City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Community Services
Meeting Date: June 16, 2025
Report #:2505-4726
TITLE
Approval of a Surveillance Use Policy for Security Cameras at Ada's Café at Mitchell Park Community Center and Library; CEQA Status - Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the City Council approve the attached surveillance use policy (Attachment A) for the use of security cameras to enhance security and safety and deter unauthorized or criminal activity at Ada’s Cafe at the Mitchell Park Community Center and Library.
BACKGROUND
Ada’s Café leases space from the City of Palo Alto to operate a public café at the Mitchell Park Community Center and Library. Incidents of vandalism to Ada’s property, such as outdoor furniture and equipment, have increased in the past year and the owners have an interest in installing security cameras to deter such incidents, increase security and safety around the exterior of the café, and provide evidence to the Palo Alto Police Department (PAPD) if an incident should occur. Additionally, interior cameras provide safety and security for staff and is a requirement of Ada’s Workers Compensation policy.
ANALYSIS
Palo Alto’s Surveillance Technology Ordinance, codified PAMC § 2.30.620, et seq., sets criteria and procedures to protect personal privacy in the acquisition and use of surveillance technology and provide for ongoing oversight. Security camera technology is “surveillance technology” as defined by the ordinance. The ordinance requires City Council approval of the acquisition of new surveillance technology and of a Surveillance Use Policy specific to each new approved technology. In approving new surveillance technology, the Council must determine that its benefits outweigh the associated costs and concerns.
The ordinance sets forth specific elements that must be present in a Surveillance Use Policy, including limitations on use, access, and retention, as well as a description of compliance procedures. In coordination with Ada’s Café, staff has prepared and attached a surveillance Use Policy, which addresses each of these elements.
Prior to approval of a new surveillance activity by the Council, the ordinance requires the completion of a Surveillance Evaluation, consisting of five specific elements below.
Surveillance Evaluation
1) A description of the surveillance technology, including how it works and what information is captured;
The surveillance technology will include security cameras and monitoring systems designed to capture real-time video and audio footage. These devices will record activities in and outside of the café. Security cameras around the café will focus on entry points and café seating. The technology may also include motion detectors and alarm systems that notify designated personnel of suspicious activities. 2)Information on the proposed purpose, use and benefits of the surveillance technology; The primary purpose of implementing surveillance technology is to enhance the safety and security of Ada’s Café, which has been subject to vandalism, theft, and tampering with furniture and property of the café. It will also provide evidence to the Palo Alto Police Department (PAPD) if an incident should occur inside or outside the café. 3)The location or locations where the surveillance technology may be used; Surveillance technology will be located inside and outside of Ada’s Café - it includes strategic points, including wide angle of the outdoor seating area. This will provide comprehensive coverage of high-risk areas prone to vandalism, theft or other criminal activity.
4)Existing federal, state and local laws and regulations application to the surveillance technology and the information it captures; the potential impacts on civil liberties and privacy; and proposals to mitigate and manage any impacts; Surveillance technology will comply with applicable laws related to video and audio recording. This includes Labor Code section 435, which forbids employers from recording in a restroom, locker room, or changing room; and Penal Code section 632, which prohibits recording audio of “confidential communication,” subject to exceptions such as for public meetings under Penal Code section 632(c).
Mitigation Actions:
• Access to surveillance footage will be limited to authorized Ada’s Café management, and City police personnel for law enforcement purposes. • Encryption and access control mechanisms will safeguard the footage. 5)The costs of the surveillance technology, including acquisition, maintenance, personnel and other costs, and current or potential sources of funding.
All costs to purchase, install, and maintain the cameras will be the responsibility of Ada’s Café.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no cost to the city. Ada’s Café will purchase, install and maintain security cameras.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Community Services Department coordinated with Ada’s Café, and multiple departments to develop the policy, including the City Manager’s Office, IT, Library, and the City Attorney’s Office.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because approval of this surveillance policy is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Surveillance Use Policy for Ada’s Café
APPROVED BY:
Kristen O'Kane, Community Services Director