HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231221 - PSAC Minutes December 21, 2023
Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes
Present: Commissioners: Dolores Pemble, Gary Stevens, Melissa Blackstad, John Gunter, Mary Nehring
and Theresa Auge`
City Staff: Chief: Fire Chief John Townsend and Police Chief Dave Wilske
Chair Pemble called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm.
A motion made by Commissioner Gunter and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to approve
the amended agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
Oath of Office: The following commissioners were given their oath of office for the 2024 year by Chief
Wilske. Auge`, Blackstad, Gunter, Nehring, and Stevens. Each commissioner was given a copy of the
oath.
A motion made by Commissioner Nehring and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to approve
the November 16, 2023, minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
Welcome/Introductions: There were none.
Police Update:
• Hiring Update: The department has received two resignations. (Glancy, Harrity). 6 police officer
candidates were interviewed with 3 moving into the next phase. Community Service Officer
position remains open for applications.
• Sgt. Nelson has completed the Northwest Police Staffing Command School. This is an extensive
course. Congratulations to Sgt. Nelson.
• Both Gobble Gait and the Holiday Train went very well.
• A post board audit was recently completed of the police department. The department passed
with flying colors. Congratulations to Chief Wilske.
• Chief Townsend will become the lead for the PSAC group commencing in 2024.
Fire Update:
• Hiring update: 6 of the Paid-on call staff will begin school in January. Three conditional offers
have been made for full-time staff. The goal is to add an additional 2 full-time staff in 2025.
• A space needs study for the department is pending.
• Remodeling of the workout room will yield 2 additional rooms for on call personnel.
• The recently purchased ladder truck will be sold to the City of St. Peter. The maintenance of this
unit has been expensive. (Upwards of $30,000) A new truck without all the electronics has been
purchased for 1.5 million. The lag time for delivery can exceed 40 months.
• Anomalies noted in the Fire Study were record keeping. A new system with real-time record
keeping is being phased in. This updated data will allow the city to evaluate response and fire
needs.
• A wellness event sponsored by 360 Communities will include family members.
• A department-wide mandatory injury prevention stretching event will be given to all staff.
• The department has been extremely busy with calls.
• Noted were 18 staff between the Police and Fire departments that were honored on Monday,
December 18, 2023, for their years of service. Secretary Auge` was tasked with sending notes to
each of them.
Old Business:
• Citizen Siren Program.
All 7 sites have citizens covering the monthly siren tests.
New Business:
• Onboarding ideas for PSAC: The group discussed the value of such a document. Secretary
Auge`was tasked with drafting something for the handbook. The topic was tabled till January.
• PSAC Position Interviews: There were 4 candidates for the 2024 commission member opening.
2 were available for interviews. The group selected the candidate, Steven Anderson.
• Commission Training Session: City Attorney, Kori Land will be providing commissioner training
on January 22nd at 6 pm. Commission members are encouraged to attend.
• Review the 2023 PSAC Goals. The goals were reviewed, and updates provided. This will be
summarized in the 2023 Annual Report. Secretary Auge` was tasked with drafting a report.
Next Meeting:
January 18. 2024.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner Stevens and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:57 pm.