These minutes were approved at the Public Safety Committee Meeting of 1/24/2023
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
November 22, 2022
City Hall
First Floor Community Room
910 Calle Negocio
San Clemente, CA 92673
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Loeffler called the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of the City of San Clemente to order at 3:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Member Scott Roeber led the Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL
Committee
Members Present: Chair Rick Loeffler
Vice Chair Charles Hightower
Nick Berkuta
Michael Greenwald
Scotland Roeber
Chief Cheyne Maule, Orange County Fire Authority
Captain Mellott, Marine Safety
Members Absent: Captain Tony Benfield, Orange County Sheriffs Department Staff Present: Adam Atamian, Deputy Community Development Director Natanya Wilcher, Office Assistant
Special Guests: Juan Gonzalez, So Cal Gas
4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation by Juan Gonzalez, Public Affairs Manager of SoCal Gas on Community Disaster Planning
Member Berkuta introduced Juan Gonzalez, SoCal Gas.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of November 22, 2022 Mr. Gonzalez discussed the services of SoCal Gas; efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; pipeline operations; work with local communities; and safety. He summarized the "look, listen and smell" concept; "Call Before You Dig"; and community disaster planning. He requested all sectors of energy to be considered by customers rather than mandated by the State.
Member Berkuta discussed pipeline information included on gas bills. He asked about long term maintenance for the gas lines. Mr. Gonzalez stated the pipelines were reviewed every seven years. He discussed safety requirements for drop in pressure and the life expectancy of pipelines.
Member Greenwald questioned why SoCal Gas did not push back harder on electrification and discussed support from the restaurant industry. He encouraged giving to the SoCal Gas Foundation. Mr. Gonzalez discussed grant opportunities.
ir Leftler, Mica ed szalez explained that Socal its was he pons gao company in San Clemente.
Vice Chair Hightower asked about incentives. Mr. Gonzalez discussed income based pricing and medical rates.
In response to Chair Loeffler, Chief Maule discussed cooperation during emergencies and ongoing communication with a SoCal Gas liaison.
MINUTES
A Mizes from the Regular Public Safety Commitee meeting of October
MOTION BY MEMBER BERKUTA, SECOND BY MEMBER HIGHTOWER AND CARRIED 4-1 to approve the minutes from the Public Safety Committee meeting of September 27, 2022. Member Greenwald abstained.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
None.
7. REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
None.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of November 22, 2022
NEW BUSINESS
Deputy Director Atamian indicated, beginning January 2023, performance measures for public safety groups would be provided. He explained that the reportable items were established in the budget but the Committee could provide input.
Vice Chair Hightower suggested reviewing the Orange County Fire Statistics.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Evaluate an Ordinance Concerning Street Side Soliciting Deputy Director Atamian discussed the information provided by Captain Benfield, along with ordinances from neighboring jurisdictions; and requested Committee action.
Chair Loeffler indicated support for the ordinance.
Member Roeber stated he requested additional information on enforceability and efficacy. He indicated support for the Laguna Niguel model. Chair Loeffler concurred.
The Committee discussed the public safety purpose of the proposed ordinance.
MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BERKUTA, SECOND BY CHAIR
LOEFFLER, AND CARRIED 5-0 to request staff draft an ordinance based on the Laguna Niguel model and any other useful resources.
B. Public Safety Committee Annual Work Plan FY2022-2023 Deputy Director Atamian presented the staff report. He stated funding for the Neighborhood Watch Program staffing needed to be approved by Council.
Chair Loeffler reviewed the Committee assignments.
1. Communications and Disaster Preparedness Project Update Member Berkuta stated he invited Juan Gonzalez, SoCal Gas, to the meeting and was scheduling Tri-Cities CERT to attend a future meeting. He provided an update on the Abound Food Care program and potential use of City property. He discussed the email from Assemblymember Davies regarding funding for Orange County Fire Authority equipment and command center.
Chief Maule explained that the funding was for the purpose of housing a hand crew and a location was being sought. Member Berkuta stated he was working on food insecurity funding with Assemblymember Davies' office. He
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of November 22, 2022 the next meeting. He indicated social media would be utilized to advertise opportunities.
5. Statistical Information and Review
Deputy Director Atamian indicated he would work with the Subcommittee to provide the information.
6. Human Trafficking
Chair Loeffler stated he would reach out to the 1-5 Freedom Network about starting the award program for participating hotels. He discussed the successful town hall and community interest.
7. E-Bicycle/Traffic Safety
Vice Chair Hightower stated most people seemed to be aware of the laws and regulations. He suggested concentrating on educating middle school students.
Member Roeber discussed the need to investigate global solutions.
Vice Chair Hightower discussed AB1338.
Chair Loeffler suggested contacting Council Member Mark Enmeier to work with the schools.
Deputy Director Atamian discussed the Council's direction for the Committee to study and provide recommendations to address the issue locally.
Member Roeber discussed the need for enforcement.
Chair Loeffler suggested consideration of prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks in the T-Zone. He stated the situation had improved since school started and with targeted enforcement by OCSD.
8. Technology Review
Vice Chair Hightower suggested working on implementation of emergency radio communications systems.
Member Roeber stated he was still reviewing new technologies that could be implemented in the City.
Chair Loeffler suggested the possibility of grant funds.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of November 22, 2022 asked about the November 3, 2022 OCFA approval of new fire helicopters.
Chief Maule discussed the helicopters removed from service and the future purchase of two Fire Hawk helicopters. Member Berkuta discussed efforts to identify mass care evacuation sites. Member Roeber suggested inviting emergency management staff to participate. The Committee recommended the possibility of the aquatics center and city golf course.
Member Greenwald encouraged CERT training. Chief Maule indicated he would provide additional information on training opportunities. Deputy Community Development Director Atamian discussed the City's prior emergency planning coordinator and current contract services for CERT training.
Vice Chair Hightower reported on nutritional needs for humans and dried food emergency supply, water needs, and recommendation for the Public Safety Committee to encourage residents to obtain a three-day supply of food.
2. Homelessness and Best Management Practices for Public Safety Personnel Project Update
Chair Loeffler discussed comments by the Human Affairs Committee regarding RV parking. Captain Benfield reported that 30 citations were written. Chair Loeffler mentioned the Governor's release of $1 billion in homeless relief funds and encouraged the Council to try to obtain funds.
3. Legislative Review
Chair Loeffler asked if the Committee could investigate possible grant fund opportunities. Deputy Community Development Director Atamian welcomed the assistance.
Vice Chair Hightower discussed his prior experience in obtaining grant funds and encouraged application. He offered to assist with grant management.
4. Neighborhood Watch
The Committee discussed necessary funding for staff and signage.
Deputy Director Atamian explained the process for installing signs. He indicated the website information was live.
Member Greenwald requested a copy of the map to note Neighborhood Watch information.
Chair Loeffler discussed the possibility of an article in the SC Times. He discussed potential interest and anticipated a lot of progress to be reported at
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of November 22, 2022 Vice Chair Hightower asked about the possibility of sustainable fire trucks.
Chief Maule stated the department was watching other agencies' implementation.
9. Review of Urgent Matters
Member Roeber discussed the need for timely, accurate statistical reports.
He referenced the change to CPR methods based on data. He discussed fentanyl deaths in Ontario and urged tracking and data management.
Chair Loeffler agreed that fentanyl was an urgent topic in the City.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAFF
A. Police Services - Orange County Sheriff's Department Captain Benfield Chair Loeffler announced that Captain Benfield had been promoted and would be leaving.
B. Fire Services - Orange County Fire Authority, Chief Maule Chief Maule discussed recent fire weather and up-staffing. He reiterated enthusiasm about the new Fire Hawks and review of locations to set up heli- pods. He announced Captain Corey Larson's receipt of Fire Fighter of the Year.
He stated he would review fentanyl data. He discussed tracking of e-bike accidents and provided safety suggestions.
Vice Chair Hightower expressed surprise over battery fires and requested information on the cause.
Chief Maule announced the new station at Rancho Mission Viejo and additional truck company at Station 56 which would assist the City of San Clemente.
In response to Committee questions, Chief Maule explained the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and indicated it was still in service. He explained funding and State reimbursement. He discussed moving helicopters to John Wayne Airport during fire weather. He discussed night drops by heli-tankers.
C. Marine Safety - Marine Safety Division Captain Mellott Captain Mellott discussed rains, high winds, and cold weather at the beach. He reported on the successful tryout; beginning of the lifeguard academy; and the classification and compensation study. He discussed the two rescues since the past meeting. He announced the upcoming surf contest. He discussed the goal
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of November 22, 2022 for one tryout in September or October. He discussed ocean lifeguards working at the pool.
D. Committee Chair
Chair Loeffler encouraged the subcommittees to meet on work plan items.
E. Committee Members
Member Berkuta discussed the need to stay on top of the flock license plate reader implementation.
The Committee welcomed Member Mike Greenwald.
Vice Chair Hightower thanked Natanya Wilcher for her service.
F. City Staff
Deputy Director Atamian announced the new Code Compliance Manager.
11. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER GREENWALD, SECOND BY VICE CHAIR HIGHTOWER, AND CARRIED 5-0 to adjourn at 5:12 PM to the next Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee scheduled to be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall in Council Chambers at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, Califomia.
Respectfully submitted,
Rick Loefler, Chair
Attest:
Adam Atamian, Deputy Community Development Director