HomeMy Public PortalAbout20130801 public safety minutes 1
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Call to Order
The August 1, 2013, Public Safety Committee meeting convened at 8:03 a.m. by Councilman
Prather.
Attendance
Present: Committee Members: Councilman Rick Prather, Councilman Larry Henry,
Councilman Carlos Graham, And Councilman Rick Mihalevich
Absent: Councilman Ken Hussey
Guests: City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus, City Counselor Drew Hilpert, Police Chief
Roger Schroeder, Interim Fire Chief Jason Turner, Emergency Management
Coordinator Bill Farr
Approval of Minutes
Councilman Henry made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 30, 2013, committee
meeting. Minutes were approved.
Discussion of Agenda Items
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Increasing Maximum Fines
City Counselor Hilpert advised that most cities have a maximum of $500.00 for fines, although
the City has the authority to increase that number to $1,000.00. Counselor Hilpert and City
Prosecutor Stumpe are recommending that the ordinance be changed from $500.00 maximum
fine to $1,000.00. Councilman Mihalevich made a motion to move the proposed ordinance
amendment onto the City Council. Councilman Henry seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Disabled Parking Fine
An ordinance change is suggested in light of budget constraints. The fine for parking in a space
designated for disabled parking was previously increased from $147.00 to $159.00. However,
the police department has numerous ticket books that designate the fine as $147.00. Because a
small number of these tickets are issued, and considering the cost of reprinting the ticket books,
Counselor Hilpert is recommending the fine for illegally parking in a disabled parking space be
returned to $147.00. Councilman Henry made a motion to move the proposed ordinance
amendment onto the City Council. Councilman Mihalevich seconded the motion. Motion
approved.
2
Speeding 25 Over
City Counselor Hilpert advised that the computer software used by City Court requires offenses
that mandate a court appearance to have a separate code. This ordinance amendment designates
speeding 25 over as an offense mandating a court appearance and would assign the offense a
code to be entered into the Court’s software. Councilman Graham motioned to move the
ordinance to the City Council. Councilman Henry seconded and the motion was approved.
Pedestrian
Operation and Riding of Certain Unlicensed Motor Vehicles
City Counselor Hilpert asked that both of these issues be considered together. These proposed
changes to clarify current ordinances were brought about by conversations with a local citizen
who utilizes an electric wheelchair. The citizen frequently travels on the streets and has been told
by police officers to utilize the sidewalks for safety. The amendments will clarify existing
ordinances in that someone using a wheelchair/electric wheelchair can lawfully travel on
sidewalks. During discussion Councilman Mihalevich noted there are no sidewalks in some areas
of Jefferson City, notably Industrial Drive. Counselor Hilpert clarified the changes in the
ordinances would not prohibit travel on streets; only make it lawful to travel on sidewalks.
City Administrator Nickolaus advised that the City has an ADA compliance plan and as repairs
are made to streets and curbs, they will be made ADA compliant. The City is realizing success.
Councilman Henry made a motion to combine the two proposed ordinance changes into one
proposal and to move the proposed ordinance change onto the City Council. Councilman
Graham seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Discussion of Sales of Fireworks Inside the City Limits
Councilman Graham advised he was approached by constituents in his ward expressing their
support for the continuing sale of fireworks inside the City limits. He stated he was not
supporting or opposing the sale inside the City limits, but requesting clarification and opening a
discussion on the issue. Interim Fire Chief Turner stated the City adopted the International Fire
Code several years ago that prohibits the sale of fireworks inside city limits. At that time several
businesses having fireworks stands within the city limits were “grandfathered” in and were
allowed to sell their fireworks for an additional seven years. That time period has expired.
Interim Chief Turner stated both the police and fire departments respond to complaints of
fireworks being shot inside the city limits, which is prohibited by law. Selling fireworks inside
the city limits may have provided false information that shooting of fireworks inside the city was
legal. He feels that education provided to the public regarding fireworks has been successful.
Firework stands in Missouri are regulated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and inspected by
the local fire departments. These inspections are very time consuming. Interim Chief Turner
advised that Columbia has passed an ordinance making it illegal to possess fireworks within the
city limits. Police Chief Schroeder urged the committee to allow the expiration and not allow
fireworks sales within the city limits. In his opinion, there is no credible reason to allow the
selling of fireworks within the city.
Councilman Graham thanked the committee for the clarification and discussion.
3
OTHER BUSINESS
Councilman Prather stated that City Council members had received a Fire Department
Leadership Resolution which urged the appointment of a permanent fire chief in the next budget
year. He asked for comments and discussion on the issue.
City Administrator Nickolaus advised he had not included hiring a permanent fire chief in his
2013-2014 because the budget will be balanced with vacancy savings which amount to
approximately $400,000. The city can function by balancing duties instead of filling vacancies.
His intention is to leave the permanent fire chief position vacant through the bulk of the new
fiscal year. The duties of the training officer have been given to three persons on three different
shifts. He does not feel there is a problem with progress being made within the fire department.
Councilman Graham suggested Mr. Nickolaus consider assembling a committee to start the
hiring process, and that the hiring of a permanent fire chief be a top priority moving forward.
Councilman Prather stated the general consensus of the City Council is that the hiring is not
feasible in the next fiscal year. Mr. Nickolaus stated the committee should not be established
until the actual process of soliciting for a permanent fire chief is underway. He stated having
councilpersons on the selection committee has been difficult due to their unavailability to attend
the interviews. Councilman Prather stated he wants to have a voice as to who is appointed to the
committee.
Councilman Mihalevich stated that stability has been questioned, and he would like a progress
report for the fire department from Mr. Nickolaus. If progress can be shown, the results may
support retaining an interim for the next fiscal year.
Interim Chief Turner stated there are three assistant fire chiefs who oversee the direction of the
shifts and keep him advised. All policies are reviewed by the command structure. The issue of
“mixed messages” concerning policies is a false statement. His number one priority for policies
is the safety of the firefighters and citizen safety.
Chief Schroeder supports Mr. Nickolaus’ time frame for a committee. Timing is key for
concentrated and productive work, and it would be pointless to appoint a committee too soon.
Councilman Prather advised the committee would revisit the issue in an upcoming meeting.
Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Farr stated the Department of Public Safety public
information person featured the Jefferson City/Cole County outdoor warning siren system in a
video posted on their website. Councilman Graham advised an active shooter exercise had been
held on the Lincoln University campus, and inquired if the outdoor warning siren on the LU
campus could be singularly activated in the event of an emergency. Mr. Farr advised Lincoln
University had purchased an enunciator and had the capability of broadcasting an audio warning
through the siren, located on the Lincoln University campus.
Adjourn
Councilman Graham made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Henry seconded the
motion. Motion approved. Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 a.m.