ITEM 5. 1
CITY MANAGER' SREPORT
AUGUST 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
ITEM: REVIEW AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution to Provide Direction for City Council Chambers Safety Improvements
SUMMARY:
The City Council has expressed interest in reviewing security enhancements for Council Chambers. City Hall currently operates with multiple existing safety and access control measures in place, including controlled access to staff areas, secured internal access points, and operational law enforcement presence during City Council meetings. As public facility security practices continue to evolve, staff have evaluated several enhancement options intended to build upon current safeguards while preserving public accessibility, customer service, and operational efficiency. Staff has presented safety improvement options to Council over several Council meetings. As requested, Staff is presenting additional options for Council consideration.
BACKGROUND:
City of Lathrop City Hall was originally constructed in 2005 and underwent remodeling improvements in 2021. Those projects focused on facility modernization, customer service functionality, and general building improvements consistent with the operational priorities at the time.
The facility currently incorporates a number of practical safety features, including restricted staff areas, electronic access controls, and operational staffing support during public meetings.
As standards and best practices for public building security continue to advance, staff reviewed opportunities to further enhance access management, employee safety, and visitor screening in a manner consistent with the City' s commitment to maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming civic environment.
At the May 11, 2026, Council meeting, Council provided staff with direction to move forward with selected improvements to the lobby of City Hail, including safety glass and increasing controlled access to staff -only areas. Additionally, Council provided feedback for additional options for safety improvements for Council Chambers.
At the June 8, 2026, Council meeting, Staff presented additional safety improvements options based on the feedback provided. After review and discussion, Council requested more information related to Option 2: Hand -Held (" Wand") Metal Detector Screening and for Staff to provide additional options for consideration.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT
AUGUST 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
PROVIDE DIRECTION FOR CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS SECURITY
IMPROVEMENTS
PAGE 2
Based on Council feedback, the following options for Council Chambers safety improvements are presented for Council review and consideration:
OPTION 1: Hand - Held (" Wand") Screening
Option 1 would include the use of a hand-eld ("wand") metal detector for screening upon entrance to Council Chambers. Hand- held screening provides enhanced detection accuracy and adjustable sensitivity, while portable and cost- effective.
This option can be monitored and administered by law enforcement staff; however, additional staff would be needed to accommodate wand screening of all attendees.
Staff recommends at least two personnel for this option, with three preferred.
Option 1 is cost- effective with hand-eld detectors ranging in cost from $ 200. 00 to 500. 00 per detector. Hand- held detectors require minimal training to operate effectively. Overtime for two law enforcement personnel is estimated at $ 990. 24. If three law enforcement personnel are utilized for this option, overtime is estimated to be $ 1, 485. 36. These amounts are dependent on the staff available for the assignment and the length of the meeting.
Option 1 presents challenges, including the potential for prolonged entry into Council meetings. This option is also significantly more invasive for meeting attendees.
A draft screening policy is included as Attachment C.
OPTION 2: Law Enforcement Personnel and K9 Officer Presence at all Council Meetings
Currently, when staffing levels permit, law enforcement personnel are stationed at the entrance to the Council Chambers to monitor public access and meetings. Council feedback suggested that consistent attendance by law enforcement personnel, specifically, a K9 handler and their K9 officer, would provide an added layer of security to Council meetings.
Lathrop Police Department is currently providing law enforcement personnel for Council meetings when staffing levels permit. Adding additional law enforcement personnel would increase costs similar to Option 1. Overtime for two law enforcement personnel is estimated at $ 990. 24. If three law enforcement personnel are utilized for this option, overtime is estimated to be $ 1, 485. 36. These amounts are dependent on the staff available for the assignment and the length of the meeting.
This option is the least invasive to the public and most cost- effective.
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT
AUGUST 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
PROVIDE DIRECTION FOR CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS SECURITY
IMPROVEMENTS
FISCAL IMPACT:
PAGE 3
Estimated costs for each option will vary based on personnel assigned and length of Council meetings:
Option 1 is expected to have minimal costs for hand -weld metal detectors, at approximately $ 1, 000.0. Training for use is minimal with no associated cost expected for training. Overtime for law enforcement personnel is estimated at $ 1, 485. 36per meeting.
Option 2 is expected to have the least fiscal impact. Overtime for law enforcement personnel is estimated at $ 1, 485. 36per meeting.
Upon Council direction, staff will implement additional staffing for Council meetings.
Should Option 1 be selected, Staff will return with a final draft Screening Policy for approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
A) Resolution to Provide Direction for City Council Chambers Safety Improvements B) Example of Hand - Held, Wand - Style Metal Detectors C) Draft Screening Policy
CITY MANAGER' SREPORT
AUGUST 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
PROVIDE DIRECTION FOR CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS SECURITY
IMPROVEMENTS
APPROVALS:
phen Se
Chief of Police
Cari James
Finance Di u• r
744102. 0. 16
PAGE 4
Date
Date
747/ 20.4
7/ 17/ot4'
Thomas Hedegard Date
Deputy City Manager
7 • z 3 • - Loz%
Salvador Navarrete Date
City Attorney
8. 4 -2i47
Stephen J. Salvatore Date
City Manager
RESOLUTION NO. 26-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LATHROP TO
PROVIDE DIRECTION FOR CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, City of Lathrop City Hall was originally constructed in 2005 and underwent remodeling improvements in 2021. Those projects focused on facility modernization, customer service functionality, and general building improvements consistent with the operational priorities at the time; and WHEREAS, the facility currently incorporates a number of practical safety features, including restricted staff areas, electronic access controls, and operational staffing support during public meetings; and
WHEREAS, as standards and best practices for public building security continue to advance, staff reviewed opportunities to further enhance access management, employee safety, and visitor screening in a manner consistent with the City' s
commitment to maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming civic environment; and
WHEREAS, the following options are presented for Council review and consideration:
OPTION 1: Hand - Held (" Wand") Screening
OPTION 2: Law Enforcement Personnel and K9 Officer Presence at all Council Meetings
WHEREAS, staff is requesting Council select one Option and staff will implement additional staffing for Council meetings. Should Option 1 be selected, Staff will return with a final draft Screening Policy for approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lathrop does hereby select Option .
Resolution No. Page 1 of 2
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 10th day of August 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
PAUL AKINJO, MAYOR
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TQ FORM:
Teresa Vargas, City Clerk Salvador Navarrete, City Attorney Resolution No. Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT B
Hand -Held Metal Detector
Beep your way to safety at public events.
Detect guns, razor blades, large knives or foil -
wrapped drugs.
Sharp audible alarm or silent vibration.
Weatherproof case with rubber handle.
9V battery included.
ATTACHMENT C
Security Screening Procedures for City Council Chambers POLICY NUMBER:
ADM- XXX
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Insert Date]
REVIEW DATE:
Insert Date]
APPROVED BY:
Chief of Police / City Manager
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish standardized security screening procedures for individuals entering City Council Chambers and other designated public meeting areas in order to enhance public safety, protect elected officials, staff, and attendees, and ensure the orderly conduct of public meetings while preserving constitutional rights and public access requirements.
II. POLICY
It is the policy of the Police Department and City to provide a safe and secure environment during public meetings conducted at City facilities. Security screening measures, including the use of walk- through metal detectors and handheld metal detectors (" security wands"), may be implemented for all persons entering designated meeting areas when deemed necessary for public safety.
Handheld metal detector screening shall generally be used as a secondary screening method when a walk- through metal detector alarm is activated.
Screening procedures shall be conducted in a fair, impartial, and non- discriminatory manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
ATTACHMENT C
III. DEFINITIONS
A. Walk -Through Metal Detector
A stationary electronic screening device designed to detect metallic objects on a person entering
a secured area.
B. Handheld Metal Detector (" Wand")
A portable electronic device used to identify the approximate location of metallic objects after an alarm or alert from a walk- through metal detector.
C. Secondary Screening
Additional screening conducted after an alarm activation or identification of a suspicious item during primary screening.
D. Prohibited Items
Items prohibited from entry into City Council Chambers, including but not limited to:
Firearms and ammunition ( except as authorized by law); Knives or edged weapons;
Explosives or incendiary devices;
Chemical agents or hazardous materials;
Any item determined by security personnel to pose a safety risk.
IV. PROCEDURES
A. Implementation of Screening
1. Security screening may be implemented:
o For all City Council meetings;
o During meetings anticipated to have elevated attendance or heightened security concerns;
o At the direction of the Chief of Police, Watch Commander, City Manager, or designee.
2. Screening procedures should be communicated through:
o Posted signage at building entrances;
o Public notices;
o Agenda postings when practical.
3. Signage shall advise attendees that entry into Council Chambers is conditioned upon compliance with security screening procedures.
ATTACHMENT C
B. Primary Screening Process
1. All individuals entering the Council Chambers may be required to:
o Pass through a walk- through metal detector;
o Remove metallic items from pockets when requested;
o Submit bags, backpacks, briefcases, or containers for visual inspection.
2. Personnel conducting screenings shall:
o Maintain professionalism and courtesy;
o Conduct screenings uniformly and without bias;
o Respect personal dignity and privacy to the greatest extent possible.
C. Secondary Screening — Handheld Metal Detector ( Wand)
1. Individuals activating the walk- through metal detector alarm may be subject to secondary screening using a handheld metal detector.
2. Prior to wand screening, personnel should request the individual remove identifiable metallic objects, including but not limited to:
o Keys;
o Ce11 phones;
o Belts;
o Coins;
o Watches or jewelry.
3. Handheld wand screening shall:
o Be conducted by trained personnel;
o Be limited to identifying the source of the alarm;
o Avoid unnecessary physical contact;
o Be conducted in a professional and respectful manner.
4. If the handheld metal detector alerts to a specific area:
o The individual may be asked to identify or remove the item; o Additional screening may occur as necessary to resolve the alarm.
5. Ifthe alarm cannot be resolved or a prohibited item is identified:
o Entry may be denied;
o Appropriate enforcement action may be taken consistent with law and Department policy.
D. Refusal to Comply
1. Individuals refusing to comply with screening procedures may be denied entry into Council Chambers.
2. Personnel shall:
ATTACHMENT C
o Advise the individual that screening is required for entry; o Provide an opportunity to voluntarily comply;
o Attempt to resolve the matter through voluntary cooperation whenever feasible.
3. Individuals who refuse to leave the screening area or who become disruptive may be subject to enforcement action consistent with applicable law and Department policy.
E. Accommodations and Medical Considerations
1. Reasonable accommodations shall be provided for individuals with disabilities or medical devices.
2. Individuals with medical implants or conditions affected by metal detectors may request alternative screening procedures.
3. Screening procedures shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
V. TRAINING
Personnel assigned to screening duties shall receive training on:
Operation of walk- through and handheld metal detectors; De- escalation techniques;
Constitutional considerations and civil rights;
ADA accommodations;
Identification of prohibited weapons and hazardous items; Professional screening procedures.
VI. PUBLIC ACCESS
Nothing in this policy is intended to unlawfully restrict public access to open meetings.
Screening procedures shall be narrowly tailored to address legitimate safety concerns while preserving lawful public participation rights.
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