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<br />Rules and Communications Committee <br />June 7, 2007 <br /> <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />It was noted that the City of Oakland has purchased radios which are not compatible with the <br />radios to be used with the EBRCS. Committee Member Starosciak asked what would happen <br />if San Leandro delayed its decision to join the EBRCS. Mr. Jermanis indicated that there <br />would be a cost to "buy in" to the system at a later date, which would likely be paid from City <br />reserves. <br /> <br />Committee Member Starosciak expressed concern that the known costs, such as the $5 million <br />for radios, are huge, and that many of the costs are still unknown. She commented on the <br />importance of ensuring that field personnel are trained to use the system. <br /> <br />Mr. Jermanis stated that for the next Committee meeting, staffwill report on what the City of <br />Oakland is doing; the known system costs for the EBRCS and possible funding sources; how <br />many agencies have signed Letters of Intent to participate in the JP A; and which agencies are <br />still not committed. <br /> <br />Committee Member Santos stated that he is not opposed to going to the voters to request <br />funding for the system. <br /> <br />2. Discussion Regarding Appeals for Community Preservation and Weed Ordinance <br />Violations Being Heard by the Board of Zoning Adjustments or Other Newly Created <br />Commission or Board <br /> <br />City Manager Jermanis gave background on the matter. Community Relations Representative <br />Kathy Ornelas outlined the community standards enforcement process. She noted that at a recent <br />City Council meeting, Councilmember Stephens had suggested using one of the existing City <br />advisory bodies to handle the enforcement hearings. Ms. Ornelas reported that an average of 3-4 <br />hearings are held per year, and they can be requested either by City staff or the resident. She <br />indicated that using a formal hearing body such as the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) <br />could result in greater compliance by the resident. <br /> <br />Committee Member Santos inquired about the status of strengthening the enforcement of <br />community standards. Mr. Jermanis indicated that improvements to the organizational structure <br />are being made in order to achieve the stepped-up enforcement, and one Community Service <br />Officer (CSO) is being added to the staff. Ms. Ornelas commented that the City Attorney is <br />looking at what authority the City might have over vacant properties. <br /> <br />Committee Member Santos noted the repeated complaints he receives on certain properties. He <br />suggested that perhaps Chief Attarian could use his column in the San Leandro Times to <br />highlight those issues that could be enforced through the Police Department's Community <br />Compliance section. <br />