DATE: SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY & COMMUNITY SERVICES
FROM: KRISTAN LUNDQUIST, DIRECTOR
TITLE: SECURITY SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CLOSTER PARK
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a service agreement with Kysmet Security & Patrol, Inc. for security at Closter Park.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a service agreement with Kysmet Security & Patrol, Inc. for security at Closter Park.
BACKGROUND
Closter Park has a history of negative incidents in and around the park including drug and alcohol use and gang activity. These types of incidents have led to the community feeling unsafe and an overall perception that the park is not safe for use by residents in the area. It is important to note that Closter Park is safe for use by residents of all ages.
Staff initiated a pilot program in April of 2023 and entered into a service agreement with Kysmet Security & Patrol, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for daily security in the park from 3:00-11:00 PM. During the 90-day pilot program, guards assigned to Closter Park submitted daily activity reports and a log was created to document the types of incidents occurring in and around the park. The pilot program was extended to allow for additional time to assess the program and make a recommendation on moving forward. The pilot program was extended to allow for additional time to assess the program and make a recommendation on moving forward. As a result, two additional months of security were added bringing the total to $31,136 for the pilot program. Invoices for July and August are pending Council approval of the additional appropriation.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the security log and found that most of the recorded incidents involve drug and alcohol use. Since the pilot program was initiated, there have been 50 incidents where security needed to address a park user regarding alcohol and drug use in the park. There have also been some minor vandalism issues that security has also been able to address and disruptive behaviors by users. Based on the review of the security log, staff feels like the security has been able to address the types of incidents that occur regularly and appears to have a positive impact on the park. Staff has also inquired with the Salinas Boxing Club and National Little League, organizations who utilize the park on a regular basis and the feedback received is that security is helping to deter negative behaviors. Staff also reviewed police statistics for Part 1 Crimes and found that the number of incidents recorded during the pilot project period had one fewer incident than the four months prior. While there wasn’t a significant change in the number of recorded police incidents, the security presence provides an increased perception of safety.
Staff is seeking authorization to enter into a service agreement with Kysmet Security & Patrol, Inc. for security at Closter Park between September 2023- August of 2024 in an amount not to exceed $80,000. Library & Community Services staff will coordinate with the Police Department around the appropriate number of hours per week that security should be scheduled.
Consistent with Purchasing Policies and ordinance (2576) Service Agreements in the amount of more than $30,000 requires City Council Authorization.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Providing security at Closter Park is consistent with the City Council Goals of:
Youth and Seniors
Public Safety
DEPARTMENT COORDINATION:
The Library & Community Department has worked with the City Manager’s Office, the Police Department and Finance Department on this item.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Funds are available and appropriated for the cost of this agreement. No additional funding is required at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
Agreement
Resolution
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