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Attachment 5 - Public comments received through 11 a.m. February 12, 2015From: Wendy Riggs <wendy.riggs(c—v gin ail. com> Date: February 11, 2015 at 10:45:02 PM PST To: Greg Larson < lag rson(chlosgatosca.eov >, Steve Leonardis <sleonardisLwlosgatosca.gov>, Barbara Spector <bspector a losgatosca.gov >, "Rob Rennie" <rrennie((TIosgatosca.gov >, Marcia Jensen at <MJensen(a,LosGatosCA.gov >, <MSavoc(cr LosGatosCA.gov> Subject: February 17th Council Agenda item regarding the LGMSPD Dear Town Management and Council Members, It is my understanding that at the Feb 17th Town Council meeting there is an agenda item to consider switching from our own police department to use of the sheriffs office to achieve cost savings. I understand that from a budgetary perspective this would seem like a logical option. However I think that this is not as simple as numbers on a spreadsheet. • Where would the citizens of Los Gatos and Monte Sereno go to report crimes, request reports, retrieve evidence, found property and other services provided by the civilian staff? • What is the value of having our own communications center with dispatchers that are familiar with the Town of Los Gatos and the City of Monte Sereno? • What is the value of having officers working in one community for their entire career, opposed to deputies rotating through several communities on a contractual basis? • What is the value of a locally controlled police command staff onsite and available to respond 24 hours a day 7 days a week? • What is the value of the programs and community relationships that have been developed and enjoyed over the years by the Los Gatos -Monte Sereno Police Department and the community? I think this last question is the most important one, how would the Sheriffs office integrate itself into our community? Would they practice community policing at the level we have become accustomed? Presently the School Resource Officers have a direct and effective impact on the health and safety of our youth. They provide support to the schools in times of trouble, but also provide education to the students in our schools on a daily basis on subjects ranging from healthy choices to specific drug and alcohol related information as well as vehicle code and much more. Our schools rely heavily on the assistance they receive from the LGSMPD. I urge you to retain LGMSPD as our health and safety provider. Wendy Riggs President, CASA www.casalg.org 408 - 421 -4343 "Fostering healthy lifestyle choices that help young people resist alcohol and drugs" 1 ATTACHMENT 5 From: Debbie McNulty <debbiemcnulty ,,comcast.net> Date: February 11, 2015 at 11:12:56 PM PST To: < Ig arson(&loseatosca.gov >, <sleonardis@los atg osca.gov >, <bspectorQlosgatosca.eov >, <rrennieAlosgatosca.gov >, <MJensen@LosGatosCA.gov >, <MSavoc(c�LosGatosCA.gov> Subject: Re: LGMSPD should be retained as our health and safety provider Hi Steve, Thanks for responding to my letter. I heard about this through a friend who said this would be on the Feb 17th agenda and that I needed to write by Feb 12th for my info to be included in the Town Council Member's packet. I would appreciate if you would review the agenda and confirm that this item is not on it for Feb 17th. Thanks, Debbie McNulty Debbie McNulty Independent CAN Consultant 408 - 348 -1261 debbiemcnultyCa)comcast. net On Feb 11, 2015, at 9:45 PM, Debbie McNulty <debbiemcnultvAcomcast.net> wrote: Dear Town Council Members, I was surprised tonight to learn of a movement to have the County Sheriff's office take over as the health and safety provider for Los Gatos and Monte Sereno. I would like to express my desire as a long time resident of Los Gatos to retain LGMSPD as our health and service provider. One more time, I feel blindsided by changes that are being considered by our town council without buy -in from our community. This is the first that I have heard of this plan and am learning tonight that we must voice our opinion by tomorrow for our voice to count. What is wrong with this town "? These are decisions that should be made with input from the community. I wish I had more time to review the pros and cons of such a decision, but my initial impression is that the community should have an opportunity to become educated on this and have a say in the decision. My vote at this point is not to outsource to the Sheriffs department. I am happy with the services provided by LGMSPD. With the increase in crime in our neighborhoods, I believe we need more, not less officers on our local streets. Sincerely, Debbie McNulty Los Gatos Resident 408 - 348 -1261 debbiemcnulty(a)comcast net