Public Safety Committee approves amended May 20 minutes; city vows earlier notice on federal military exercises

The Public Safety Committee unanimously approved an amendment to the May 20 minutes to record that a Pasadena resident, PA Brown, spoke in support of automated license-plate reader (ALPR) cameras for law and traffic enforcement.

City Clerk officials said a memo with the amended language was posted online and asked the committee to approve the change. A committee member seconded the motion; seeing no objections, the item passed by unanimous consent.

On related old business, Vice Mayor Rivas brought back a discussion about recent military exercises at St. Luke's Hospital that the council had not fully resolved in prior meetings. Deputy City Manager Alex Sotto told the committee he had discussed the issue with the interim city manager, who said that if similar federal exercises occur in the future the city manager's office will inform the council promptly upon notification. A police department representative acknowledged earlier lapses in timely notification and said the department will improve the flow of information so the council and the public can be informed sooner.

Council members thanked staff for the update, emphasized the need for coordination and resident notification, and expressed willingness to be patient with staff given the unusual circumstances. The committee did not take formal legislative action on the military-exercise item but accepted the staff commitment to provide earlier notification.

Vice Mayor Rivas said the next committee meeting will include a longer discussion about "flock" cameras with an outside expert; members noted scheduling conflicts in August.