02/18/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Councilmember Mok said we could see an increase in crime and would like to be more proactive and attempt to prevent crimes if possible. We need to do it and we need to do it now. He said, "I want to feel completely safe in my Town." Councilmember Swan said that the crime spurt is troubling. She asked about the laws on personal cameras. City Attorney Steve Mattas said the issue of private cameras that happen to capture the public right of way, there is no prohibition. There is no expectation of privacy in the public right-of-way. Councilmember Swan said we should explore more options to discourage crime and perhaps a surveillance and privacy policy ordinance is needed. Councilmember Schmidt said we need to be diligent and thoughtful to put together a program. We ought to develop a study to review license plate readers. We can also dig in on the research to see how effective these programs are. Vice Mayor Tyson said he was compelled by the speakers. Do the cameras accomplish anything? And is there a detriment to people's privacy? Should we do a pilot program and see how the data works that could be refined? Yes, he was in favor of developing a policy. Mayor Tankha thanked all the residents who came out and said, "we heard you very clearly." When it comes to ALPRs there are good reasons for adopting them. She acknowledged that there are some residents who have limited concerns on privacy. Those should be addressed. However, the reality is that cameras are everywhere. To address the privacy concerns, residents can opt -out; the readers would only capture images of cars that belong to non-residents. She was in favor test project to find out if they work for the Town. There was Council consensus to return with a draft policy next month. 4. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Persons wishing to address the Council on any subject not on the agenda may do so now. Please complete a Speaker Card located on the back table of the Council Chambers and submit it to the City Clerk. Comments are limited to two (2) minutes per speaker. California law prohibits the Council from acting on items that do not appear on the agenda. Under a Resolution previously adopted by the Council, such items can be referred to staff for appropriate action, which may include placement on the next available agenda. Robert Sandor, Los Altos Hills, said that the City Manager contract will be coming up in June. He was disappointed with the process last year and asked that it be public and suggested that resident volunteers be part of the contract renewal process. Michelle Yu, Los Altos Hills, spoke on behalf of a neighborhood collaborative, and 7 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 18, 2021