anticipated in early 1991, as soon as all course materials can be completed with classes being conducted on an as needed basis. -3- Exhibit A MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENCE MANAGER'S LICENSING PROGRAM CITY OF TUSTIN COURSE OBJECTIVES At the conclusion of this training program, the student will have successfully completed the following minimum training objectives: 1. To allow the student to successfully complete "Basic Cardiac Life Support" (BCLS) training which meets the standards of the American Heart Association and/or the American Red Cross. 2. To provide the student with general knowledge of swimming pool safety to include specific pool safety requirements, pool accident prevention, water rescue procedures and requirements of the City's Swimming Pool and Spa Code. 3. To provide the student with general fire prevention information to include specific knowledge of Uniform Fire Code requirements, fire prevention inspection techniques and the Fire Department self inspection program. 4. To provide the student with Uniform Fire Code requirements for fire extinguishers to include size, classification, placement and servicing requirements. 5. To provide the student with specific requirements for smoke detectors and alarm systems to include placement, testing and maintenance. 6. To provide the student with Uniform Fire Code requirements for automatic fire sprinkler systems, including specific information on quarterly system maintenance and 5 year system certification. 7. To provide the student with information that will allow him/her to recognize and properly report emergency situations. Police Department and Fire Department Emergency medical dispatching procedures and evacuation and emergency preparedness planning will be included. 8. To provide the student with hands-on experience in the use of fire extinguishers and other common fire extinguishing agents. 9. To provide the student information needed to assure proper Fire Department access to their buildings and property. Information provided will include Fire Lane requirements, Exiting, Locks and Bars on windows and doors. A-1 10. To provide information to students on minimum neighborhood property maintenance standards and ways to educate tenants of these standards stressing the importance of continual building maintenance since it's deferral results in accelerated housing deterioration. 11. To provide the student with tools to enable them to develop on-site parking management programs for maintenance of emergency access and to mitigate parking congestion, illegal parking and criminal activity. 12. To provide the student with information on the impacts of overcrowding and to provide information in methods for tenant screening. 13. To enhance the knowledge of students in identifying Building, Zoning and Security Code violations on their properties and in identifying and implementing deterrents to criminal activity. 14. To increase support of property managers in graffiti removal and to encourage liaison with the Police Department in gang identification and suppression. 15. To provide the student with basic information on landlord/tenant rights and legal issues. 16. To develop a more effective liaison between public safety and community development services and property managers and owners in the City to improve communication, solve neighborhood problems and to provide enhanced linkages for the provision of other City services. A-2 5 Hours 4 Hours 5 Hour Exhibit B CITY OF TUSTIN MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE/LICENSING PROGRAM FOR MULTI -FAMILY PROJECTS PRELIMINARY COURSE SESSION GUIDE Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and first aid (Fire Department) 1. Adult one person CPR 2. Child one person CPR 3. Infant CPR, airway obstruction 4. Pool safety Fire Prevention $'Self Inspection Program" (Fire Department) 1. Required documentation and inspection techniques 2. Uniform Fire Code requirements, building identification 3. Fire extinguisher requirements a. Size, classification, and placement b. Required service 4. The use of fire extinguishers and other agents a. Dry chemical b. Water and other comment agents 5. Smoke detector and fire alarm requirements a. Testing and scheduled maintenance b. Repair and replacement 6. Automatic fire sprinkler systems a. Quarterly maintenance and testing b. Five year certification C. Advantages and costs 7. Chimney maintenance and spark arrestors 8. Fire Department access a. Fire lanes, red curbs and signs b. Exits, bars on windows and doors C. Knox box, locks and gates Disaster/Emergency Preparedness (Community Development, Police and Fire Departments) 1. Risk Assessment in Tustin (Common hazards and scenarios that could result) a. Fire b. Earthquake C. Plane crash d. Hazardous materials e. Other B-1 1 Hour 1 Hour 1.5 Hour - CAS:kf/mgrprgm 2. A self assessment for preparedness 3. Public Safety role 4. Crowd control 5. Survivability Landlord/Tenant Rights - Legal Issues (Police Department) 1. , Evictions, lock -outs, safety inspections 2. Vehicle removals 3. Parking management a. Identification of typical parking problems and accidents b. Tools to ensure emergency access, mitigate parking congestion, illegal parking and criminal activity Property security/Crime Prevention (Police Department) 1. Neighborhood watch techniques 2. Adequate complex lighting (walkways, carports) 3. Landscaping maintained to enhance visibility 4. Apartment/Building identification 5. Typical criminal activities associated with multiple family units 6. Gang identification and suppression a. Tenant screening b. The "uniform" and what to look for Property Maintenance and Code Enforcement "Self Inspection Program$' 1. Most common code violations found in multiple family projects 2. A summary of Building, Zoning and Security Code requirements and minimum property maintenance standards 3. The "overcrowding" issue and it's impacts and methods to reduce it's impacts through tenant screening 4. Graffiti removal a. An effective method of gang suppression b. The need for immediate removal C. Financing options for removal B-2