PSC 04-13-06
CUPEIQ"INO
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUPERTINO
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
APRIL 13, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:
Hugh Riddell, Charles Caldwell, Fari Aberg,
Nina Daruwalla
Commissioners Absent:
Jay Cena
Staff Present:
Glenn Goepfert, Assistant Director of Public Works
Others Present:
Battalion Chief Dan Dunlap, Santa Clara County Fire Department
Captain John Hirakawa, Santa Clara County Sheriffs Department
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 12, 2005, regular meeting
June 9, 2005, regular meeting
December 8, 2005, regular meeting
February 9,2006, regular meeting
The commission continued the approval of minutes to a later date due to lack of quorum.
OLD BUSINESS
1. New Commission member and election of officers.
The commissioners elected Charles Caldwell and Nina Daruwalla as chair and vice-chair, respectively.
Vote: 4-0.
2. Residential Burglaries - Commission partnering with Sheriff to conduct community forums
The commissioners discussed residential burglaries under the Santa Clara County Sheriff s report
portion of the agenda.
3. Commission meeting schedule - frequency of meetings
The commission discussed the possibility of increasing the frequency of meetings or maintaining the
current bi-monthly schedule and allowing the option to call for a special meeting as needed. The
commission agreed to make this decision at a later date and to schedule a special meeting for May 11 tho
4. De Anza - SCB pedestrian movement
Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert provided information about the timing patterns and required levels of
service for the intersection of Stevens Creek and DeAnza Boulevards. The commission discussed
alternatives for improving safe pedestrian movement across the intersection, such as providing a safety
haven/median for those individuals who cannot clear the intersection in time. Assistant Director
Goepfert indicated that staff would research funding sources and the intersection geometry in order to
determine the feasibility of this change. This item was continued for further discussion.
NEW BUSINESS
5. Meeting date at Seven Springs Fire Station
The commissioners discussed meeting at the Seven Springs Fire Station under the Santa Clara County
Fire District's report portion of the agenda.
REPORTS
Santa Clara County Fire District
Battalion Chief Dan Dunlap reviewed the monthly reports for January, February, and March. Battalion
Chief Dunlap indicated that there was not much to report except for an increase in call volume due to the
recent storms and incidences of small fires. Further discussion focused on property easements and the
responsible parties for minimizing fire danger.
Battalion Chief Dunlap also indicated that he would contact the commission on potential meeting dates
and times at the Sevens Springs Fire Station.
Santa Clara County Sheriff
Captain John Hirokawa reviewed the sheriffs report in regards to response times, priority rankings and
goals for the unit. Further discussion involved the possibility of increasing sheriff enforcement and
Captain Hirokawa explained the process for setting and increasing staffing levels. Captain Hirokawa
also reviewed the report in regards to crimes and the patrol unit and traffic unit numbers.
Captain Hirokawa updated the commission on the prevalence of residential burglaries in the community.
The officers have had a lot of contact with residents of the Valley Green Apartments, who are on parole
or probation. Captain Hirokawa indicated that officers periodically conduct parole and probation
searches and make arrests every few months. Further discussion ensued about other incidences of
burglary in the area. Captain Hirokawa indicated that burglars were commonly caught when someone
called in suspicious activity and when officers conducted more car stops.
Captain Hirokawa also talked about increasing community awareness of Fugitive Watch through the
Courier Newspaper, the Los Gatos Daily, and by distributing flyers to merchants. Commissioner Nina
Daruwalla offered translation services for the flyers, and Captain Hirakawa indicated that they would
distribute them to the community.
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Commissioner's Reports
Commissioner Charles Caldwell asked that two items be added to the next agenda. The first concerned
the discrepancy between the bike lane striping and the reflectors on the NE side of Miller Avenue
between Phil Lane and Bollinger Road. The second involved the status of the speed lights that the city
was scheduled to receive. The commission agreed to ask Captain John Hirokawa about the status of the
equipment at the next commission meeting.
Commissioner Hugh Riddell inquired about the feasibility of the street parking in front of the new
Whole Foods site. Assistant Director Glenn Goepfert indicated that the Public Works department has
required that the street parking be removed and that the Planning Commission has also recommended its
removal.
Commissioner Charles Caldwell inquired about the status of the public phone at the library. Assistant
Director Glenn Goepfert indicated that the plans were in process and that the placement of the phone
was imminent.
Commissioner Nina Daruwalla asked that the commission focus more on emergency preparedness and
community outreach as a goal.
Further discussion ensued (side 2 ofthe tape - no recording).
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
. Approval of minutes
May 12,2005, regular meeting
June 9, 2005, regular meeting
December 8,2005, regular meeting
February 9.2006, regular meeting
. Commission Goals
. Commission meeting schedule - frequency of meetings
. De Anza - SCB pedestrian movement
. Emergency Preparedness and Community Outreach
. Meeting date at Seven Springs Fire Station
. Miller Avenue bike lane striping
. Senior Center Pedestrian Crossing to the Oaks
. Status of the Radar Speed Signs
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
~ 8. Svvui0
Karen B. Guerin
Administrative Assistant
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