San Diego Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee Meeting - March 9, 2022

The Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee met on March 9, 2022, at 9 a.m. virtually, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, under California Government Code Section 54953E. The committee considered several informational and consent agenda items, including library reopening and staffing, an equity audit of recreation programming, the Falck ambulance contract update, and the 2022 committee work plan. Public comment was heard on non-agenda items, consent agenda items, and specific agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 1 and 2 (joint use agreements between Parks and Recreation and San Diego Unified School District, providing 6.3 acres of parkland, playgrounds, and ball fields to neighborhoods in District Eight).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-agenda public comment: Six speakers addressed various topics, including bike lane planning concerns, opposition to marijuana storefronts, and public health risks from vaping products. One speaker referenced a Pennsylvania Office of Medical Marijuana recall of over 500 products containing contaminants. Another speaker urged the committee to consider the impact of marijuana normalization on youth.
• Consent agenda public comment: One speaker attempted to comment but was unable to unmute; no substantive testimony was received.
• Item 5 (Library reopening): One speaker expressed frustration that District Two has the most library vacancies, stating "from what I have heard, district two has the most vacancies to fill."
• Item 7 (Falck ambulance contract): Six speakers testified. Tony Sorcy (president of SCAP) reported improved working conditions and service levels due to weekly meetings with Falck management. Aaron Brennan, a retired San Diego firefighter, criticized Falck for "bait and switch" regarding promised ambulance deployment, stating "It seems that Falk did a bait and switch and should be held accountable." Another speaker expressed disappointment in the city council for signing the contract despite knowing Falck's record from other cities.

Discussion Items

• Item 5: Reopening of Libraries and Staffing Update – Presented by Misty Jones, Library Director. Libraries began reopening in June 2021; lost about one-third of workforce during the pandemic. The FY2022 budget included converting hourly positions to permanent, with 145 offers to fill. All branches will reopen at pre-pandemic levels, though Central Library hours reduced for consistency. Committee members thanked staff and discussed hiring timelines and vacancy challenges. Councilmember Campillo noted the need for urgency in filling positions.
• Item 6: Performance Audit of Equity in Recreation Programming – Presented by City Auditor Andy Hass and team. The audit found notable progress but significant inequities in recreation programming funding, availability, and access across communities. Made 16 recommendations; Parks and Recreation agreed to implement if resources allocated. Councilmember Moreno highlighted disparities south of the I-8 freeway, noting facilities are older and less maintained, and programs are fewer. Councilmember von Wilpert asked about transparency in fee structures and needs assessments. The audit emphasized the need for a strategic, comprehensive approach.
• Item 7: Falck Mobile Health Corporation Contract Update – Presented by Fire Chief Paul Umstowell and Deputy Chief Jody Pierce. Covered first 94 days of the contract (started November 27, 2021). Cited turnover in Falck leadership, which created challenges. Performance measures: 50% compliance with ambulance response time objectives for Advanced Life Support, 54% for Basic Life Support; 50% deployment compliance; 44 ambulances in service vs. contracted 66. Falck also failed to meet co-located positions but is working toward them. Committee members expressed strong disappointment and anger. Councilmember Campillo requested weekly updates and emphasized urgency. Vacancies reported at 317 sworn firefighter positions. Committee urged Fire Department to hold Falck accountable and consider legal action if necessary.
• Item 8: 2022 Neighborhoods Committee Work Plan – Informational only. Committee members thanked staff and expressed alignment on priorities. Chair Montgomery Steppe highlighted commitment to equitable services.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda items 1 and 2 approved unanimously.
• Items 3 and 4 (originally on agenda) returned to staff.
• No motions required on informational items (5, 6, 7, 8).
• Committee directed Fire Department to provide regular, potentially monthly, updates on Falck contract performance and to explore performance bond or legal recourse.
• Committee acknowledged the library staffing update and expressed support for continued hiring efforts.
• Committee accepted the equity audit findings and recommendations, with expectation that Parks and Recreation will implement them as resources permit.
• Work plan for 2022 was acknowledged with appreciation for staff efforts.