HomeMy Public PortalAbout20110428 public safety minutes 1
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Call to Order
The April 28, 2011, Public Safety Committee meeting convened at 7:53 a.m. by Chairman
Councilman Harvey.
Attendance
Present: Committee Members: Councilman Mike Harvey, Councilman Bill Luebbert,
Councilman Rich Koon, Councilman Dave Griffith, Fire Chief Bob Rennick, and
Chief of Police Roger Schroeder.
Guests: City Administrator Steve Rasmussen, City Counselor Nathan Nickolaus,
Assistant City Counselor Drew Hilpert, Cole County Emergency Management
Coordinator Bill Farr, Interim Community Development Director Charlie
Lansford.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the April 4, 2011, committee meeting were approved. All voted in favor.
Minutes from the April 18, 2011 committee meeting were approved. All voted in favor.
Discussion of Agenda Items
OLD BUSINESS
City Council Meeting Security
City Administrator Rasmussen brought forth the issue of having a metal detector for the council
chambers. The Public Safety Committee has been reluctant to support the use a metal detector;
however, the Municipal Court does possess a metal detector and has offered its use for City
Council meetings. City Counselor Nickolaus stated weapons have been brought into court. The
detector would work similar to the detectors at airports, and people may be required to empty
their pockets. When asked for his opinion, Chief Schroeder stated the issue was how intrusive
does the city want to be. He sees this as another step to increased security. The detector might
increase the chance of having a confrontation before a person gets into the council meeting area.
However, citizens may take issue with having to empty their pockets. It is not an easy issue to
resolve. Councilman Koon advised he would not vote in favor of the metal detectors. He does
not feel unsafe and wants the public to have the easiest possible access to local government.
Councilman Harvey made a motion to take the issue of the metal detector before the full city
council. Councilman Griffith seconded the motion. The motion passed with one opposed. There
was discussion as to whether the issue would be brought forth at a work session or in a closed
session. Councilman Harvey directed Mr. Rasmussen to talk with the Mayor and come to a
decision.
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Review and Discussion of Fire Station Report
Chief Rennick referred the committee to pages 39-41 of the Peckham and Wright report for their
conclusions. Their recommendations are for each individual station. Chief Rennick stated the
city has been providing “band aids” when “major surgery” is required. He gave a short review of
the stations and stated when built, they were the anchor of the community. He suggested having
Peckham and Wright give the committee or the full city council a presentation on their
assessment of each station. Councilman Harvey suggested the firm give an interpretation of their
report to the Public Safety Committee, and all council members will be invited to attend. He
directed Chief Rennick to work with Finance Director Schlueter to identify various options for
funding. City Administrator Rasmussen stated three categories of funding are addressed on page
45 of the report. Funding for critical improvements will cost approximately $163,000. The
Finance Department has solicited bids and recommends payment from the city reserve account.
A new building to replace Station 3 would be paid with funds from Sales Tax E & F. Chief
Rennick will invite Peckham and Wright to the June 2 committee meeting to present their
findings and recommendations, and the entire City Council will be invited to attend.
NEW BUSINESS
Contract for Animal Shelter Services for Cole County
Interim Community Development Director Charlie Lansford provided the committee with a
proposed Agreement that would provide the city with a direct cost-per-animal fee to be paid by
Cole County. The fees are currently a fixed rate. Shelter Director Karen Jennings has compiled
cost information from local veterinarians to aid in establishing the fees. Using a City employed
veterinarian at the Shelter has saved the city approximately $35,000 in fees a local veterinarian
would have charged for services. The current Agreement was established approximately 20 years
ago when a small animal population existed. Mr. Lansford advised Cole County has been given a
copy of the Agreement to review. He is also hoping to enter into a similar contract with Callaway
County. Councilman Koon made a motion to move the Agreement onto the City Council for
review. Councilman Griffith seconded the motion. Motion approved.
When asked the status of the new shelter, Mr. Lansford advised the bid came in from Architects
Alliance above the estimated $1.5 - $1.7 million. The payment of prevailing wage in Missouri
pushed the price upward. Mr. Lansford has looked at three phases to reduce the cost of the
shelter. Phase 1 will meet the current needs (approximately $1.5 million); Phase 2 will consist of
adding animal runs; and during Phase 3 additional runs, storage space, and finishing touches will
be added. Phases 2 and 3 will include expansion through donations and city revenue. The most
difficult portion of the project is the air handling system. Timeline for the project has a retooling
of the HVAC system by Architects Alliance received by the end of June. The project will go to
City Council for approval in July, with the groundbreaking for the new shelter in August. City
Administrator Rasmussen advised a report on the 5-year capital improvement budget, and a
proposal for funds for the shelter will be completed soon.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
OTHER BUSINESS
Councilman Koon advised he had received a letter of concern from the president of the Old
Munichburg Association, which was prompted by a recent shooting and new nightclubs opening
in their area. He asked if there were any plans to respond to the letter. Mr. Rasmussen advised
he had not seen the letter, but he would read it and respond. Councilman Koon advised the
concepts in the letter are vague. Chief Schroeder advised he had read the letter and it appeared to
be a reaction to one incident, appeared to reflect a response to exaggerated rumors, and
clarification would be beneficial. Councilman Koon stated a police officer should attend the
next Old Munichburg Association meeting and let their members air their concerns. Mr.
Rasmussen stated he would respond to the members of the association and report back to the
Public Safety Committee.
Chief Schroeder was contacted by Councilwoman Carroll concerning the status of the outdoor
warning sirens. Chief Schroeder stated he would bring the information gathered regarding the
outdoor warning sirens and a telephonic-type warning system to the committee members at the
June 2nd Public Safety Committee meeting with the goal of expending the dedicated funds during
the following six months.
Councilman Harvey distributed a revised 2011 meeting schedule.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 a.m.