These minutes will be considered for approval at the Public Safety Committee Meeting of 3/25/2025.
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 25, 2025
City Hall
Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
910 Calle Negocio
San Clemente, CA 92673
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Greenwald 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
San Clemente Resident Tom Streeter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Committee
Members Present: Vice Chair Michael Greenwald
Tom Hazelton
Mark Rhoden
Chief Rod Mellott
Chief Cheyne Maule
Committee
Members Absent: Chair Nick Berkuta
Captain Justin Chevalier
Staff Present: Adam Atamian, Community Development Director Rachel Perez, Administrative Assistant, Public Works
Jared Streeter, Administrative Sergeant, Police Services Natanya Wilcher, Office Specialist II
4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS / PRESENTATIONS
Kevin Kothlow, State Administrator, Southern California, Team Rubicon Mr. Kothlow summarized the functions of Team Rubicon and its recent participation in emergencies.
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of February 25, 2025 In response to Committee questions, Mr. Kothlow explained the means of coordinating for services; liability insurance for members and Team Rubicon; budget, funding and donors; and origin of the name Team Rubicon.
5. MINUTES
A. Minutes from the Regular Public Safety Committee Meeting of January 28, 2024
MOTION BY MEMBER RHODEN, SECOND BY MEMBER HAZELTON, AND CARRIED 3-0-1, (CHAIR BERKUTA ABSENT) to approve the minutes.
6. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
None.
7. REVEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. OCSD Performance Measures
Sergeant Streeter provided an overview of the Q1 Performance Measures.
In response to Committee questions Sergeant Streeter discussed the recent shooting involving juveniles; request for mesh on the security gate; and percentage of DUIs booked.
B. Marine Safety Performance Measures FY2025 Q1
Chief Mellot provided an update on Q1 Performance Measures.
8. NEW BUSINESS
None.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Public Safety Committee Annual Work Plan FY2024-2025 (1) Communications and Disaster Preparedness Project Update Member Hazelton stated he was unable to attend the Earthquake County Alliance meeting but would provide information when available.
Director Atamian provided an update on tsunami signage; selection of an Emergency Operations Manager; Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and potential grant funding; and the Firewise USA Program.
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of February 25, 2025 (2) Homelessness and Best Management Practices for Public Safety Personnel Project Update
In response to Committee questions regarding policy updates by OCSD on anti-camping laws in public right of ways, Sergeant Streeter explained the Sheriff currently favors outreach efforts prior to enforcement measures. He also discussed implementation of a pilot program in San Clemente using the Esri Application to document contact with homeless individuals and aid in enforcement capabilities.
(3) Neighborhood Watch
Vice Chair Greenwald announced new block captains in North Beach. (4) Statistical Information and Review
None.
(5) Human Trafficking
None.
(6) E-Bicycle/Traffic Safety
Member Rhoden explained SB1271, effective January 1, 2026, related to testing of e-bike batteries.
(7) Technology Review
Member Hazelton asked if the Committee should consider cameras on the beach. Director Atamian indicated City staff was handling the matter. (8) Review of Urgent Matters
None.
(9) Park Ranger Program
Vice Chair Greenwald noted the increased presence of Park Rangers in the Community.
10. REPORTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAFF
A. Police Services – Orange County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Chevalier None.
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of February 25, 2025 B. Fire Services – Orange County Fire Authority, Chief Maule Chief Maule discussed e-bike incidents; transition from fire to rainy weather and debris flow planning; and the recent swift water rescue in San Juan Capistrano.
C. Marine Safety – Marine Safety Division Capt. Mellott Captain Mellott provided an overview of recent statistics; notable incidents; tower project; rookie training academy; and junior lifeguard swim testing.
Member Rhoden expressed excitement for the new “fish” bike racks.
D. Committee Chair
None.
E. Committee members
None.
F. City Staff
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY MEMBER HAZELTON, SECOND BY MEMBER RHODEN, AND CARRIED 3-0-1, (CHAIR BERKUTA ABSENT), to adjourn the meeting at 4:03 p.m., to a Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee scheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall in Council Chambers at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________
Michael Greenwald, Vice Chair
Attest:
_______________________________
Adam Atamian, Community Development Director
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