PSC 02-13-03I. CALL TO ORDER:
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION HELD FEBRUARY 13, 2003
CONFERENCE ROOM A, CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
7:30 PM
The Chair, Emma Darknell, called the meeting to order.
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG:
The Chair led the Salute.
III. ROLL CALL:
comrmssioners Present:
commissioners Absent:
Staff Present:
Darknell, Dor, Chang, Riddell and Chen
None
Gary Komahrens, Code Enforcement
Captain Hirokawa, SheriWs Department
Chief Lopes, Santa Clara County Fire
Lieutenant Damiano, ShefiWs Department
Staff Absent: None
Visitors Present: None
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
January minutes approved with two corrections.
V. REPORT FROM COUNTY FIRE:
Chief Lopes told the commission of a small residential fare and three vehicle fires m Cupertino since last
meeting. No significant damage.
Year ending 2002 report that engine I out of the Cupertino station had 1700 "runs" and is the busiest engine
in Cupertino.
Chief Lopes advised the commission that the budget position appears O.K. for 2003. Fire receives 60% of
funding through property taxes and 40% through contxacts with cities including Cupertino.
Chief Lopes said Fire has received a lot of calls related to preparing for acts of terrorism. The fire
deparm~ent has put out many communications regarding terrorism awareness. Ail engines are equipped
with radiation detectors, which would alert Fire Fighters if they were in a hazardous area when responding
to an emergency. Command staffis on alert and have reviewed all emergency procedures.
Chief Lopes told the comrmssion that new classes of recruit Fire Fighters are in the background
~nvestigation stage.
Chief Lopes told the cotrarassion that a senior Deputy Fire Marshall position has been added along with an
Associate Public Education Officer position, which will be filled shortly.
Public Safety comrmssion Minutes
Page 2
Regular Meeting of February 13, 2003
V. REPORT FROM COUNTY FIRE CONT.:
Cormmssioner Darknell asked Chief Lopes about response times for emergency calls. Chief Lopes said the
goal set for 10 years ago was 5 minutes 90% of the time. Chief Lopes advised that Central Fire averages 8
minutes or less 95% of the time from when the bell rings at the station to when umts arrive on scene.
Commassioner Chang asked Chief Lopes if Fire and Police fmd out about upgraded Terror alerts before the
general public does. Chief Lopes said the Fire Department usually finds out about the same time as the
general public.
comrmssioner Darknell asked Chief Lopes if there is anything the public could do to help in an emergency
s~tuation like terrorism. Chief Lopes said join programs such as CERT and be ready to help when called
upon.
VI. REPORT FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
Captain Hirokawa told the commission that the Sheriff's Deputies discovered 1 adult female and two
children found dead in their home on Orange Ave. on 2-13-03. Fire Fighters and Deputies could smell
natural gas at the home when they first arrived on scene. Captain Hirokawa said the incident is still under
tnvestigation.
Captain Hirokawa told the commtssion that an armed robbery occurred at the Bank of America on Stevens
Creek at Bandley on February 6, 2003 at 5:30 PM.
Report of a large fire discovered by a Deputy in San Jose jurisdiction on Bark Lane on February 4, 2003.
San Jose Police could not spare any units so the Sheriff's Department provided several units for traffic
control.
Captain Hirokawa said that if the terror alerts are upgraded, the Sheriff's Office may change to 12-hour
shifts and bring in Court Deputies for patrol duties if necessary.
Command staff has identified what they consider as high profile targets in the County for possible terror
attacks. They are Stanford University and Moffet field.
Commassioner Dor asked about Stevens Creek Dam and others. Captain Hirokawa stated that normal
patrols continue and they are more concerned about the larger darns such as Coyote and Anderson.
Conunissioner Darknell stated she observed a bright light over Montebello Road while driving in for the
meeting. Captain Hirokawa stated that he would investigate the matter.
Captain Hirokawa introduced Lt. Frank Darmano as the new second in command at the Westside
Substation.
VII. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS:
Commissioner Dot reports on an article he read related to a crackdown on 'Red Light" runners in the
County that was from the Mercury News.
Public Safety Cornrmssion Minutes
Page 3
Regular Meeting of February 13, 2003
VII. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS CONT.:
Commissioner Darknell states that she did speak with Mayor Chang about the commission needing more
direction. Commissioner Darknell told the commission that Dave Knapp would be at the next meeting to
discuss direction.
Comrrassioner Riddell states that the Traffic Safety Committee makes decisions, but the Public Safety
Commassion does not have much to do. Discussions as to why the traffic safety comrmttee is making so
many decisions (based on their meeting minutes). New Commissioner Chen asks for a brief history on
Traffic Safety comrmttee.
Gary Kornahrens told about the pending visit by Dave Knapp at the next meeting and council objectives.
Gary advised them to expect a letter from Dave Knapp and asked them to think &items to discuss with Mr.
Knapp at the next meeting.
Comrmssioner Darknell gave some history as to items that the commission had helped on the past. These
items included traffic safety, speed bumps, shopping carts, etc.
Cornmassioner Darknell and Riddell both stated again that the commission has no direction.
Comnnssioner Riddell spoke of their attendance at the Saratoga Public Safety Commission. Commissioner
Riddell stated, "They actually help make policy". They operate very differently according to Riddell.
Commissioner Darknell asked why are the Red Light Camera's at Stevens Creek and Wolfe Rd. not
working after 1 ½ years. Commissioner Darknell stated that this is way too long and something should be
done,
Comrmssioner Darknell spoke of inviting a City Council member to sit in on the meeting with Dave Knapp
next month. It was suggested that they hold offon this until after they meet with Dave Knapp alone.
ConnniSSloner Riddell read from the job description of Public Safety Comrmssion as stated hi the
Municipal Code. Commissioner Riddell stated that much of what is stated they are not involved in such as
making policy and advising the City Council.
Darknell stated that it was time to elect a new chair for 2003. Commissioner Dot moves to keep Darknell
as chair. Second by Riddell. All members in favor.
IX. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION:
None.
X. OLD BUSINESS:
None.
/ Public Safety Commassion Minutes
Page4
XI. NEW BUSINESS:
None.
Regular Meeting of February 13, 2003
XII. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully Submii~ed,
Gary Komahrens
Code Enforcement Officer