Exhibit A to Attachment 1�pW N OF
s'
os..G�to
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: FEBRUARY 17, 2015
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER
MEETING DATE: 02/17/15
ITEM NO: 10
DESK ITEM
SUBJECT: POLICE COST COMPARISON BETWEEN LOS GATOS AND MONTE SERENO,
POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF MONTE SERENO CONTRACT TERMINATION, AND
POTENTIAL OUTSOURCING
REMARKS:
Additional correspondence (Attachment 7) was received from the period of 11:01 a.m. February 13
through 12:00 p.m. February 17, 2015.
Attachments 1 -5 (Previously received on February 12 2015)•
1. Town of Los Gatos Ad Hoc Committee Report
2. Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Law Enforcement Service Contract and Amendment
3. Los Altos Hills Contract for Law Enforcement Services and Supplement
4. Outsourcing Memorandum (with Exhibits A and B)
5. Public comments received through 11:00 a.m. February 12, 2015
Attachment 6 (Received with Addendum on February 13 2015)
6. Public comments received from 11:01 a.m. February 12 through 11:00 a.m. February 13, 2015
Attachments received with this Desk Item•
7.. Public comments received from 11:01 a.m. February 13 through 12:00 p.m. February 17, 2015.
PREPARED BY: MATT FRISBY
Chief of Police
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Finance
NAMGR\, d workFiles\2015 Council Rq- U\Feb.17 \Tr Rprt - PD.Monte Sereoo Desk Item.doc
EXHIBIT A TO
ATTACHMENT 1
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From: Patti & Tim Perry
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 2:56 PM
To: Marcia Jensen ; Barbara Spector ; Steven Leonardis ; Marico Sayoc ; Rob Rennie
Cc: Patti Perry
Subject: Outsourcing Police Services
Dear Mayor and Town Council,
My wife Patricia and I are very proud to be Los Gatos Town residents served by the Los Gatos — Monte Sereno
Police Department.
We feel that this department contributes to the quality of life in our town in a way that can not be measured
in budgeted dollars alone.
All discussions that we have heard on police outsourcing are spoken in the same breath as a list of attractive
projects that could be funded with the town's potential savings.
We support local business, shop in town and enjoy living in our vibrant downtown area. Likewise, this quality
of life can not be measured simply in dollars. If all things were reduced to budget issues, our residents could
justify outsourcing all their shopping to San Jose's lower priced Target and Wal -Mart stores diminishing the
character of our town in the name of savings.
We believe that you get what you pay for and that our current police services are reasonably priced all things
considered.
Please reject the efforts to outsource our town police services and be cautious of possible 'bait and switch'
tactics by proponents.
Please reschedule this item on Town Council agenda to allow for the proper public input it deserves.
Patricia and Timothy Perry
37 Broadway
Los Gatos
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: WM L. REAGAN [mailto:reaaanle(@msn.com]
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2015 12:52 PM
To: Greg Larson
Subject: LG Police Dept
We are William and Sally Reagan. We live at 209 Belmont in Los Gatos and have been residents for 40 years. We support
the LG Police Dept and can't even see why there would be a discussion to replace it with the County Sheriff. If you have
to bring up this issue, please pick another night besides the 17th when the controversial Hillbrook School is on the
agenda. Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone
rrum: KIN tmaigono46(e7yan00 coral _ --
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2015 1:57 PM
To: Greg Larson; Steven Leonardis; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marico Sayoc
Cc: Marcia Jensen
Subject: Outsourcing of Police Services
Honorable Council Members,
I am writing you with regard to the upcoming council meeting in which the outsourcing of police services will be considered. I must say
that I am not only surprised, but outraged not only that the town would consider something so ludicrous but also that the Mayor would
force such a vital issue on the agenda with little notice to the residents and other town stakeholders. From what I understand, this had
been considered years ago along with a time consuming and expensive study which resulted in a "no" vote. I also understand that
when this was brought up again, it was supposed to be tabled until September. Now it's the last item on a council meeting agenda after
a three day weekend with little public notice. I'm sorry, but common sense makes me wonder what the hurry is and what other hidden
agenda the Mayor and Sheriff Smith have.
I moved to the Town of Los Gatos because of the dwindling police services in the City of San Jose. Fewer officers on the street, crime
on the rise, and now citizens taking to their own measures to feel safe ... I can go on and on. I felt that the Town of Los Gatos offered me
the safety and security I desired with one of the most professional police departments in the state. Here I can walk around town at night;
something I wouldn't dare do in the City of San Jose.
As a retired Police Lieutenant I know that police services are inherently expensive. However, how do you put a price tag on the well
being and the feeling of safety of your community? All you need to do is look to your neighbor and see what is happening in San Jose.
Now our Mayor wants us to disband our police department, put a large number of DEDICATED men and women OUT OF WORK, and
bring in the Sheriff. I have read the studies with regard to the expenses/savings incurred when comparing the LGPD to the Sheriffs
Office. I must say that on their face, the numbers look good. But what it really boils down to is reducing numbers. The Sheriff doesn't
pay her people any less than the Town and anyone can see that if you cut the number of boots on the ground, you save money. Why
don't we ask Chief Larry Esquivel how well that is working ? ?? Do you really want your citizens waiting hours as opposed to minutes for
a police officer to respond? Do you really think that cutting the number of officers is good for the future of the town? People and
businesses come here in part because they feel safe!
I hope that you look past the smoke and mirrors and put this issue to rest. If the Town of Los Gatos brings in the Sheriffs Department it
does it at the cost of the safety of the community and everyone loses (except maybe the Mayor and Sheriff). Please vote no!
Thank you.
Robert Noriega
It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong. - Voltaire [Frangois Marie Arouet] (1694 -1778)
From: Steve Rice <steverice @msn.com>
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2015 7:43 PM
To: Marcia Jensen; BSpector; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Steven Leonardis
Cc: Town Manager
Subject: Agenda Item 10
Council Members:
I am writing to ask that agenda item number 10 for Tuesday's meeting be postponed to a later date. First and
foremost, this is a very significant item to put on the agenda following two already significant and likely time -
consuming items. It will likely not be heard until very, very late in the evening. Second, the public will not
have the chance to adequately learn that the item is agendized, both due to the holiday weekend and the fact
that the schools are on vacation next week. Both of these concerns will limit public input, which is critical for
such a significant topic.
Rightfully, Police Services, and any potential change in them, should be discussed in the context of the overall
"work plan" for the Staff and Council, and allow multiple opportunities for public input, detailed analysis and
discussion. This should not be discussed with minimal notice and deep into the night.
That being said, I STRONGLY support the Town maintaining our OWN Police Department. I have no interest in
seeing the Sheriff's Department providing police services in Los Gatos.
Thank you for your consideration.
Steve
SLtphevv M. R%C&
54 Alpine Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354 -2575 Fax: (408) 354 -2939
Cell: (408) 981 -5555
stevericeC@msn.com
From: Don Darms <dondarms @gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2015 8:04 PM
To: Marcia Jensen; BSpector, Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Town Manager
Cc: Steve R Rice
Subject: Los Gatos -Monte Sereno Police Department
I was shocked to hear of a proposal to disband our well -loved police department! The Rotary Club of Los Gatos
has long been a strong supporter of the police department, we've been honored to have former chief Scott
Seaman as a member, and we've been supportive of the annual police benefit dinner.
I would strongly urge the Town Council to RETAIN the services of an organization that the towns of Los Gatos
and Monte Sereno have come to see as a vital part of their security and their identity.
I am confident that the town will rally to the same opinion I am sharing.
Donald A. d'Arms
Past Secretary
Publisher of the Cat Tale newsletter for the
Rotary Club of Los Gatos
From: Linda [mailto•linda(o)l3cpa corn]
Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2015 11:01 AM
To: 'mjensen @losgatosca.gov; 'bspector @losgatosca.gov';
Irrennie @losgatosca.gov'
Cc: manaaer(llosaatosselfstorage com
Subject: Police contract issue on Tuesday's agenda
Dear Council:
'sleonardis @losgatosca.gov'; 'msayoc @losgatosca.gov';
It has come to my attention that the council is discussing the contract for police services at Tuesday nights' council
meeting. I have read the staff report and can understand why the council might want to amend the contract.
However, the information highway is buzzing that the real intention of some members of the council is to use this
discussion as a smoke screen to figure out a way to possibly do away with a separate Los Gatos Police Department all
together and contract all services with the Sherriff s department.
As a former council member, I can tell you in no uncertain terms, that if this what you are really attempting to do, it is a
terrible, horrible, idea. I currently live in unincorporated Santa Clara County and the sheriffs department and their
services have been abysmal. Their customer service and attitude literally suck. There was a reason that there was a real
viable candidate running against Laurie Smith this last election — it is because there is dissension in the ranks of the
sheriff s department.
Previous councils have reviewed the idea of outsourcing the policing function to the sheriff s department many times over
the years — and the conclusion was always the same — JUST SAY NO! Don't even go there.
Luckily for the citizens of Los Gatos, should you attempt to go the route of getting rid of the police department, they will
have time to rise up and tell you what they think.
Linda L. Speicher — Former Council 1992 -2000
21243 Bertram Rd.
San Jose CA 95120
It is my understanding a discussion about the Los Gatos Police Dept is on the schedule for Tuesday, but will probably
start relatively late. This is too important not to schedule it first and should be post -poned until a better position on the
schedule since there will be many people who would want to speak.
Gordon Levin
From:
judy & gordon Levin <levinair @comcast.net>
Sent:
Saturday, February 14, 2015 12:03 PM
To:
Cc:
Marcia Jensen; BSpector, Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Town Manager
steverice @msn.com
Subject:
City meeting Agenda
It is my understanding a discussion about the Los Gatos Police Dept is on the schedule for Tuesday, but will probably
start relatively late. This is too important not to schedule it first and should be post -poned until a better position on the
schedule since there will be many people who would want to speak.
Gordon Levin
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Subject: Los Gatos Town Council: Save our Police Department
Attachments: Attach ment_4_ -_ Outsourcing _Memorandum_with_Exhibits A_and_B.pdf
From: Kathy Winkelman [kathywinkelman @hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2015 4:21 AM
To: Greg Larson; Steven Leonardis; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Marico Sayoc;
mike .wassermanCalbos.sccgov.org; ioannerodgers43@gmail.com; Joanne Rodgers
Subject: Los Gatos Town Council: Save our Police Department
Dear Everyone, thank you for your SERVICE to our town of Los Gatos. Please remember
you are servants of the people and need to allow time for the people to communicate
with you.
Los Gatos has been our home for over forty years. I have known and worked with the
Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police department especially for the 25 years that my three
sons were going through the schools in Los Gatos. I volunteered many hours and was a
member of the Drug Free Community Committee instituted by Chief Scott Seaman. As
an active member of CASA and past Chair, I worked on several Every Fifteen Minutes
programs at LGHS and with several Resource Officers and personally witnessed the
difference this makes with our Los Gatos Youth and raising good contributing citizens.
We have dedicated men and women in our police department that are focused on the
safety and the personal interaction with Los Gatos residents and it should stay that way
and actually become more of a focus for budgeted monies.
In the past few years theft has been a serious problem in Los Gatos and the
unincorporated areas and for that matter all around the bay area. Why would you even
consider eliminating the LGMSPD?
Less money spent on keeping our streets and homes safe by outsourcing our personal
safety to county services already stretched. That is just not logical.
There is nothing to be gained but much to be lost including your reputations as Civic
leaders. Crime is on the increase in this town which is growing by leaps and bounds.
Inviting new residents into a town that is going to outsource, cut out, police services will
invite increased crime if anything we need to increase police protection, just the
opposite. To eliminate Los Gatos Monte Sereno PD is just not logical.
Kathy Winkelman
Gioia Italian Art and Products
408.640.6628
"Joy for Those Who Give and Those Who Receive"
https: / /p,ioiacompany.com/liome
http• / /www yelp com/ biz / gioia - company- los- eatos- 2 ?osq= gioia +italian+art+and +products
I
httt)s:// www. facebook .com /tzioiaitalianartandproducts
From: ioannerodeers4309mail.com
Subject: Fwd: Immediate Action required: Save our Police Department
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2015 11:28:04 -0800
CC: irod erg s43(a)yahoo.com; sann85 mac.com; joeazanardi.com; g_zry.harwin(d),me.com;
berkmartvnd,vahoo.com; dgpleasantAearthlink.net; mimilvon ,earthlink.net; coffeecarol omcast.net;
ioanne.beniamin(d verizon.net
To: pearinortonAcomcast.net; ftcomst(@gmail.com; bond.familvnd sbcglobal.net; jvcrossaaol.com;
rbikes27(d,aol.com; kim(d bidermann.com; 2subtle(a),comcast.net; kathytumason(@,,gmail.com;
larrideaneh(a.comcast.net; sabenz(a )sbcPJobai.net; vtoffice(d,comcast.net; Kathvwinkelman(&hotmail.com;
ttrotterQstmarvsl¢.ora; karyn.gramlingd,email.com; wendy.ri¢es(@,gmail.com
Dear CASA chairs,
Please read this information about the LG Town Council considering eliminating our LG Police Dept. and
signing us up under the SJ Sheriff s jurisdiction in order to save money. I believe this would end up being more
costly to our community and would end our close relationship and continuity with resource officers and others.
Scott Seaman says we have already lost some good candidates because the council is talking about doing this
discussion.
Please read and forward this info to whomever you think would be interested. This will effect Los Gatos and
Monte Sereno.
Thank you
Joanne
Happy Valentine's Day.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jonathan Knowles <ionathan.knowlesAicloud.com>
Subject: Immediate Action required: Save our Police Department
Date: February 12, 2015 at 8:13:47 PM PST
To: Joanne & Joe Rodgers <joannerodgersnd,mac.eom>
PLEASE FORWARD TO LOS GATOS RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS
PLEASE SHARE IN SOCIAL MEDIA
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR SERVICE CLUBS
Los Gatos Mayor Marcia Jensen has placed an item on the agenda for the next Town Council
meeting (February 17th) to outsource public safety in Los Gatos and disband the Los Gatos -
Monte Sereno Police Department and have the Santa Clara County Sheriff provide public safety
services.
The law states that the Mayor must publicly release the agenda for council meetings with 3 days
notice - -and she has done that. She has placed it as the last item on the agenda (number 10) for
the Los Gatos Town Council meeting on February 17th. There are obviously many items on the
agenda before this, and unfortunately, she has placed it after the Hillbrook School conditional
use permit agenda item, which typically brings over 100 people to the council meeting, most of
who who arrive an hour early. Town Council meetings dealing with the Hillbrook School permit
often go late into the night. By burying the police outsourcing agenda item after Hillbrook, and
surprising everyone with this as an agenda item, just before a 3 day weekend, she is making
appear as if she is pursuing this at the expense of public input. It's as if she is attempting to sneak
something by residents, business owners, and other stakeholders of our town. A very vocal, very
few have been sending email to Town Council and showing up at meetings demanding that the
council do this. Their motives and backing are unclear.
Most of the people I engage with can't believe that our town council would even entertain the
notion of such outsourcing and say things such as, "Don't worry about it, it will never happen"
and "The council wouldn't be that irresponsible."
We have studied the data presented to the Mayor and Council. The attached PDF provides
detailed analysis of the facts. Policing services cost what they cost. The sheriff does not have a
magic formula for saving money. The shrill is an elected official who generates revenue for the
county though contract services. If we are sincere about radically cutting costs, we can radically
cut the number of officers and amount of services we currently enjoy and get the same number of
personal, and the same amount of services, at the same cost as the sheriff is offering. Of course if
we do outsource, we would loose all local control and any local connection to our public safety
personal. And so much more.
This isn't just opinion. You may know that I also serve on the board of directors of the National
Police Foundation, the largest police research and policy organization in the U.S. I have spent
significant time on this issue for several years with communities and law enforcement
organizations across the country. Our research fellows and others at the national foundation are
amazed that this is even coming up in Los Gatos, which, except for this issue, has been held up
as a prime example of the way good community policing works.
At a minimum, we strongly believe that if the Mayor and council are determined to continue in
this direction, that the discussion should be rescheduled for a future town council meeting that
will allow for proper and appropriate input from our community as opposed to trying to get
something by us.
Please ask everyone you know who rejects outsourcing public safety in Los Gatos to send
email to each Town Council member and the Town Manager immediately. If you have the
ability to attend the council meeting, please do and let your voice be heard. I realize this is asking
quite a bit as the Mayor's action makes it very likely that you will have to wait for hours,
possibly without a place to sit because of the Hillbrook School and other agenda items.
Don't believe that, "this couldn't happen in Los Gatos." The Mayor is pushing this. This could
happen. This may happen if you don't speak up now. Let's retain local control and not outsource
our safety.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jonathan
Link to council agenda for February
17: hM2: //Iosgatos. granicus .com /GeneratedAgendaViewer.php ?view id =5 &event id =395
Email addresses:
Town Manager
Greg Larson < glarsonajoseatosca.gov>
Town Council members
Steve Leonardis <sleonardisAlos atg osca.gov>
Barbara Spector <bspectorCa�losgatosca. aov>
Rob Rennie <rrennie(&3os atg osca.goy>
Marcia Jensen at <MJensen LosGatosCA.gov>
Marico Sayoc <MSayocaLosGatosCA.gov>
DATE: 211012015
Los Gatos
Monte Sereno
TO: Town Manager Greg Larson
FROM: Chief Matt Frisby
Attachment 4 with Exhibit A & B
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CID'r
1 i
kr'
SUBJECT • Police Outsourcing Cost Comparisons
Background:
Town Council and staff have received numerous inquiries in recent weeks regarding the
potential outsourcing of Los Gatos police services to the Santa Clara County Sheriff.
This issue was previously raised at the Town Council's Strategic Goals Retreat a year ago
on February 10, 2014. At that time, the Council did not direct any consideration of
outsourcing of Police services and staff ceased work on the issue. Instead, the Council
directed the Police Department to be the first department to provide an in -depth budget
presentation, which occurred on May 19, 2014 as part of the Council's regular Budget
Hearing.
In October 2014 Council directed staff to prepare a report comparing law enforcement costs
between Los Gatos and Monte Sereno and the potential impacts of terminating the Monte
Sereno police services agreement. As part of that research and analysis, staff obtained and
reviewed the law enforcement services agreements for Cupertino and Saratoga with the
Santa Clara County Sheriff.
On Wednesday, the Mayor asked that the potential outsourcing of police services be added
to the Council's agenda item regarding the Monte Sereno Police Services agreement.
Consequently, staff is providing the readily available information from existing contracts
with the County Sheriff. Given ongoing Police operations and other Council priorities,
further staffwork regarding outsourcing ofpolice services will require Council direction to
reverse the Council's action a year ago.
Discussion:
The County Sheriff charges the exact same hourly rates for various types of law enforcement
services to the cities of Saratoga and Cupertino, as summarized in Attachment 1 (Town- Sheriff
Law Enforcement Cost Comparisons) and detailed in Attachment 2 (comparative hourly rates on
pages A3'9 and A40 of the Los Altos Contract). Applying the Sheriff's same hourly rates. for the
current hours of police services in Los Gatos results in sworn staffing costs that are nearly $1
million greater for the Sheriff ($10.8M vs. $9.9M, see the middle shaded line on Attachment 1
under Los Gatos). Attachment 1 is a comparison of the Saratoga and Cupertino law
ATTACHMENT
enforcement budgets and hours of service with the Town of Los Gatos under the Town's Police
Department or if hypothetically outsourced to the County Sheriff.
Adding in other Town Police expenses (dispatch, records, parking, administration, etc.) and
deducting the revenue received by the Police department (Monte Sereno agreement, Federal and
State grants, citation revenues, etc.) results in a net cost savings of only $350,000 by outsourcing
to the County Sheriff ($10.8M vs. 11.2M, see the lower shaded line on Attachment 1 under Los
Gatos). Not included in this analysis are any transition or labor costs that may be incurred by
outsourcing Town police services.
The far lower law enforcement costs for Cupertino and Saratoga are achieved because those
cities receive far fewer hours of law enforcement services, as per their-oontracts with the County
Sheriff. Saratoga receives 27,000 hours of service per year from the County Sheriff and pays
$4.6 million, both 40% of the comparable numbers for Los Gatos. Cupertino receives 59,000
hours of service and pays $9.5 million, both 12% lower than Los Gatos (see the lower shaded
lines on Attachment 1 under Saratoga and Cupertino)
Consequently, it appears that there are no inherent savings achieved through outsourcing to the
County Sheriff. Rather, any savings are solely due to the reduced hours of law enforcement
services provided in those communities. This makes logical sense given that law enforcement
cost factors (labor, benefits, vehicles, equipment, etc) are typically uniform across a geographic
region.
Further, if fewer hours of police patrol and other services are desired, then the same savings can
likely be achieved whether the law enforcement services are provided by the Town itself or by
the County Sheriff.
Conclusion:
Staff would not recommend any further consideration of outsourcing, given the minimal cost
savings that could likely be achieved and the negative impacts that repeated consideration of
outsourcing has had on Police morale, recruitment and management workloads.
But if the Town Council does want to further consider outsourcing some or all Police services,
then it would be appropriate to identify and budget available funds at the Mid -Year or the
annual Budget to engage a professional consultant who has done Police consolidation studies.
If the Council simply wants to reduce Police hours of service and corresponding Police costs,
then direction can be provided for inclusion in the upcoming proposed budget. However, staff
does not recommend a reduction in current Police staffing given current activity levels and
desired Police response and associated services.
Exhibits:
A. Town -Sheriff Law Enforcement Cost Comparisons
B. Comparative hourly rates on pages A39 and A40 of the Los Altos Contract
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EXHIBIT A
PROPOSED COSTS
FISCAL YEAR 2014 -2D15
LOS ALTOS UNINCORP.
RATES CUPERTINO HILLS SARATOGA CITIES
GENERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
Proposed Hours - Activity
Proposed Hours - Patrol
Total Hours 38,248.0 5,421.0 20,060.0 14,696.0
Proj Costs FY 2014 -2015 @ $164.90 $6,307,095 $893,923 $3,307,894 $2,423,370
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT- DAYS;
Proposed Hours 7,200.0 43.0 4,195.4 0.0
Proj Costs FY 2014.2015 @ $162.43 $6,984 $681,451 $0
Cupertino @ $162.45 $1,169,640
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT- NIGHTS
Proposed Hours
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Proj Costs FY 2014 -2015 @ $166.04
$0
$0
'$0
Cupertino @ $166.06
$0
INVESTIGATIVE HOURS:
Proposed Hours
7,200.0
600.0
2;400.0
0:0
Proj Costs FY 2014.2015 @ $159.02
$1,144,944
$95,412
$381,648
$0
FY15 Contract Cities Proposed Costs 05 -15 -2014 A-39 DSA= -0°k
RATES
RESERVES ACTIVITY HOURS:
Proposed Hours
Proj Costs FY 2014 -2015 @ $48.70
OPERATING COSTS Of WEST VALLEY SUBSTATION:
Proj Hours FY 2014 -2015
89,863
Percentage
Proj Costs July 2014 - Oct 2014
Proj Costs Nov 2034 -Jun 2015
Total Proj Costs of Substation
SUBTOTAL COSTS:
EXHIBIT A
PROPOSED COSTS
FISCAL YEAR 2014 -2015
LOS ALTOS UNINCORP.
CUPERTINO HILLS SARATOGA CITIES
1,650.0 22.0 340.0 0.0
$80,355 $1,071 $16,558 $0
45,448
5,464
24,255
14,696
50.5748%
6.0804%
26.9911%
16.3538%
@ $418,614 yr $70,571
$8,484
$37,663
$22,820
@ $418,614 yr $141,142
$16,969
$75,326
$45,639
_ $418,614 $211,713
$25,453
$112,989
$68,459
Proj Costs FY 2014 -2015
$8,913,747
$1,022,843
$4,500,540
$2,491,829
PROJECTED SPECIAL SERVICES
Projected Hours FY 2014 -2015
1,815.5
0
0
0
Cupertino Traffic Sergeant
$189,351
$0
$0
$0
Saratoga School Resource Officer
$0
50
$100,000
$0
SCHOOLS RESOURCE OFFICER
Proj Costs FY 2014 -2015 @ $136.23
$395,721
$0
$0
$0
(1 SRO @ 85% and 1 SRO @ 75 %)
TOTAL SHERIFF LAW ENFORCEMENT COSTS
Projected Costs FY 2014 -2015
$9,498,819
$1,022,843
$4,600,540
$2,491,829
CAPPED COSTS 2014 -2015
Proj Costs Capped @ 4.6% (CPI +2 %) Increase
$9,840,602
$1,060,170
$4,753,605
$0
AMOUNTS BELOW CAP OF 4.6%
($341,783)
($37,327)
($153,065)
$0
FY15 Contract Cities Proposed Costs 05 -15 -2014 A-40 DSA =O%
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From: rmarnaudoralgmail.com [_mailto•rmarnaudorolamail com] On Behalf Of Rose Arnaudo
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2015 1:48 PM
To: Greg Larson
Subject: Police Department
Regarding the closing of our Police Department, we feel that this
would be a huge mistake. There has to be somewhere else to cut
funds. We lived under the Sheriffs Department for years and fought
to have Los Gatos PD come to Monte Sereno. With all due respect,
please think about what you are doing. What means more, money or
our safety ? ??
Thank you, Rose and Don Arnaudo
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From: John Shepardson <shepardsonlaw @me.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2015 4:50 PM
To: Marcia Jensen; Council; Greg Larson; Robert Schultz, Rick Sung; Barbara Holden; Mike
Wasserman; Sam Liccardo
Subject: LG's $14.2M Police Budget and Possibly Switching to Sheriff (Request Sheriff
Presentation & Call for Comprehensive Review Now)
Attachments: LG- Sheriff- 2.pptx, LG- Switching to Sheriff - l.docx; LG- Question Presented - Police- 6.docx
Dear Mayor Jensen, Council, Town Manger, Town Counsel & Others:
Below are prior submittals to the Council regarding this issue. I did not see
them in the Town packet for the next meeting, and I thought there might be
a desire to have these materials included. Also note that it appears I made a mistake
on the revenue comparisons. LG has a $14.2M cost budget, and revenue coming back
of approximately $3M, for a net financial cost to the Town of $14.2M. Staff made me
aware of the revenue recovery. Saratoga has a $4.6M cost for their Sheriff budget.
My error was not including their revenue, which it appears to me to be $400K. Thus, the net
cost of the Sheriff to Saratoga appears to be $4.2M. The overall net differential in
cost between LG and Sara for policing is $7M, which is greater than the $6.6M I thought existed.
Note, I'm not an accountant, and there could be errors in our calculations.
Moreover, cost comparisons may involve other issues, such as vehicles, and whether they
go into the budget for Public Works or in a Police Budget?
Although there are feeling of discomfort and even fear in doing so, we are simply raising issues involving
a $14.2M budget item, that is presently 43% (and perhaps growing with benefits to be paid)
that seem to warrant a comprehensive third -party review of the Police budget, and our options,
including switching to the Sheriff.
If we lose the Monte Sereno contract, and keep the same level of Police Force, then it appears
the net cost to the Town of the local PD will increase. If so, the cost differential with Sara
may increase to perhaps $8M. I don't know what the exact increase will, except that
there probably be an increase.
If this is a political party issue, and we assume for a moment that Republicans are tougher
on crime and more concerned about safety than Democrats, we can see that Sara and
Los Altos Hills are heavily Republican, and from what I know quite pleased with the Sheriff.
Questions:
1. Why does LG have 38K calls, Sara 18K and Cupertino 38K, when Sara has a similar population
and Cupertino almost double? We have made a public records act request for the records pertaining
to all 38K calls.
2. Why are the Sheriff s responses almost the same for P 1 calls, and superior for P2 and P3, when
we have more Officers on patrol, and I'm told traffic is worse in Cupertino?
3. Can we achieve economies of scale by switching to the Sheriff?
4. Since we have 52 County pockets in LG already, and the Sheriff must service these areas anyway,
so by switching to the Sheriff, would we reap savings?
5. If a terrorist event occurred in LG, which agency would best protect us?
6. How much has LG paid out in civil suits in the last 20 years because of alleged police misconduct?
7. How much of the LGPD resources are directed to downtown activity?
8. What are the opportunity costs of not changing our policing model?
9. What would happen to the Town's financial health if sales tax revenue suddenly dropped?
10. What do the people of LG want? Do they know of the costs and benefits of varying levels of service?
11. Would we lose our identify as a Town if we switched to the Sheriff? Are we already losing it
because of dependence on large projects for government revenue? Can LG sticker by placed on Sheriff cars?
12. How successful are LGPD's cams?
13. What projects would be divert potential savings (Sara and Cupertino are ready sources of information since
they are
local communities with many similarities to LG.)?
Community Center?
Downtown garages?
More free shuttle buses?
Monorail system?
Fix Almond Grove streets?
Electric cars?
Tax cut for citizens?
Improved senior services?
Complete streets, bike paths and pedestrian walkways?
Purchase land for open space and reduce traffic impacts?
More Town- sponsored events to support business activity?
Bike use incentive programs?
Youth - directed programs?
Free or reduce price after- school programs?
Free or reduced price preschool programs?
Hi -tech Incubator Center?
httv://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ei 27151714 /santa - clara - county- board - approves- study -bodv -worn
Santa Clara County: Board approves
study of body -worn cameras for sheriff s
deputies
By Jason Green
Daily News Staff Writer
POSTED: 12116/2014 09:02:17 PM PST1 COMMENTS UPDATED: 2 MONTHS AGO
Santa Clara County has taken the first step toward potentially outfitting sheriffs deputies with body -
worn cameras.
On Tuesday, the five - member Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to task County Executive
Jeffrey Smith with investigating the "feasibility and desirability" of using the technology.
The proposal from Supervisor Joe Simitian was spurred by nationwide unrest over the killings of
unarmed black men at the hands of white police officers in Missouri and New York.
Simitian said body -worn cameras have the potential to protect the public
against officer misconduct, including use of force, as well as to protect
officers against unfounded allegations of misconduct. Trust and confidence in
law enforcement will be restored as a result, he said. (emphasis added)
"This is not a cure -all," he said. "The world will not be a perfect place if we take this action. But it is a
relatively simple step we can take using available technology that's reasonably priced.
A 16 -month study in Rialto, California, showed a more than 50 percent reduction in use of force by
officers wearing cameras and a nearly go percent drop In citizen
complaints of misconduct. (emphasis added)
"I have an absolute understanding of just how difficult it is out there, but I think if we have video
evidence that is very clear about what did and didn't happen, that's only a benefit to all," Simitian
said.
While the board backed the proposal, some supervisors raised concerns about privacy and the
potential for body -worn cameras to deter victims of domestic violence from phoning police for help.
"I'm also concerned about victims," said Supervisor Cindy Chavez. "The reason is that one of the
things that is really important for us is that people feel safe and comfortable dialing 9u. I worry just a
little bit about whether or not someone would more or less do that."
Supervisor Dave Cortese stressed the need for strict
guidelines that govern the use of the technology. (emphasis
added)
"That's where the real battle lines get drawn and end up tying up attorneys, tying up boards of
supervisors and all the other people who are involved if things aren't thought out very well in
advance," he said.
Simitian agreed that a clear plan needs to be in place before the county purchases any body -worn
cameras.
"I think this is one of those times when it's more important to do it right than to do it quick," he said.
The proposal also received support from the Rev. Jethroe Moore, president of the San Jose /Silicon
Valley branch of the NAACP, and Charisse Domingo, a photographer with Silicon Valley De -Bug. They
both asked that their organizations be involved in the study of the technology.
"We want to be able to make sure that even though the purpose of these cameras is to promote
transparency that we're able to get them in a timely manner and that they're used properly," said
Domingo.
Roger Winslow, vice president of the Deputy Sheriffs Association, said the
union proposed language related to audio and video recording devices during
contract negotiations in 2012.
"We recognized the evolution of technology was outpacing both policy and
procedures at the Sheriffs Office," Winslow said. "Had the sheriff and the
county engaged with the DSA at that time, we would have been ahead of the
curve on these issues, not playing catch up."
Winslow said there are now bigger issues than body -worn cameras facing the
Sheriffs Office, including a spike in injury rates, poor morale and a shrinking
pool of qualified candidates.
Simitian noted that the body -worn cameras aren't intended to address an underlying problem in the
Sheriffs Office.
"What I hear uniformly is the tremendous regard that
people have for the deputies that they think of as their
own," Simitian said. (emphasis added)
"I want that understood as we go forward," he continued. "I think done right, this is going to end up
having an even greater impact on the elimination of unwarranted claims that also has the ability to
preserve the reputation of officers who are doing the right job the right way, and it has the ability to
protect our county financially from those unwarranted claims."
Email Jason Green at jgreen @dailynewsgroup.com; follow him at twitter.com /jgreendailynews.
John Shepardson
2/17/2015
I. QUESTION PRESENTED
Should the Town of Los Gatos
consider switching from its Local
Police Dept. to the County Sheriff?
Pics herein from
http://www,sccgov.org/sites/sheriff/Pages/sheriff.aspx
• H. ARGUMENT
At a minimum the Town should conduct a
comprehensive review for switching to the County
Sheriff because of the potential savings of $6.210
dollars annually. Over 20 years, the savings could
exceed $120M, over 50 years, $300N/L Pay for Almond
Grove streets, garage in downtown, youth and senior
services, traffic mitigation, community center, etc.
p
s. 1
Pics herein from
http://www,sccgov.org/sites/sheriff/Pages/sheriff.aspx
• H. ARGUMENT
At a minimum the Town should conduct a
comprehensive review for switching to the County
Sheriff because of the potential savings of $6.210
dollars annually. Over 20 years, the savings could
exceed $120M, over 50 years, $300N/L Pay for Almond
Grove streets, garage in downtown, youth and senior
services, traffic mitigation, community center, etc.
• Recent response times for Cupertino are
nearly equal to, or superior to Los Gatos's
times. Cupertino and Saratoga are very
satisfied both with the services provided and
at the cost negotiated. Both City Council's
voted unanimously to re- contract with the
Sheriff.
• Saratoga was the ranked
the safest city in California,
Los Altos Hill 3rd, Cupertino
12th and Los Gatos was not
in the top 50.
2/17/2015
2
• SUMMARY COMPARISON CHART
• LG /MS (34K) Cupertino (60K)
• (Sheriff)
• PD budget $14.2M $9.9M
• Calls— Priority 1 4:30 4:54
• Calls— Priority 2 8:27 6:33
• Calls— Priority 3 13:12 10:31
• Canine Unit, Search & Rescue, Dive Team,
Traffic /Motorcycles, Off -Road Enforcement Team,
Hostage Negotiation Team, SERT (Sheriff's Emergency
Response Team), Crowd Control Unit, SORE (Sheriff's
Off -Road Enforcement Team), Narcotics Task Force,
ERT (Emergency Response Teams), Jail Intelligence
Unit, SAFE (Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement) Task
Force, REACT (Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer
Team) Task Force, CASU (Custodial
Alternative Supervision Unit), Parks Boat Patrol,
Intelligence /Vice Unit and Bomb Squad. (emphasis
added)
2/17/2015
3
2/17/2015
0
2/17/2015
2/17/2015
2/17/2015
`1
• Sheriff Dept. can effectively respond to a terrorist
threat.
• Local Police Officers could be re -hired by the Sheriff's
Dept.
• Chose our own Police Chief within the Sheriff's Dept —
Let's keep Matt Frisby.
• Reduce Town liability for Police misconduct.
• Contract for service levels we want.
• Sheriff - -great track record with Cupertino & Saratoga.
Saratoga's Council indicated in public session that they
are paying about 1/3 the cost of Los Gatos.
III. CONCLUSION
Bang for the buck. Conduct a comprehensive
review of the advantages and disadvantages
of switching to the Sheriff versus staying with
the Local Police Dept. The potential savings
and safety benefits at least warrant a
comprehensive review which has not been
done.
• Ask the Sheriff to make a presentation.
2/17/2015
E
Switching from the Local Police Dept. to the Sheriff's Dept.
Why call for a comprehensive review for a possible switch to the Sheriff?
1. Potential annual savings of up to 6 million dollars ($60M in 10 years) 2. Our
Police budget is about 43% of our total Town budget. 3. Saratoga and
Cupertino are serviced by the Sheriff and pleased with the levels of service.
Saratoga is rated the safest city in the State, and Cupertino 12th. Los Gatos is
not in the top 50. 5. The Sheriff will be adding body cameras. 6. Liability for
police misconduct can be shifted to the Sheriff. 7. Response rates for Cupertino
for Priority 1 calls were 4:30, Priority 2: 6:33 and Priority 3: 10:31. Los Gatos's
times were 4:30, 8:27 and 13:12. 8. We can have local officers re -hired into the
Sheriff's Dept. 9. We can request Police Chief Matt Frisby remain as our Chief.
10. The cost savings could be used for a tax cut, garage, community center (No.
40 ?), funding for school buses to reduce traffic, services for our youth and /or
elderly, the Town's 40 million dollars in unfunded repairs, repair of dilapidated
Almond Grove streets, or other matters. 11. The Sheriff has a helicopter, SWAT,
canine unit, dive team, and bomb squad. 12. The Sheriff can outreach to the
schools. 13. Level of service can be adjusted to the Town's changing needs, and
be consistent with how we want the law enforced.
Please contact the Los Gatos Town Council and support a request for a
comprehensive review for possibly switching to the Sheriff's Dept. Such a review
has not been done. Full disclosure about options is a good thing, right?
John Shepardson
1/16/15
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LAW OFFICE OF
JOHN A. SHEPARDSON
59 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Suite Q
Los Gatos, CA 95051
T: (408) 395 -3701
F: (408) 395 -0112
January 9, 2015
MEMORANDUM TO LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL REGARDING THE
FEASIBILITY OF SWITCHING FROM THE EXISTING LOCAL POLICE
DEPARTMENT TO THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
I. QUESTION PRESENTED
Should the Town of Los Gatos consider switching from its Local Police
Department to the County Sheriff?
II. SUMMARY ARGUMENT
At a minimum the Town should conduct a comprehensive review for
switching to the County Sheriff because of the potential savings of $6.2M dollars
annually. Over 20 years, the savings could exceed $120M.
Recent response times for Cupertino are nearly equal to, or superior to
Los Gatos's times. Cupertino and Saratoga are very satisfied both with the
services provided and at the cost negotiated. Both City Council's voted
unanimously to re- contract with the Sheriff. There was not a single public
complaint made at either City's hearing to re- contract.
The best reasons provided for keeping our Local Police Department are
officer familiarity with the community (Some officers have been here
approximately twenty years.), rapid response times, close to downtown where
much nighttime criminal activity occurs, local outreach, addressing the higher
maintenance needs unique to Los Gatos residents, and consistency with a sense
of a small -town and independent community. Another compelling reason is the
high quality of the present Local Police Department Leadership, and in particular,
Matt Frisby. Los Gatos could probably not have a better fit for someone to lead
our department. He knows our community like few Chiefs could. Despite these
reasons, it appears from the data I have to date that a switch is warranted.
As you can see below, our own Town Officials acknowledge there has not
been a comprehensive review for switching to the Sheriff.
III. KEY FACTS
One, a recent reviewed Los Gatos Police budget was $14.2M. According
to the Town Manager approximately $3M was allocated for Monte Sereno,
leaving a net budget for the Town of $11.2M.
Two, the Town's response times are 4:30M for priority one calls, 8:27M for
priority two calls, and 13:12M for priority three calls.
Three, the Town's population is 29,413 people according to
https: / /su bu rba n stats.org /population /cal iforn is /how -m any - people -I ive- in- los -gatos
Four, the City of Cupertino's population is 58,302 people according to
https: / /subu rbanstats.org /population /california /how -many- people -I ive -in -cu pertino
Five, Cupertino's police budget with the Sheriff's Office was $9.9M.
Six, the most recent data for response times for Cupertino is 4:49M for
priority one calls, 6:32M for priority two, and 10:30M for priority three.
Seven, Cupertino is ranked the twelfth safest city in the State of California.
Los Gatos is not in the top fifty. The Sheriff also policies Saratoga and Los Altos
Hills. Saratoga is ranked the safest city in the State, and Los Altos Hills is ranked
third. These communities have a large Republican vote, and such voters are
often viewed as particularly attuned to crime, and to wise use of government
resources and taxpayer dollars. These cities continue to eagerly re- contract with
the Sheriff. Saratoga pays about one -third the cost of policing that Los Gatos
does. See the Sheriffs presentation before the City of Saratoga at 49:00 at
http: / /www.saratoaa.ca.us /council /agendas minutes /city council agenda
packets and meeting videos.asp
See also Sheriff Laurie Smith and Cupertino Police Chief Binder presentation
before the Cupertino City Council at 13:40 at
http: // cupertino .granicus.com /MediaPlayer.php ?view id =18 &clip id =1687
Eight, attachment one is materials involving the Sheriffs Department,
including its arrangements with the Cities of Saratoga and Cupertino.
SUMMARY COMPARISON CHART
What
LG /MS
Campbell
Cupertino Saratoga Sheriff
(Sheriff) (Sheriff)
Headcount
59
70
87
#of calls (Priority 1 -3)
8,000
37,649
9,000
PD budget
14.2M
13.5M
9.9M 4.9M
Sq. miles
15.6
6.5
12
Population
33,900
41,993 60,189
MHI
$128K
$109K $128K
Legal grade
B
A C
Customer Service
Allocated.
Calls — Priority 1
4:30
4:49
Calls — Priority 2
8:27
6:32
Calls — Priority 3
13:12
10:30
Hours patrol
49,920
Hours traffic
4,160
6.5
Hours invest
12,480
? (emphasis added)
On Dec 16, 2014, at 7:03 PM, Kenneth Binder
< AccessCupertino (a)cupertino.org> wrote:
Hello Barbara,
C (See fn6 below)
The Sheriffs Office responded to over 9,000 calls for service last year, but we
are always striving to maintain excellent response times. Our goals for P1
(Priority 1) response is 5 minutes or less, P2 (Priority 2) is 9 minutes or less, and
P3 (Priority 3) is 20 minutes or less.
Through November 30th of this year, we have averaged 4 minutes and 49
seconds for P1 calls for service. We have averaged 6 minutes and 32 seconds
for P2 calls, and we have averaged 10 minutes and 30 seconds for P3 calls for
service.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Captain Ken Binder
SUMMARY CHART
What
Los Gatos/
MonteSereno
Campbell
Cupertino
SCC
Sheriff
NOTES
Headcount
59[1]
70[2]
87[3]
Allocated.
# of calls
8000[4]
37649[5]
9000
Budget PD
14 million
13.5
million
10 million
Square
15.6
6.5
12
Area policed
3
miles
Population
33900
41993
60,189
MHI
$128000
$109000
$128000
LG $122844, MS
$171,600
Legal
Grade
B
A
C
C[6]
calaware
Customer
Sery
A
A+
A+
calaware
Call RT P1
4:30
<5
4:49[7]
Call RT P2
8:27
?[8]
6:32
Call RT P3
13:12
<20
10:30
Hours
Patrol
49,920
?
Hours
Traffic
4,160
?
Hours
Invest
12,480
?
[1] Plus 3977 temporary staff hours
[2] The Patrol Section of the Field Services Division is staffed by twenty police
officers, four police agents, and four police sergeants. Additional Field Services
Division personnel are assigned to administration, training, and technical
services. The division is managed by a captain.0 The Field Services Division is
primarily responsible for responding to calls for service in the City of Campbell.
Officers handle approximately 35,000 calls annually. These calls include
community - generated calls for service and proactive enforcement activity.
Officers also write approximately 5,500 crime reports each year and make
approximately 1,800 arrests.
[3] There are twenty -eight deputies allocated to the City of Cupertino. Four
deputies are assigned to traffic enforcement; three are assigned to the
Motorcycle Unit and one uses a patrol car. Two deputies are School Resource
Officers, providing the fourteen schools in Cupertino with a law enforcement
resource and liaison to the Sheriffs Office. One additional deputy handles all the
4
enforcement incidents that arise at the schools. The remaining twenty -one
deputies perform routine patrol functions
[4] 100,3500,4900 Level 1 -3 respectively
[5] 3600,24900,1100 Level 1 -3 respectively
[6] Sheriff does not release data until it is public. What we faulted the
department for were practices prohibited by the Public Records Act (demanding
requesters identify themselves, etc.) and not providing clearly public information
under the law. Barbara, the crime "reports" designation is a red herring. It's true
that victims of burglaries and other crimes are entitled to additional information
FROM crime reports (to use for insurance purposes, for example), the public as a
whole is entitled to the following information derived from those reports, as
spelled out in Government Code Section 6254 (f) (2):
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subdivision, state and local law
enforcement agencies shall make public the following information, except to the
extent that disclosure of a particular item of information would endanger the
safety of a person involved in an investigation or would endanger the successful
completion of the investigation or a related investigation:
... the time, substance, and location of all complaints or requests for assistance
received by the agency and the time and nature of the response thereto,
including, to the extent the information regarding crimes alleged or
committed or any other incident investigated is recorded, the time, date, and
location of occurrence, the time and date of the report, the name and age of
the victim, the factual circumstances surrounding the crime or incident, and a
general description of any injuries, property, or weapons involved.
So officer 1912 didn't know what she was talking about, and it sounds like your
recent contact doesn't either. Terry Franke, Calaware, 12/10/14
[7] Per email from Captain Kenneth Binder, Cupertino Substation
[8] Per Captain Cefalu, Campbell breaks its calls into emergency, non -
emergency and officer initiated
Quoting from httn: / /www.safewise.comfbioW50- safest- cities- califomia/
The 50 Safest Cities in California
Alexia Chianis+ I Nov 18, 2013
At SafeWise, we're on a mission to help you create a secure environment for
your family. Finding a safe California city to live in is the very first step, and we're
right by your side to lend a hand.
We've examined data from the most recent FBI Crime in the U.S. Report and
married it with our own thorough research to produce a comprehensive list of the
50 safest cities in California, with 20,000 residents or more, as of 2011.
If you're considering relocating to America's most populated state, we hope you
find our California safe city resource to be an invaluable asset. And if you want to
share this with your website audience, scroll to the bottom of this article to get the
embed code for the "50 Safest Cities" badge.
1. Saratoga
Perfect for workers who need respite from the energy of nearby Silicon
Valley, Saratoga is a welcoming, relaxing, residential community situated in the
foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. With a well earned reputation for
outstanding schools, creative dining and a small -town ambiance, Saratoga offers
just about everything a family needs. Plus, it also has the honor of being the
safest city in California. The most recent FBI crime report reveals that less than
20 violent crimes and two robberies were reported in law enforcement in 2011,
which is commendable. Overflowing with opportunities for community
engagement, recreation, and a strong business vibe, it's no wonder once families
move to Saratoga they tend to stay. Share the good news! Saratoga is the safest
city in California!
3. Los Altos
The resident of Los Altos must feel safe knowing their city is the third safest and
that the most recent FBI Crime Report notes less than 10 incidents of aggravated
assault were reported to authorities in 2011. Safe streets and a median age of
just 34 also make Los Altos a desirable destination for transplants with children.
Los Altos' Tiny Tots play -based preschool program, youth theater and variety of
camps make working and living in Los Altos stress free. Fueled by life -long
learning and health and wellness, the petite city of just 6.4 square miles boasts
nearly 20 park and recreation areas. Rest assured, every member of your family
is sure to find stimulating, healthy entertainment in Los Altos. Creative types
should know there is a thriving art world in Los Altos. In fact, 29 art sculptures are
scattered throughout the tight -knit community, infusing it with creativity and
imagination. Share the good news! Los Altos is the third safest city in California!
12. Cupertino
Just west of San Jose, you'll discover the lovely city of Cupertino. If you're
looking for a city that exudes community cohesiveness, you've found it. With a
number of progressive community involvement programs, like its block party
program, the nearly 60- year -old city encourages its citizens to get to know one
another. Cupertino's block leader program is another forward thinking program
that's helped the city develop a harmonious, incredibly strong community and
powerful communities are great at fighting crime and keeping the bad guys at
bay. Cupertino ranks in the SafeWise 50 safest cities in California!
Email from Town Manager Greg Larson:
H
Hi John,
Your questions in recent emails about the police budget have been referred by a Council
member to staff, so I am providing you this quick combined response from Police,
Finance and my office.
The pros and cons of having our own police department is an issue that Council members
have addressed periodically through the years as part of their due diligence in being good
shepherds of public funds and meeting community needs. It is not a new question or
idea.
In fact, it was considered just earlier this year at the Council Strategic Goals Study
Session and one outcome of that discussion was the expanded presentation about Police
Department services and costs during the Town Budget Hearing in May, which can be
viewed on the Town website. A few years earlier, the Council had directed consideration
of Police Dispatch consolidation, which was not viable at that time.
Financial comparison of any budget line between cities is not as simplistic as just looking
at two numbers found online. Each jurisdiction's budget is structured differently for
a variety of reasons: so it is not in most cases, an apples to apples comparison. For
example, here are public budget numbers for police services in several cities of similar
population: (emphasis added)
Campbell
$14.0 m
Gilroy
$19.3 m
Los Altos
$ 9.9 m
Los Gatos
$14.2 m
Morgan Hill
$13.9 m
Saratoga
$ 4.9 m
What these numbers can't tell us without further review and investigation is how
each jurisdiction categorizes costs such as overhead, facilities, vehicles and other
expenses. Are they all included in the police line item or contained elsewhere? What
revenues are attributed to the police department that would need to be subtracted to find
out what the net cost is to the General Fund? In Los Gatos, for example, our Police
Department receives about $3 million a year in revenues from the contract to provide
police services to Monte Sereno, parking permits, tickets, grants, etc., all combining to
reduce our NET police budget to $11.2 million. (emphasis added)
Another factor to consider is the nature of the community. Is it a city that has vibrant
business and commercial enterprises that bring in a daily workforce, visitors, shoppers
and diners? Or is it primarily a bedroom community? Is it geographically located within
the County in an area where residents of adjacent cities will be passing through it to get
to work, school or other destinations? Or is it in a more isolated location?
7
Then you also need to examine the number of calls for service. Since you have focused
on Saratoga, here is that comparison with Los Gatos, all drawn from each jurisdiction's
respective budget documents, available online:
LOS GATOS SARATOGA (Adjustment in
heading and paragraphs from letter provided to Council, no change in substance)
Priority 1 calls (emergency/hazard) 101 55
Priority 2 calls (immediate response) 3,499 2,800
Priority 3 calls (non - emergency) 4,939 2,000
TOTAL 8,539 4,855
Again, you can't jump to any quick conclusions about a community by just looking at
these numbers. More calls could mean more crime or accidents — or it could indicate a
city that has more daily community activity. Similarly, simplistic "safest" city listings
rarely have much to do with the quality or level of police services.
Finally, each community has to decide for itself what it values. Los Gatos residents have
been vocal about wanting the reassurance of quick response times and knowing that help
is just a few minutes away. Again, drawn from our online budget books:
LOS GATOS SARATOGA
Priority I calls average response
4:30 minutes
6:00 minutes
Priority 2 calls average response
8:27 minutes
10:00 minutes
Priority 3 calls average response
13:12 minutes
20:00 minutes (emphasis added)
These significantly better response times on a much higher call volume result from the
fact that Los Gatos has nearly double the hours of police services available to our
residents. It is not that the Sheriff provides better or cheaper services, but that Saratoga —
given the nature and priorities of its community - can receive fewer services, as these
numbers indicate:
ANNUAL HOURS LOS GATOS SARATOGA
Police Patrol 49,920 20,060
Traffic Enforcement 4,160 2,396
Investigations 12,480 2,400
TOTAL 66,560 26,936
Los Gatos residents have historically been very appreciative and supportive of these
and other services provided by our Police Department, such as Elder Care calls,
Vacation Home checks, New On Watch video, Neighborhood Watch, School
Resource officer, and the department's work with our youth through the Youth
Commission, Safe Routes to School, Explorers, CASA, Drug Free and more. The
department receives many thank you notes for these extensive "community policing"
efforts. In fact, we are now appropriating the Police Department's prior vision of
"getting to know everyone in the community" as a Town -wide staff goal, to dramatically
improve our staff level focus on accessibility, responsiveness and transparency.
(emphasis added)
This is just a sample of the many components of research and analysis that would need to
be done to do a fair and equitable comparison of police or other budgets. Staff would
not undertake this complex and time consuming work unless the Town Council publicly
directed it to be a priority.
Thank you,
Greg Larson
Town Manager
John,
Thank you for your continued interest in and focus on this issue.
I was aware of Morgan Hill's discussions back then during the depths of the
recession, but also know that the Morgan Hill community and City Council chose
not to pursue consolidation or outsourcing because of their own community
choices and values, despite the Morgan Hill Police Officers union belief at that
time that such consolidation might be best for the careers or compensation of
their members.
I know you have a coffee set up with Chief Frisby in the near future, which is
great, as our new management team is trying to dramatically increase our
collective efforts for community outreach and engagement. You will find him
engaging, responsive and committed to our community.
However, given other Town priorities and ongoing services delivery, we will not
be able to spend much additional time reviewing and responding to your
submittals on this issue unless the Town Council makes such work one of the
Town's Strategic Priorities for the next two years. Even then, the subsequent
choice before the Council would likely be if they want to reduce police costs by
reducing police services to our community, whether outsourced or not, which is a
decision that can only be made with broad public input.
Thanks again.
Greg
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: John Shepardson jmailto:shepardsonlaw(ome.coml
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 7:42 AM
To: Matt Frisby; Greg Larson
Subject: No. of calls
Matt or Greg:
0
Could you state again why LG has so many calls that don't show up as P1 -P3?
What are the types of calls that are non P1 -P3?
Does LG record calls differently than Campbell? Or jurisdictions?
What are responses times in 2014 for P1 -P3?
Thx, and I know your busy Matt, and I don't want to bother you, so if can't
respond, I understand.
JS
From: Matt Frisby <mfrisbyalosgatosca.gov>
Subject: RE: No. of calls
Date: December 17, 2014 at 4:01:39 PM PST
To: John Shepardson <shepardsonlaw(a)me.com>
Hey John,
Will try to clarify. As part of the explanation I attached the email I sent to you
previously explaining parts of the question you are asking. Los Gatos
categorizes calls for service from 1 -9. Campbell Police Department has only
emergency and non - emergency as I understand it per Capt. Joe Cefalu. I think
he gave that clarification to either you or Ms. Holden previously. A lot of
agencies categorize calls 1 -3. Which generally mean 1- Emergency, 2- Urgent, 3-
Non emergency. Whatever category an agency uses the best indicator of
workload is likely CAD details.
For instance CPD's CAD details, as I understand it (approx.. 37K), divide equally
into their categorization of calls for service that they track. So they take all their
CAD events and push them into emergency, non - emergency or 1,2,3.
Historically what the Town has used as a performance measure in our budget is
outdated in my opinion. It is an antiquated measurement based on how we
categorize calls, but was never changed in the budget measurement. It is
something that we are going to change moving forward so that it is clearly
reflective of workload and not confusing to the public. So we could, if we
wanted, take our 38 -40K CAD calls and divide them into 1,2,3 as Campbell
and others do, but that has not been our past practice. (emphasis added)
Our response times are in the budget book and are consistent with what I believe
them to be. I recollect they are close to priority 1- about 4 minutes, priority 2-
about 7 -8 minutes and priority 3- under 13 minutes? Again they are in the
10
budget book and I believe it is an accurate metric.
I hope this gives you some clarification and I believe as soon as you understand
the frameworks and accounting of each agency, and are able to make like
comparisons, that we compare favorable. I think the argument is less about
costs, as it is my experience that they are all very much comparable when
making like comparisons. It is more about the level of service that the community
demands or expects from its police department and /or what price they put on
significant reduction in services. For example reducing police patrol hours as in
Saratoga or others will result in proportionally reduced costs. Likewise,
increasing police patrol will increase costs. Give and take.
Matt
Rol I L
I know we are scheduled to meet Wednesday and hope to be able to answer
your questions personally at that time, specific to our budget and the great work
we do every day. As for the numbers of persons in unincorporated Los Gatos I
am not sure. I believe it to be a fairly small sample of the total population with
small pockets off Shannon Road, others in the Monte Sereno area and maybe
the largest in the 'Blossom Manner" neighborhood between Los Gatos Almaden
and Blossom Hill Road which is a fairly small tract of homes. I will see if I can
narrow down the numbers ahead of our meeting.
I know you have been doing a bit of research with Campbell Police Department
for comparisons fiscally and operationally to us. Again, I look forward to
speaking in person to give the most complete answers and explanations, but
ahead of that as you look at workload comparisons to individual agencies it is
important to understanding their budget and accounting systems, as Greg
explained generally in response to one of your first emails.
It is my opinion if you are going to do a "quick look" comparison without
have an in -depth understanding of the infrastructure, accounting measures
and budget structure the best thing to ask for is total CAD (Computer Aided
Dispatch) events created. Every agency in the county has a CAD system that
tracks individual pieces of work managed by that agency. Some agencies divide
these CAD calls into priority numbers 1 -3 or more in some agencies. Other
agencies just separate emergency and non - emergency CAD calls. (emphasis
added)
So, in essence a CAD call is a piece of work that is managed by that police
department. Many times it will be termed as a "call for service." As example, it is
my understanding that for 2013 CPD received and /or created 37,649 CAD calls
which incorporates both emergency and non - emergency events handled. In
comparison for that same period of time Los Gatos /MS PD handled /received or
11
created approximately 38,060 CAD calls. We currently break these calls into
various priorities. CPD just differentiates between "emergency" and "non -
emergency" events. So, as you can see on the surface workloads are very
similar as to events created and /or handled. Crime types will vary as to
dynamics of the community. I would venture to guess CPD's persons and
violent crime rates are higher than ours and our non - emergency calls are
higher than theirs based on community types, staffing levels, policing
philosophies and expectations of the community as well as other things. I
apologize for not emailing directly on all of the emails you have sent, but wanted
to give you a strategy when making quick comparisons to other agencies as you
continue your research. I will try to have Morgan Hill's CAD call numbers ahead
of or meeting as I think they are a generally fair comparison specific to that
numeric as well. I look forward to our meeting. (emphasis added)
Matt
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FROM SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
httu: / /www.sccgov.org /sites/sheriff / Paaes/ best- in -the-
west.asux
Quoting from
htta: / /www.sccaov.org/ sites /sheriff /Documents /Individual S
niner2014 %20FinaI %20Results.Pdf
Best in the West SWAT Competition
Published on: 912912014 3 :42 PM
2014 Best in the West Results
2014 Best in the West Individual Sniper Results
Mark your calendar's for the 2015 Best in the West
September 17th -18th, 2015
The Sheriff's Office
Published on: 912312014 11 :26 AM
Print
The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office was founded in 1850, making it
one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the State of California.
There have been twenty seven persons serving in the capacity of
Sheriff since 1850. Sheriff Laurie Smith is currently the twenty- eighth
person elected to serve as Sheriff of Santa Clara County. Sheriff
Smith has served as the Sheriff since January 1999.
The Sheriff's Office is divided into 3 major bureaus: Enforcement,
Custody /Services, and Administrative Services. Two Assistant Sheriffs
12
oversee the three bureaus.
Currently, the Sheriff's Office has 1,725 employees. Of those
employees, 1,299 of them are sworn law enforcement officers. These
positions are broken down as follows:
• Sheriff
• Undersheriff /Chief of Correction
• 2 Assistant Sheriffs
• 14 Captains
• 24 Lieutenants
• 117 Sergeants
• 1,142 Deputies
o 395 Enforcement Deputies
o 747 Correctional Deputies
In addition to the full -time badge staff, the Sheriff's Office has 65
Reserve Deputy Sheriffs. To support the entire operation, the
Department employs 426 non - sworn, civilian staff.
There are several specialized units and teams within the Sheriff's
Office. These include Canine Unit, Search & Rescue, Dive Team,
Traffic/ Motorcycles, Off -Road Enforcement Team, Hostage
Negotiation Team, SERT (Sheriff's Emergency Response Team),
Crowd Control Unit, SORE (Sheriff's Off -Road Enforcement
Team), Narcotics Task Force, ERT (Emergency Response
Teams), Jail Intelligence Unit, SAFE (Sexual Assault Felony
Enforcement) Task Force, REACT (Rapid Enforcement Allied
Computer Team) Task Force, CASU (Custodial
Alternative Supervision Unit), Parks Boat Patrol,
Intelligence /Vice Unit and Bomb Squad. (emphasis added)
IV. TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS
One, I suggest the Los Gatos Town Council engage in a comprehensive
13
review of a possible switch to the Santa Clara County Sherriff's Department. It
seems both the community and Local Police Department deserve such a
comparison before a switch is made. The potential delta savings are simply too
great on an annual basis not to at least require an "apples to apples" comparison,
if one is possible. The Police Chief and Town Manager both have indicated that
no such comparison has been done to date, despite public comment by my friend
former Mayor Steve Rice suggesting otherwise. With approximately $40M in
unfunded Town repairs, and things like the Almond Grove streets unrepaired for
apparently decades, the benefit of the annual savings looms large. Other
possible benefits from a switch are things like a community center (at the No.
40 ?), a tax cut, or additional funding for new garages to both enhance the
business environment for our downtown merchants and to reduce circulating
traffic. A switch would also reduce the Town's liability for police misconduct, and
the Sheriff may switch to vest videos, which have been proven effective for
reducing complaints of misconduct. A review needs to take into account the
many apparent present benefits of outreach to the community in terms of
checking on the homeless, elderly, vacation homes, and addressing our youth,
and their actions.
Two, some current response times by the Sheriff in Cupertino are better
than Los Gatos. However, as to the most important calls, priority one, Los Gatos
is nineteen seconds faster. That said, the Town could negotiate for a faster
priority one response time if it wished, and still probably reap millions in savings.
Three, the Town could negotiate for use of the existing Town Plaza offices
to become a Sheriff substation. I am sensitive to the long- standing service of
many of our Police Officers. I am informed many, if not all, of the existing
Officers could be re -hired by the Sheriff, and with reasonable benefits packages.
The Town could choose our own Chief, and I recommend Chief Frisby.
Four, I engaged the Sheriff's Department, and it is sensitive to not
appearing to be trying advocate for a switch. The Local Police Department
doesn't really wish to comment on the capabilities of the Sheriff's Department.
Both positions are understandable. What I humbly suggest is the Council, as it
would with any big budget item, affirmatively request the Sheriff's Department
provide a presentation of what they can offer the Town.
Five, from informal discussions with people in the community, there is
strong support for a change that could save the Town millions, while keeping the
Town safe. On the other hand, the Local Police Department and Steve Rice are
opposed to a switch. Others such as Sue Farwell and Jonathon Knowles spoke
in favor of the Local Police Department at the Town Council hearing in May 2014.
Six, a concern does remain about the manner in which the Sheriff
provides information to the public. They only received an average grade on this
topic. This particular matter needs to be further explored. However, it doesn't
14
seem to be a bothersome issue for our neighboring municipalities.
Seven, a switch to the Sheriff's Department would probably reduce the
financial pressure on the Town created by the loss of the car dealerships. We
would be less financially dependent on any particular proposed commercial or
residential project. Traffic is rapidly increasing, and if we can reduce the size and
scale of projects because the Town can afford it, that seems to be wise
governance.
Thank you for your attention to this Memorandum. I am submitting it now
so that the Local Police Department and others in the community have a full and
fair opportunity to respond to it. I remain open to any and all points of view and
information bearing on the issue, and I consider the views expressed tentative.
Yours truly,
John Shepardson, Esq.
1s
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INTENTIONALLY
LEFT BLANK
From: Marlon Smith <marlon.smith2 @verizon.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2015 6:44 PM
To: Marcia Jensen; BSpector; Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Town Manager
Subject: Los Gatos - Monte Sereno Police Department
I request the Los Gatos Town Council reschedule the agenda item concerning the replacement of the Los Gatos -Monte
Sereno Police Department with the services of the Santa Clara County Sherriff's office to a future date so that more LG
residents can be made aware of the item and have the chance to be informed and involved in such a serious proposal.
Marlon Smith
125 Lansberry Ct
Las Gatos, CA 95032
408 - 358 -1850
408- 472 -9470 (cell)
From: John Shepardson <shepardsonlaw @me.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2015 8:11 PM
To: Marcia Jensen; Council; Greg Larson; Robert Schultz; Rick Sung; Barbara Holden; Mike
Wasserman; Sam Liccardo
Subject: Re: LG's $14.2M Police Budget and Possibly Switching to Sheriff (Request Sheriff
Presentation & Call for Comprehensive Review Now)
Correction:
• LG has a $14.2M cost budget, and revenue coming back of approximately
• $3M, for a net financial cost to the Town of $14.21M.
this should be approximately $11.2M.
From: John Shepardson <shepardsonlaw @me.com>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 7:55 AM
To: Marcia Jensen; Council; Greg Larson; Matt Frisby
Subject: Exploring LG's Policing Options
It appears we would have less total patrol hours with the Sheriff, and that the Sheriff is efficient with its time, so its
service levels are excellent like in Sara and Cup. This would explain why the Sheriff has fewer officers on patrol, and yet
faster overall response times than the LGPD. It's not the number of years in a life, it's the amount of life in the years. The
measure of safety is not the number of patrol hours, it's the level of service provided during patrol hours. With the
Sheriff the Town apparently leverages its resources better, which frees up potentially millions to fix our roads, helps end
dependence on big developments to fund Town government, better allows us to fund projects to attack our increasibg
traffic problem, and provide other services to the community.
I know enough to know that there is much more to know about comparing our policing options. Hence, let's invite the
Sheriff to make a proposal, which they are ready, willing and able to do. Let's have an independent third party do a
comprehensive review of our options, a Police Independent Review ( "PIR "). Any item that is almost half of the Town's
expense budget would we worthy of such a review. The FIR may suggest keeping our local PD. With a fuller disclosure of
options, the people may want our existing policing structure and be willing to sacrifice millions in savings.
I was asked if it had a bias against the LGPD. We all have biases and prejudices at some level. That said, I don't have an
axe to grind against the LGPD. I like Matt as our Chief. My car was broken into recently and the CSO did a great job. I do
have a bias for efficient government and maximizing Town resources for the benefit of the people. I do have a bias
against over dependence on big projects to fund Town Hall. I do have a bias against traffic and our Town turning into a
city. The bottom line is if the people are better off with the existing police structure, then keep it. If they materially
better off with a change, then change. All progress comes through change, and not all change is progress.
John Shepardson
Sent from my iPhone
From: Lydia Norcia <Lydia.Norciana cbnorcal.com>
Date: February 16, 2015 at 3:33:40 PM PST
To: <Qlarson(a)losgatosca.POV>
Subject: Opposed to the Outsourcing of the Los Gatos Police Department Notice
Reply -To: <Lydia.Norciana cbnorcal.com>
Please be advised that we are opposed to any consideration of the outsourcing of the Los Gatos
Police Department. Sincerely, Lydia and Dom Norcia
Best Regards from The Norcia Real Estate Team - Lydia and Dom
Knowledge, Integrity, Experience and Success. A Winning Combination!
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From: Karen Kurtz < >
Date: February 16, 2015 at 4:46:56 PM PST
To: <glarsonC@losaatosca aov>
Subject: Do not outsource our public safety
Dear Greg.
Please do not waste staff time and resources on investigating the possibility of outsourcing our police department and
please do not waste more town money hiring consultants to investigate this further. We do NOT want to outsource the
safety of our community and do NOT want this considered any longer.
Thank you,
K Gi lie v, IC u vtz
From: Lynne <lddahmsna,aol.com>
Date: February 16, 2015 at 4:47:51 PM PST
To: <glarsonalos atg osca.gov>
Subject: Los Gatos Police Department Out Sourcing
Mr. Larson,
It has come to our attention that the Town Council is considering outsourcing our police department. Have
they checked into response time of the Santa Clara County Sheriff s Department or any other local police
department in Santa Clara County? By adding Monte Sereno and possibly Los Gatos to their territory won't
they be more understaffed and make the response time even longer? Just check with people in Blossom Hill
Manor who have to use the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Department. They will tell you how long the
response time has been. We did not hire our Town Manager or elect our Town Council members to have them
put our town in jeopardy. Our small town has been a safe place to live because OUR Los Gatos Police
Department has a vested interest in OUR town. We do not want the level of our crime to raise because of poor
response time.
An example I will use: Recently someone I know had expensive camera equipment stolen from his
car. This was reported to the police department. He watched on Craig's list and the items showed up for sale
with photos that actually showed his business card in one of the cases. He called the San Jose Police
Department and they said they were too busy to follow through with any investigation. This seller had a picture
on Facebook with a gun and there wasn't any way he wanted to meet with the seller. The man who had his
camera equipment taken from his car is a professional photographer and his life depends on having this
equipment. What is wrong with this picture? We know that the San Jose Police Department is
understaffed. The Santa Clara County Sheriffs Department is also spread thin. Who would feel secure
without our efficient Los Gatos Police Department. What do we spend taxes for? We hired and voted for you
to keep our town safe and financially solvent. What happened to the safe factor? Please do not put our town
at risk by out sourcing our police department.
Lynne and Richard Dahms
From: Jeff Miller <ieff�onstermechanical.com>
Date: February 16, 2015 at 5:24:43 PM PST
To: "glarsonAloseatosca.gov" < larsonna los atosca. ov>
Cc: "sleonardisCc loseatosca.gov" < "bsnector(a)losQatosca.eov"
< "rrenniealoseatosca.eov" <rrennie(alosgatosca.eov >, "miensen(o)los atosca.gov"
<miensenna losgatosca.eov >, "msavocna los atosca.gov" <msayoc(n�loseatosca.gov>
Subject: Police Department
Hello Greg & Counsel members,
I understand that the counsel is considering elimination of the police department and outsourcing public safety
to the Sherif.
This would be a horrible injustice to our town. I stand against the out sourcing. We will have no control.
I urge you to consider other means to reduce expenses
Respectfully
Jeff Miller
19 Glen Ridge Avenue
Los Gatos CA 95030
From: Gwen Pinkston [gpinkston @comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 6:31 PM
To: Greg Larson; Steven Leonardis; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Marico Sayoc
Cc: goinkston(c)comcast.net
Subject: Out sourcing our police dept.
Greg Larson' Steve Leonardis, Barbara Spector, Rob Rennie, Marcia Jensen, Marico Sayoc,
Please under no circumstances should you consider outsourcing the duties of our valued Los Gatos
Police Dept. to the Sheriffs department.
The amount of money that MIGHT be saved is not a viable trade off
Thank you,
Art and Gwen Pinkston
107 Calfhill Ct.
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
From: Carol [carolkonline @verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 6:31 PM
To: Greg Larson
Subject: Fwd: Los Gatos police department
> Sent from my Wad
> Begin forwarded message:
>> Dear Greg Larson
>> I have lived in Los Gatos for over 40 years and my choice for living here was a safe community and good schools.
Now I'm hearing there is a possibility that we will not have a police dept. and will be under the county's sheriffs
department! This applause me, I can not believe the town council would even consider this. I know may people in the
manor and other areas that are under the sheriffs dept. and have not heard good things. I also have a rental in Los
Gatos and spent good money to transfer it from county to Los Gatos. How could you possible think about getting rid of
our great police dept. if we are so short of funds you should have considered that before we spent so much money on
the library. I hope this nightmare will never happen!
>> Carol milligan
>> Sent from my Wad
From: Darin Conway [dconway @lgsuhsd.org]
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 7:10 PM
To: Council; Steven Leonardis; BSpector; Rob Rennie; MJenson�la losaatosca gov; Marico Sayoc; Greg Larson
Subject: LGPD is needed!
To Los Gatos Town Council Members,
I am writing as a concerned member of the Los Gatos Community. It has recently come to my attention that the
Town Council is considering outsourcing one of Los Gatos' most valuable community assets - the Los
Gatos /Monte Sereno Police Department. I would like to vehemently request that you NOT do this!
Working at LGHS over the past six years has given me the opportunity to work with both the LGPD as well as
the Sheriffs who work with unincorporated Los Gatos. The difference in service between the two is night and
day. The LGPD works with us as a partner and fellow community member while the sheriff department
provides a wholly different, and often more frustrating experience. The officers working for LGPD know the
citizens of our community and are known (and mostly loved) by the citizens of our community. The sheriffs
are not part of the community in the same way and do not show the same level of care and concern for our
citizens. LG is just one of the many, many communities that the Sheriffs serve, and they do not recognize the
unique attributes of the Los Gatos community.
The LGPD, on the other hand, knows the community and it's inner - workings in ways that enable them to
provide a special level of service that would be sorely missed. Turning away this service could hamper the
overall small town community feel we all know and love about Los Gatos.
Lastly, the Sheriffs department is already over - extended and do not have the resources to respond to crises in a
timely manner. Please take this into consideration when voting tomorrow night and keep LGPD, and keep Los
Gatos safe!
Sincerely,
Darin Conway, LCSW, PPSC
Darin Conway, LCSW, PPSC
CA55Y Program Director
Los Gatos High School,5aratoga High School, Fisher Middle School
408 - 354 -2730 ext. 510
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This e -mail is meant only for the use of the intended recipient and may contain privileged and
confidential information. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender
immediately by return e-mail, delete this e-mail and destroy and copies.
From:
Dresti, Deanna <Deanna. Dresti@sodexo.com >
Sent:
Monday, February 16, 2015 7:17 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Los Gatos Police
Dear Council Members - --
considering the disbanding of our local police- NO WAYI I I I !
"Do not outsource our public safety. Please do not waste staff time and resources on
investigating this possibility, and please do not waste more town money hiring
consultants to investigate this further. We do not want to outsource the safety of our
community and do not want this considered any longer!.
Town Council members
Steve Leonardis <sleonardis(a�lospatosca e��>
Barbara Spector <bsoector(a�loseatosca.sov>
Rob Rennie <rrennie@ oseatosca eov>
Marcia Jensen at <MJensen a LosGatosCA e��>
Marico Sayoc <MSavoc(a�LosGatosCA eov>
Town Manager
Greg Larson < g1arson(a-)lossatosca.gov>
Deanna Dresti
16310 Robie Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95032
This e-mail, attachments included, is confidential. It is intended solely for the addressees. If you are not an intended recipient, any use, copy or diffusion, even
Partial of this message is prohibited. Please delete it and notify the sender immediately. Since the integrity of this message cannot be guaranteed on the Internet,
SODEXO cannot therefore be considered liable for its content.
From: Dresti, Deanna <Deanna.Dresti @sodexo.com>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 7:20 PM
To: Council
Subject: Disbanding Police Department Los Gatos
Dear Los Gatos Town Council - --
Do Not Disband the Los Gatos Police Department
"Do not outsource our public safety. Please do not waste staff time and resources
on investigating this possibility, and please do not waste more town money hiring
consultants to investigate this further. We do not want to outsource the safety of
our community and do not want this considered any longer!.
Mark Wander
mwander @valleywater.org
Mark Wander
16310 Robie Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95032
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1
rrom: KICK Lunanerg lrlunaberg66 @gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 7:59 PM
To: Steven Leonardis; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Marico Sayoc; Greg Larson
Subject: LG Police Family and Friends
All,
Do not outsource our public safety. Please do not waste staff time and resources on investigating this possibility,
and please do not waste more town money hiring consultants to investigate this further. We do not want to
outsource the safety of our community and do not want this considered any longer!.
These Officers are family and have a heart felt buy into this town. Be here,Live here, Love here or want to move
here.
We need to keep them here and show them we care for their services in protecting our family's
Thanks,
Rick Lundberg
PS Born here, raised here, love here and live here.
From: annwright6 @comcast.net
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 8:48 PM
To: Marcia Jensen; BSpector; sleonard @losgatosca.gov; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Town
Manager
Subject: Late addition of agenda item for Tuesday Council meeting
For the record: we think adding an item as important as a discussion of disbanding the LG -MS Police
Dept to the end of an already long agenda is unacceptable and not in the best interests of the
community. This item will need good discussion and further information. Many people will want to be
there. Sufficient notice of this addition has not been given to the community. This is also a vacation
week for many families. A discussion of this magnitude should not be held at the end of a long
meeting, but rather at the beginning. We hope you will reconsider the addition of this item and
consider including it in the next Council meeting.
Thank You
Ann and Max Wright
From: John Shepardson <shepardsonlaw @me.com>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2015 8:53 PM
To: Marcia Jensen; Council; BSpector; Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Mike
Wasserman; Sam Liccardo
Subject: Re: Sheriff: Former LG Town Manager Dave Knapp says Cities would be Shocked by
Amount of Money that can be Saved)
http: / /www.gilroydispatch.com /news /crime fire courts /switch -to- sheriff -s- department /article ac2abl52 -05e4-
52ee- aaa8- cc7b3edd7879.html
Advised article did not send well, so providing link above.
JS
On Feb 16, 2015, at 8:30 PM, John Shepardson <shepardsonlaw @me.com> wrote:
Quoting from
http: / /www.2ilroydispatch.com /news /crime fire courts/
switch -to- sheriff -s- department /article ac2ab152 -05e4-
52ee- aaa8- cc7b3edd7879.html
Switch to Sheriffs Department? (emphasis added
below)
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Of the three cities in Santa Clara County that contract with the sheriffs department for
police services, Cupertino is closest to Gilroy's population. Cupertino has 55,551 residents
compared to 51,173 in Gilroy. But the contrast in expenses for police services is startling.
Cupertino's budget for police services — at $8.3 million — is less than half of what Gilroy
spends annually —about $19 million. That's according to a sheriffs department report
which breaks down the numbers to about $372 per resident in Gilroy and $150 per
resident in Cupertino.
Gilroy Police Chief Denise Turner said comparing those police departments budget is like comparing apples to oranges. Other cities
include only materials and personnel figures in their budgeting, she said, while Gilroy's budget consists of "every bit of overhead,"
including fleet costs, information technology figures and human resources.
In Cupertino, however, City Manager Dave Knapp is a convert. He admits
being skeptical when he first took the post and learned that the city was contracting its
police services out to sheriffs deputies. But after several years at the city's helm, he says
he can't see a single drawback.
"I have to say, it's a good price, and we get excellent service," he said.
Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith acknowledged that the two cities have major differences. Gilroy's demographics and income
level don't come close to upscale Cupertino where the average home price is $1.1 million, and the gang problems in Gilroy are far more
serious than other cities that contract with the sheriffs department.
But police departments throughout the state generally save money when they are run by
the sheriffs department, Smith said.
She used a comparison between Saratoga and Los Altos to demonstrate the point.
Saratoga has 31,592 residents, Los Altos has 28,291. Smith said while the cities are
similar demographically, Saratoga, a contract city, budgeted about $4.2 million for police
services this fiscal year, while Los Gatos budgeted about $7.1 million. [JS: Actually LG is
much higher, and now is $14.2, and after revenues is, is $11.2].
Part of those savings result from cost - sharing agreements, she said. For example,
Saratoga, Cupertino and Los Altos Hills all share a command center based in Cupertino
for dispatching services.
Sgt. Matt Dutra, president of the Sheriffs Association, agreed.
"They're realizing savings because they're not paying for an entire building," he said.
But, while Gilroy City Council members are openly exploring contracting out for fire services, the tone is far different when it comes to
law enforcement.
"If we can't afford to operate a police department, that will be a very sad day," Woodward said.
Mayor Al Pinheiro noted that the city has never discussed the idea of contracting out police services, so it would be premature to offer
an opinion. Still, he did not say it was unthinkable to discuss the matter.
"I can tell you that these (economic) circumstances are going to steer cities to look at things that they weren't going to entertain in the
past," he said.
Councilwoman Cat Tucker said she favored local control, and noted that Gilroy's demographics are quite different from those of
Cupertino.
"I'd have to get a lot of information before I went in that direction," she said.
Gilroy Police Officer Mitch Madruga, president of the Gilroy Police Officers Association, also expressed cynicism about contracting out
police services. Several Gilroy police officers were born and raised in town, and therefore they have a major stake in the well -being of
the community, he said.
Still, he said some police officers are getting increasingly upset with city officials in the wake of budget cutbacks and layoffs in the past
year. Madruga said that a member of the GPOA expressed interest in learning more about the possibility of contracting with the shedfrs
department, so the union allowed him to talk with the Deputy Sheriffs Association to learn more. However, the officer has yet to report
back to the GPOA about his findings, he said.
Both the county sheriff and the Sheriffs Association representative said that the sheriffs department is not interested in pressuring any
cities to join forces with them, and they want to maintain good relationships with local police departments.
At the same time, they said they are always willing to talk with cities if they wish to consider using their services.
Contract cities have control over how many police officers are in town and how long they
are expected to stay there, Smith said.
Cupertino's city manager said there were certain issues that he is glad that the city does
not have to handle under the sheriffs department agreement. For instance, Knapp enjoys
the luxury of not being responsible for contract negotiations, and the city has access to
01
specialized services such as helicopter and a bomb - sniffing dog without additional
expense.
Knapp added that Gilroy would be s h o c ke d how much it could save if the
sheriffs department handled its policing services, yet acknowledge that most cities would
not want to cede local control.
Cupertino — like all of the sheriff"s department's current contract cities — never had its own police department.
Cost per resident for police services in Santa Clara County for fiscal year 2009
City; Cost per resident; Percentage of city budget on police
services
Los Alto Hills *, $102.10; 20.35
Monte Sereno; $128.82; 17.29
Saratoga* $131.96; 24.43
Cupertino' ;• $149.68; 19.58
Morgan Hill; $249.75; 37.01
Los Altos; $251.38; 25.91
San Jose; $284.13; 26.78
Campbell; $322.12; 35.93
Milpitas; $324.30; 31.03
Mountain View; $367.05; 30.70
Gilroy; $372.36; 42.62
Santa Clara; $377.47; 30.66
Los Gatos; $426.36; 39.54
Palo Alto; $470.77; 20.53
Sunnyvale; $507.74; 22.95
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From: Brandie Samaripa <bsamaripa @me.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 8:17 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Los Gatos Police Department
Do not outsource our public safety! Please do not waste staff time and resources on investigating this possibility, and
Please do not waste more town money on hiring consultants to investigate this further. We do not want to outsource
the safety of our community and do not want this considered any longer!
Brandie Samaripa
From: Clark Cochran [mailto:clark.cochran@conformiq com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 9:04 AM
To: Steven Leonardis; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Marico Sayoc; Greg Larson
Subject: Do Not Outsource Police
Dear Town Council Members,
As a 25+ year Town resident, I strongly oppose outsourcing our police department. I haven't seen where this change
would result in significant Town savings when everything is considered and I am fairly certain that it would remove a
bond that has been established over many years between citizens and the department. I am also concerned that we
would lose the ability to closely collaborate on focused enforcement and prevention programs specific to our
community needs.
I am very much in favor of savings, but if every decision is solely based on cost, then maybe the council should
investigate outsourcing itself and the entire Town staff. I don't support this either, but I say it for perspective. Los Gatos
is a community and that includes our own police department.
Money is always an issue, so please do not spend any more staff time and resources on investigating this possibility and
please do not waste Town money hiring consultants to investigate this further. This should now be dropped from
consideration for many reasons beyond only a possibility of fiscal savings.
Regards,
Clark Cochran
60 Rogers Road
Los Gatos, CA
From: <jandk356Cu�comcast.net>
Date: February 17, 2015 at 9:30:52 AM PST
To: <Q]arsonna losgatosca.eov >, <sleonardis cr losaatosca.eov >, <bs en ctor(a losgatosca eov >,
<rrennie ,los atosca.gov >, <MJensenCcr�LosGatosCA.eov >, <MSavoc(a�LosGAtosCa.¢ov>
Subject: Police Department
We are also in favor of keeping our local police department and not out sourcing to the sheriffs
dept. Kathie and Jeff Gaylord
From:
Martha Berk <berkmarty @yahoo.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 10:37 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
Los Gatos /Monte Sereno Police Department
We urge the council to continue using the services of the Los Gatos /Monte Sereno Police Department and not switch to
the Sheriffs Department to protect our communities. The Police Dept. has been serving us well. There should be a
clause in the contract to make sure over -time fees are covered by the community requiring them.
Thank you for considering our recommendation.
Dr. and Mrs. Leo H. Berk
15235 Janor Ct.
Monte Sereno, CA 95030
be rkm a rtyCa?va hoo.com
_. __-_.---------- - --
From: Jim Huber [mailto iim.huber(a�comcast net]
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 11:32 AM
To: Greg Larson; Steven Leonardis
Subject: Los Gatos - Sheriff Contract
I have LOTS of experience on this topic. A 32 year member of the Sheriffs office with 6 years at the
Saratoga Substation 1989 - 1996 as Lieutenant - Operations manager.
I was there when Larry Todd lied to Monte Sereno to get that contract.
There is tremendous cost savings by contracting and I know some tricks to make it even less
expensive.
I was considering contacting Chief Scott Seaman until I heard he was leaving.
I wanted Los Gatos to Contract Saratoga, still an interesting concept - something I believe I can sell
to Saratoga.
I live in Los Gatos and have for 42 years
I am available to discuss either contract. Please keep me informed as this is discussed
Jim Huber
408.356.0209
I
From: Beer, James <James.Beer @McKesson.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 11:33 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Possible outsourcing of the Los Gatos Police Department
Members of the Los Gatos Town Council;
I wanted to record my opposition to the idea of possibly outsourcing the Los Gatos Police Department.
As a long time resident of Los Gatos, it is clear to me that our town enjoys a quite unique atmosphere and spirit of
community. In particular, I believe that our police force plays a very important role in making Los Gatos a great place to
live. The LG police officers' understanding of our community allows them to be more effective in their work in matters
ranging from public safety to connecting with high schoolers and other students. The familiarity that is bred from long,
tenured service to the Police Department further encourages a sense of accessibility to the police from members of the public
— both young and old. The resulting relationship between police and public is both effective and serves to build the strength
and fabric of the Los Gatos community.
While budgetary pressures are ever present in all walks of life, I would urge particular caution around reducing the level of
investment in our police force as our town continues to grow and prosper. The police are 'core' to the attractiveness of Los
Gatos as a place to live, raise a family and build a community. It would be a mistake to turn back on the course that has made
the Los Gatos Police Department a most effective force in the development of our community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
James Beer
108 Kennedy Court, Los Gatos
- - - -- Forwarded Message - - - --
From: Angelia Doerner <saveourhood(O )Yahoo com>
To: Steve Leonardis <sleonardis@losgatosca qov >; Barbara Spector <bsoector(cDlosgatosca qov >; Marcia Jensen
<mjensen(0)Iosgatosca qov >; Rob Rennie <rrennie(g)losgatosca qov >; Marico Sayoc <msayoc@Iosgatosca qov>
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 11:49 AM
Subject: Police Budget
Same old review antics of the numbers - the analyses were ineffective before, they continue to
be ineffective now. Totally set aside the "outsourcing" topic - all you get are a lot of strong - willed
people tonight - many of whom have not looked at any attachments (worthless anyway) and can't
even tell you how much the annual budget is for our police services.
I would like to see an analysis of the demographics of our police force - including demos of hiring
practices over the last five years to replace "retired" personnel. Lets compare the age /experience of
our officers to these other cities' age /experience stats - then coupled with priority calls - and you start
to glean a better understanding of our per capita $.
How many of our officers are working on their second, or third, retirements - at commiserate pay
scales (and accruing pension costs)? How much experience do you need to respond to broken -in
cars? We offer a lot of great community services - but most absolutely do not require trained or
veteran officers! What are our case clearance rates? Arrest rates? Prosecution rates? Someone told
me there are a lot of "white collar crimes that we need investigators for. The problem is - who has any
clue?
I sincerely hope you complete a true cost efficiency /effectiveness analyses of our police department.
Get rid of the concept "outsourcing ". Given a "blank sheet of paper ", what would our police
department look like (and cost) 1) to handle the types of crimes we have, 2) to offer the community
services we want to embrace (separate from other personnel that can do the job at much lower
salary/pension rates!), and 3) how much extra "fluff' are we willing to pay when our infrastructure is
crumbling and our traffic systems need a complete overhaul?
I would like to see our parking ticket revenues disaggregated between downtown and the rest of the
community. We make a lot of money fining the hell out of downtown supporters (because we have
inadequate parking) - and I bet we make only peanuts (if any) from all the other parking violations in
town. Lets get a couple more three - wheelers and have them give tickets "on the other side of 17" for
straddling parking spaces, not having wheels turned properly on inclines, parked in fire lanes...... then
we can pay for some of the extra "chit chat" that you'll hear so much about tonight.
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