HomeMy WebLinkAbout20221020 - PSAC Minutes October 20, 2022
Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes
Present: Commissioners Dolores Pemble, Melissa Blackstad, Gary Stevens, Bryan Ascheman, and
Theresa Auge`.
City Staff: Chief Dave Wilske
Absent: Chief John Townsend is attending a state fire conference.
Chair Pemble called the meeting to order at 6: 33 pm.
1. A motion made by Commissioner Ascheman and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to
approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
2. A motion made by Commissioner Ascheman and seconded by Commissioner Blackstad to
approve the September 29, 2022 minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Baukol arrived at 6:34 pm
Police Update:
• Chief and Deputy Chief attended the international police chief conference in Dallas. It was a 5-
day conference. Take-away’s from the conference included: Hastings Police Department is in a
great shape considering staffing and community support. One topic that the chief would like to
pursue would be the use of therapy dogs for officer wellness. Chief provided examples of the
benefits of a department with a therapy dog. Research shows the healing effects of having the
dog’s presence for officers. It can lower blood pressure.
• Officer Ryan Haedt will be receiving an All State award. This award is for his dedicated work on
enforcing DUI laws.
• Gobble Gait: annual Thanksgiving marathon was approved by city council. This event generates
money for our local Hastings Family Service Center. Upwards of 3500 participants.
• Chief has tasked the commander with developing an awards committee.
• Twelve applicants have been received for the full-time police officer position. Hope to invite
over half of these for interviews.
• Question posed: Has Hastings Police department seen repeat users of Narcan? Chief responded,
the use of Narcan has increased. Dakota County has had over 50 uses of Narcan this year.
Hastings has seen double digit use. Police officers administer via the nose.
Old Business:
• The group continued discussion on CBD/THC. The group discussed the merits of performing a
survey, much like Golden Valley’s. Chief will invite assistant City administer to our next meeting.
The group would like city attorney, Kori Land to come back to a meeting. Chair assigned
homework to each commissioner before next meeting.
• Chief shared that one applicant has been received for the open commission position.
New Business:
• The commission reviewed their 2022 goals. They are:
1. Explore the opportunity to have a youth member on PSAC as directed by the city charter.
2. Finalize a commission handbook.
3. Arrange tours for the commission member of the police and fire department and local training
centers.
4. Identify ways to assist police and fire departments as requested.
The commission has completed nearly all their goals. The student goal will be tabled until after the
TCH/CBD topic has been finalized.
• Commissioner Ascheman attended the Fire Department open house. It was well attended.
• Chief shared other “cop” events will be occurring such as “shop with a cop”.
• Commissioner Blackstad reminded the group of her scheduled absence next month.
• The commission will hold a December meeting.
Reminders: Commission members are tasked with drafting thoughts on city ordinance priorities as well
as survey questions. These are to be sent electronically to the secretary. Do not include any other
commission members or staff personnel on the email. Secretary will tabulate all items and bring to the
next meeting.
Adjournment:
Commissioner Ascheman moved and Commissioner Baukol seconded to adjourn the meeting.
The motion was passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm.