CCMIN 11162021 - Laserfiche WebLink

He added, if the criteria are not met, the patrol officer has no other remedies available, but this program would be able to find other remedies through the clinician and a connection to services. Mayor Brown closed the public hearing. Councilmember Testa stated a program like this has been discussed for years both on a national level and locally. She expressed her gratitude and excitement, relaying the joy those whose loved ones needed this sort of mental help safety net. She stated mental health crisis response should be medical and not a law enforcement response but noted law enforcement will always play a role. She reported the regular commendations she hears about the PPD's compassion from those whose loved ones faced a mental crisis. She stated the program is an outstanding beginning and expressed hopes it expands to the entire Tri -Valley. She expressed gratitude to City Manager Fialho and Chief Swing for helping craft the program. She stated they should reevaluate the pilot program along the way. Councilmember Testa moved to approve the third option of the staff's recommendations, calling for two clinicians and a part-time program assistant. Councilmember Arkin seconded the motion. In response to Mayor Brown, City Manager Fialho clarified the approval of the two vehicles is implicit in approving the option selected by Councilmember Testa for her motion. Councilmember Arkin stated it is an amazing program and a great start to addressing mental health crises in Pleasanton. She noted the recent community survey reflected mental health is a top priority. She stated they should not be burdening PPD with mental health responses. She commended having unmarked cars and plainclothes officers. She advocated for reports every six months. She suggested feedback from families as a metric for success. She is excited to see the program getting off the ground and echoed Supervisor Miley's comments about needing more County involvement in the area. Councilmember Balch stated there is an unmet need in the community from the absence of a County program, so it is nice to see this program framework for Pleasanton. He added significant community input has gone into the proposal and encouraged regular updates as needed with the evolving program. He expressed hopes this will achieve the goals outlined in the staff report. He echoed Mayor Brown's sentiments about being proactive and called for community patience with this new service. He stated he is honored to be able to support it. Councilmember Narum stated the CATT program has been successful, but it is not coming their way anytime soon. She commended being proactive in creating their version, along with folding it in with the homeless outreach team. She commended what Axis Community Health can do, noting how they help the schools. She added it will free up officers to help others in the community. She expressed pleasure at being able to support it. Mayor Brown stated this is the culmination of what the previous Council heard a year ago from residents about the need for improved mental health response. She thanked Captain Cox and Dr. Penney for taking the lead on putting the program together. She stated her expectation that the team will continue to learn and improve the program over time. She thanked Councilmember Testa and City Manager Fialho for their work on making this program come to fruition. She stated this will change lives for the better and be impactful to many struggling families. MOTION: It was m/s by Testa/Arkin to approve staff recommendation Number 3. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arkin, Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None Absent: None City Council Minutes Page 8 of 19 November 16, 2021