HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015-03-31 minutes 1
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Call to Order
The March 31, 2015, Public Safety Committee meeting convened at 7:30 a.m. by Councilman
Mihalevich.
Attendance
Present: Committee Members: Councilman Rick Mihalevich, Councilman Ken Hussey,
and Councilman Ron Medin.
Guests: City Administrator Steve Crowell, Fire Chief Matt Schofield, Police Chief Roger
Schroeder, Finance/IT Director Bill Betts, and Police Captain Bob Clark
Approval of Minutes
Councilman Medin made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 24, 2014, committee
meeting. Councilman Hussey seconded the motion. Minutes were approved.
Discussion of Agenda Items
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Fire Station Efficiency Lighting Proposal
Chief Schofield stated he was developing a plan, utilizing an Ameren rebate program, to replace
obsolete lighting in all fire department facilities. The plan includes work on the existing
infrastructure and lighting replacement which would pay back the cost in efficiency savings
within 18 months to 3 years. The two quotes obtained for the work were approximately $37,000
and $52,000. Because of the April 15 program deadline, and the estimated cost, Chief Schofield
advised the project is not feasible at this time.
Application for 2014 Fire Prevention Grant
Chief Schofield stated this is a federal grant, 95 percent funded with a 5 percent match. The
funds will be used to replace the 25 year old fire safety trailer which is used to serv e
approximately 5,000 children each year. The safety trailer was originally funded by the Safe
Kids Coalition. When the Coalition disbanded, the Fire Department in conjunction with the Cole
County Chiefs Association took over the program. The deadline for the grant application is April
17th. Councilman Hussey made a motion to move the grant application onto the City Council for
approval. Councilman Medin seconded the motion. Motion approved.
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In-Car Video Cameras
Chief Schroeder advised this Bill Summary requests authority to expend money from two drug
forfeiture accounts. The department currently has no functioning in-car video cameras. The
cameras are on the list of equipment to acquire with Sales Tax F money; however, the sales tax
money is not sufficient to purchase 27 cameras for the black and white patrol vehicles to include
the Traffic Unit. Chief Schroeder is requesting money from the Justice Fund and Treasury Fund,
both drug forfeiture accounts, be used with Sales Tax F money to purchase the cameras.
In response to a question if the in-car cameras would duplicate body camera technology, Chief
Schroeder advised that body cameras are very limited in what they capture. In-car cameras
capture a greater spectrum of activity. The two cameras complement each other. The intention is
to have all police department technology integrate into one system of data.
Captain Clark stated he will be working on a retention policy for the in-car camera video. He
anticipates that video of crimes would be retained in an evidence type setting.
Councilman Hussey made a motion to move the bill to authorize supplemental appropriation
from police drug forfeiture accounts to purchase in-car video cameras onto the City Council with
committee support. Councilman Medin seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Missouri Safety Center Youth Alcohol Enforcement Campaign Grant
Chief Schroeder advised the department had received a $900 grant from the Missouri Safety
Center to aid in youth alcohol enforcement. He is seeking support for the receipt of this no-match
grant. Councilman Hussey made a motion to accept the grant. Councilman Medin seconded the
motion. Motion approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Fire Department Update/Pending Legislation
Chief Schofield advised two candidates will begin employment on April 6th. One will fill a
vacancy created by a resignation, and one will fill the vacancy created when Assistant Fire Chief
Lonnie Brandt retires in May.
Beginning April 6th and continuing for two weeks, the Fire Department will host structural
building collapse training. Chief Schofield invited the committee to observe what specialized
rescue tools were purchased with the grant funds and the capability the training will add to fire
department personnel. Councilman Mihalevich advised he had attended previous fire department
training, and it was very impressive.
Police Department Update/Pending Legislation
Chief Schroeder advised the department is a month into the Citizens Police Academy class. He
invited committee members to attend any of the individual classes. The CPA is always well
received by the public, and he encouraged the committee to participate if they have time.
Councilman Mihalevich asked that the CPA class schedule be sent to the members of the Public
Safety Committee.
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The department is in the process of hiring police officers, a communic ations operator and a
veterinarian. From nine veterinarian applicants, Chief Schroeder will interview three finalists this
week. He hopes to have all new hires on board in May. New officers that do not have a Missouri
license would attend the Law Enforcement Training Institute in Columbia commencing in
August.
Chief Schroeder advised there was nothing new with pending legislation related to Ferguson,
Missouri. At a recent board meeting, the Missouri Police Chiefs Association disseminated bills
associated to law enforcement, but nothing has been decided and probably won’t be until May.
One issue before the legislature is the cap on revenue generated through traffic enforcement.
Chief Schroeder stated police chiefs in Missouri support the cap. Although traffic safety is
important and aids in crime fighting, its sole purpose is not to write tickets to generate revenue.
Captain Clark advised that numerous committee hearings were held last night, but no decisions
will be made before May.
Chief Schroeder stated the city has seen more demonstrations than usual, but no real problems
have occurred. The officers are prepared and manage the crowds well. They do a good job of
balancing the interests and rights of the public and the protesters.
Approximately 25 media persons from across the state attended the news conference held at the
police department on March 30 concerning the suicide of Spence Jackson. Captain Shoemaker
did a good job of providing information to the media.
Adjourn
Councilman Medin made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Hussey seconded the motion. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:00 a.m.
The next meeting will be scheduled following the City Council election and subsequent
committee appointments.