HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220317 - PSAC MinutesCity of Hastings
Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC)
March 17, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Present: Commissioners Dolores Pemble, Melissa Blackstad, Victoria Baukol, Theresa Auge`, and
remotely participating; Gary Stevens. Commissioner Auge` was appointed acting Secretary for the
meeting.
City Staff: Chiefs Bryan Schafer and John Townsend
1. The meeting was called to order by Chair Pemble at 6: 35 pm.
2. A motion was made by Commissioner Baukol and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to
approve the agenda.
3. A motion was made by Commissioner Blackstad and seconded by Commissioner Baukol to
approve the minutes from January 20, 22 meeting. (Of note there were no available meeting
minutes from February 17, 2022)
Police Update: Chief Schafer reported.
• 12 semi-permanent speed signs have been purchased. The department will work with the
public works department to identify areas to place the signs. Criteria will be established.
• The department has received 1 of 3 squad cars. New squad is being equipped.
• The department received a grant of 13,000 dollars in which to purchase protective helmets.
• The department is in great shape as the chief makes his exit to retirement. Firearms, radios,
less-than lethal, body and squad cameras, and speed signs are updated and in place for the
next 5 and 10-year cycles.
Questions posed:
1. Is the significance of the drugs discovered this past week an indication of a drug problem in
Hastings? Chief Schafer commented that Dakota has seen a significant rise in drugs, some
extending to high level suppliers.
2. Will Hastings have electronic scooters this summer? Chief Schafer comment that Hastings has
worked with a company that will outfit the city with electronic scooters. These devices are called
“Bird”. There will be geo-fencing outlining areas. A new MN statue addresses the use of bikes,
skateboarders, and scooters on sidewalks. Helmets will NOT be required.
Fire Updated: Chief Townsend reported.
• Interviewing for the fire inspector is in the works. There are 3 candidates.
• The department is reshuffling their facility floor plan to increase workspace for the new
inspector. In working with the police department a squad car has been repurpose for the new
inspector.
• Hiring Paid On-call is ongoing. Applicants will be divided into 2 groups, those that are new and
need all aspects of fire training and those that have some training. Once enough candidates are
collected; training will begin. Search continues for trained EMT and Paramedics.
• The consultant is beginning interviews with various stake holders. Staff, council, commissioners,
stakeholders etc.
Question posed:
With the warm weather, thawing, is there any areas subject to flooding? Chief Townsend reported that
due to the drought last year the city is in great shape and no flooding is expected.
Old Business:
1. PSAC Handbook. A draft was made available for review. The following suggestions were made to
add to the hand book. Include reference to virtual appearance for commission members,
include annual review, some language should be added for repeated absences and consider
consequences. Need some information from the fire chief. Chair Pemble encouraged
participation in a subgroup to making these edits and to complete the handbook.
2. Finalize 2022 Goals. The group reviewed the goals and found no edits were needed.
3. Minutes to the city council. Chief Schafer reported that he had a conversation with the city
administrator surrounding routing our commission minutes to the council. No definite decision
was reached. Chief will continue conversation with the city administrator.
4. Co-chair update. At the meeting in January, the commission entertained conversation around
adding a co-chair or vice chair to this commission. The commission decided that it will check the
city charter for references to officers for the commission.
New Business:
1. Review of the City Council workshop February 7, 2022. Comments from commissioners were
very positive. Very impressed.
2. Review Coffee with a Cop from March 11, 2022. The Froth and Cork hosted the event. It was
very well attended. Several police officers were present. The commission would like to see these
events continue. Commissioners were enthusiastic about participating and seeing if we could
incorporate firefighters too.
3. Review HERO Center tour from February 17, 2022. Commissioners had the following comments;
“amazing, unbelievable, incredible”. Chair Pemble shared that individual thank you notes were
sent to all staff that were involved with hosting this event for the commission.
4. Police Week. The annual police week will be May 17, 2022. Chief Schafer describes last year’s
event compared to pre-Covid events. The commission members would like to see a food
element in which the commission members have a chance to interact with the public. Location
has yet to be determined.
5. National Night Out is slated for August 2, 2022. Chair Pemble shared previous venues. Lion’s
Park remains a best option by its location and ability to accommodate the large machinery.
Commissioner Baukol moved and Commission Stevens second the motion; “To keep National
Night Out at Lion’s Park.” The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Blackstad left at 7:50 pm.
6. Chief of Police appointment process. Chief Schafer had little to say about this process. The
timeline and process has been developed by City Administrator. The City Council has to vote on
the timeline and process. It seems like a select number of commission members along with a
select number of city council members will be invited to sit in on the interview process. Chief
Schafer reminded the group his last day is May 29, 2022.
7. Our next meeting is April 21, 2022. The group has agreed to meet at the fire station. A tour and
presentation will occur.
8. Adjournment: Commissioner Auge moved and Commissioner Baukol seconded to adjourn the
meeting. The meeting ended at 8:08 pm