HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/17/1980 Unapproved Draft
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CTTY OF APPLE VALLEY
URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 17, 1980
PRESENT: Deters, Doering, McKay (arrived 7:36) , Metry, Myers, Pressnall,
Schwartz and Staff inember Kelley
ABSENT: Hein
Vice-Chairman Myers called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M.
Motion to approve the minutes of April 3, 1980 by Deters, 2nd by Metry - approved
unanimously (Doering and Schwartz abstained) .
Kelley outlined the proposal to regulate the leaving of keys in vehicles; the request
is from the Police Department.
Committee member McKay arrived at this time.
Advisory member Pressnall gave the reasons behind the Police Department request
for this ordinance. Such an ordinance would not stop vehicle thefts, but would
help reduce them, primarily those committed by juveniles. Deters asked where
the majority of the thefts occur, Pressnall said the statistics show mostly in
residential areas. Deters asked if it would then be illegal to leave the keys
in a car parked in one's own driveway? Kelley said it would depend on the way
the ordinance were written. McKay said he would be opposed toward regulating
cars in one's own driveway.
Deters asked what would the penalty be. Pressnall said it would be like a parking
ticket, approximately $15.00. Doering asked what would happen to one's car
insurance if a car were stolen with the keys in it, would existence of an
ordinance affect the insurance rates. Pressnall said the ordinance would not be
a factor. Metry said the ordinance would help eliminate situations where young
children are left unattended in a car with the keys in the ignition. Schwartz
asked how such an ordinance would be enforced. Pressnall said they don't intend
to check every car parked in a driveway, they would check in parking lots.
Metry asked if many people wouldn't view this as an unnecessary ordinance whose
only purpose is harassment. Pressnall said it is inevitable that some people '
would see it that way. Deters said she agrees, many would view it as "silly"
like the parking ordinance. McKay asked about people warming up their cars
unattended during the winter months, or after the car is backed out' of the
garage to get the lawnmower. Pressnall said an officer must have probable cause
to check. McKay reiterated his belief that private driveways be exempted.
Schwartz asked what time of day do vehicle thefts in residential areas occur.
Pressnall said no specific time period, the theft is often related to another
criminal activity such as robbery with a stolen car. Deters asked about the
discrepency in the 1978 and 1979 numbers between page 3. and page 7 of the handout.
Kelley will check. N�etry asked if owners of stolen vehicles admit that the keys
were left in the ignition. Pressnall said yes. Schwartz asked if the keys are
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Urban Affairs Committee Minutes
April 17, 1980
left deliberately or out of forgetfulness. Pressnall said usually deliberately
or out of habit, not forgetfulness. There was some discussion on people's
background affecting their action. Schwartz said she is from out east and no
one leaves keys in the car, usually people always lock up.
Deters said if an ordinance were adopted there should be an educational effort
explaining the xeasons behind it. Pressnall said the reasons are to prevent
theft by underage and juvenile drivers joyriding (safety) and also reduction
in insurance claims which ultimately affect rates. Doering asked if such an
ordinance would result in cheaper car insurance for residents. There was
some discussion on whether to regulate keys in ignition only or anywhere in the
vehicle.
The committee felt that a keys in vehicle ordinance has some merit and want to
see some existing and sample ordinances. They also would like to have the gun
ordinance back so it could be passed prior to July 4 (fireworks section).
Motion to adjourn by McKay, 2nd by Deters, motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned 8:34 P.M.