These minutes were approved at the Public Safety Committee Meeting of 6/24/2025.
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2025
City Hall
Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
910 Calle Negocio
San Clemente, CA 92673
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Berkuta 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
Chair Berkuta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Committee
Members Present: Chair Nick Berkuta
Vice Chair Michael Greenwald
Mark Rhoden
Captain Justin Chevalier
Chief Rod Mellott
Chief Cheyne Maule
Committee
Members Absent: Tom Hazelton
Staff Present: Adam Atamian, Community Development Director Natanya Wilcher, Office Specialist I|
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS / PRESENTATIONS
None.
MINUTES
A. Minutes from the Regular Public Safety Committee Meeting of April 22, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of May 27, 2025
MOTION BY VICE CHAIR GREENWALD, SECOND BY CHAIR BERKUTA, AND CARRIED 3-0-1, MEMBER HAZELTON ABSENT, to approve the minutes as amended.
6. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
North Beach Resident George Gregory expressed concern about the use of North Beach for a churches homeless services.
In response to Committee questions, Mr. Gregory is disfavored with the distribution of food and clothing at North Beach; and suggested homeless outreach be conducted at the church rather than at the beach.
7. REVEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. OCSD Performance Measures FY2025 Q2
Captain Chevalier provided an update on statistics; and notable arrests.
In response to Committee questions, Captain Chevalier discussed the use of the Flock camera system.
B. Marine Safety Performance Measures FY2025 Q2
Chief Mellott summarized the Q2 performance measures.
In response to Committee questions, Chief Mellott responded regarding staffing; beach tower replacement; fiberglass versus wood towers; and plans for LA2028 Olympics.
NEW BUSINESS
Council Liaison Rick Loeffler discussed the upcoming OCFA Heroes Dinner and available seats.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Public Safety Committee Annual Work Plan FY2024-2025 (1) Communications and Disaster Preparedness Project Update Chair Berkuta discussed the recent Orange County Emergency Management Association meeting.
(2) Homelessness and Best Management Practices for Public Safety Personnel Project Update
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of May 27, 2025 None.
(3) Neighborhood Watch
Vice Chair Greenwald discussed extension of the Neighborhood Watch network; and an upcoming Open House.
In response to Vice Chair Greenwald, Community Development Director Atamian indicated he would work with OCSD to facilitate purchasing of promotional items.
(4) Statistical Information and Review
None.
(5) Human Trafficking
None.
(6) E-Bicycle/Traffic Safety
Chair Berkuta reviewed Assembly bills related to e-bikes.
Captain Chevalier discussed speed modifications to e-bikes. (7) Technology Review
Chair Berkuta discussed the status of obtaining a siren system like the one currently being utilized in Laguna Beach.
Community Development Director Atamian indicated the siren system was included as one of the items in the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and would be contemplated in the future depending on funding.
(8) Review of Urgent Matters
None.
(9) Park Ranger Program
Community Development Director Atamian discussed the implementation of protective vests and pepper spray; and the Watchtower software being on hold pending determination of compatibility with the new software upgrades in- process on the City website portal.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of May 27, 2025
10. REPORTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAFF
A. Police Services - Orange County Sheriff's Department Capt. Chevalier Captain Chevalier indicated there was no additional information to report.
B. Fire Services - Orange County Fire Authority, Chief Maule Chief Maule discussed fire season preparation; cancellation of Camp Pendleton Fire School; and upcoming OCFA Heroes Dinner.
C. Marine Safety - Marine Safety Division Chief Mellott Chief Mellott provided an overview of Summer operations; recent statistics; notable incidents; the OCTA project; and special event permits.
D. Committee Chair
None.
E. Committee members
In response to Vice Chair Greenwald, Chief Mellot discussed Ocean Fest on July 19; and the bridge project near El Portal Stairs.
Chair Berkuta asked about the design of the catchment wall.
F. City Staff
Community Development Director Atamian discussed weed abatement of City Hall property; bible study and public feeding at North Beach; the Park Ranger program; and emergency management, selection of an Emergency Management Specialist, and grant applications.
In response to Committee questions, Director Atamian discussed the pilot goat grazing program.
11. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY CHAIR BERKUTA, SECOND BY VICE CHAIR GREENWALD, AND CARRIED 3-0-1, MEMBER HAZELTON ABSENT, to adjourn the meeting at 3:51 p.m., to a Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee scheduled to be helo on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall in Council Chambers at 91( Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of May 27, 2025 Respectfully submitted,
Well tute
Attest:
Al At
Adam Atamian, Community Development Director