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Oakwatch: The Oakland Code Enforcement Project Meeting Minutes August 15th, 2012 Mission: Oakwatch: The Oakland Code Enforcement Project seeks to improve the quality of life for residents, employees and visitors by enforcing codes on negligent property owners, housing violations, parking violations, disruptive behavior, excessive noise and underage drinking in the Oakland neighborhood.

I.

In attendance: Wanda Wilson; Kevin Stiles; John Wilds; Michelle McDaniel; Ron Bennett; Alex Coyne; Matt White; Adam Butkus; Elly Fisher; Kristin Kovacik; Liz Style; Maria Bethel; Mark Oleniacz; Bryant Andrews-Nino; Daniel Scullin; Nathan Hart; Maurita Bryant; Lynn Portnoff; Kathy Boykowycz; Gary Willingham-McLain; Ginny Giles; Tara Sherry-Torres; Barbie Arroyo; Geof Becker; Liz Bennett; Rebekkah Ranallo; Blair Kossis

II.

Introductions; Brief new members (5 minutes) Geof announced one year anniversary of Oakwatch.

III.

Disruptive Property Ordinance & Targeted Enforcement Efforts (Bureau of Police, 30 minutes) Geof thanked Assistant Chief Maurita Bryant for attending and speaking to us about Disruptive Property Ordinance. Chief Bryant spoke about meeting with Wanda, is concerned about communication issues between the police and Oakland community. Particularly concerned about alarmingly low number of entries of Disruptive Properties in Zone 4—is going to take a close look at this issue. A “2-0” is public police report tracking document. “3-0” is investigative report, not as accessible to public without cost. Chief is looking into where breakdown may be occurring— perhaps officer not educated properly on how to document disruptive properties. Recommends to Oakland to target 5 properties when asking police to target efforts—OPDC will compile this list based on community input and will send to both Chief Bryant and Commander Degler.

Adam Butkus inquired about noise ordinance and if there is a time legally that loud noise must stop. Officers do not have proper meters to enforce noise ordinance. Geof Becker asked how police can help us with this issue despite lack of equipment.

Nathan Hart spoke about understanding feasibility—expectation is not for police to go after every underage drinker in Oakland, but to target hosts who are providing alcohol for hundreds of students a night.

Wanda Wilson asked what ways we can know parties are happening ahead of time? Nate mentioned social media as one way. Geof said tracking heavy volume of Pitt shuttles at late hours are another way. John Wilds says he’s not sure Pitt has capability to track which shuttles are going where. Geof asked if Pitt shuttle drivers can call police if they are dropping large amounts of people off at one location.

Commander Degler said what happens when they visit a party depends on what they see when they arrive. She has her officers are trying to increase documentation at party properties to cite owners.

Chief Bryant said that despite lack of manpower, they are eager to explore creative ways to solve problems. “An example in Oakland is the unique opportunity to multiply manpower by partnering with Pitt Police. Though the district is big, so is every other district. Though Oakland doesn’t have shootings, the problems disrupting Oakland’s quality of life are just as important.” Commander Degler said that they plan to ask for voluntary overtime assignments during big party weekends this fall. She emphasized that overtime opportunities are voluntary and she can’t force her officers to do it. Chief Bryant added that she will open up the option for overtime citywide during this time.

Chief said that Commander Degler will work on a strategy to tackle this problem in Oakland this year. She emphasized that a holistic approach to this issue is necessary, not just an effort on behalf of the police. She suggested neighbors to meet with the student body. John Wilds said Pitt has started having meetings like this. OPDC representatives briefed her on their already ongoing efforts in this area (magnet project, “Party Right” flyers, etc).

IV.

The Pittsburgh Sociable City Plan-A partnership with the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) and Councilman Bruce Kruas. Proposing initiatives to aid to and in coming up with a plan to manage the city’s night life. (10 minutes, Nathan Hart / Bryant ) Nate thanked Councilman Kraus for heading this effort. Effort is focused on South Side and Lawrenceville night life districts, but also includes Oakland. Goal of study is learn how to manage entertainment zones so they are safe and nonintrusive. Since the sffort is focused on bars and bar management, they are still figuring out how Oakland is a fit. Barbie Arroyo and Councilman Kraus are looking at the social host ordinance in Minneapolis which fines host of party instead of property owners. It’s taken very seriously in Minneapolis—implemented three years ago and has had big affect on decreasing disturbances in university zones. Oakland is the focus for social host ordinance exploration. Commander Degler said conversations about the issue in Oakland have taken place at national conferences and has added a whole new layer to explore with RHI project. Commander Degler also brought up increased number of extreme cases of alcohol and drug abuse over the last few years and exploring the health implications.

V.

Oakland residents’ proactive response to the yearly turnover of off-campus student housing: Update community initiatives, assign team leaders, and review expectations. (10 minutes) Tara Sherry-Torres briefed group on magnet blitz activities. Community residents have volunteered to participate in five different days of door-knocking. The focus is on relationship-building to prevent students from disrupting quality of life in future. Officer Bennett inquired about QR code on magnet—Tara explained it will go to OPDC website and told group if they want anything added to let OPDC know.

John Wilds spoke about block parties Pitt is sponsoring in North Oakland and Central Oakland and Oakcliffe. Commander Degler said similar efforts in past on Beeler Street have had some success.

Dan Scullin asked if students from all over are welcomed at each. John answered that it is a very focused and targeted effort so only students from each party’s neighborhood are invited.

VI.

Oakland Property Progress Report (15 minutes, Brian Hill, Liz Style) 3732-3746 Dawson St: still in continuance 3109 Forbes: In court August 16th, will most likely be continued—city wants Planning Commission to handle case 3101 Niagara: History suggests owner will appeal fines, appeal date pending Oakland Ave trash—still no citation for trash

3717 Parkview Ave: Fined in court and abated issues; owner gave contact info to OPDC and asked to be contacted directly regarding any future problems 3421 Parkview- Court date pending 29 Lawn St: BBI notice written on July 17th regaring building issues; Commander Degler says it has gone to Disruptive Property Ordinance, Maria Bethel is unsure if it has shown up on her end, will check Blvd of Allies Fagnelli Plumbing: Citation pending senior inspection because of severity of issues Robinson St Commercial Truck Traffic: Liz Style gave report. City has ordinance that define truck routes for commercial truck use. Construction companies are responsible for ensuring commercial trucks follow routes. Police have visited Robinson to watch for these trucks and have not seen anything yet. They spoke with foreman of sights on Wadsworth and Darragh to ask about their trucks using Robinson St—foremen did not mention use of Robinson. None of the trucks involved have truck weight limit issues so they can technically use Robinson St legally. Liz spoke with Assistant Director of Public Works who said the only way it can be forbidden from use is if a traffic study is completed to designate Robinson as non-usable street for commercial trucks—OPDC will work with community to issue this request. Liz suggested if residents see the name of the construction company on the truck to please let OPDC/Mayor’s office/ 311 know. John Wilds said Darragh site is a Pitt project and they absolutely know not to use Robinson Street.

VII.

Housing Court schedule (Rebekkah Ranallo, 5 minutes) • See Attachment

VIII.

Community Announcements, (Community, 5 minutes) a. Oakcliffe Giant Porch and Yard Sale, Aug 18th, 8am-2pm b. Community of Reconciliation Church Block Party, Aug 25th 11am-4pm, 100 block of North Bellefield c. Representative Jake Wheatley Town Hall Meeting, August 28th, 6pm, The Corner, 200 Robinson Street d. Central Oakland Block Party, Sept 6th, 5:30-7:30, Oakland Square e. North Oakland Block Party, Sept20th, 5:30-7:30, N. Dithridge f. Any other announcements?

IX.

Next meeting- September 19, 6:00 pm, Peoples Oakland, 3433 Bates Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

X.

Meeting Adjournment

Remember to keep flooding 311 with calls about the nuisance properties in your neighborhood, and let Oakwatch know when you do! You can submit reports to our email account at oakwatch@opdc.org or call us at 412.621.7863 ext. 27. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!