HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015-12-31 minutes 1
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Call to Order
The December 31, 2015, Public Safety Committee meeting convened at 7:30 a.m. by
Councilman Mihalevich.
Attendance
Present: Committee Members: Councilman Rick Mihalevich, Councilman Jim Branch,
and Councilman Mark Schreiber.
Guests: City Administrator Steve Crowell, Fire Chief Matt Schofield, Police Chief Roger
Schroeder, Cole County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Farr, and
Police Captain Eric Wilde.
Approval of Minutes
Councilman Schreiber made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 24th meeting.
Councilman Branch seconded the motion. Minutes were approved.
Discussion of Agenda Items
OLD BUSINESS
The invitation to tour the HVAC progress at the police department after the commencement of
the meeting was again extended for the Councilmen and quests.
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance Proposal to Define Minimum Standards for Care of Animals Housed Outside
A bill for an ordinance change was proposed to the committee for the existing city code, Chapter
5 (Animals), Section15 (Minimum Standards of Sanitation, Care, and Adequate Housing of
Animals. The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, consisting of three local veterinarians,
recommended the revisions. This amendment will protect animals left out in the environment, by
making owners more responsible for meeting certain care requirements.
A motion was made by Councilman Schreiber to forward the Bill before City Council in January.
Councilman Branch seconded the motion; all agreed. Due to the timing of the potential
inclement weather, the bill will be placed on the agenda for January.
OTHER BUSINESS
Fire Department Update
Chief Schofield disseminated a Resolution to the committee asking for the authorization to apply
for the Assistance to Firefighters grant. The deadline is January 15th. The grant would provide up
to $171,000 for the city, requiring the City to match the award amount with 10% ($19,037.00),
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bringing the total amount to $190,370.00. The purpose is to replace fire hoses, nozzles, and
appliances currently in service for fire suppression, along with training. Motion was made to pass
on to the full council.
Two firefighters specially trained in swiftwater rescue were deployed with Missouri Task Force
1 to participate in mutual aid for St. Louis and St. Louis County due to the recent flooding. Chief
Schofield advised that the firefighters are paid their normal hours of work, but volunteer their
own off duty time to support the event. The amount of knowledge that is gained from
participating in mutual aid is a bonus for the City of Jefferson, plus demonstrates the leadership
role that Jefferson City plays throughout the state.
The recent flooding has only caused a minimal amount of damage to the City. Green Meadows
had minor damage to the roadway. Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments all worked well
together and kept affected residents up to date with information.
Open enrollment for firefighter applications will be January 4, 2016. Chief Schofield plans to
have a new hire roster by early spring. As of right now there are 73 sworn personnel.
Police Department Update
Chief Schroeder concurred with Chief Schofield about how important it is for Jefferson City to
be a part of Mutual Aid, and what a great leadership opportunity it provides for the city as the
State Capital. He also extended his appreciation to Cole County Emergency Management
Coordinator, Bill Farr, of the great partnership that has been created and maintained.
Due to recent neighborhood burglaries/thefts, the Community Action Team (CAT) has been
given special assignments to cut down on the crime. Councilman Rick Mihalevich commented
that citizens have been concerned, and CAT stepped up to the challenge. It was noted that the
people of Jefferson City welcome help from public safety. This makes it easier for safety
measures to be implemented and makes a great team of public safety officials and the
community.
Chief Schroeder asked Captain Wilde to provide the committee with information on the Police
Department possibly being given a great opportunity for a second K-9, with little expense.
Captain Wilde stated that a local business plans to donate a significant amount of monies to the
Jefferson City Friends of the Animal Shelter, to allow the subsequent purchase of a K-9 and
amenities, along with training funds.
Captain Wilde announced to the committee that in the coming years they will be seeing an
apparent increase of crime. Due to legislative action, a revised charge code has to be attached to
all crimes. The police department has been reporting crimes under a simpler coding, a hierarchy
system, which only reports the most serious crime according to the FBI. There has been a statute
re-write of misdemeanor and felony classifications. Captain Wilde advised that data will have to
be changed in our software system which will take time, but is intending to have the
implementation done in 2016. As we apply for grants in the future, “incident based reporting” is
expected. Incident based reporting is the reporting of all crimes occurring during one incident
rather than the reporting of only the most serious crime. This kind of reporting will spike crime
data, and Captain Wilde believes it is important to start public awareness of this change in crime
reporting.
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Captain Wilde advised the police department received the monies from Phillips 66, through their
Corporate Citizenship Grant. He is searching to receive as much efficient technological
equipment as he possibly can obtain for the monies provided for the EOC.
As for the update on radio upgrades, Captain Wilde is still looking at venders.
Chief Schroeder advised one police officer position has currently opened due to an officer who
has left employment with the city. He advised there is a qualified individual on the eligibility list
who lives in another state. The potential employee will have to take the Missouri police officer
licensing test to transfer all the qualifications. Recently, three officers graduated from the Law
Enforcement Training Institute at the University of Missouri in Columbia and began working
with field training officers. The department has one communications operator vacancy at the
current time.
Cole County Emergency Management Update
Coordinator Farr credited Public Safety for their cooperation with mutual aid and the friendships
that have been built. He advised that 24 roads were closed in the county due to the weekend
flooding issue. Truman opened the gates and Bagnall Dam backed up. There were Moreau River
issues but there was minimal damage, and no sand-bagging had to be done. Farr announced that
if anyone hears of individual assistance needed through FEMA of any residential problems or
damage done by flooding to refer the person(s) to him. Minimal damage has to be paid by
City/County. A threshold minimum has to be met and damage must be major before the federal
government steps in to help.
Adjourn
Councilman Mihalevich adjourned the meeting at 8:10 a.m.