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ABSENT: None (0) <br />COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS <br />Pursuant to Santa Ana Charter Section 411, any member of the City Council may place <br />items on the City Council Agenda to be considered by the City Council. <br />85A. DISCUSS PARK RANGER POLICY DIRECTION AND OPTIONS <br />(Councilmembers Martinez & Reyna) <br />The following spoke on the matter: <br />• Ann Salisbury, urge the City maintain the Park Ranger program, <br />supports parks and recreation programs and partnership programs. <br />• Dave Hoen, concerned with lack of outreach when matter considered <br />by council committees. <br />• Steve McGuigan, concerned with titles and agenda reports not <br />available on council committees, opined that rangers should remain <br />until end of the fiscal year; have expertise needed to handle parks. <br />• Monica Sutter, representing SEIU, concerned that City advertising to <br />recruit to replace annuitants; program should not be eliminated; extend <br />program until end of fiscal year; review policy changes; program has <br />helped the gang activity and have actively and pro -actively worked with <br />the community <br />• Rick Niedermeyer, could cause adverse effect if the park ranger <br />program eliminated; police officers have different perspective of <br />patrons. <br />Councilmember Martinez, concerned that council committee made <br />decision without coming back to full City Council for policy direction; <br />dismantling a program should be City Council action, not staff; request to <br />bring back options for City Council consideration. <br />Councilmember Tinajero, noted that Councilmembers were apprised of <br />situation by City Manager and SEIU was aware. <br />Mayor Pro Tern Sarmiento, agrees with misperception of having armed <br />park rangers; transition to park ambassadors; concerned with liability of <br />carrying weapon. <br />Councilmember Tinajero, commented on armed park ranger program, <br />what is liability? request to have Ambassador Program recruitment begin <br />and provide a 60 day period to support the transition process. <br />Police Chief Rojas, opined that armed park rangers are a liability since <br />they are not POST certified; accountability and transparency different <br />CITY COUNCIL AGENDA 21 DECEMBER 16, 2014 <br />