PSC 08-14-03 CITY OF
CUPEP TINO
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMISSION, AUGUST 14, 2003
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 7:04 p.m., Commissioner Darknell called the meeting to order.
2. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
Commissioners: Barry Chang, Nolan Chen, Emma Darknell, Philippe Dor, Hugh Riddell
Staff: Ralph Qualls, Jr., Director of Public Works
Carol Atwood, Director of Administrative Services
Glenn Goepfert, Assistant Director of Public Works
Vicki Guapo, Senior Traffic Technician
Ben Lopes, Chief, Santa Clara County Fire Department
Absent: None
Guests: None
4. MINUTES
Commissioner Dot made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 10, 2003 regular meeting.
The motion was seconded by Riddell and passed unanimously.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None.
6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None.
7. REPORTS
A. Santa Clara County Fire District - Chief Lopes distributed the June Incident Report. There
were 2 fires in the month with an estimated fire loss of $512,000.
B. Lopes distributed an executive summary of a study prepared by Matrix Consulting Group for
LAFCO, which analyzed current fire services. The completed and approved report should be
ready in October or November 2003. Identified below are five (5) primary issues that emerged
as a result of this study. Increase development in "unprotected areas" outside of the geopolitical
boundaries of fire service agencies
1. Overlay of services boundaries on the City of Saratoga.
2. Anticipated development in the south county will impact fire service needs and alternatives
in the future.
3. Moffett Field conversion.
4. Regional fire emergency service program and operating issues.
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C. Santa Clara County Sheriff- Director Atwood distributed the August Statistical Data and
Public Safety Report.
8. OLD BUSINESS
A. Goals and Objectives for fiscal year 2003/04
1. Red Light Running System (Red Light Photo Enforcement) - Director Qualls gave an
overview of the two (2) systems installed. The ACS system on De Anza Boulevard is
operating with an average of 50-60 citations a month. The other Poltech system on Wolfe
Road is not operational; it is running, but has no issuance of citations. Commissioner
Darknell asked why the contract with Poltech had not been terminated. Mr. Quails
informed the Commission that the City is exercising its agreement with Poltech, but due to
a changeover in Poltech's corporate structure, the City has agreed to allow them time to
make good their system or remove it.
Commissioner Dor asked if the City would install more systems. Mr. Quails replied that
there are currently legal issues in San Diego with the ACS system. In addition, few cities
are using these systems. Cupertino is experimenting with both systems and the vendors are
reluctant to give up any technology.
Street Improvements Policy - Director Quails informed the Commission that the
Assistant Director of Public Works, Glenn Goepfert, will provide a report next month
which includes a policy proposal listing street improvement projects, policy, and standards
for street lighting, sidewalks, curb, and gutters. In addition, this policy will include
provisions for exemptions in urban areas as well as rural settings.
School Traffic and Parking - Director Qualls stated that the City has nothing to report.
Commissioner Darknell pointed out that Lincoln Elementary School generates traffic on
McClellan Road and during a short period of time (mostly AM), the area is congested. The
Commission is in favor of encouraging use of a drop-off in back of the school on Fort
Baker Drive. Director Quails informed the Commission that drop-off zones were instituted
at Monta Vista High School as a result of a grant received for "Safe Routes to School."
Commissioner Dor indicated that it is in the best interests of this Commission to
communicate and work with both school districts and superintendents. He proposed
extension of the service road, which would change the demand of this roadway section.
Discussion followed.
4. Traffic Issues - None
9. NEW BUSINESS - None
A. Director Quails informed the Commission that Public Works staff, Assistant Director
Goepfert and Senior Traffic Technician Guapo, have been assigned to take care of the
Commission agenda, minutes, and be the principal contacts. Director of Administrative
Services Atwood explained the change is due to the fact that the Commission's goals
are primarily traffic-related.
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10. OTHER A. Commissioner Riddell still has forty-foot containers available.
B. Commissioner Chen just completed his CERT training and on a personal level, enjoyed the
experience and recommends this program.
C. Commissioner Darknell presented the Commission's goals and objectives to the City Council
on August 4th.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 P.M.
Vicki Guapo, Se~i{[r r~fic Technician
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