HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-12-29 minutes 1
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Call to Order
The December 29, 2022, Public Safety Committee meeting was convened at 7:45 a.m. by
Councilwoman Ward.
Attendance
Present: Committee Members: Councilwoman Laura Ward (chair in Councilman
Schreiber’s absence), Councilman Derrick Spicer, Councilman Jack Deeken.
Guests: Fire Chief Matt Schofield, Police Chief Eric Wilde, City Attorney Ryan
Moehlman, City Administrator Steve Crowell, City Councilman Mike Lester,
Mayor Carrie Tergin (virtual), City Councilman Ron Fitzwater (virtual)
Approval of Minutes
Councilwoman Ward motioned the approval of the minutes from the July 28th and the November
25th meeting. Councilman Deeken seconded the motion. Minutes approved.
Discussion of Agenda Items
OLD BUSINESS
Nothing to Report
NEW BUSINESS
Regulation of Marijuana under Amendment 3
City Attorney Moehlman advised with the passage of Amendment 3 regarding the use of
marijuana, the city will need to change its codes. It states there shall be no consumption or
distribution of marijuana under the age of 21, and marijuana may not be consumed in a vehicle
or in public spaces, much like the codes set in place for tobacco. The amendment also allows for
the licensing for distribution of marijuana within businesses.
City Attorney Moehlman stated the amendment has been brought to the council to allow for
changes within the current code. He advised the council to start with basics of not allowing
marijuana in public spaces, inside or out. City Attorney Moehlman stated the council will be
presented with a formal bill regarding the legal use of marijuana in February 2023.
Chief Wilde explained if someone were found smoking marijuana in public, the charges would
be an infraction, not a misdemeanor. The fine for the infraction would be set by the judge.
In response to Councilwoman Ward’s question, City Attorney Moehlman stated the
constitutional number of plants grown shall be incorporated into the bill so local law
enforcement can regulate it.
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City Attorney Moehlman asked to move the amendment to the council, and stated if there are
any changes to be made to the memo provided in the agenda, contact him so it can be added to
the city code. Councilman Deeken motioned, Councilman Spicer seconded the motion. Motion
Approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Fire Department Update
Chief Schofield advised retired firefighter Sonny Jacobs passed away recently. His condolences
go out to Sonny’s family.
Chief Schofield stated with the cold weather, freezing pipes, and use of unconventional heating
sources, there were multiple structural fires this past weekend. During these harsh times, the
department was able to test the automatic aid system. The testing is going well and the
department is successfully learning to work more productively with surrounding fire districts.
Chief Schofield stated the conditions were tough, but the equipment and team made it thought
the harsh weather. He also thanked the chaplains for providing services to families effected by
the weather.
Chief Schofield gave a quick training update. Recent training includes ice rescue, quick response
training, CPR training, and a LAPC drill will be conducted in January. Mayor Tergin stated she
wants a group of city employees to take CPR training with the fire departme nt, and will work
with Chief Schofield to make that happen.
Chief Schofield stated one of the ARPA projects include the ballistics protection for the
firefighters. He also stated there is an AFG federal grant which the department will match 10%
of the funds. There will be more details regarding these projects in future meetings. The council
should be expecting a contract for the burn building and drill tower project in the future as well.
Chief Schofield gave a quick update on the CAD-to-CAD system integration. He expects to go
live in early February.
Chief Schofield gave a quick personnel update. One firefighter resigned to another department in
the area. A new firefighter will be hired within a few weeks. Recruitment is currently down and
is a significant concern for retention and recruiting.
Police Department Updates
Chief Wilde stated the council approved a Sergeant position for the body worn cameras program.
Sergeant Miles has been selected for that position. He has been working diligently with the
assigned trainer to complete online tests and training for the program. Sgt. Miles and Lt.
Stieferman traveled to Kansas City to oversee their body worn camera system that is s imilar to
ours. Chief Wilde advised the program is very detailed, and before the department is awarded the
funding, the department must go through a list of items that need to be accomplished such as
internal surveys, training protocols, etc. The department is working diligently to make sure
everything is complete and in good standings before the body cameras are deployed. He hopes
the body cameras are live in early spring.
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Councilwoman Ward thanked Chief Wilde for his thoroughness in the body worn camera
project. This will make the processes and the program in general run much smoother.
Chief Wilde distributed a packet of his annual departmental goals. These goals have been
disseminated to the division commanders so they can discuss how to accomplish these goals;
What equipment is needed, what is the specific dollar amount, etc. Chief Wilde has brought these
goals to the council’s attention because they are a community driven council and wants the
council’s opinion on said goals.
Chief Wilde stated the Senior Management Analyst position has been approved and the
application closes today. A candidate should be selected within a few weeks. The Senior
Management Analyst will also be heavily involved in the body worn camera project and other
community projects.
Chief Wilde gave a quick personnel update. There are two police academi es each year. The
department plans to hire a potential police officer within a 30-day period and prepare them for
the academy before the academy begins. This will prevent another agency from hiring the
candidate while they wait for the academy to begin. Chief Wilde stated he met with High5
Communications to form a marketing and recruiting strategy for advertising such as radio,
television, and other adds to get the word out. He also advised of potentially partnering with
Lincoln University for an internship with their Criminal Justice program.
Other Updates
Councilwoman Ward asked if there were any additional agenda items from the public. There
were none.
Adjourn
Councilwoman Ward motioned to adjourn the meeting, Councilman Deeken seconded the
motion. Meeting was adjourned at 8:02 a.m.