HomeMy Public PortalAbout20140826 public safety minutes 1
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Call to Order
The August 26, 2014, Public Safety Committee meeting convened at 7:35 a.m. by Councilman
Mihalevich.
Attendance
Present: Committee Members: Councilman Rick Mihalevich, Councilman Jim Branch,
Councilman Carlos Graham, Councilman Larry Henry, Councilman Ken Hussey,
Guests: City Administrator Steve Crowell, Police Chief Roger Schroeder, City Counselor
Drew Hilpert, Assistant Fire Chief Tim Grace (for Interim Fire Chief Jason
Turner), and Police Lieutenant Dave Williams.
Approval of Minutes
Councilman Henry made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 29, 2014, committee
meetings. Councilman Graham seconded the motion. Minutes were approved.
Discussion of Agenda Items
OLD BUSINESS
Bulletproof Vest Grant
Chief Schroeder stated this is an annual grant from the federal government. The grant amount is
consistent with past years and requires a 50% match from the City. This grant has allowed the
police department to replace approximately 20 vests per year. Councilman Hussey made a
motion to move the bulletproof vest grant onto the City Council for consideration with
committee support. Councilman Graham seconded the motion. Motion approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Chapter 19 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) Financial Responsibility Required
Counselor Hilpert advised this change to the ordinance was requested by Police Sergeant Lenart.
City ordinance requires all persons operating a vehicle which is registered in the State of
Missouri to carry vehicle insurance. State law requires non-resident operators driving within the
State of Missouri to have vehicle insurance. The change will result in the City ordinance
mirroring State law. This will allow local police to issue tickets for no insurance which will be
sent to Municipal Court. Councilman Branch made a motion to move the proposed ordinance
change onto the City Council for consideration with committee support. Councilman Hussey
seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Taser Purchase
Chief Schroeder introduced Lt. Dave Williams as the police department’s expert on conducted
electric devices (Taser), and stated he had done a good job of researching and negotiating the
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Taser agreement being presented. Lt. Williams advised the police department has utilized Tasers
for 11 years and currently has 20 Tasers. The company who supplies the Tasers has updated the
Taser handles, holsters, and computer software, and after January 1, 2015, will no longer support
adding updated technology to the existing Tasers. Lt. Williams researched several options, and
the one being presented to the committee is the best option for the police department. The
department will trade in the current Tasers, receive new Tasers, along with new holsters and
computer software. At the end of the 5-year agreement, the Tasers will be upgraded to the new
model available at that time. Chief Schroeder added that the first year of the agreement, the
department will receive one free Taser and will pay $20 (rather than $185) per Taser. Sales
Tax F money designated for police equipment will be utilized for the purchase. After the five
year contract has elapsed, Taser will provide 20 conducted electric devices at no cost.
Lt. Williams advised each officer that uses a Taser has gone through Taser training. Each time a
Taser is deployed, the information from the Taser is downloaded into a computer program for
documentation. The agreement includes the updated computer program. Councilman Graham
made a motion to further the Taser Purchase Agreement onto the City Council for consideration
with committee support. Councilman Henry seconded the motion. Motion approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Counselor Hilpert advised that Lincoln University and the Police Department utilize golf or
similar style carts on city streets for special events. Current City ordinance states golf carts are
prohibited from being driven on city streets. The proposed ordinance would authorize certain
unlicensed vehicles (golf carts) to be operated by public safety and state institutions if such use is
approved by the Chief of Police. Councilman Henry made a motion to move the proposed
ordinance onto the City Council for consideration with committee support. Councilman Hussey
seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Assistant Fire Chief Grace advised personnel were moved into new fire Station 3 on Wednesday,
August 20th. A public open house has not yet been scheduled, but is anticipated to be held in
September. Councilman Mihalevich requested a schedule of when each fire station was built.
Chief Schroeder stated the police department now has a redundant 911 center in the new fire
station, and he is excited about having the center in a hardened facility. The previous center at
the Capital Mall will be vacated. Equipment needs are being identified, and Chief Schroeder
plans to move the redundant 911 center to the new facility within the next couple of months.
Councilman Mihalevich advised he receives calls from constituents with concerns that he then
passes onto the police department. He thanked Chief Schroeder for responding to those concerns,
and particularly for the CAT Team quickly and effectively resolving a recent neighborhood
concern.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 a.m.
The next meeting, scheduled for September 30, 2014, will be held in the Police Department
training room.