pages: CityCouncil/2021-01-19.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2021-01-19 | 7 | 33 Stated vandalism is cheap to fix, terrorism is not; discussed a local terrorist; urged a focus on locating terrorists and not on vandalism: Morgan Bellinger, Alameda. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the timing is unfortunate for a number of reasons; there is a need to protect buildings which house and store evidence; expressed support for considering reexamining the scope and funding in the future. Councilmember Daysog stated reports and recommendations are prepared for serious reasons; staff has recommended the matter be considered by Council; he is inclined to support staff's recommendation; noted there appears to be more support for holding off for several weeks, which is understandable; noted issues raised regarding quality of the system and privacy; stated the staff report indicates the system will be in compliance with the City's privacy, data collection and facial recognition policies; the need is present for the upgrade given the number of vandalism cases against the APD building; expressed support for the staff recommendation. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of continuing the matter until the mid-year budget cycle and including direction that Council wait until after hearing from the community groups before making decisions on prioritizing funding; stated the matter has waited ten years and can wait months longer; this is not a major public safety issue. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired the process for direction to staff. The City Manager responded the matter could come in the mid-year or two year budget cycle, but not be implemented until after the Police committees have reported and provided recommendations to Council; noted that the matter will likely be brought with the two year budget cycle to allow sufficient committee report timing. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she has heard recommendations for finding funding within the APD fund budget; inquired whether the recommendation is included as part of the motion's direction to staff. Councilmember Knox White responded that is his preference; stated money spent from the General Fund should not be in competition with parks or other unbundled services; expressed support for an understanding of how the matter will be prioritized for additional General Fund funding; stated APD is funded by the General Fund. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated there is a separate portion of APD's budget which is not under the General Fund. Vice Mayor Vella expressed concern about the matter being a second APD request for surveillance equipment which has not gone through an open bidding process; outlined the process for approving projects and purchases through open bidding; expressed support for an open bid process being used relative to surveillance equipment; expressed concern about the desired filming areas; stated that she is concerned about free speech issues related to surveillance; expressed concern about access to surveillance footage and retention; stated that she would like more information about filming of public parking areas; noted that the idea of filming areas in light of a number of demonstrations is problematic; stated the request is extensive; system proposals tend to be piecemeal throughout the City and technology is Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 19, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-01-19.pdf |