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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Services Minutes 9-19-16 Minutes City of Cottage Grove Public Services Commission Meeting September 19, 2016 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Cottage Grove Public Services Commission Meeting was held on September 19, 2016. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Jurgens, Tony Campbell, Robert Davick, Evan Dornsbach, Robert Forsythe, Pat Griffith, Kent Ingram, Steve Lewis, Jody Podoll, Jeff Rediske, Lise Staloch, Peter Members Absent: Serpico, William Staff Present: Taylor, Harry – Public Works Supervisor Koerner, Pete - Police Captain Redenius, Rick – Fire Chief McAlister, Randy – Sergeant PD Orloff, Gary – Streets Foreman Others Present: Justin Olsen, Councilmember Approval of Agenda Agenda - Approved Approval of Minutes June 20, 2016 - Approved Open Forum None Presentations Update Threat Management Program – Sergeant Randy McAlister Sergeant Randy McAlister gave a presentation regarding the article in the Star Tribune newspaper on August 10, 2016 entitled “New Cottage Grove police strategy hopes to head off violence”. This article focused on how a murder in 2006 became a turning point in Sergeant McAlister’s career empowering him to make it his mission to prevent the same tragedies from occurring within our community. McAlister’s presentation began with a slide featuring individuals who have planned and committed acts of targeted violence. McAlister explained the difference between violence and targeted violence stating targeted violence is preplanned and organized. McAlister used Chevel Richard, known for murdering his wife at the Cottage Grove Jimmy Johns in 2011, as an example of targeted violence. McAlister explained the criminal justice system sometimes struggles with the following: Lack of Urgency – fail to understand the risks Lack of communication Mental health system Commitment laws Court paper flow Protection order process Jail Prosecution Reactive vs proactive thinking Police To combat these obstacles the Cottage Grove police department has trained 5 officers as Threat Management Officers (TMO). These TMO’s are trained to act as system navigators and aggressive caretakers in cases involving violence or elevated risk of violence. They also work with other government and community based resources to reduce/prevent violence and violent behaviors. Jurgens asked what patterns of behavior the TMO looks for. McAlister stated risk factors would include: Past behavior Grievances Indication of planning or preparation for violence; acquiring weapons Time imperatives or action imperatives Jurgens asked if the TMO relies on information provided by the family members. McAlister stated they collect information about individuals in question from many sources including family. McAlister added if you cannot collect the dots you cannot connect the dots. Emphasizing the importance of good communication. Jurgens asked if the program has been able to track its success. McAlister shared a story of an arrest for felony theft in Cottage Grove. When the officers spoke to the wife she told them how abusive her husband was toward her. The TMO officers stepped in and managed the case closely. The man unfortunately committed suicide. However, in some cases suicides can involve a homicide. Even though there is no way to track the “what ifs” of this event McAlister believes the TMO officers prevented something worse from happening by staying observant and involved. Lewis asked what local groups the police department are partnering with and how do they work together. McAlister stated one group is the Washington County Social Service and Mental Health department. McAlister added the TMO’s learn how to access their systems and participate in threat management groups. The team goes over high risk cases with many groups in our community to offer advice and strategies. Staloch asked why is there a delay when serving someone that is in jail. McAlister stated the delay is not with the jail but with the clerk. Sometimes a TMO needs to physically go to the clerk’s office and get the paperwork signed to make sure they can serve the individual before they are released from jail. The TMO is able to push orders through the system faster with a threat management order. Staloch emphasized the importance of looking at all aspects of an individual’s life before concluding they are a risk. He used an example of the high number of divorced people that own guns. Adding, this wouldn’t make them a necessary threat. McAlister stated the TMO’s work with families and try to get a mental assessment of the individual. It wouldn’t just be a gun purchase or divorce. But could be chemical abusive, job loss, divorce, history of mental illness and gun purchase. If those were factors TMO’s would work to get that individual help. McAlister added the biggest focus is to deescalate situations using verbal skills and get appropriate help vs putting someone in jail. Victims are reluctant to cooperate because of fear and embarrassment. This program offers the opportunity for trained officers to connect and protect. Olsen thanked McAlister and commended the police force on a job well done. Olsen addressed the challenges the police department faces and expressed his appreciation for this program. Adding, it gives victims the strength they need to stand up for themselves. McAlister stated the program is working with veterans that have returned from combat. Officers are helping the veterans connect with services offered at the VA. McAlister explained the difficulty for some veterans to receive disability in a timely fashion. This can be very stressful for them. The officers are helping move that process along when they can. They are checking in with the families and offering support where needed. The entire commission expressed their gratitude to Sergeant McAlister. WOLD Update Central Fire Station Project – Chief Redenius Redenius presented a site diagram of the new fire station to the commissioners for review it included: Main Level Plan Upper Level Plan Perspective conforming to City standards Draft of the project schedule Redenius stated the station may be moved a little to the west to save money. It is up for discussion in the upcoming week. Ingram stated moving the building to save money on excavating has been discussed at previous meetings but was deemed unnecessary. He asked Redenius what has changed. Redenius responded the engineers are researching all options to save money. Old Business None Response to Previously Raised Commission Requests None Commission Comments and Requests Ingram requested the Pledge of Allegiance be added to the Agenda. Tammy will research the general provisions and add the pledge to the agenda if allowable. Staff Reports and Educational Material Public Works – Taylor updated the Commission on tasks being completed by the Public Works Department which included: Dealing with the significant amount of rain Uprooted tree’s Paving Overlaying East Pt Douglas Sweeping Mowing Preparing snow equipment Flushing Sewer and Gate Valve Cleaning Storm Sewer Pipe Evaluations Jurgens stated what a great idea it is to add a concrete pad in front of the fire hydrants. Harry added the pad is placed in front of the hydrant to prevent damage to the valve from lawn mowers. Staloch asked if the City works with Xcel Energy to monitor right-of-way damage. Taylor responded the City requires a right-of-way permit to be issued for all work conducted in the right-of-way. Permits are issued by the engineering department. Police – Koerner briefed the Commission on the school resource officer program. He added they will be starting an adopt-a-school program that will encourage officers to go to the school they adopt and be a positive presence. 50 officers attended a screening for an officer involved film documentary. Officers are preparing for Monster Bash and Park High Schools Homecoming parade. Officers will attend sex trafficking training in the training hall. Fire – Redenius updated the Commission on some of the activities the Fire Department has been working on which included: 196 EMS Calls 28 Fire Calls Staff had calls regarding trees that have fallen on power lines and a car fire on Hwy 61 Staff is working on new hires and training Holiday Train meetings have begun Fire Department assisted in the Fill the Boot campaign the raised approximately $9000 Staff is preparing for the Fire Departments Open House on October 15, 2016 10-2pm Engineering – No additional update. Council Comments Councilmember Olsen welcome Ingram back from his leave of absence and updated the Commission on the following: New Fire Station Budget Workshops – The Council is keeping the levy growing at the tax rate Inclusive Playground - $16,500 raised. 70% of project is funded 2017 Pavement Management – Authorized funding with the focus on main thoroughfares. Community Steering Committee – Nominating people to the committee Senior Housing – Looking for more affordable options for Cottage Grove residents Commission Comments None Adjournment – Motion to adjourn by Dornsbach at 8:20pm and seconded by Rediske