Loading...
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. 2 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.