HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230223 - PSAC Minutes February 16, 2023
Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes
Present: Commissioners Vicki Baukel, Andrew Caflisch, Gary Stevens, and Theresa Auge`
City Staff: Chiefs Dave Wilske and John Townsend
Guests: Officer Whitney Rinowski
In the absence of Chair Pemble, Secretary Auge` chaired the meeting. Commissioner Baukel assisted in
notetaking.
1. A motion made by Commissioner Caflisch and seconded by Commissioner Stevens to approve
the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
2. A motion made by Commissioner Baukal and seconded by Commissioner Stevens to approve
the January 19th, 2023, minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
Welcome/Introductions: Officer Rinowski was introduced to the commission.
Police Update:
• The police department is involved with the school during the strike of their food service
personnel.
• Hiring update: 39 applications for the part-time community service officer. Interviews will
follow. 1 Full time police officer position has gone to background. Currently down 2 officers and
plan on hiring for 3 full time positions.
• The 4th of July city parade will be on the 4th of July. Time of parade is 7:00 pm. Pending route
would be from SEAS Church down 15th to Westview. (1 mile route). Commissioners are invited
to join the police or fire departments to hand out candy. (More discussion to follow at a future
meeting).
• An extensive 12-week program is offered to officers every 2 years, A Sergent Chris Nelson has
been selected for the 2023 program.
• After the assessment of space needs: some renovations will begin on creating additional office
space and update the breakroom. Bids will be forthcoming.
• Police week will be May 16. The location is being moved to the police station. The commission
has been asked to assist with this event. (More discussion to follow at a future meeting.)
Fire Update:
• The department is using a new mental health provider this year. There will be an education
meeting next week.
• Lions Club sponsored a breakfast with proceeds donated to the Fire department. Much
appreciated.
• Fire study is still pending for city council.
• Hiring update: looking to hire 4 firefighters. Very competitive market!
• Paid on call update: 2 groups at various levels of training. All in fire training currently. Additional
new paid on call staff recruiting likely to wait till summer or later.
• 2 Fire trucks went on sale. Thus far good response.
• The department was awarded a “Clinical Excellence Certificate” by the EMS Regulatory Board.
Old Business:
• THC Report Update: Chief Wilske shared an edited version of our proposed draft. Removed was
the bullet referencing of an approved hemp grower. Our draft appeared to be accepted by the
Public Safety Committee of the City Council, and has been forward to the zoning department. It
appears that the city will continue to move forward despite the activity occurring at the capital.
• 2023 goals were reviewed. The group came to a consensus, however the topic was tabled until a
later meeting when the chair and more members are present. The group supported the
following goals for 2023.
1. Draft eligibility and criteria for a student member.
2. Pursuing touring of 2 facilities. Dakota County Jail and the 911 Communications.
Chief Wilske will make arrangements for future tour dates.
3. Supporting the adoption of a city wide “camera registry”.
4. Supporting the selection process of individuals to assess the emergency sirens each
month.
New Business:
• PSAC 2022 Annual Report for City Council. Commissioner Auge`, as the secretary will draft an
annual report for the chair to review.
• Officer Rinowski outlined some of the community service programs for 2023. She requested
some assistance with the
1. Arts in the Park Program. This program is offered to children six times during the summer.
Attendance is upwards of 100 participants. Time commitment would be about 2 hours. The
dates and times were shared with the group. While we as a commission did not commit, those
interested are asked to respond directly to CEO@Hasingsmn.gov. (This is officer Rinowski’s
email.)
2. Coffee with a Cop. Pending 2023 opportunities include: Coburns, Culvers, and the Legion. Chief
Wilske asked that these events be limited to two a year. Officer Rinowski will reach out when
dates have been secured.
3. National Night Out was briefly mentioned.
Next Meeting: March 16, 2023.
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm.