HomeMy WebLinkAboutVIII-16 Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC) 2024 Annual Report City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Council Members
From: John Townsend, Fire Chief
Date: January 6, 2025
Item: Public Safety Advisory Commission 2024 Annual Report
Council Action Requested:
No action required. Information only.
Background Information:
The Public Safety Advisory Commission had a very productive year. The Commissioners
participated in public safety events that included: Police Week Open House, Fire Prevention
Open House, National Night Out, 4th of July Parade and Rec-Arts-Police to name a few. The
commissioners also served the community on a wide variety of other events and topics included
in the attached report.
Financial Impact:
None
Advisory Commission Discussion:
Not applicable
Council Committee Discussion:
Not applicable
Attachment:
2024 Annual Report
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2024 Annual Report Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC)
The commission had a great year.
The commission reviewed their handbook and found no changes in our mission statement nor
in our directives. Edits were made in other areas of the handbook. These changes governed
communication. A calendar was adopted of the various events the commission is involved in.
Commission Mission Statement:
Enhancing awareness of public safety through community programs, educational opportunities,
and public engagement. Our work is to advise our elected officials.
Commission Directives:
• It is the purpose of the commission to represent the interests of the community on matters of
public safety.
• The commission shall provide advice, input, and feedback to the City’s public safety
administrators and elected officials.
• The commission shall review and monitor the strategic goals of the City’s public safety
departments.
• The police and fire chief will relay Commission concerns/decisions to the Council Committee
on Public Safety, who in turn, will report to the City Council/Mayor.
2024 Commission Membership includes:
Chair: Theresa Auge Secretary: Melissa Blackstad Gary Stevens
Mary Nehring Andrew Caflisch John Gunter
Steve Anderson
2024 Commission Goals
1. The PSAC will continue to actively participate in the numerous Hastings PD and FD public
events throughout the year.
2. The PSAC will learn from the PD staff, the addition of a social worker to their department,
and how this impacts those in mental health crisis.
3. The PSAC will learn from the fire staff on the role of the fire marshal, the differences
between the EMT and paramedic, and how the rental housing inspection program works.
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2024 Accomplishments
• Edits to our handbook were adopted by the commission regarding communication
and annual calendar of events.
• Toured the fire department and learned about the role of the fire marshal, the
events needed for rental housing program, and the unique qualities of the EMT and
paramedics that serve our community.
• The commission discussed the topic of E-bikes. Speed limits and current city
ordinance were sent to city vendors renting e-bikes. Speed limits would be posted
by the Parks and Rec Department on city signage. This topic was readdressed by the
administration and will continue into 2025.
• The commission learned the extensive strategy that goes into preparing and working
with the city officials on flooding that occurred this year.
• The commission discussed the significance of the Burnsville tragedy as it affected
both our fire and police departments.
• Commission members attended the Police Reserve Annual Recognition.
• Assisted in serving at the swearing in of police hires throughout the year.
• Secured sponsors and activities for a community National Night Out. Secured some
donations for a raffle. Commission members served food at this event.
• Commission members attended the Fire Prevention Week Open House.
• Commission members attended the various Coffee with a Cop events.
• Commission members attended and served at the Police Open House.
• Commission members attended and participated in the 4th of July parade.
• Commission members participated in the Arts in the Park program.
• Commission members participated in wrapping gifts for the Shop with a Cop
program.
• The commission is working to recruit a full slate of members for the 2025 year.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve Hastings in this capacity and look forward to more
interaction with the council and public safety staff in the future. Thank you.
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