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i <br /> Police Department Presentation <br /> Lou Cobarruviaz, Police Chief, provided a brief synopsis of the reasoning leading to the <br /> proposed cuts. Vice Mayor Aguirre inquired why he had not provided alternatives. The <br /> Chief reiterated that what he is recommending is his best approach to retain officers <br /> even though he too appreciates Community Service Officers (CSOs). One Council <br /> Member asked about the Department and if different layers of his Department were <br /> consulted. The Chief confirmed that fact and he was asked to share some of the ideas <br /> that were brought forth by various members of his organization. Mr. Ed Hernandez <br /> shared some of the ideas which included keeping CSOs and eliminate Sworn Officers. <br /> The position of Mr. Velarde, Juvenile Officer Position, was discussed. <br /> Another Council Member asked what measures Mr. Cobarruviaz has taken to decrease <br /> crime and he referred to the RIMS system and other available tools. Council also <br /> inquired if staff that was bilingual was going to be impacted and the Chief provided <br /> some history. There were multiple questions about flexibility of shifts and other <br /> operational issues. Mayor Ira shared his concern that community policing is being <br /> replaced by a more traditional model of Police Officers. <br /> Public Comment: <br /> Mike Reynolds, President of the Redwood City Police Officers Association (POA), said <br /> that the Police Chief and command staff have had open and proactive lines of <br /> communication with the POA. He made a case for supporting sworn officers in terms of <br /> public safety and he provided statistics on work done by sworn officers. He opined that <br /> further cuts would dangerously affect core services and he expressed the POA's <br /> gratitude to Council for their efforts. <br /> Chris Barry said she is a resident and lives in an area that depends on the police due to <br /> gang activity and drug dealing. She spoke in support of the police and how they put <br /> their lives on the line every day. She asked Council to not cut any police officers <br /> because it would make this community less safe. <br /> Council Discussion <br /> One Council Member would like to retain the juvenile officer position. Another Council <br /> Member concurred with said approach. There was Council consensus to not cut any <br /> more sworn officers. One Council Member asked the POA and PSA to go back and <br /> consider a salary freeze in order to find a way to keep positions. Another Council <br /> Member was not interested in cutting sworn officers. One Council Member would have <br /> liked to see more innovation in this Department. Mayor Ira shared his disappointment <br /> at the two unions that did not agree to a salary freeze. He also stated that next year he <br /> would prefer not to have staff cuts and so the answer rests in salary freezes and <br /> benefits. <br /> Fire Department Presentation <br /> Chief Skinner provided a brief overview of his reasoning and how hard he tried to <br /> reduce lay-offs. He spoke about concerns around response levels and reducing <br /> liabilities in various engines. He provided information on neighboring cities' Fire <br /> Departments and the ultimate goal to reduce overtime in the Fire Department. <br /> SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD June 21, 2010 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 5 <br /> MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 <br /> Page No. 115 <br />