AgdaPkt 2005-09-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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M/S Foust/Howard to adjourn the Redevelopment Agency meeting. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote. 6. STAFF REPORTS A. Report from Police Chief on gang violence suppression efforts Council Member Hartnett stated that the ad hoc task force consisting of himself and Mayor Ira reviewed the issue of increased gang violence in Redwood City and the adjoining County area as well as the phenomena taking place across the County and other areas. The task force and community are joined in concern of that increased violence and although often it is confined to gang on gang violence, it affects all of us, both individual neighborhoods and the community as a whole. He further stated that the task force met with the Police Chief who already was taking proactive steps to put in place plans to enhance the suppression of gang violence. Police Chief Carlos Bolanos gave a report of efforts and future strategies that are already occurring while summarizing the most events that have occurred. Council Members thanked Chief Bolanos for the report and efforts of Council Members who encouraged San Mateo County to continue funding the joint task force with Redwood City that was at risk due to budgetary constraints; asked various questions on countywide collaboration; and encouraged neighborhoods to work with the Police Department toward creating a safe community. Mayor Ira emphasized that the first stage is suppression and the task force recommendation is to authorize at least three months overtime at approximately $65,000 per month that would come out of the reserve account. He stated that there may be a need for additional funding and that could be considered at the appropriate time. He further stated the importance of getting ahead of the curve and that authorizing the hiring of two additional officers is also recommended although with the specific funding mechanism to be determined during the mid- year budget review. He further stated that the plan for the Police Chief report back in November on staffing for the downtown may be somewhat delayed given this priority. He also emphasized the great need for volunteers that exists in the P.A.L. program where more services could be provided to youth if the volunteer pool were larger. Council Member Hartnett emphasized that Police Chief Bolanos has deployed resources in the best possible way to this stage but it is clear that he and the San Mateo County Sheriff are the most collaborative and organized in the County and employ the most innovative solutions working across jurisdictional boundaries. He stated that phase I is systematic, consistent, tough efforts to suppress gang violence and that we should be prepared to fund beyond three months if JOINT MEETING September 12, 2005 CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PAGE 7 _ . __ _ _ .