Public Safety Committee Meeting - February 12, 2025

The San Diego Public Safety Committee met on February 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The meeting covered consent agenda items, a discussion on firefighter wellness services, a lengthy discussion on potential amendments to the Commission on Police Practices (CPP), and an informational item on the 2025 work plan. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both non-agenda and agenda items, with over 30 speakers providing input.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1: Approval of committee minutes from January 22, 2025.
• Item 2: Authorization to enter into the second amendment to the agreement with Mallory Safety and Supply LLC for safety equipment and supplies.
• Both items were approved unanimously (3-0, with Vice Chair absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Public Comment: Speakers addressed a variety of topics including:
  • Exigent circumstances for tech placement (Blair Beekman).
  • Shelter costs and homelessness (Rachel Hayes, advocating for lower-cost alternatives).
  • Flood preparedness and sandbag distribution (Tasha Williamson).
  • Drug-impaired driving and fentanyl awareness (Terry Ann Skelly, Madison).
  • Marijuana commercialization and high-potency THC risks (Megan Stewart, Kathleen Lippett, Peggy Walker).
  • Wildfire safety and ballot measures (Luis Rodoliko).
  • Sexual assault case follow-up concerns (Lori Saldania).
  • Staffing and hiring practices (Francine Maxwell).
• Consent Agenda Public Comment: Support for fire equipment and safety (Blair Beekman, Rachel Hayes, Lori Saldania, Tasha Williamson).
• Item 3 (Wellness Contract):
  • Blair Beekman linked wellness to community communication.
  • George Duardo (San Diego City Firefighters President) requested no action on the contract due to ongoing meet-and-confer process.
  • Rachel Hayes and others supported the wellness program, emphasizing first responder well-being.
  • Virtual speakers (including lifeguard union representative Patrick McVann) supported the contract.
• Item 4 (CPP Amendments):
  • 12 in-person speakers and 14 virtual speakers commented. Many opposed any changes that would reduce commission independence, size, or council control over the executive director.
  • Commissioners (including Clovis Honore, Bonnie Benitez, Armando, Darlene) requested time to address issues and opposed premature amendments.
  • Community members (Andrea St. Julian, Francine Maxwell, Donna Kaiser, and others) emphasized the need for full implementation of Measure B with 75% voter support.
• Item 5 (Work Plan): Blair Beekman and others advocated for tech accountability, privacy, and a broadened definition of public safety.

Discussion Items

• Item 3: Wellness Services Contract for Fire Rescue Department

  • Presentation by Assistant Chief James Gabriel and Deputy Chief Willie Melendez. The proposed five-year contract with Concentra Health Services (not to exceed $12,069,945) would provide comprehensive physical wellness exams, cancer screening, and mental health support.
  • Data showed stable claim counts despite 15% increase in staff and 40% increase in call volume (57,000 more calls annually).
  • City firefighters union (Local 145) requested delaying approval due to active meet-and-confer. They noted the current contract was extended to June 2025.
  • Chair von Wilpert moved to forward without recommendation, directing the city to continue bargaining before bringing to full council. Motion passed 3-0.

• Item 4: Potential Amendments to Commission on Police Practices Ordinance

  • Chair von Wilpert provided background: Measure B passed in 2020, CPP established in 2021, implementation ordinance in 2022, commissioners appointed in 2023. The city invested over $4 million. The CPP has not yet begun independent investigations due to pending standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Exit memos from former Executive Director Paul Parker and former counsel Dwayne Bennett raised concerns about commission size (25 members), Brown Act compliance, impartiality, and unclear roles.
  • CPP Chair Doug Case, Vice Chair Ada Rodriguez, and new General Counsel Bart Meesfeld presented recent accomplishments and steps taken: adopting staff-led case review, developing Brown Act training, clarifying roles, and planning to present SOPs to the commission in April 2025.
  • Councilmember Whitburn expressed concern over disregard for legal advice and impartiality; commissioners acknowledged issues and progress.
  • Councilmember Campbell suggested a working group to streamline operations.
  • Motion (amended by city attorney and Campbell): Direct city attorney, CPP counsel, and staff to work with the chair’s office to draft potential ordinance amendments, bringing recommendations back to the committee. Passed 2-1 (Whitburn voting no).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Items 1 and 2 approved unanimously.
• Item 3: Forwarded to full council without recommendation, with direction to complete meet-and-confer before final action (vote 3-0).
• Item 4: Motion passed to initiate a collaborative process to draft potential amendments to the CPP ordinance, with a report back to the committee. (Vote 2-1, with Whitburn opposing.)
• Item 5: No action required; the work plan was received as information.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.