CC Min 1994-07-07 Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Council Members discussed the perception that the streets aren't safe, not only in Redwood City, but throughout the country. Police Chief Guardino stated that there is no correlation between the number of police officers on the streets and the number of crimes committed in the City. Council Members discussed how a visible police presence made people feel safer. Councilwoman Gasparini asked that the City develop a plan to gather real statistics of crime and safety in Redwood City in order to base appropriate staffing levels on fact; and a campaign on "how to access police services" be developed and widely publicized. MEMO 7/8/94 Mayor Buchan asked if anyone from the audience wished to speak to this issue. Joe Steinfeld, Main Street merchant, advised that 50% of residents in Redwood City were homeowners and that services, including police services, affected housing prices. Mr. Steinfeld suggested that 25 City employees be cut in order to hire 5 police officers. Council Members discussed setting goals and priorities for the Police Department, the impacts of the Community Policing Program on overall police services, and what services could be restored if patrol staffing returned to pre-Community Policing levels while keeping the CP program Council Members discussed whether it would be advantageous to wait until the new Chief Police was hired to establish goals and service levels or develop them now to assist the new Chief in policy decisions. MIS: STEINFELD/GREENALCH TO ESTABLISH A COUNCIL COMMITTEE TO BRING BACK RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING DESIRED LEVELS OF SERVICE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Council Members Gasparini, Greenalch, La Berge and Steinfeld NOES: Vice Mayor Claire, Councilman Sanfilipo and Mayor Buchan MINUTE ORDER NO. 94-156 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- D. Discussion of Acquisition of Vehicle for the Disabled Fiscal Year 1994/95 Budget; (1303-01, 401-02) City Manager Everett described the original request and the discussion continued from June 28, 1994 Budget Study Session regarding the Seniors Advisory Council acquisition of a van contingent upon City maintenance and insurance, and the desire to provide a van for participants in the Accessible Recreation Program. City Manager Everett outlined five alternatives: 1) joint use of the Senior's van with a review after six months; 2) Park and Recreation fundraising for part of the cost; 3) a co-purchase with another City or agency; 4) examine the reasons for needing another van and try to alleviate those needs; and 5) ask service clubs in Redwood City to donate a van or provide MINUTE BOOK NO. 52 Adj. Regular Meeting Budget Study Session Page No. 305 July 7, 1994 Page 4 "4....,..--..-............----...-- -.-- ---'---"'-""-""'--"'-