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.