HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023-02-23 minutes 1
Public Safety Committee Meeting
Call to Order
The February 23, 2023, Public Safety Committee meeting was convened at 7:30 a.m. by
Councilman Schreiber.
Attendance
Present: Committee Members: Councilman Mark Schreiber, Councilman Scott Spencer,
Councilman Derrick Spicer, Councilwoman Laura Ward (virtual), Councilman
Jack Deeken (virtual).
Guests: Fire Chief Matt Schofield, Police Chief Eric Wilde, City Administrator Steve
Crowell, Emergency Management Director Nicholas Tietsort, Fire Division Chief
Jerry Blomberg, Mayor Carrie Tergin
Approval of Minutes
Councilman Schreiber motioned to approve of the minutes from the December 29th and January
26th meetings. Councilman Spencer seconded the motion. Minutes approved.
Discussion of Agenda Items
OLD BUSINESS
Nothing to Report
NEW BUSINESS
Dog Bite Training Update
Chief Wilde advised a local veterinarian with concerns about the Smoking Guns Working Dog
Club attended the latest city council meeting stating the City Attorney spoke with the leaders of
the club. The club had been meeting in city parks and other public areas raising concerns about
their training from the public. A cease and assist order had been obtained, and the club has not
been back to the Jefferson City area. The club recently wrote to the News Tribune explaining
their training practices to ease the public’s concerns. The club stated they are not only a bite
training association, but they also train obedience.
Councilman Spencer stated he is worried about clubs that may practice the same techniques. City
Attorney Ryan Moehlman explained it is less about the techniques they practice, it is more about
the compatibility in the city parks and bothering the other citizen within the public areas. The
practices are a dangerous activity, and any club who also uses these training techniques requires
a liability waiver and certifications. Mr. Moehlman stated he has not had contact with the club
since he reached out to them regarding this matter. Chief Wilde also assured the council by
stating the city has leash laws in place to present when officers are presented with a matter such
as this.
2
Burn Building/Drill Tower Update
Chief Schofield stated the burn building and drill tower project is s till progressing. The
department is making presentations to present to stakeholders refining the scope of the project.
The department is also committed to delivering on the build plan noted and discussed in the
FY2023budget cycle.
Chief Schofield stated the department is close to finishing the plans, but advised there is nothing
formal to announce at this time. The department is attempting to utilize cooperative purchase
agreements for the bidding and budgeting of the building and will also include demolition into
the budget.
City Attorney Moehlman added the department is compiling a package to present to the city
council, but asked the council if it is something the department should present to them before the
full council. Councilman Schreiber stated the March meeting will be he and Councilwoman
Ward’s last meeting due to their time in office, and stated they want to move it to the full council
by then.
Councilman Spencer motioned to move the burn building and drill tower plans to the full
council. Councilman Spicer seconded the motion. Motion approved.
OTHER BUSINESS
Fire Department Update
Chief Schofield wants to remind the public the open burn season is coming to an end. The open
burn season is from November 1st to March 1st. The ordinance stated fires are allowed during
daylight hours, and encourages an occupant to be with the fire and have access to a water supply
to control the fire. Outside of the open burn season, Chief Schofield encourages the community
to use the compost facility located at 2417 Southridge Drive to dispose of yard waste. The hours
are posted at the front of the facility and on the website
Chief Schofield gave a brief update of departmental training. The department is currently
conducting in service training for suspicious substance responses. Suspicious substances include
anything that could be considered a threatening powder or hazardous chemical.
The department is also conducting annual physicals, and the department appreciates the council
for providing physicals to their employees. In response to Councilman Spencer’s qu estion
regarding yearly screenings, Chief Schofield stated the screenings are a good source of early
detection of medical problems. If a medical problem is detected, a preventative plan is discussed
between the provider and employee.
Chief Schofield gave a brief CAD update, and stated the department is committed to reviewing
the process to assure the system is working properly on all sites.
Chief Schofield stated other training includes Automatic Aid training and SORT (Special
Operations Rescue Team Training).
3
Chief Schofield proposed he provide a report covering all the various grant statuses for the fire
department and recognition of those working towards obtaining the grants at the next PSC
meeting. The committee agreed.
Police Department Updates
Chief Wilde gave a brief update on the body-worn camera project. He stated the department is
waiting on the approval of the final policy draft. Once the policy has been approved by the
Department of Justice, the funds will be awarded to launch the program. Chief Wilde predicts the
program to launch in early spring. Chief Wilde also thanked the council for providing funds from
the Public Safety Sales Tax for the project.
Councilman Spencer recognized Chief Wilde in keeping the process of the project running
smooth and fairly quick. Chief Wilde stated his goal for the project is to not fail. The department
is taking the time to make sure every detail is covered and everything is done correctly.
Chief Wilde advised RACs has collaborated with Lincoln University for a grant that would fund
a sexual assault/community violence program, and would like for the police and sheriff’s
department to support the program as well. This would be a combined effort within the
community to keep the community safe and educated. This program is currently in the formation
stages.
Chief Wilde discussed the death of K9 Drax, and acknowledged the support the department has
received from around the country. When a tragedy like K9 Drax strikes, the community is there
to support the department in their grief. The Jefferson City Police Foundation provided the
department with funds for a new K9 and the required training. K9 Micky has been added to the
police department’s family, and is currently in Columbia, Missouri, training with his handler,
Officer Paul Gash. The training is an 11-week program. Chief Wilde thanked the public and the
Police Foundation for the quick response to keep operations moving forward. Councilman
Spencer and the council gave their condolences for K9 Drax.
Councilmen Schreiber and Deeken thanked Chief Wilde for sending monthly departmental
updates. This keeps the council up to date on the department’s goals and accomplishments.
Other Updates
Emergency Management Director Tietsort gave an update on EMA activity. He stated he still
hoping to discuss the EMPG grant and the Deputy Director position with the city council. There
is still discussion about what will be put in the budget, and funds may not be available next year.
Mayor Tergin advised she would like to see Emergency Management with regular updates in the
Public Safety Committee meeting since they are a vital aspect of public safety. Department
updates will be added to the agenda for future meetings.
Mayor Tergin recognized the fire department in hosting the CPR training provided to city
employees. She stated the training was a valuable experience.
Adjourn
4
Councilman Schreiber motioned to adjourn the meeting, Councilman Spencer seconded the
motion. Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 a.m.