Public Safety Committee

Regular Meeting

Charleston, WV · October 21, 2024

Minutes

MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING 6:00 P. M., OCTOBER 21, 2024 AV ROOM, CITY HALL Shawn Taylor, Chair, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Public Safety to order at 6:00 p.m., October 21, 2024. Present: Shawn Taylor, Chair Chuck Overstreet, Vice Chair Caitlin Cook (over Zoom) Mary Beth Hoover Beth Kerns Bruce King Absent: Kathy Rubio Other Councilmembers Present: Frank Annie Emmett Pepper Joe Solomon 1. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES – Councilmember Kerns moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 7-15- 2024. Councilmember Hoover seconded the motion. There was no objection, and the minutes were approved. 1 2. To hear from public speakers on public safety related topics. None 3. TO HEAR FROM PUBLIC SAFETY RELATED DEPARTMENTS - • Charleston Police Department • Charleston Fire Department • Parking Department Deputy Police Chief Webb stated that they have been heavily recruiting, using methods such as radio ads and social media. 19 people showed up for the last test, with 8 passing. They currently have 150 officers, with 173 is the goal. There is also a new signing bonus for officers who are already certified in West Virginia. Councilmember Kerns suggested reaching out to the military for recruitment and job sites. Webb replied that they have. They also recruit at universities. They are also hoping to make a recruiting video. Webb added that they also target other law enforcement careers, such as prison guards, for recruitment. Councilmember Overstreet confirmed with Webb that the process for already certified officers is a shorter as they do not need to go through the academy. Councilmember Cook asked how long the psychological evaluations remained valid. Webb replied that they are valid for 14-16 months. Fire Chief Matthews stated that the department’s new ladder truck has finally arrived. The new rescue truck will likely be ready in December. The completion date has again been delayed. Chief Matthews that there have been 19 structure fires, which is slightly higher than the 17 from 2023. Councilmember Taylor asked why there was a spike in fires this time of year. Chief Matthews replied that that it was due to people seeking warmth: unsafe furnaces, space heaters, candles, etc. He added that they are staffed at 167 with a goal of 169. They will be starting to accumulate a new recruitment pool as there will likely be high retirement rates in 2025 and 2026. The Chief confirmed that the department now has 100 ALS providers, which is the largest group in the state. The new Medical Director has proven to be a good working partner and has begun to implement changes in the EMS department. They have now been approved for field blood transfusions. From the audience, Councilmember Pepper confirmed with the Chief that 13 out of the 19 fires were from vacant structures. Parking Director Terri Allen stated that their department have all received active shooter and stop the bleed training. They are preparing for winter safety. Mayor Goodwin added that all City staff also received the active shooter and stop the bleed training. 2 Councilmember Taylor thanked all of the Directors for their updates. Councilmember Hoover motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Overstreet seconded. Meeting adjourned. 3

Agenda

Packet

CITY OF CHARLESTON 10 West Virginia Council Member – 10th WARD Shawn Taylor Public Safety Committee, Chair 501 Virginia St. E Finance Committee Charleston, WV 25301 Parking Committee Telephone: 304-414-6019 E-mail: shawn@shawntaylor.com TO: Public Safety Committee FROM: Shawn Taylor, Chair RE: Committee Meeting There will be a Committee meeting of Public Safety on October 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM City Hall, 501 Virginia St. E. AV Room #308 AGENDA APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES 1. 7-15-2024 PUBLIC SPEAKERS 1. To hear from public speakers on public safety related topics. Register with a representative from the Clerk's Office no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the meeting at the stated meeting location. Time limits may be set by the Committee. TO HEAR FROM PUBLIC SAFETY RELATED DEPARTMENTS 1. Charleston Police Department 2. Charleston Fire Department 3. CARE Office 4. Parking Department ADJOURN ST/ns *Meetings may be recorded and broadcast via internet https://charlestonwv.civicclerk Page | 1 of MINUTES PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING 5:00 P. M., JULY 15, 2024 AV ROOM, CITY HALL Shawn Taylor, Chair, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council Committee on Public Safety to order at 5:00 p.m., July 15, 2024. Present: Shawn Taylor, Chair Chuck Overstreet, Vice Chair Caitlin Cook Mary Beth Hoover Beth Kerns Bruce King (arrived after approval of previous minutes) Absent: Kathy Rubio Other Councilmembers Present: Frank Annie Emmett Pepper Chelsea Steelhammer 1. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES – Councilmember Hoover moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 3-4- 2024. Councilmember Kerns seconded the motion. There was no objection, and the minutes were approved. 2. To hear from public speakers on public safety related topics. None 1 Page | 2 of 3. TO HEAR FROM PUBLIC SAFETY RELATED DEPARTMENTS - • Charleston Police Department • Charleston Fire Department • CARE Office • Parking Department Police Chief Dempsey stated that the force is currently at 159 officers, with three new officers being sworn in that morning. They are currently short of 14 positions. The next test date will be August 10th. The department has ramped up their recruiting efforts by setting up tents at special events (Regatta, Live on the Levee, other cities, etc.). The Chief added that their best recruiting effort is word of mouth. Chief Dempsey added that the Regatta was very safe. There were 6 lost children, 5 small disturbances that were resolved peacefully, 1 battery report, some parking complaints and some elderly assistance calls. One arrest was made. His recommendation is that they purchase a larger golf cart for the event. The recently purchased shooting simulator has been received and will soon be installed. Fire Chief Matthews stated that for 2023 the Department ran 17,233 calls and 15,667 ambulance calls. This is approximately a 3% increase from the previous year. The Fire Prevention Investigators conducted 108 fire investigations, ruling 52 as accidental, 29 as arson and 27 as undetermined. The Return of Spontaneous Circulation rate for the CPD is 28.02% with the national average being 9.1-15.9%. This has to do with the number of staff and the availability of equipment. During the Regatta, the Department had 58 calls, which were mostly heat related. The boat crew was able to assist a stranded sternwheel. Councilmember Taylor added that he witnessed their quick response time during the Regatta. Parking Director Terri Allen added that accessible parking is a safety issue that she has discussed with the Mayor. A nationwide problem is abuse of accessible parking, and has become a priority of the Department. Allen has requested a national PSA that all cities could use. Director Allen added that another safety concern was parking in traffic with hazard lights. There have been concerns raised about the Cinema being empty, and Allen stated that the area is well staffed and watched. There have not been any issues so far. The cinema manager has been hired by the City as a part-time consultant/employee to help with the management of the property and equipment. Mayor Goodwin added that the manager was extremely knowledgeable about the facility. Councilmember Hoover motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Kerns seconded. Meeting adjourned. 2 Page | 3 of