Minutes; Public Safety: April 2009

Public Safety Committee
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 6:00pm
Regular Meeting
Evansville City Hall Council Room
31 S Madison Street

MINUTES

1. Call To Order. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Roberts at 6:03pm.

2. Roll Call. Present: Alderpersons Roberts, Wessels and Culbertson. Staff Present: Police Chief Scott McElroy, EMS Coordinator Mary Beaver, City Mayor Sandy Decker and Municipal Judge Tom Alisankus and members of the public.

3. Minutes of March 4, 2009 Meeting. Motion by Roberts, seconded by Wessels to approve the regular meeting minutes as printed. Motion Approved.

4. Citizen Appearances. None. (Please Note: Motion by Roberts, seconded by Wessels to amend the agenda to move item 8b to under agenda item 4. Motion Passed.)

8b. Russell Jeske appeared to discuss the snowmobile trails that run through Evansville City Limits. The committee discussed the marking of the snowmobile trails. The committee will continue to find and discuss alternative routes at future meetings.

5. Evansville Police Report.
Chief McElroy stated there were 1273 calls for service in March and 76 License Plate transactions. All new weapons are in service. The Police Department website has been updated. The Joint Power Agreement is complete and Accreditation has been started. The online recruitment has 9 applicants continuing.

6. Evansville Medical Service Report.
EMS Coordinator, Mary Beaver stated there have been 99 runs to date. There were 30 runs in March with one lift assistance.

7. Old Business.
a. Motion by Wessels, seconded by Culbertson to recommend approval of Operator’s License for Alyssa Calkins, with the condition that the applicant’s record be reviewed in one (1) year to determine the need, if any, for revocation. Motion approved.

8. New Business.
a. Motion by Wessels, seconded by Culbertson to approve an Operator’s License for Tracy A Hawkinson. Motion Approved.

c. Al Sarbacher appeared to discuss the Friday Night Co-ed Softball League’s games and beer permits.

d. No one appeared to discuss the July 4th Celebration by Fourth of July Committee.

e. Tony Wyse appeared to speak on behalf of the Evansville Community Partnership regarding a public art event and display. The Partnership would like to display art on downtown sidewalks from August to October 2-4 for the Windmill Festival.

f. Motion by Roberts, seconded by Wessels to recommend to Common Council the Proclamation for EMS Week in May. Motion Approved.

g. The COPS Recovery Hiring Program Grant is for 1 police officer for 3years. The grant would pay for most of the officer’s wages and benefits for first 3 years. The City may incur addition expenses that are not covered by the grant. We have estimated the that we would be responsible for paying some expenses costing up to an additional $5000.00 per year for such things as body armor, education expense, night shift premium, and clothing allowance. Once the 3 years is over, the City would absorb 100% of all costs. If grant is awarded, the Police Department’s part-time budget could be used to absorb the additional $5000.00 that may be needed as part time officer use should decrease. The timing for this a good fit at this time. The grant has been written and is waiting for Common Council approval for submission. Motion by Culbertson, seconded by Wessels to recommend to Finance/Labor Relations to summit the grant to Council for approval. Motion Approved.

h. Police Department Building Remodel with update on Project Managers contract and finding of architect. Chief estimated a cost of approximately
$ 250,000 may be needed for the project. This is based on preliminary discussions with potential project managers.

i. Wessels and Roberts would sponsor an ordinance that would regulate the Harboring of Minor Runaways. The ordinance Attorney Mark Kopp wrote will be presented.

j. Motion by Wessels, seconded by Culbertson to sell old Police ammunition and use funds to purchase new ammunition. Mayor Decker was present in the audience and agreed that the ammunition could be sold by Chief of Police and used to purchase new ammunition. Motion Approved.

9. Motion by Wessels, seconded by Culbertson to adjourn at 8:10pm.

Next Regular Meeting will be Wednesday May 6, 2009, 6:00pm City Hall

Respectfully Submitted,
Diane Roberts, Chair

These minutes are not official until approved by Public Safety at their next regular meeting