HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240516 - PSAC Minutes May 16, 2024
Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes
Present: Commissioners: Melissa Blackstad, Andy Caflisch, Gary Stevens, John Gunter,
and Theresa Auge`,
City Staff: Fire Chief John Townsend and Police Chief Dave Wilske
Guests: CEO Whitney Rinowski
Chair Augé called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Welcome/Introductions: Commission was introduced to our guest.
Agenda Addition to include Review of Summer Events.
A motion made by Commissioner Stevens and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to approve the
amended agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion made by Commissioner Blackstad and seconded by Commissioner Gunter to approve the
April 18, meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
Police Update:
• The Chief, Deputy Chief and Commander all participated in the MN Chief’s Association
conference. Kim Potter was one of the guest speakers.
• A staffing update was given. The department is down 2 officers with a conditional offer
extended. The goal is to get to 3 investigators. We had 4 out of 7 good candidates for the CSO
position.
• The United Way Food Drive: “sound the Siren” competition with Dakota County Sheriff’s office
went very well. Hastings excelled with over $2300 dollars collected and over 3200 food items.
These donations go directly back into the community. This is the 4th year in a row that Hastings
has scored the win!
• 1st Car Show will be Law Enforcement on Sunday May 19th. PSAC is encouraged to attend and
wear their shirts.
• Public Safety Day, also known as: Police Week, went well.
• Burnsville is having a rough year and lost a recently retired officer.
• A discussion was held on homelessness in town.
• Coffee with a cop is June 4th at Coborn’s from 8am – 10am.
• Pride Festival event is happening June 8th in downtown Hastings.
• June 18th is the torch run which starts in Hastings and ends in Rochester. This event is associated
with the Special Olympics.
Fire Update:
• We continue with our ongoing “space needs” study.
• A Badging ceremony will be held on Saturday. This event will honor numerous individuals.
• 2 new staff are beginning their 12-hour shifts. “They completed the burgers, beans, and chips”.
• Some staff are attending a rope rescue course.
• The annual live burn course has been completed.
• HFD helped cover in Eagan when a firefighter was killed recently.
Old Business:
• Public Safety Day went well. New location for the distribution of the hot dogs, water, etc. was a
great improvement, much better flow. Liked the available “port-a-potties”. The banner was
great. Great turn out. Estimated 360 hot dogs were served.
New Business:
• National Night Out: CEO Whitney Rinowski reviewed punch list. A punch list broken down and
commission will assist Rinowski on reaching out to previous participants. We will review it again
next month.
• Use of drone’s discussion – the City of Hastings does not own drones. However, DCSO does and
when necessary, the DCSO will assist with both police and fire incidents.
• Summer Events: Members are invited to participate in the Parks and Rec events and the 4th of
July Parade. The police department will buy bulk candy for the parade.
Next Meeting:
June 20th at 6:30pm
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner Gunter and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:44 pm.