HomeMy Public PortalAbout20120830 public safety minutes 1
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Call to Order
The August 30, 2012, Public Safety Committee meeting convened at 8:15 a.m. by Councilman
Luebbert in Councilman Pope’s absence.
Attendance
Present: Committee Members: Councilman Bill Luebbert, Councilman Rick Prather,
Councilman Rick Mihalevich, Councilman Larry Henry.
Guests: Councilman Bob Scrivner, City Counselor Drew Hilpert, Fire Chief Bob Rennick,
Police Captain Bob Cynova and Police Captain Doug Shoemaker on behalf of
Police Chief Roger Schroeder, Cole County Emergency Management Coordinator
Bill Farr.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the May 17, 2012, committee meeting were approved. All voted in favor.
Discussion of Agenda Items
OLD BUSINESS
Outdoor Warning Sirens Update
Captain Bob Cynova advised the siren poles were placed at the siren sites on Wednesday,
August 29. It is anticipated they will be installed by Tuesday, September 4th. Installation of radio
and computer components will be installed. Captain Cynova is optimistic the sirens will be
installed and ready to test by the first week in October. The current siren system will remain in
service until all of the new sirens are tested and operational. Communication operators will be
provided training on the new siren system. Informational letters will be distributed to citizens
living within a two-block area of the sirens. Captain Cynova advised once the new sirens are put
into operation, the old sirens will be removed. There are several smaller agencies in Missouri
that are interested in purchasing the old sirens.
Councilman Mihalevich asked about the possibility that businesses could purchase enunciators
that are compatible with the new sirens that would notify persons inside the buildings of
emergencies. He asked that Captain Cynova research that capability.
Captain Cynova advised the new tower sites will be used solely for the new sirens. He has been
asked by Parks Director Bill Lockwood and the Ike Skelton Center about the possibility of
paying to use the sirens for notification. This is something that may be considered in the future.
Councilman Luebbert stated he would encourage providing the maximum communication to the
public concerning the new sirens.
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Cole County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Farr added that with the addition of the
County’s 14 sirens, the Jefferson City/Cole County area will have a total of 28 outdoor warning
sirens. He anticipates the County’s sirens will be installed in November. He could like to
coordinate with the police department a press release when the 28 sirens are all operational.
Councilman Mihalevich asked about the possibility of using the old siren poles for other
purposes. Captain Cynova stated the poles are in disrepair and it would not be cost effective to
restore them.
NEW BUSINESS
Report on Minimum Fines
City Counselor Drew Hilpert advised that after a citizen complained at a City Council meeting
regarding fines he had received, Councilman Pope has asked him to review the minimum fine
schedule. In researching the origin of the fines for this citizen, City Counselor Hilpert stated the
man’s car was towed from private property as a result of a complaint, he was issued court costs,
and was issued a warrant for not appearing in court. Altogether, his accumulative fines were
approximately $150. Mr. Hilpert advised the minimum fine schedule was reviewed
approximately three years ago and some fines were adjusted. In reviewing the current schedule,
he does not find the fines to be inappropriate, especially considering the time invested by the
police department and fire department in addressing the various situations that result in a fine.
OTHER BUSINESS
Chief Rennick addressed the inquiry by Councilman Luebbert as to why Bill 2012 -61 sponsored
by Councilman Schulte was not brought before the Public Safety Committee before being put on
the full City Council agenda. This bill is for a supplemental appropriation within the General
Fund for the Fire Department. Counselor Hilpert advised per City Charter, any councilperson
may bring a bill directly to the full City Council. It has been the practice in recent years to
present issues to small committees for approval, but not required.
Chief Rennick stated that each year the fire department has requested a couple of hundred
thousand dollars in equipment be included in the budget. However, the capital purchases portion
of the budget has been put back each year. There has not been a budget process in several years
in which department have been asked to prioritize their needs. In response to Cou ncilman
Luebbert’s inquiry, Chief Rennick stated it costs approximately $3,500-4,000 to outfit a new
fireman with equipment. An air pack would add an additional $6,650 to the cost. The committee
held a discussion regarding equipment needs and the 2012-2013 budget.
Adjourn
Councilman Henry made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Mihalevich provided the second. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:55 a.m.