HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-2017 Minutes - Public Safety Task ForceSaratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes – Page 1 of 3
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 28, 2017
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
REGULAR MEETING
Chair John Hirokawa called the regular meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. in the City Hall
Administrative Conference Room at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Members Ray Cosyn, Sudip Ghosal, John Hirokawa, Rebecca
Jepsen, Chuck Page
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Captain Rich Urena, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
Deputy City Manager Crystal Bothelio reported that the agenda was properly posted on
November 22, 2017.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve draft minutes from the October 26, 2017 meeting.
PAGE/HIROKAWA MOVED TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 26,
2017 MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: COSYN, HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: GHOSAL.
2. Public Safety Metrics
Recommended Action:
Review monthly update to public safety metrics.
Captain Urena shared an update on several questions raised at the October meeting. He also
shared information about a recent arrest of home burglary suspects caught after vigilant
residents reported suspicious activity to 911. He shared that the Sheriff’s Office is looking at
options to push out information to nearby residents after incidents occur, such as Nixle. He
also provide the latest information on automated license plate readers in the Sheriff’s Office.
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes – Page 2 of 3
Task Force Member Cosyn raised concerns about speeding and suggested use of photo radar
to ticket speeders.
The Task Force discussed the legal challenges to red light and speeding cameras, problematic
areas where speeding occurs, and benefits of directed enforcement.
3. Saratoga Safety Fair
Recommended Action:
Consider Saratoga Safety Fair location, hours, and fundraising plan.
Deputy City Manager Crystal Bothelio shared proposals for the Safety Fair location, hours,
and fundraising plan.
The Task Force agreed to hold the Safety Fair on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at West Valley
College from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and recommended that the City Council approve the
fundraising plan, which outlines a sponsorship fee of $250 per resource table for non-
government organizations.
4. Public Safety Task Force Budget Requests
Recommended Action:
Finalize the Public Safety Task Force budget and make a recommendation to the City
Council for consideration at the December 6, 2017 City Council Meeting.
The Task Force discussed sending public safety information as a postcard versus an insert in
the Saratoga News. The Task Force agreed to propose sending a 6.25 in by 9 in postcard
quarterly.
The Task Force agreed to submit the following budget request to the City Council for Fiscal
Years 2017/18 and 2018/19:
Fiscal Year 2017/18 Funding Request
Item Cost
Safety Fair $3,000
Neighborhood Watch/CERT Gathering - Spring $1,500
2 Public Safety Postcards (6.25x9, mailed
citywide) $7,600
Fiscal Year 2017/18 Request $12,100
Fiscal Year 2018/19 Funding Request
Item Cost
Neighborhood Watch Gathering - Fall 2018 $1,000
4 Public Safety Postcards (6.25x9, mailed citywide) $15,200
Fiscal Year 2018/19 Request $16,200
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes – Page 3 of 3
5. Increasing the Number of Neighborhood Watch Groups
Recommended Action:
Discuss opportunities to increase the number of Neighborhood Watch Groups and identify
next steps or recommendations for City Council consideration.
The Task Force supported the idea of a quarterly Neighborhood Watch introductory meeting
that is open to the public for anyone interested in learning more about Neighborhood Watch.
The Task Force agreed to support creation of a trifold brochure to hand out to people
interested in learning more about Neighborhood Watch.
The Task Force also agreed to recommend to the City Council that a condition to receive a
Neighborhood Watch Grant is to show proof of holding a Neighborhood Watch gathering at
least once a year.
The Task Force discussed how crime statistics are displayed on the City website.
6. Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action:
Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Hirokawa adjourned the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
City of Saratoga