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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.