HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Commissioner SarnoffPocket Item for January 14th, 2010
The $50 Million (to $55 Million) Little Haiti Park Components had their security
terminated on December 24th, 2009, approximately. We understand that all or almost all
parks in the City had security terminated or reduced.
(District 2 contributed 75% of the costs, so far, and Dist 2 continues paying 75% of the
ongoing operational expenses and interest payments...for City parks...)
Both the Little Haiti Park Cultural Component and the Little Haiti Park Soccer
Component had 24/7 security for the last 3-4 years, approximately. (Crime on the sites
meant security was required...)
From December 24th, 2009 (approx.) through January 7th, 2010 (approx.) there has been
no security. (Security "might" be reactivated from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, but just for the
next two months. 24/7 security is required.)
The security started during construction because criminals were stealing tools and supplies
24/7. Workers were having tools and equipment stolen while they were working.
Currently construction workers working on the Roberto Clemente Park are having tools
stolen daily...
Most recently Kent Security provided the guards. When Kent was recently terminated
they even physically removed their guard sensors. Kent was forced to lay off employees.
LH Park Soccer Field has aluminum stadium seating which is at risk of theft. (Cost to
taxpayers $1 mil?)
The LH Cultural Campus has a $5 Million Black Box Theatre and various performance
spaces. Equipment and computers throughout the complex are incredibly expensive. A
crack addict might sell a $2,000 speaker for $10. Criminals might ruin $60,000 worth of
A/C equipment just to steal $400 worth of copper...
The LH Cultural Component has four (4) full time female employees. They work between
9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Soon dance classes will run until 9:00 pm. Instructors and students
will have no security even though the main entrance is on a quiet one way street.
The LH Cultural Campus has 15 of its 16 security cameras working BUT the cameras do
not tape and they do not record. They are live only. The camera system is NOT Internet
accessible. The cameras are rarely monitored. No one can replay the tapes. (There are no
tapes.) So criminals can walk in at night and simply steal the entire system, cameras and
computers, with no fear of being caught on tape.
The City has a $400 Million payroll. Is removing all security from a $50 Million asset
located in a high crime area the wisest decision? Who will pay for City property stolen
and/or damaged?
Direction to the City Manager et al...
Chairman Marc D. Sarnoff
SUBMITTED INTO THE
PUBIJC RECOD FOR
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- 000-7q—%bo;l- Cornfnissioner4 Sarnoff