Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER AN URGENT UPDATE FROM STAFF ON VARIOUS PROPOSED SECURITY AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF CITY FACILITIES DURING NON-BUSINESS HOURS (CITY COUNCIL)
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I. SUMMARY
Staff is requesting approval from Council to move forward with increasing security and video surveillance measures to improve the safety and security of City Facilities and City Staff members during non-business hours due to a recent increase in crime-related activity at various City Parks and City Corporate Yard. This urgent public safety need will accrue expenditures not yet funded in the Public Safety FY 23/24 budget. Staff will present an amendment to the budget for the cost of these emergency expenditures to Council at the November 7th meeting.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. RECEIVE and FILE staff’s urgent update on proposed security and video surveillance measures to improve the safety and security of city facilities and city staff during non-business hours.
2. DIRECT staff to return with necessary purchasing and contract amendments for security and surveillance services for City Council ratification.
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III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action deemed appropriate by the City Council as allowed by law.
IV. BACKGROUND
According to Section 2611, Emergency Purchasing, (d.1) of the Carson Municipal Code, “the Purchasing Manager may make or authorize others to make emergency purchases of materials, supplies, equipment, or services when there exists a sudden, unexpected occurrence that poses a clear and imminent danger, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property, or essential public services. Emergency procurements shall require approval of the City Manager or his or her designee.” Additionally, Section 2611, Emergency Purchasing, (d.2) states that “expenditures made during a locally declared emergency or in an emergency situation must be reported to the City Council at the next regular City Council meeting if approval for such expenditures would otherwise have been subject to the approval of the City Council.”
Recent incidents at City parks and facilities have resulted in significant damage and loss due to vandalism and theft. Additionally, staff at park facilities have been victims of and witnessed criminal activity during evening hours. The Carson Sheriff have been investigating each incident and following several leads in efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Staff will present two contract amendments, Johnson Controls and Alltech Industries, Inc., to Council on the November 7th meeting for approval of the emergency expenditures accrued for the additional security and video surveillance measure. Staff will also present an amendment to Public Safety FY 23/24 budget to cover the anticipated expenses.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
A Fiscal impact may be anticipated as staff is working with the Finance Department to find a viable solution financially either through department savings or a request to City Council through the General Fund. Should funding be required through the City Council, staff will present proposals and varied options to include potential contract amendments reflecting fiscal impact at the November 7th meeting for ratification by the City Council.
VI. EXHIBITS
N/A
Prepared by: Nora Garcia, Emergency Services Manager