HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250320 - PSAC Minutes March 20, 2025
Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes
Present: Commissioners: Andy Caflisch, Mary Nehring, John Gunter, Ryan Sherry,
and Theresa Auge`
Absent: Brian Braun and Gary Stevens
City Staff: Deputy Police Chief Brian Schowalter, Fire Chief John Townsend
Chair Augé called the meeting to order at 6:29 p.m.
Welcome/Introductions:
A motion made by Commissioner Nehring and seconded by Commissioner Gunter to approve the
agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion made by Commissioner Sherry and seconded by Commissioner Nehring to approve the
February 20, 2025, meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
Chair Auge` Update:
• Attended City Council meeting
Police Update – Deputy Chief Schowalter:
• Third squad car arrived – This squad will become a K9 squad car after equipment is added.
• April 7-10: Chief, Deputy Chief and Commander will be at MN Chief’s Conference.
• Firearms and defensive tactics training at Hero Center in Cottage Grove.
o Half the department finished the training, and the other half will be training in April.
• First Responder Benefit at Hastings Public House - April 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Interviews ongoing for 2nd School Resource Officer Position.
• Recently posted a HPD office position
o This new position will make 32 total HPD officers in the department.
Fire Update – Chief Townsend:
• Took delivery of chassis for new brush truck – building and being outfitted to be new brush truck
• Radios have been updated with encryption. Radios also have been paired with SCBA to improve
clear communications.
• Annual live burn trainings in April
• Started looking into ordering a new firetruck. Searching vendors to ensure pricing is efficient.
• Met with council members to discuss the HFD space needs study.
o Option one – stay at current location and make significant renovations and additions
(approx. $22 million). Original build 1961 and renovated in 1993.
o Option two – new location and new building (approx. $30 million)
• HFD is currently fully staffed
Old Business:
• Review of ATV/UTV and E-Bike decision from the City Council:
o ATV/UTV city ordinance will not be changing.
• Review of E-Bike decision from the City Council:
o City adopted all PSAC recommendation including a 15-mph speed limit
• Review of Gores Pool #3 decision from City Council:
o Voted to request the DNR increase the no hunting buffer from 200 to 500 feet
New Business:
• Coffee with a cop – Tuesday, March 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Confirmed social worker presentation date for April 17th PSAC meeting
• Guidelines for riding electronic vehicles (micromobility) – scooters, Segway, unicycles, etc.
o Several example ordinances from surrounding communities were shared and will be
reviewed by PSAC commissioners and discussed at the April 17th PSAC meeting.
Next Meeting:
City Hall – April 17th at 6:30 p.m.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sherry and seconded by Commissioner Nehring. The meeting was
adjourned at 7:29 p.m.