PSC 05-08-03 City of Cupertino
Public Safety Commission
Regular Meeting
May 8, 2003
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 7:40 p.m. Emma Darknell called the meeting to order at Cupertino City Hall, 10300 Torre
Avenue, Conference Room A, Cupertino, CA.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Commissioners: Barry Chang, Nolan Chen, Emma Darknell, Philippe Dor, Hugh Riddell
City Staff.: Carol Atwood
Absent: None
Guests: None
4. MINUTES
Comanissioner Dor motioned to approve the minutes from the April 2, 2003 special meeting
with corrections from Commissioner Darknell. Commissioner Dor motioned to approve the
minutes from the April 10, 2003 regular meeting with corrections from Commissioner
Riddell. Seconded and motion passed unanimously.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Emma Darknell read an e-mall from Council member Dolly Sandoval expressing her concern
with traffic 'safety and suggesting that the Public Safety Commission get involved in an
educational campaign on safety, including red light running.
7. REPORTS
A. Santa Clara County Fire District - Chief Ben Lopes addressed the Commission and
distributed the March Incident Report stating that there were no significant losses during
March. He discussed the loss of Rich Madden' s home this week due to a fire ignited by a
gas leak and stated that no hazardous material was found in the white powder sent to the
city of Campbell. Ben advised that this year will be a higher fire risk for weeds/brush due
to the extensive rains. Other items discussed included 1) SCC has received a substantial
amount of grant funds from Homeland Security which will be used for personal
protective equipment, better communication equipment and emergency equipment for all
first responders; 2) LAFCO is currently reviewing all fire agencies in SCC; 3) there will
be two promotions to Captain next week and they currently have 17 attendees in the
Academy class; 4) there will be a new 100' ladder track at the Cupertino Station and 2
new engines. In addition, Ben invited all commissioners to the review of their strategic
plan on May 29th.
B. Santa Clara County Sheriff - Carol Atwood distributed the March and April Statistical
Data and Public Safety Report. She stated that she will include the police activity from
the Council's weekly notes packet as it is a more informative document. Commissioner
Darknell asked if the Sheriff Department could reconsider sending someone personally to
the meetings. Discussion followed with the commissioners split on the issue and
understanding the cutbacks in staffing with the budget crisis. Hugh Riddell asked if they
could receive accident information by intersection. Ms Atwood will follow up along with
a status report on the Red Light program.
C. Commissioner Reports -
Emma Darknell - Reported on her meetings with Sandra James, Richard Lowenthal and
Dave Knapp regarding the role of the Public Safety Commission. Some of the projects
that were suggested to her included Elm Court Flooding, Monte Court, Stevens Creek
Trail, the 4th of July and redistricting of the Schools. Discussion followed regarding
possible goals for the committee.
Nolan Chen- Reported on his discussions with Marsha Hovey who suggested that the
Commission could promote emergency preparedness and a Dam Evacuation Plan.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Selection of General Plan Task Force Member - The city is forming a General Plan
Task force and the Council has requested one representative from each commission.
Steve Piasecki has asked that the representative from the commission be concerned with
the safety aspect of land use issues. Several commissioners have decided to apply.
D. Fire Department Business Plan/Performance Measures - Commissioners have been
invited to attend the SCC Fire Districts review of their strategic plan on May 29th.
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. Function of the Public Safety Commission - The Commission decided to stay with the
primary functions of advising the City Council on all areas relating to public safety,
traffic, and police, fire and other matters relating to the foregoing.
B. Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Year 2003/04 - Potential goals and objectives were
compiled for the Commission and discussion followed. It was agreed that Carol Atwood
would list the projects and send them to the commissioners for ranking. This discussion
will be continued to the June meeting where projects will be ranked and chosen. A list
will then be forwarded to the City Manager and Council for their approval.
10. OTHER
A. It was suggested that the Commission start at 7pm. Emma Darknell motioned with a
second by Philippe Dor, and passed by a vote of 4-1 (Nolan Chen dissenting).
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m.
Carol Atwood