HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-27-2018 Item 04 - Acquisition and Placement of Security Cameras in Mission Plaza, Mitchell and Meadow Parks Meeting Date: 11/27/2018
FROM: Deanna Cantrell, Chief of Police
Prepared By: Melissa Ellsworth, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: PERMANENT PLACEMENT OF SECURITY CAMERAS IN MISSION
PLAZA, MITCHELL AND MEADOW PARKS
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a new capital improvement project to permanently place security cameras in Mission
Plaza, Meadow Park, and Mitchell Park.
DISCUSSION
Mission Plaza is the host location for numerous events throughout the year. Some of these events
can draw crowds into the thousands, creating a Public Safety need for video monitoring to protect
life and property. The Police Department currently utilizes ten camera systems in various locations
throughout the City. One of these systems is in a permanent mounting position covering the area of
the Mission Adobe and public bathrooms. This camera has proven valuable in the live monitoring
of events that occur on the west side of Mission Plaza and the dogleg area of Monterey and Broad
Street. A second mobile camera has been positioned periodically, when available, on the east end of
Mission Plaza. This vantage point provides some coverage but is obscured by trees in the plaza.
The placement of the cameras is critical to ensuring the various areas of the plaza are being covered
by the video system. Currently, there is not a suitable location inside the plaza to adequately
provide unobstructed views of the plaza, including the amphitheater. Currently, staff is working to
develop a plan to install two poles in the Mission Plaza to provide a suitable location to mount two
new permanent cameras. The poles are planned to be 15 to 20 feet tall to provide the necessary
sight lines and prevent tampering.
In addition to Mission Plaza, this project is planned to install one new camera at Meadow Park and
one new camera at Mitchell Park. Both parks have playground areas and restroom facilities, and
unfortunately both parks have experienced several problems due to adverse behavior in the area.
Once the plan is complete, staff will present the plan to the Parks and Recreation Commission
before implementation. All areas will have appropriate signage to notify the public of the cameras.
CONCURRENCES
The Public Works Director concurs with this request.
The Parks and Recreation Commission, will be advised of this enha ncement, consistent with its
role as the advisory body to Council on parks and recreation matters (the Plaza is considered a
park).
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
No environmental review is necessary for this request to create a Capital Improvement Project.
Once the design has been completed, and all impacts known, the appropriate environmental
review will be completed.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Police Department has received City Manager approval to use carry over funds from FY
2017-18 in the amount of $60,000 for this project. Police staff is working closely with Public
Works and the Information Technology Division to identify the needs for installation, cabling,
poles, and other associated costs. The costs to purchase four cameras is $32,100. The remaining
project funding will be used to complete the installation. An estimate of the installation cost is
not known at this time since the design has not been completed. It is anticipated that the
remaining project funding will be adequate to address this need, but if not, a funding plan will be
provided to the awarding authority prior to implementation.
ALTERNATIVE
Deny this request. Staff does not concur with this alternative; increasing security cameras in high
use public areas will enhance safety efforts. Permanently placing additional cameras with high
visibility signage in these areas may also deter illegal activity.
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