HomeMy WebLinkAbout20241121 - PSAC Minutes November 21, 2024
Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes
Present: Commissioners: Melissa Blackstad, Gary Stevens, John Gunter, Mary Nehring, Andy
Caflisch, and Theresa Auge`.
There were several Hastings residents in attendance. Among those in attendance was
City Council Member; Dave Pemble
City Staff: Police Chief Dave Wilske, Fire Chief John Townsend
Guest: Dan Wietecha: Hastings City Administrator
Chair Augé called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Welcome/Introductions:
The agenda was amended to include an announcement by Chair Auge`
A motion made by Commissioner Gunter and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to approve the
amended agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion made by Commissioner Nehring and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to approve the
September 19, 2024, meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously. (There were no meetings in
October.)
Police Update:
• On December 2nd a recognition will be held at the City Council meeting recognizing the 2
recently hired Police Officers and the Community Service Officer. PSAC members will assist with
serving refreshments.
• A joint toy drive with Dakota County Sheriff’s department ends December 6th.
• The 3rd investigator position was awarded to Officer Haedt.
• ISD 200 has agreed to a 2nd SRO. This position will be filled in 2025.
• Coffee with a Cop was held at McDonalds. It was a great success.
• Gobble Gait is an annual Hasting’s event. Both Officers and Reservists worked the event.
Anticipated participation is over 2000.
• Naloxone is now available through Dakota County.
Fire Update:
• Very busy with over 3500 calls to date.
• Fire Prevention week in October was a success. Over 1900 kids participated.
• Ambulance on order; delayed arrival isn’t expected until May 2025.
• 3 staff recently completed paramedic school. Chair Auge` to get names and send cards.
• Hiring for a January start is ongoing. Great array of applications. Over 60 applicats for 5
positions.
• The chief met with the council regarding their space needs study. This study is available for
commission at a future date.
Old Business:
• Fire Prevention Week: widely successful.
• Crisis Presentation by the Police department. The commission decided to reschedule this event
in 2025.
• Open Commission positions. City Administrator Wietecha explained the process. We will be
filling 2 positions: the vacated Anderson position and the end of Blackstad’s term. To date there
are 3 applications. Interviews will be coordinated by Chief Townsend.
New Business:
• ATV Topic: City Administrator Wietecha outlined the expectations. Chief Wilske provided some
additional information. (See attachment.)
• E-bike mobility Topic: City Administrator Wietecha outlined the expectations. Chief Wilske
provided some additional information. (See attachment.)
• Bomb Threat: Chief Wilske provided some additional details surrounding this event. There was
no bomb at the middle school. School Resource Officer Freeman had the investigation
completed quickly.
• Shop with a Cop: Our commission has been asked to assist the young shoppers with wrapping
their gifts on December 4th.
• Chair Augé’s announcement: Joseph Dotseth is the son-in-law to the Auge`s. He is the acting
Chief of Police for Metro Transit.
Next Meeting: December 19, 2024
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner Blackstad and seconded by Commissioner Nehring. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:55 pm.