HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200220 - Public Safety Committee of Council Recap
Public Safety Committee Meeting Recap
COPS Grant Opportunity
February 20, 2020
City Hall Volunteer Room
Members Present: Councilmembers Leifeld, Folch, and Braucks
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Police Chief Bryan Schafer
Police Commander Bryan Schowalter
Chair Leifeld called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
Chief Schafer provided an overview of the Federal COPS opportunity, specifically the intent of the grant
and funding requirements. The question posed to the group was whether or not they foresee a need for
additional police officers in the next 3 years. If so, this would be a great opportunity to do using grant
funding.
Members asked for clarification regarding the wage and fringe breakdown outlined in their packets. The
proposed phase-in listed wages only, not fringe.
Commander Schowalter shared the categories for which the application could be used. This application
would be focused on the “Building Trust & Collaboration Community Oriented Position.”
Councilmembers reflected on some neighborhood problems they’ve encountered and how direct
intervention through one point of contact is a more appropriate use of resources.
There were some questions concerning opioid prevention and current drug trends in the area. While the
grant position would not specifically address this, it is reasonable to expect the Community Engagement
Officer could encounter some drug-related neighborhood issues.
Chief Schafer told the Committee of his attempts to add staffing over the past 3 years and further
justified the need through an overview of the department’s staffing history, calls for service, police
officer to population ratios, and crime rate. Anticipation of an increasing population was noted.
Overall, the group was supportive and acknowledged public safety remains a priority for the City of
Hastings, however it was pointed out that being fiscally responsible with tax dollars means we should
continue to find creative ways to address crime and livability without always adding staff. Cmdr.
Schowalter pointed out that this grant is in fact a creative way to reduce crime, build relationships, and
do so with grant funding.
The Committee unanimously recommended (3-0) to move forward with submittal of the COPS Grant
and sending it back to the full Council for consideration.
Meeting adjourned at approx. 8:15 a.m.