Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease Agreement with Smithway Associates, Inc. for a Police Substation, and Authorize the Chief of Police to Proceed with Related Tenant Improvements and Operating Expenses.

The population of the City of Rocklin continues to grow, specifically in the northern and western areas of the city. This growth, coupled with the police station being located in the south-eastern portion of the city, presents an opportunity to improve the services by siting a substation in another area of the City. Community oriented policing remains a priority for the Rocklin Police Department and improving the access that residents have to officers is consistent with this vision. With this in mind, staff began to look for a substation space in one of the retail centers located in the Blue Oaks and Lonetree area.

This location is ideal for a few different reasons. First, this high-traffic area is a hub for Rocklin restaurants, businesses, and other retail and entertainment establishments. Areas like these typically generate calls for service related to property crimes such as theft, vehicle burglary, etc. A police substation in this area should act as a deterrent for those that choose to engage in this type of criminal activity.

Second, due to Rocklin’s residential growth, a significant portion of residents have to travel across town to provide a statement, have a citation signed off or receive many other types of police services. Although this substation will not act as a full-service police station, and will not be regularly staffed, it will provide a space for an officer to meet with a community member in the furtherance of their duties.

Lastly, this substation will give staff who work in the field a place to write reports, eat lunch or use the restroom without needing to return to the main station, which helps to maintain “beat integrity.” The concept of beat integrity involves officers being assigned one geographical “beat”, and remaining in that area as much as possible throughout their shift. This approach has shown to reduce response times getting officers to where they are needed.

After identifying the ideal area, staff began to reach out to representatives from three of the retail centers that are located near the intersection of Lonetree Blvd. and Blue Oaks Blvd. All three retail centers expressed an interest in having a police substation, but the space that is being recommended was the best fit for the Department because of location, visibility and price.

The proposed location is 6827 Lonetree Blvd, Suite D101A in Rocklin, CA located in the retail shopping center across the street from Blue Oaks Movie theater. This 1,310 square foot location has high visibility and already has a floor plan very conducive to the Department’s needs. The proposed lease is being provided rent free. Monthly expenses will include maintenance and utilities provided via the lease (triple net), and communications and security costs, with a total estimated monthly cost of just under $2,000. The City will have one-time initial tenant improvements, estimated to cost just under $6,000. Expense details are as follows:

The proposed lease is for one year. This is intended to serve as a pilot program for the Police Department to evaluate if the costs to provide an additional substation are outweighed by the benefits that are provided. The Police Chief and City Manager will regularly meet and evaluate the pilot program throughout the course of the first year prior to making a recommendation on a long-term lease.  

If approved, although the sub-station will not be staffed 24 hours a day, it will be a resource in that area that will create opportunities for additional community engagement and increase overall services. Community access to the substation will be provided through direct contact between a resident and a member of the Police Department. The Police Department continues to encourage people to call 9-1-1 for emergencies, or the main Department phone number for non-emergencies (916-625-5400).

As noted above, the space is being provided to the City rent free for a police substation. The City will be responsible for certain ongoing costs related to maintenance and utilities for the space (triple net), estimated $1,113.50 per month. Additional monthly costs for communications and security needs are estimated at $765, for total monthly expenses of $1,878.50.  Initial tenant improvements required to make the space operational as a substation are estimated to be approximately $6,000. The one-time cost for the initial tenant improvements and the monthly costs for the remainder of the fiscal year will be paid for using salary savings from vacant positions. Any reoccurring costs will be included in future Police Department budget requests.