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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 2080 (` C' RESOLUTION NO. 2080 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION WHEREAS, one of the fundamental purposes of City government is to provide for public safety and law enforcement; and WHEREAS, since incorporation the City of Saratoga has provided for law enforcement and keeping the peace through contract with the Sheriff of Santa Clara County, which each year accounts for the largest single expenditure of the City; and WHEREAS, the people of Saratoga have traditionally maintained a strong interest and support in adequate law enforcement within the community; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is in the public interest to improve law enforcement programs and public safety by increasing community involvement and participation in such program; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to focus more attention and in- volvement of the public on the quality and effectiveness of law enforce- ment services, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby establishes a Public Safety Commission. The structure, purposes and functions of the Public Safety Commission are identified below. Purpose - The purposes of the Commission shall be the following: Increase the awareness of and attention to the law enforcement services and public safety needs of the community; Improve communications and involvement among the community, the City government and the law enforcement agencies on law enforcement services, needs and programs; Support and encourage preventative and proactive responses to law enforcement needs in the community; including increased participation of citizens and programs; Provide support to the City Council and staff for meeting their responsibilities on law enforcement and public safety needs and continually evaluate all available means for pro- viding law enforcement services in an efficient and effective manner. Authority and Responsibilities The Commission is an advisory agency to the City Council. It is not authorized to set policy or give directions to the Sheriff, Chief of Police or City staff. The Commission r • • ,, is authorized to investigate, review and analyze issues and make recommendations to the City Council. The Commission shall have such other authority to carry out tasks as may be approved and authorized by the City Council. The Commission is responsible for the following functions. 1) Policy Advice: Receive referrals from the City Council or initiate reviews and analyses on issues affecting the overall public safety of the community; prepare recommendations to the City Council on appropriate action or policies. 2) Crime Prevention: Analyze crime reports, data and trends in the community; develop ideas for programs to prevent or reduce crime in the community and increase public safety. 3) Community Participation: Develop and sponsor programs on crime prevention and public safety, particularly information and education programs to obtain increased citizen involvement and participation. 4) Community-Police Relations: Improve positive rela- tions and understanding between the community and ~,~ law enforcement officials; respond to or address concerns expressed by either the community or law enforcement personnel. 5) Traffic Safety: Review and recommend traffic safety regulations, measures and programs for the community. On referral, consider requests from citizens for traffic regulating devices and recommend appropriate actions to the City Council. Organization and Operation The Commission shall consist of five members who shall be residents of Saratoga. At its option, the City Council may appoint one of its members to serve at the Council's pleasure on the Public Safety Commission. At least four of the members of the Commission shall be appointed to serve four-year overlapping terms. Upon initial appointments; the City Council shall designate the order of terms. The Commission shall abide by State law and the Ralph M. Brown Act. Unless it specifically decides otherwise, the Commission shall conduct its proceedings according to C -2- ;,~ the Revised Roberts Rules of Order. Annually, the .% Commission shall determine one of its members to serve as presiding officer, or chair. Meetings and Staffin Meetings of the Commission shall be held once monthly on a regular schedule to be determined by the Commission. Study sessions and special meetings may be set by order of the presiding officer. Because of limited staff availability, it is intended that the Commission operate as self-sufficiently as possible. The City Manager is responsible to provide such staff services as are required by the Commission, subject to the City Manager's determination of availability. Citizen volunteers may be recruited to satisfy unmet staf- fing needs, under the direction of the City Manager. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council. shall review the effectiveness and progress of the Commission after one year of its operation. The above and foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Saratoga on the 3rd day of August, 1983, by the following vote: c AYES: Councilmembers Callon, Clevenger, Fanelli, Mallory and Mayor Moyles NOES: None ABSENT: None ATTEST: CITY CLERK ~.