HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250220 - PSAC Packet
City of Hastings
Public Safety Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda
February 20, 2025
* Call to Order-
* Approval of the Agenda-
* Approval of Minutes from January 16. 2025, meeting
* Welcome/Introduction –
* Chair Updates-
* Department Updates
-Police Department- Chief Dave Wilske
-Fire Department- Chief John Townsend
* Old Business
• Continuing the ATV/UTV Topic (see supplement)
• Continuing the E-Bike Topic (see supplement)
• Update on Gores Pool #3 topic
• 2025 Annual Goals
* New Business
• Police Week
* Next Meeting
• March 20, 2025
Adjournment-
January 16, 2025
Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes
Present: Commissioners: Andy Caflisch, Mary Nehring, Gary Stevens, Brian Braun, Ryan Sherry,
John Gunter, and Theresa Auge`
City Staff: Police Chief Dave Wilske, Fire Chief John Townsend, Assistant City Administrator: Kelly
Murtaugh.
Guests: There were two residents in attendance.
The 2024 PSAC Chair Augé called the meeting to order at 6:26 pm.
The Oath of the Commission was given to incoming commissioners; Sherry and Braun and renewing
commissioner Caflisch. Kelly Murtaugh notarized the oaths and left the meeting.
Public Disclosure Forms were given to Commissioners Sherry, Braun and Givens.
Election of Chair: Using Robert’s Rule of Order; nominations were requested for the Chair position. A
motion made by Commissioner Caflisch and seconded by Commissioner Stevens to elect Commissioner
Auge` as 2025 PSAC chair. Motion passed unanimously.
Election of Secretary: A motion made by Commissioner Braun and seconded by Commissioner Givens to
elect Commissioner Caflisch as Secretary. Motion passed unanimously.
Chair Auge` announced that note cards were drafted for Fire and Police staff. They included: Reservists:
Steinhibel, Riemenschneider, and Auge`. Fire staff: Knoll, and Henn.
Welcome/Introductions:
The agenda was amended to include the topic of the LA Fires.
A motion made by Commissioner Braun and seconded by Commissioner Nehring to approve the
amended agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion made by Commissioner Nehring and seconded by Commissioner Braun to approve the
December 19, 2024, meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
Police Update:
• Staffing:
o Officer Ryan Haedt was selected to serve as the third investigator
o HPD is currently fully staffed
o HPD sends an officer to SPSC training every other year. Three officers expressed
interest. Sgt. Matt Hedrick was selected to attend the 12-week training program.
o Hastings Reserve Officers were recognized at the annual reserve banquet in December.
• Equipment:
o The Command vehicle is in for repair and expected to be back in service soon.
o A new reserve truck is in service.
Fire Update:
• Staffing:
o HFD hired two new firefighters. This addition allows for seven firefighters for each shift.
• Equipment:
o HFD took delivery of a new brush truck, inspector vehicle, and water tender. The old
water tender is currently for sale.
o HFD has four new Lucas Devices (mechanical chest compression machines)
o The electronics are being replaced on the large boat.
Old Business:
• Chief Wilske shared a presentation on utility vehicles in Hastings:
o Chief shared the same presentation previously with City Council members. The
presentation included:
▪ Current ordinance overview
▪ All-Terrain Vehicle classifications and definitions
▪ State laws on ATVs
▪ Snowmobile ordinance
▪ Recommendations
▪ Action by City Council
o Review of ATV/UTV and E-bike recommendations from the December 19, 2024, PSAC meeting.
o Commissioners reviewed notes from 12/19/24 meeting and made additions and edits in
preparation for a final recommendation that will go to City Council
o 2025 Annual Reserve banquet was a great event. Sgt. Hendrick oversees the reserve unit.
• Chief Wilske shared a presentation on Gores Pool hunting land, regulations, and concerns from
three homeowners (1621 4th Street East, 2925 4th Street East, and 2900 4th Street East):
o The discussion was about recommending to the City Council that they request the DNR
use signage to create a 200’ buffer between the property line of the three properties
and the approved hunting land.
• A motion was made by Commissioner Sherry and second by Commissioner Braun to encourage
the City Council to request the 200’ buffer for these three properties.
New Business:
• Discuss 2025 annual PSAC goals: This item was tabled for discussion.
• 2025 PSAC Calendar: A motion was made by Commissioner Nehring and seconded by
Commissioner Gunter to change the June 19th meeting to June 12. June 19th is a holiday for city
staff. The motion passed unanimously.
• Annual Commission training is scheduled for January 29th. The city has a new attorney.
• LA Fires: Chief Townsend spoke about the various challenges battling a wildfire in CA. Wildfires
require a specific certification and Hastings PD does not have any firefighters with that
certification.
Next Meeting: February 20,2025
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner Gunter and seconded by Commissioner Nehring. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
ATV/UTV Topic
Our directive as approved in November 2024 minutes states: The PSAC have been charged with
providing input on what a revised ordinance should contain. The Commission can decide that no
changes to the current ordinance should be made, however, the council is looking for some
input. The expectation is to have something drafted by February-March to allow the city to process
and possibly implement changes. Some examples that were shared for our consideration included:
1. Vehicle features,
2. Age of driver,
3. Question of insurance etc.
4. Hold city harmless
Supplement to January 16 ,2025 PSAC Minutes
The Commission neared consensus on the following as requirements for the use of ATV/UTV for
the City of Hastings. The commission discussed the limits to such items. Dune buggies, mini
trucks and golf carts are not included within this proposal. Nor does not include the pocket rockets.
The particulars of obtaining a City of Hastings permit would be based on an inspection by the Police
Department. Recognizing there are sections of the city that are a bit challenging to access by
ATV/UTV we recommend a map be provided for interested parties.
The commission agreed to the following:
• Only DNR Class 2 ATV/UTV are allowed under this permit.
• All drivers must be 18 years of age. They must have a valid driver’s license. They must have
valid and current insurance. They must have their City of Hastings permit displayed on the
ATV/UTV.
• The driver and all passengers must use the ATV/UTV’s manufacturer’s working seatbelts.
• Those 18 and older recommend the use of a DOT (department of Transportation) helmets
but not required. Those passengers under the age of 18, helmets are required.
• Passengers must be 12 years or older to ride in an ATV/UTV.
• Use of an ATV/UTV is limited to hours of daylight and concludes a half hour prior to sunset.
• The use of an ATV/UTV in city parks is prohibited. (Refer to map.)
• The use of an ATV/UTV on a sidewalk is prohibited.
• The use of an ATV/UTV in the Historic section of Hastings is prohibited. (Refer to map.)
• Speed limits are controlled by the posted speed limits. All MN traffic laws, and City of
Hastings ordinances must be complied with.
• Each ATV/UTV must have 3 working mirrors. A rearview and a right and left side mirror.
• Each ATV/UTV must have a rollbar.
• Each ATV/UTV must be equipped with 4 DOT (department of transportation) tires.
• If the ATV/UTV does not have a windshield, the driver and any passengers must have eye
protection.
• Each ATV/UTV must have working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Headlights must
be on when driving.
• No person shall use a muffler cutout, by-pass, straight pipe or similar device on their
ATV/UTV. Standard mufflers which are properly attached, and which reduce the noise of
operation of the motor to minimum necessary for operation.
• A slow-moving emblem is required on the back of the ATV/UTV.
• No person shall operate an ATV/UTV in inclement weather or when visibility is impaired by
weather, smoke, fog, or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient visibility to
clearly see persons and vehicles on the roadway at 500 feet.
• Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as an assumption of liability by the City of
Hastings for any injuries to persons on which may result from the operation of an ATV/UTV
by a permit holder or the failure by the City of Hastings to revoke the permit.
E-Bike Topic
Our directive as approved in November 2024 minutes states: The PSAC, have been charged with
providing input on a possible ordinance. The expectation is to have something drafted by February-
March to allow for the city to process and possibly implement changes. Some examples of items to
consider included:
1. Speed limits
2. Age requirements
3. Use of helmet
4. Hold city harmless
The Commission neared consensus on the following as requirements for the use of E-Bikes. The
following requirements were drafted.
• No permit is required.
• State law requires the driver to be 15 years of age.
• State law includes the rider must be 15 years of age or older.
• A helmet is encouraged but not required.
• Riders must ride in traffic on the street. There is no riding on city sidewalks.
• Each bike must have a working headlight and taillight.
• Insurance in not required but encouraged.
• Eye protection is encouraged but not required.
• Limit of 15 mph on City of Hastings Park and Bike trails.
•
1-23-2025
To: Chief Wilske
Hastings Police Chief
From: Theresa Auge`
Chair of the Public Safety Advisory Commission
Subject: Gores Pool #3
On January 16, the PSAC reviewed a presentation of Gores Pool #3. (The Hastings City Council
received the same presentation.) It was at the request of the City Council to review this topic, and if
appropriate make a recommendation to the council.
The commission discussed the property owners’ concerns, the Memo of Understanding between
the DNR and the City of Hastings. We reviewed the geographic map. Our discussion supported the
idea that we, PSAC, make a recommendation to City Council to pursue the 200’ foot buffer between
the property line and the approved hunting land mentioned in the original MOU. Increase signage
concerning the properties: 1621 4th Street East, 2925 4th Street East, and 2900 4th Street East. The
following action was taken.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sherry and second by Commissioner Braun to encourage
the City Council to request the 200’ buffer for these three properties located within Gores Pool #3.
The motion passed unanimously.
0ur 2024 goals were:
1. The PSAC will continue to actively participate in the numerous Hastings PD and Fire 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 Marshall, the differences between the
EMT and Paramedic, and how the rental housing inspection program works.
Topics suggested for PSAC 2025 Goals
To facilitate discussion, please rate using 1-3 (1 being first preference) your top 3 choices for
consideration for this year’s goals. Bring your selection to our February meeting. Please remember that
our discussion on ATV and Ebikes will likely push other items out to the second quarter of the year.
__________ Presentation by city social worker on police patrol (2024 goal not completed)
__________ Presentation by 360 Advocate used with Fire and Police
__________ Various staff to talk about their day-to-day encounters.
__________Invite the School Resource Officer to a meeting.
__________ 35W collapse presentation emphasizing how multiple agencies work together.
__________“Holiday Heros” a grilling event or such to thank our Fire and Police Staff.
__________ Fire Department Space Needs Study Review
__________Other???