HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-26-2018 Public Safety Task Force Minutes
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 1 of 3
MINUTES
JULY 26, 2018
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
REGULAR MEETING
Chair John Hirokawa called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Linda Callon Conference
Room at City Hall at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Members John Hirokawa, Rebecca Jepsen, Chuck Page, Arun
Venkatachar
ABSENT: Member Ray Cosyn (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Captain Rich Urena, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
Chakra Srivatsa
Robert LoPresto
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
Deputy City Manager Crystal Bothelio reported that the agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on July 19, 2018.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve draft minutes from the June 28, 2018 meeting.
PAGE/JEPSEN MOVED TO APPROVE DRAFT MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 28,
2018 MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: JEPSEN, PAGE, VENKATACHAR. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: HIROKAWA. ABSENT: COSYN.
2. Public Safety Metrics
Recommended Action:
Review monthly update to public safety metrics. Metrics will be provided at the meeting.
Captain Urena shared that there were no residential burglaries in June 2018 and provided
information about the public safety metrics during the last month.
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 2 of 3
3. Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act
Recommended Action:
Review the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act and provide the City Council
with a recommendation on whether to support the initiative. The Task Force’s
recommendation is scheduled to go before the City Council on August 1, 2018.
PAGE/JEPSEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THAT THE CITY COUNCIL TAKE
NO POSITION ON THE REDUCING CRIME AND KEEPING CALIFORNIA SAFE
ACT AT THIS TIME. MOTION PASSED. AYES: HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE,
VENKATACHAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN.
4. Neighborhood Watch Lead Survey
Recommended Action:
Discuss results of the Neighborhood Watch Lead survey.
The Public Safety Task Force reviewed the results of the Neighborhood Watch Lead survey.
Robert LoPresto and Chakra Srivatsa commented on the item.
5. Public Safety Task Force Transition Plan
Recommended Action:
Continue development of a transition plan and final recommendations to the City Council, as
directed by the City Council at the March 2018 Work Plan Study Session.
The Public Safety Task Force discussed the Transition Plan.
Robert LoPresto and Chakra Srivatsa commented on the item.
Task Force Member Jepsen raised concerns about collection and use of Neighborhood Watch
contacts for political purposes.
Task Force Member Venkatachar stated that he has not observed collection or use of
Neighborhood Watch contacts for political purposes.
Chair Hirokawa suggested using consistent imaging or the City seal or branding in
Neighborhood Watch messages from the City so it is clear that the messages are from the
City. He also recommended developing guidelines for Neighborhood Watch leads when
sharing information, such as identifying the source of information that is distributed.
The Task Force discussed extension of the Task Force and creation of a Public Safety
Commission, including some of the differences between the appointment process for the
Public Safety Task Force and City Commissions and the pros and cons of extending the term
of the Task Force or creating a Commission.
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 3 of 3
Task Force Member Jepsen restated her support for maintaining a group, whether it is the
Task Force or a different body, that works towards growing and maintaining interest in
Neighborhood Watch. She also suggested that the term of the Task Force be extended
beyond November 2018 and that the group continue meeting monthly.
Task Force Member Venkatachar expressed support for extending the term of the Task Force
beyond November 2018.
The Task Force requested further discussion of the transition plan during the August meeting.
6. Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering
Recommended Action:
Discuss the Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering, including potential event dates and
locations.
The Task Force discussed the date and location of the Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering.
The group agreed to hold the gathering on October 4, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the
Joan Pisani Community Center, Multipurpose Room.
7. Task Force November Meeting Date
Recommended Action:
Discuss rescheduling the Task Force’s regular November meeting, which falls on
Thanksgiving Day.
The Task Force discussed rescheduling the November meeting.
PAGE/ VENKATACHAR MOVED TO CANCEL THE NOVEMBER MEETING.
MOTION PASSED. AYES: HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE, VENKATACHAR. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN.
8. Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action:
Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings. The next meeting is on August 23, 2018.
- Public Safety Task Force Transition Plan
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Hirokawa adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
City of Saratoga