Police Chief Rikki Goede to Retire on November 11th

Chief Goede’s changes to the Piedmont Police Department have included a visible presence of police vehicles, installation of License Plate Readers at selected roadways, and numerous changes to how the Piedmont Police Department functions.  Results, as recently reported, are a 37% reduction in crime.  Chief Goede will end her almost 4 year service in Piedmont by retiring to Sisters, Oregon with her wife.

Below is the City’s press release. 

Piedmont’s Chief of Police, Rikki Goede, has announced that she will retire effective November 11th. Chief Goede’s service in law enforcement began 31 years ago. She started her career as a police officer, then Sergeant with the City of San Diego, where she worked for 10 years. Moving to the San Jose Police Department, she began as an officer and worked her way up to the position of Assistant Chief. Her first day on the job as Piedmont Police Chief was January 22, 2013.

Since Chief Goede’s arrival in Piedmont, she has reshaped the Police Department, bringing a renewed focus on proactivity to the department. She also focused on enhancing the technology used by the Department, including automated license plate readers and body worn cameras for all officers. Over her years as Chief, Piedmont’s crime rate has dropped by 37%. Chief Goede credits this to the hard work of Piedmont Police Officers and the willingness of the community to embrace and support new technology.

“Chief Goede’s tenure in Piedmont has been a tremendous success,” declared Acting Mayor Jeff Wieler. “All Piedmonters benefitted from her dedication to the community and her outreach to residents of our City. We wish her the best in her well deserved retirement.”

“Through her leadership and style, she was quickly able to earn the trust and respect of Piedmont residents, the City Council, and City staff,”said City Administrator Paul Benoit. “With that trust, she was able to transform the department and quickly bring it into a modern era, where technology and active policing worked together to great effect.”

Chief Goede will retire to central Oregon.

The Piedmont Fire Department, Police Department, and Public Safety Committee are presenting a:

Public Safety Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 15 at the Fire Department, 120 Vista Avenue.

The Fair includes:

– Fire Extinguisher Demonstration

– “Sidewalk” CPR instruction

– The Alameda County emergency trailer that simulates earthquakes and fires

– PG&E’s electricity and gas safety displays

– Information on the AC Alert emergency alert system for Piedmont residents

– A jumpy house for kids

– Badges, helmets, and other items for children

– Safety related games for kids (and adults) with prizes

– Free hotdogs, chips, and water

Residents can also pick up free copies of the Get Ready, Piedmont disaster preparedness guide and other safety materials as well as information on neighborhood preparedness meetings.

For more information, contact Fire Chief Bud McLaren (420-3030) or Public Safety Chairman Lyman Shaffer (780-6996).

Vice Mayor McBain describes Council accomplishments.

I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Piedmont City Council for the past four years.These years are marked by significant achievements. I’m seeking reelection to continue to build on the constructive steps that we have taken to improve Piedmont. I believe that my experience and leadership have helped produce strong results for our community. As an incumbent, I’m proud to run on both my record and my commitment to continue to offer open-minded, collegial and productive leadership.

• Since 2012 the Council has taken actions that strengthened City’s finances, controlled costs and addressed long-term liabilities.   For instance, the city will save almost $1 million annually from restructured employee benefits. The CALPERS side-fund–an expensive pension obligation—was refinanced and will ultimately save the City more than $1 million. Further, council adopted the strong advice of the 2007 and 2011 Municipal Tax Review Committees and the 2015 Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee that recommended, given volatile real estate-related taxes, the City council must budget conservatively and establish strong reserves. Council has taken those steps and funded facilities maintenance, equipment replacement and long-term pension and health care obligations. And we have taken major steps to address deferred maintenance and our obsolete and unreliable technology. The City’s financial condition has improved materially during the past four years.
• In 2012, citizens were anxious about city projects and the associated unplanned expenses. Council adopted risk management policies to ensure projects are well-planned and fiscally sound.
• In 2012 and early 2013, crime increased significantly. Council responded by bringing in a talented chief, Ricki Goede; we supported her efforts to fully staff, train and equip a responsive and professional public safety organization. In that context Council provided resources to improve technology, such as the highly effective License Plate Readers.  Council supported the Public Safety Committee and the Fire Department in establishing updated community-wide Emergency Preparedness programs.
• Four years ago, no one anticipated that most of the City’s senior staff would retire.  In response, the Council hired experienced, talented professionals to replace retiring City staff. The commitment to provide a high level of professional service continues across the City departments.
• The Council finalized an EPA settlement and restarted the sewer replacement project without increasing sewer taxes. This is a major step environmentally and also puts the City on a fiscally sound and aggressive path to meet it legal obligations.
• Finally, the Council initiated several important community projects; Hampton Field Renovation, Linda/Kingston Triangle, Ramona/Ronada Triangle and refurbished Community Center. These projects all benefit the entire community.

I was liaison to the Planning, Park and Recreation Commissions and Police and Fire Pension Board.  Previously, I was Chairman of the Recreation Commission, member of the Municipal Tax Review Committee, Board member of the Piedmont Education Foundation and held leadership positions in numerous school and youth sports organizations. My wife and I have lived in Piedmont for 27 years and raised three children here. My career in finance and management along with my broad community experience allows me to provide constructive leadership and listen to all viewpoints. I look forward to another four years of service and building on the strong results of the past four years.

Sincerely,

Bob McBain

Vice Mayor, City of Piedmont

Please visit my website for more information and endorsers.  http://www.mcbaincitycouncil.com/

Editors Note:  While welcoming candidate information, the Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose candidates for public office. 

The Piedmont Police Department is hosting an informal gathering for residents to meet Department representatives and ask questions about crime or other related matters. The meeting will take place at the Exedra Blue Vase in the Main Park on Highland Avenue from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Monday,  September 12.

Coffee and bagels will be provided.

No speeches! 

For more information, click on the link below:

> ppd-coffee-with-a-cop

Piedmont Police Department is currently investigating four robberies that have occurred in the City of Piedmont during the last three months.  

The first case occurred on the 200 block of Greenbank Avenue.  Two suspects robbed three construction workers in the backyard of a home under construction.  The two suspects were described as Black males, in their late teens, 5’8’’ – 5’10’’.  The suspects fled the scene on foot.

The second case occurred on the 200 block of Hampton Road.  Two suspects robbed two landscape workers along the sidewalk area.  One of the suspects struck one of the victims in the head with a blunt object during the robbery.  The two suspects were described as Black males, in their teens, average height.  The suspects fled on foot to an unknown vehicle which was possibly waiting around the corner.

The third case occurred on the 200 block of Sea View Avenue.  Three suspects robbed three construction workers in the backyard of a home under construction.  One of the suspects struck one of the victims in the head with a blunt object during the robbery.  Two of the suspects were described as Black males, in their teens, average height.  The third suspect was described as possibly mixed race (Black/Hispanic) in his late teens or early twenties, average height.  The suspects fled on foot and are believed to have fled the scene in an older white or cream-colored Mercedes Benz which possibly fled down Sea View Avenue, toward Mandana Boulevard.

The fourth case occurred last night, August 30, 2016, at approximately 8:00 pm.  Three armed suspects entered a residence located in the 200 block of Estates Drive in the City of Piedmont while the residents were home.  The suspects isolated the residents in an area of the home and ransacked the house stealing cash and jewelry.  The suspects fled the scene on foot and possibly got into an unknown vehicle.  None of the residents were injured during the incident.  The three suspects were described as Black males, in their late teens to early twenties, average height and build.

The Piedmont Police Department has communicated these incidents through local media as well as targeted outreach to the contractors and workers who commonly work in the community. Similar robberies have occurred in neighboring jurisdictions, and the Department is communicating and working closely with those agencies.  We are also using all of our technological tools, including the Automated License Plate Readers, to assist in our efforts. Additionally, we have increased our staffing to follow up on existing leads and engage in proactive enforcement activity.

We ask all residents to be cognizant of individuals who appear to be engaged in suspicious activities and immediately report it to the Piedmont Police Department.   Although we are working hard to prevent any more robberies in our City, the reality is that it could happen again.  With that in mind please remember to practice basic crime prevention by:

• Securing the access points to your residence
• Utilize lighting 
• Minimize visual barriers to your property such as overgrown landscaping, as these areas provide cover and concealment for criminals.

You may choose to have a neighborhood watch meeting to discuss these issues. Please feel free to reach out to Mr. Lyman Shaffer, Chair of the City of Piedmont Public Safety Committee, to schedule a meeting.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact Chief Rikki Goede at (510) 420-3010 or Captain Jeremy Bowers at jbowers@piedmontpd.org or at (510) 420-3012.  

PIEDMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE  August 31, 2016

                  On August 30, 2016, at approximately 8:00 pm, three armed suspects entered a residence located in the 200 block of Estates Drive in the City of Piedmont while the residents were home.  The suspects isolated the residents in an area of the home and proceeded to ransack ultimately stealing cash and jewelry.  The suspects fled the scene on foot and possibly got into an unknown vehicle.

         None of the residents were injured during the incident.

Suspect Descriptions:

Suspect – 1 was described as a Black male, 18- ­22 years old, 5’7’’­5’9’’, thin build.

Suspect – 2 was described as a Black male, 18­- 22 years old, 5’8’’­5’10’’, medium build

Suspect – 3 was described as a Black male, 21-­25 years old and shorter than suspects #1 &  #2.

Anyone with information and/or inquiries related to this case

 are asked to please contact Detective  Willie Wright at (510) 420­3013.

Paint and signage change the street crossings for 10 intersections in Piedmont.

Pavement with painted crosswalks, the word “STOP” and a stationary stop signs will give pedestrians safer street crossings at minimal cost.  City Administrator Paul Benoit reported the total cost for the 10 intersection improvements ($2,338 each), brings the revised total contract to $26,086, funded by Measure B and BB funds.

Painting “STOP” and  new crosswalk

The Kingston-Linda-Rose Triangle in Oakland and Piedmont is well under construction this summer.

On July 5, the City Council authorized a contract with Ray’s Electric for their “base bid of $207,362” for trench work for the intersection project providing crosswalks on the Oakland and Piedmont border with a large pedestrian island in the middle of Kingston Street. Three ornamental street lamps will be a feature of the Triangle.

Excavation of the new pedestrian triangle

Safety dominates the plan to install stop signs.

Two weeks ago the Council deliberated on various stop signs to be installed at vulnerable intersections for pedestrians, including school children, and vehicles.  Some neighbors to the proposals were pleased with the proposals; whereas, some thought the stop signs were problematic.  Speakers stated the lack of notification from the City of the proposals. The Council directed the staff to return to various sites and evaluate their appropriateness along with costs that would allow flexibility.

The staff returned with an almost identical plan with the exception of further study for the eliminated intersection at Dormidera Avenue and Mountain Avenue, and the addition of an all way stop at the intersection of Saint James Drive and Hampton Road.

Prior to the beginning of the regular school calendar in approximately 2 weeks, the City staff has urged moving ahead with the stop sign installations and concurrent pavement striping.

All of the proposed intersections were not included in the recently adopted Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan; however, the approved Plan provides for flexibility as new issues arise.

Read the current 24 page staff report here.

The total expense was previously estimated at $55,857, including a 15% contingency to be funded by Measure B and BB funds. The new estimate for the work is $26,086 with 10 intersections to be included. 

DISCUSSION for the August 1 meeting: Based on the directive of the City Council at the July 18, 2016 meeting, the City Engineer developed plans for inclusion of the intersection at Hampton Road and St. James Drive in the proposed list, and to include this in the solicitation of bids. Additionally, based on resident concerns expressed at the July 18th meeting, it was decided by staff to postpone a decision on the intersection at Mountain Avenue and Dormidera Avenue pending further study of both traffic and parking in this area. The diagrams for each of the proposed intersections prepared by the City Engineer is attached as Exhibit B. Based on the engineer’s estimate, and in accordance with the City’s purchasing policy, informal bids were requested from various contractors. Striping Graphics was the only contractor to respond. Their bid was $28,424. Deleting the costs for the Mountain Ave. & Dormidera Ave. intersection improvements ($2,338), brings the revised total contract to $26,086. Striping Graphics is a company that has done work for the City of Piedmont for over 20 years. They are fully qualified and have consistently completed projects for the city in a professional manner. The city’s standard contract is attached as Exhibit C.    City Administrator Paul Benoit

Read the current 24 page staff report here.

Read the prior staff report here.

The matter will be considered at the August 1, 2016 Council meeting. It will be broadcast live starting at 7:30 p.m.

Agenda for the meeting > here.

Agenda for Monday,  August 1, 7:30 p.m.  Council meeting includes the following: (Click on each underlined item below to read the staff report.)

08/01/16 – Approval of a Revised Resolution Dedicating Sewer Revenue for Repayment of State Loans for Sewer Rehabilitation

City Charter states:

“SECTION 4.13 TEMPORARY LOANS Money may be borrowed in anticipation of the receipts from taxes during any fiscal year, by the issue of notes, certificates of indebtedness or revenue bonds; but the aggregate amount of such loans at any time outstanding shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the receipts from all taxes during the preceding fiscal year; and all such loans shall be paid out of the receipts from taxes for the fiscal year in which they are issued.”

08/01/16 – Approval of a Renewed Facility Use Agreement with the Piedmont Swim Team until August 14, 2018

08/01/16 – Approval of the Reclassification of the Support Services Commander and Human Resources Administrator Positions as Recommended by the Civil Service Commission at its Meeting of July 22, 2016 as well as Approval of Updated Employment Resolutions Reflecting Changes Made to the Classifications

08/01/16 – Approval of the Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the City of Piedmont and Paul Benoit

Base Salary: The annual salary for the position of City Administrator shall be Two Hundred Twelve Thousand One Hundred and Eighty Dollars ($212,180.00) effective July 1, 2016. The City Administrator shall be paid at the same intervals and in the same manner as regular City employees. The City shall not at any time during the term of this Agreement reduce the base salary, compensation or other financial benefits of the City Administrator, unless as part of a general City management salary reduction, and then in no greater percentage than the average reduction of all City department heads.

08/01/16 – Approval of the Purchase of a New Vehicle for the Fire Chief

08/01/16 – Approval of a Renewed Agreement to Provide Animal Control Services to the City of Emeryville in the Amount of $93,421 Per Year

08/01/16 – Appoint Councilmember Levine as Liaison to the Planning Commission

08/01/16 – Consideration of the Installation of All Way Stop Signs at Various Intersections to Increase Traffic and Pedestrian Safety (con’t from 07/18/16)

08/01/16 – Consideration of Authorization to Issue an RFP for IT Support Services

08/01/16 – 2nd Reading of Ord. 723 N.S. Approving the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Piedmont Center for the Arts at 801 Magnolia Avenue

The meeting will be broadcast live. If you have questions about this material, call the City Clerk’s office at (510) 420-3040.

Read the full August 1 Council > agenda.

Public Safety Committee Meeting, Thursday, July 28, 2016, 5:30 p.m. – City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue. 

Agenda includes:

• Public Forum: an opportunity for members of the audience to speak on an item not on the agenda.
• Discussion of Distribution of > Get Ready, Piedmont Guides and Checklists
• Discussion of October 15, 2016 Disaster Preparedness Event 
• Discussion of Chief Goede’s Opinion Piece in the July 20th Edition of the Piedmont Post Entitled “Piedmont Police Department and Recent Tragic Events”

____________

Chairman Shaffer reported on his submission of the Committee’s annual report to the City Council on May 16. Committee members had previously reviewed the report and were encouraged to watch the presentation on KCOM.

Chief Goede reported on her presentations on sexual harassment and related matters to the entire student population of Piedmont High School. Unlike prior presentations which were done in assembly format, these were done on a classroom basis which resulted in over 20 sessions. This gave students an opportunity to ask questions and better understand consequences for inappropriate behavior. This was a joint effort with the PUSD management and was well received.

Chairman Shaffer reported that over 500 Get Ready, Piedmont Guides have been distributed, and an additional 500 have been printed. Over 700 of the supporting checklists have been distributed. Distribution was done through neighborhood meetings, promotion to existing neighborhood organizations, and pickup at the Police and Fire Departments. The Committee discussed other distribution ideas with the caveat that distribution should be limited, as much as possible, to Piedmont residents due to the cost involved. The Committee suggested that the Public Works and Recreation Department counters might offer additional distribution venues. Chairman Shaffer agreed to follow up on this.

Chairman Shaffer reported that 10 neighborhood public safety meetings were conducted in 2015. To date in 2016, there have been 6 Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) meetings and two general disaster preparedness meetings with one MYN meeting scheduled for early June. At this time, there are about 10 good possibilities for MYN meetings.

The Committee discussed ways to promote neighborhood meetings. Sue Lin suggested using Piedmont CONNECT as a means to reach out to residents. Garrett Keating agreed to provide the contact information for that group. Chairman Shaffer discussed providing a description of MYN to those seeking block closure permits for the 4th of July. A sample was provided to the Committee as part of the meeting package, and the Committee agreed by consensus that it should be provided to Public Works which Chairman Shaffer agreed to do.

Chief McLaren advised that, as discussed in the March meeting, the event is scheduled for October 15. He was able to reserve the county earthquake/fire trailer for that date. The Fire Department plans to staff the trailer and to also provide fire extinguisher training. They also plan to do “sidewalk CPR” training which is very brief and doesn’t involve certifications. There will also be a jumpy house for kids.

The Committee discussed other options. They agreed that PG&E electric and gas safety exhibits have been very well received in the past. Chairman Shaffer agreed to follow up with PG&E. Lori Elifant advised that she had been involved in a couple of game activities at a similar event in Emeryville and agreed to explore those activities. Garrett Keating offered to contact someone who promotes solar cooking to see if they would participate. Lynne Wright agreed to pursue food options that could support the event.

The Committee also agreed that it would staff a table to distribute the Get Ready, Piedmont Guide and supporting documents as well as promote neighborhood meetings. A subcommittee was appointed to work out the logistics of this event. Chairman Shaffer designated himself, Lori Elifant, Lynne Wright, and Andrea Swenson but later substituted Chief McLaren for Andrea Swenson as he was responsible for most of the activities.