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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-10-25 minutes 1 Public Safety Committee Meeting Call to Order The October 25, 2022, Public Safety Committee meeting was convened at 7:45 a.m. by Councilman Schreiber. Attendance Present: Committee Members: Councilman Mark Schreiber, Councilwoman Laura Ward. Guests: Fire Chief Matt Schofield, Police Chief Eric Wilde, Division Chief Blomberg, City Administrator Steve Crowell (virtual), Emergency Management Director Nicholas Tietsort, Deacon Ric Telthorst Approval of Minutes Councilman Schreiber was unable to motion the approval of the minutes from the July 28th meeting due to the absence of council members. Discussion of Agenda Items OLD BUSINESS Nothing to Report NEW BUSINESS Emergency Management Performance Grant Update Director Tietsort announced Emergency Management was granted over $104,000 through the Emergency Management Performance Grant. This award was about $45,000 more than the previous year’s grant. Director Tietsort stated the funding for this grant post -COVID has opened up and will cover more travel and other expenses for the department. Also, through this grant, a Deputy Director position will open, and it will be added to the county budget in December, 2022. Fire Department Chaplain Program Chief Schofield gave a brief history on the fire department’s Chaplain Program. He stated the department has had a chaplain for 8 years, Mark Towns being the first chaplain in the program from 2014-2017 and Pastor Sam Powell from 2014-current. The volunteer program is designed for faith community leaders to invest in the department and community by addressing humanitarian needs of families in the community who have suffered in challenging times. Duties of the chaplains include providing emotional support and resources to those in need such as directing them to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc. Since 2014, the program has consisted of two chaplains, and the department has requested a third. The position was granted to Deacon Ric Telthorst of St. Peter Catholic Church. Deacon 2 Telthorst introduced himself and thanked the fire department for the opportunity to serve along side them. He is excited to assist others in times of need. The committee thanked Deacon Telthorst for his service to the community, and welcomed him to the department. Chief Schofield presented Deacon Telthorst with his very own fire helmet, and thanked him for his support in the community and within the department. Fire Rescue Truck Status Update Chief Schofield announced the new (previously used and traded for) fire rescue truck is about 90% equipped, and is in service at Fire Station 3. It still needs installation of the lettering and logo decals and a few more tools and equipment. Chief Schofield invited the council to come see the new vehicle. He stated the vehicle was a good, strategic move for the development of the fire department. Burning Building/Drill Tower RFQ Update Chief Schofield thanked Cole County for contributing $300,000 from their ARPA funds to fund the construction of the new drill town/live burn training facilities. Division Chief Blomberg stated the department is evaluating the best RFQ companies, one from Illinois/St. Louis area, the other from the Kansas City area. Both companies are highly recommended. The evaluations of the two will be complete by today, October 25, 2022. Division Chief Blomberg has discussed new training opportunities with the companies. Chief Schofield stated the next step would be to select one of the two companies, then bring a design and engineering contract to the council in November. The project is projected to be complete by Fiscal Year 2023. Councilman Schreiber stated this project will help accomplish hosting a state fire school for our community. OTHER BUSINESS Fire Department Update Chief Schofield gave a brief fire department update. He stated two recruits will graduate the academy in December. October has been very busy for the department with a few structural fires due to the changing seasons. October is Fire Prevention month. The department participated with Cole County EMS in a docudrama directed by students from a local high school. The department has participated in many different earthquake preparedness drills throughout the city. And lastly, the department was involved in a mutual aid event alongside all 5 agencies in the area for the fire in Wooldridge, Missouri. When asked by Councilman Schreiber about the siding on Fire Station 3, Chief Schofield stated there was more damage in deferred maintenance from the failed siding than expected, but the new siding is almost complete. Police Department Updates 3 Chief Wilde notified the committee of the award for the Body-Worn Cameras grant, and stated it will be an item in the next city council meeting. Chief Wilde announced Sergeant Jason Miles to be the Body-Worn Camera Project Manager. Chief Wilde stated he recently attended a 5-day International Police Chief’s Association conference. While at the conference, Chief Wilde focused on recruiting and retention, and accessible grants. He stated the department will be focusing on these grants in the future. Chief Wilde also stated he is meeting with High 5 Communications for the results of the brand analysis and marketing strategies for recruiting. Chief Wilde advised the Lexipol polices are 75-80% complete, and the department will be moving on to procedures once the policies are complete. Chief Wilde thanked the command staff who have been working towards completing the Lexipol project. When asked by Councilman Schreiber about a police vehicle update, Chief Wilde stated the vehicles are still being received. Other Updates Director Tietsort stated the new ambulance facility has released their floor plan. The project is projected to take two years to complete. He thanked Mid Missouri Regional Planning for helpi ng with the resources needed for the project. Adjourn Councilman Schreiber adjourned the meeting with no formal vote due to the absence of council members. Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 a.m.